Chapter 9

“Kane is occupied right now,” he answered. Divina was about to say something, but he read her mind and provided an answer before she began her incoherent spree of words. 

“I am Mr. Steel, Kane’s father.” He said as he stretched his hand to her. 

Divina’s eyes almost popped out from their socket; she couldn’t hide her bewilderment.

He is Kane’s father! He was undeniably out of her league, yet he didn’t look old enough to be a father to a young man, maybe that is what living amongst nature did for you. 

Byrd was tired of all her fluttery. He was taking her home immediately. At times he enjoyed the aww looks and stuttering teenagers, young adults, and adults alike. At other times it got annoying.

“Am taking you home now,” he said firmly, it sounded more like an order.

“Okay,” Divina answered abruptly. 

They walked to the sleek black car, parked a few strides away from the house entrance. Byrd got in likewise Divina. The car was cozy and looked expensive. But she couldn’t tell the brand. After they got into the car, a thunder suddenly rumbled in the distance, beckoning on an approaching storm. The crisp scent of rain filled the air. Divina could see the clouds gathering into a sliver-fade. The strongest of grey and the softest of whiteness of the clouds merged. They were gaining the command of the skies. They needed to get home fast. Driving in a storm installed fear into Divina. The roads were all narrow country roads, and they didn’t feel safe in the best of weather. Fifteen minutes later, they were on the winding roads leading to Divina’s home. She hadn’t realized she had wondered that far out.  

Wind picked up and she could hear its angry howl outside the window. Rain cascaded down, hitting the car like tiny stones. Puddles form quickly on the uneven road.

How was he able to know that I needed to go home? Divina wondered, it was just a lucky guess. But as they approached the untarred road leading to her home, more questions crept into her fact-finding searching mind. 

He didn’t ask her for her address, but he was able to get there. How was that possible? The journey had come and gone with a heavy presence of silence. But Divina needed to know more about him. 

“Thank you, Mr. Steel,” she said calmly. She had gotten over the fantasy of his body. 

“No, you can call me Byrd,” he answered briefly. 

“If I may ask, you just probably made the guess that I needed to find my way home then?” she tried to sound sophisticated but when the words left her mouth, she realized how silly she sounded.

“The injury you had, told me so,” Byrd responded sharply. He had hoped that there wouldn’t be any cause for a conversation. This girl was curious that much he could tell. An overthinker that needed to know the ins and outs of everything.

“What was your business there all alone?” Byrd asked. He thought that the only way he could stop her from further questions was to place the focus on her. 

“I just needed a place to be alone. Going through some tough times. My Pa has grown wild. . .”

As much as Divina wanted to gain some bits of information from him. Byrd was working towards the same goal. 

“Your Pa has grown wild in what sense?” he asked, and his tone took on a lighter note.

“Road Accident-It affected some parts of his brain,” Divina responded deliberately withholding the truth and feeding him with her abridged version. She noticed that Byrd’s eyes were keen with interest. 

“Any sign of an animal bite on him?” Byrd asked. 

Divina’s suspicion had just been confirmed. Something in this small out of date town was defiantly not right. There was an animal bite. But why would he ask about it? Did he know something?

“No,” Divina lied. She wanted to say yes and find out what he knew but she couldn’t form the words. Her instinct told her to keep it to herself until she knew more.

Byrd was ready for this game of wit; a little child was no match for him.

“How was it possible for you to-” Divina was interrupted by the rapid patter of the rain. They pulled up outside her Pa’s house. 

“How did you know where I lived?” she tried again. 

Byrd gave her an overconfident smile. “Everyone knows everyone in this town. Of course, I knew you were staying here for the summer.” His face had a predatory look and She quickly, got out of the car and made her way to the doorway. Amy was waiting for her; worry dominated her face.

Amy saw the car leaving, but she couldn’t make out who the driver was. When she saw that her daughter was injured, all thoughts of yelling at Divina were temporarily dispelled. Amy ran to her daughter, placed her arm on hers and attempted to aid her locomotion. Divina shrugged off her arm and walked in without saying a word. 

“What happened? Where have you been? I have been worried sick,” Amy rambled.

“I take that as a ‘how are you feeling?’” Divina retorted.

“How are you Pumpkin?” Amy asked softy. Exactly what Divina needed.

“My leg . . .” Divina raised her injured leg but was surprised she didn’t feel any pain. Quickly she rolled off the bandage. her leg was as good as new not even a trace of the cut was seen, the cut had been deep, and evidence still lingered on her ankle in the form of dried blood.

“Impossible . . .” she said slowly. 

“What is it Pumpkin?” Amy inquired.

“My injury, it gone.” Still staring at the now healed ankle.

“What you used to dress it?” Amy asked with a worried glint in her eyes.

“Kane, it can’t be Kane . . .” Divina said slowly. Could he have healing powers? She let out a soft laugh. This town was sending her insane. Of course, he didn’t.

“Who is Kane? Tell me what is going on?” Amy now had one hand on her lip and her face a mixture of worry and anxiety. 

“Nothing serious Mom,” Divina finally answered.

“You failed to provide me with some answers, and you say there is nothing serious . . .”

“Mom am fine. Everything is okay,” 

Amy was now getting irritated. Her daughter was talking in riddles. 

“I feel you are hiding something from me, you walk in here with your leg all wrapped up. And suddenly you are healed-it’s no magic tell me what is going on!”  frustration was welling inside now and Amy could feel anger beginning to stir. 

It could be magic, but Amy knew that healing spells could only be executed by a superior witch with pungent powers. Even if Divina’s power suddenly surfaced, she wouldn’t have the skill or knowledge to heal herself.

“I met Kane in the mansion within the woods. . .” Divina said with a hint of a smile.

“In the Mansion?” Amy was past confused. 

“No! Not outside, I didn’t go in,” 

“He gave me all I needed to take care of my injury and was off before I could say anything.” Divina tried to explain.

“Then?” Amy asked trying to make sense of the situation.

“I met his dad, who brought me home.”  

“That’s all?” Amy asked not convinced.

“Yes Mom,”

“Go, get yourself cleaned up,” Amy told her. What the hell had happened today? Amy was worried. She was confused and, in that moment, she was scared. Her daughter had changed overnight. Asking questions Amy had hoped she never would. Talking in riddles, she wasn’t the same. Amy had a feeling in the pit of her stomach that nothing would be the same again. Her make believe life would soon crumble around her. The question she asked herself was. Would she be able to stable what was left? Would Divina forgive her once she learns the truth? Or will their relationship be shattered? When she was sure Divina was upstairs. Amy picked up her cell and dialed a number.

“Aiden, a Lycan is in town. We need to leave. Call me as soon as you get this message,” Amy left the voice note. 

Fifty yards away, Byrd’s ears had picked up their conversation and the voicemail. 

Divina wasn’t to be trusted and if his gut was right then they were in deep trouble. He would have to sort the problem before it occurred.