“I don’t know.” I brought my hands up and pressed my trembling fingers against his bare chest, demanding space. If he didn’t back up, I was going to see if his wolfy balls were as durable as a vampire’s. “He was like me in my time—a necromancer.”
Carter withdrew, but only by inches. “Have you considered the fact that he might not exist? The syndrome wiped out a majority of the human populace. If what you’re telling me is true, he’s probably long gone by now.”
“Without him, I am as good as dead.” I spoke with absolute certainty. If I didn’t sever the debt, I was fucked. “We have to find Goose. If he’s alive, he’ll know what to do. He always does.”
“How do you suggest we do that?” Carter’s impressive body brushed against mine, and I retreated as far away as the wall would allow. “Locating someone isn’t easy these days. It takes time.”
Locating someone…
Little alarms went off inside my head.
The emplacement charm!
Sheer desperation allowed me to break free of Carter’s hold.
I ducked and rushed from his arms and bolted from his bedroom, hurrying for my bunk on the opposite side of the condo. My door was open, and I prayed my clothing remained as I’d left it—neatly folded on the counter of the bathroom sink.
The sight of my blue jeans nearly brought about my undoing.
There’s a chance, no matter how small.
Hope welled for the second time since my godforsaken trip into Hell, burgeoning into a newfound optimism. I heard Carter’s heavy steps as he followed me, and I snagged the bundle of clothing from the tile surface and rummaged through the left pocket of my jeans. The small corkboard attached to a thin string was tangled with my rosary, and I forced myself to go slowly as I separated them.
I couldn’t afford to lose the charm.
It was the only thing standing between me and a probable eternity in Hell.
“What is that?” Carter questioned.
I worked the two items apart and lifted the charm into the air.
“It’s my ticket home,” I answered and turned, colliding with Carter in my rush. He attempted to right me, but the moment I found my balance I took off. I darted toward the balcony, praying Goose was alive and well.
It was dark outside, a crescent moon lighting the sky with a small scattering of shining stars. As soon as I came to the ledge, I lifted my hand, stilled the charm, and let it hang limply on the string.
Carter stepped beside me, but my eyes were focused on the stone in the center of the corkboard. The color was a clear blue, almost white.
Please work. Please.
Seconds ticked by slowly, and my heart started pounding.
God, if you’re there, throw me a bone. I’m desperate.
Just when I was ready to lower my hand and give up, the center of the stone shifted, becoming a dim shade of aquamarine. The color wasn’t intense, but it wasn’t supposed to be. The only way I’d get The Full Monty was if Goose was standing directly in front of me. Slowly, the necklace swayed, moving in the direction of its originator.
Thank you. Lord above, thank you.
Elated, I peered up at Carter with a satisfied smirk.
“Goose is alive. He can help me. And this”—I wiggled my hand and the charm jangled, ceasing the slow rhythmic rocking—“will lead us directly to him. If there’s a way to make contact with Disco’s spirit, Goose will know. I can deliver my message and sever my debt.”
I had a chance.
This wasn’t the end.
There was someone who could help me.
I’d never been so relieved in my life.
Chapter Five
Angry stares and resentful muttering greeted me as I wandered through the building. I’d explored the first floor of the complex while Carter informed his pack of his intention to escort me into the city to find Goose and end my debt with Zagan.
Pack.
The word made me shiver as the hair on my nape rose.
Although, if vampires, demons and necromancers existed, I supposed it was only fair lycanthropes did too. It seemed God had a sense of humor when He created His creatures, gracing several with the ability to shape from man, to wolf, to leopard, to tiger, to…