Total pages in book: 75
Estimated words: 70779 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 354(@200wpm)___ 283(@250wpm)___ 236(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70779 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 354(@200wpm)___ 283(@250wpm)___ 236(@300wpm)
“There you are,” I said, reaching under the bed to pull her out. She hissed for a moment, then settled down and started licking her fur. I was glad to see she was fine—she had obviously been in the other room when the shooting started.
I knew I didn’t have much time before the police were called. Surely someone had heard the shots Big Nicky and his thugs had fired—even in New Orleans someone will come check gunshots out—especially in a tourist area.
As soon as I had Miss Sassy sitting on the bed where I could get her quickly, I grabbed a duffle bag and started filling it with clothes. I took a pretty random approach at first until I remembered that the town I was going to was in a perpetual state of Autumn. So then I mainly concentrated on warmer clothes. I brought my favorite pair of boots and all my best sweaters as well as some of my lined leggings and plenty of warm socks.
I was just squeezing my best underwear into the bulging duffel when I heard someone knocking on the shop door.
“Willow?” Kael’s deep voice called from the front of the shop. “There are humane men outside. They’re wearing the same kind of uniform your abuser had on.”
My stomach seemed to jump into my throat—crap, it was the PD! Probably Carlo’s partner Josh was there too, wanting to know where my ex had gone. I didn’t need to be answering their questions or explaining how my shop had gotten into such a mess. If I let them in, I was going downtown with them—I was one hundred percent sure of it.
“Come in here,” I called to him. “I’m going to draw the doorway!”
He emerged from the hallway, ducking his head to fit into the small bedroom. I already had the lion-headed key in my hand and I swiftly drew a door in the air, reaching as high as I could and making it extra wide so Kael could fit through it with me.
It occurred to me that only an hour ago, I had been determined to make it on my own without my new gargoyle protector. But I had to admit that it seemed life had other plans for me. I had too many people after me—it would be stupid not to admit I needed him. Besides, I couldn’t forget the feeling of being wrapped in his wings. His broad muscular chest against my back and his long arms holding me tight as he kept me safe…
You’re falling for him, accused a little voice in my head. You swore you’d never trust another man again but you’re falling for him!
No, I’m not, I tried to deny. But I really didn’t have time to think about it. As soon as I finished drawing the outline of the magical door in the air—the key made glowing lines as though I was drawing with a magic marker that used fire for ink—it became solid.
I twisted the knob—which had a lion face on it that matched the one on the key—and it opened at once.
Sweeping Miss Sassy off the bed and into my arms, I took a deep breath and stepped through with the duffle bag over one shoulder and Kael right behind me.
Though I hated to admit it, even to myself, I doubted I would ever go back to The Big Easy.
22
WILLOW
“Well that was a quick trip,” Goody Albright observed, when we knocked on the door of the Red Lion Inn.
“Yeah, I had to come back in a hurry,” I confessed. “There are too many people after me back in New Orleans.”
“I’m sorry my dear—I was afraid that was the case.” She looked up at Kael. “I take it your protector kept you safe?”
“Yes, he did.” I glanced shyly up at the big gargoyle—though he was now in his fallen angel form again. “He saved my life—more than once,” I told her. “Thank you by the way, Kael—I don’t think I told you how grateful I am.”
“Anything for you, Mistress,” he rumbled softly and the half-lidded look he gave me made me blush.
“Oh, and I see your brought your familiar!” Goody Albright remarked. She extended a finger to Miss Sassy. “It’s very nice to meet you,” she said to my cat, who sniffed her finger carefully. “You and Willow are very welcome here in Hidden Hollow.”
“Er, Miss Sassy isn’t really my familiar—she’s just a cat. She was my Pop-pop’s cat, actually,” I said. “I inherited her when he passed.”
“Oh, she’s a familiar all right.” Goody Albright nodded knowingly. “I can tell she’s much more than a regular cat.”
Miss Sassy gave a “Mrrrow!” as though she was agreeing with Goody Albright’s assessment and I had to wonder if maybe she was right.
“I hate to ask, but could we spend another night in the Flower Bower?” I asked uncertainly. “I, uh, packed my wallet this time so I can pay.” I nodded at the huge duffle over my shoulder.