Page 120 of Treasured
Sebastian drew his wings into his back. “I think we’re meant to follow her.”
As if emphasizing his words, the wolf stopped and howled.
“You want to follow the wolf that just tried to maul you?” I stared at him. “Is this really the best plan?”
I wasn’t exactly known for making the best decisions—my mouth had gotten us into trouble more than once—but this didn’t seem wise, even for me.
“It’s our only option, Luna,” he said. “We need to find out when the red moon is coming and Jehanne is an expert in these types of things.”
Another howl, this one more pointed. It was evident the wolf was losing patience.
“Can we trust her?” was my question.
He chuckled darkly. “Darling, we can’t trust anyone.”
I sighed. I knew he was right. “Fine.” I glared at him. “But if Jehanne kills us, I’ll be angry with you.”
He snorted. “Noted.”
Together, we ran after the wolf. She led us over hills, into thick dying forests, through underbrush, and around a small snow-covered mountain. After an hour of running, I was ready to declare war on all types of exercise as long as it meant I would never have to run again.
Thankfully, it wasn’t long before Jehanne came to a stop in front of a tight cluster of pine trees. She shifted, standing on two legs again before slipping into the trees.
“Follow me,” she called out, disappearing from sight.
I glanced at Sebastian. Is it safe?
He shrugged. Safe or not, we must go.
Sebastian looked relaxed, but his wings formed on his back. A few wisps of shadows escaped his palms, swirling around him. My own darkness pulsed and sang at the sight of his, and I released my wings.
Immediately, I felt better. Jehanne might have been a werewolf with no qualms about nudity, but we had power running through our veins. Being a vampire was rarely delightful, but at least we could defend ourselves if necessary.
“Time grows short, Prince of Darkness,” Jehanne sang through the trees. “Come on, unless you plan on burning in the sun.”
A glance at the sky confirmed Jehanne was right. Dawn was a dusty pink overtaking the darkness, and Sebastian needed to get out of the sun.
“Let me go first,” Sebastian said, moving towards the pine boughs.
As if I was going to fight him on that. Warrior, I was not. I followed him through the trees, keeping my wings out and my shadows gathered around me like a protective hug.
When I stepped out into the clearing, my jaw dropped. This was not at all what I expected.
A well-built, homey log cabin made of pale, almost white wood sat in the middle of the snowy clearing. It was small, clearly built for one, but well cared for. It certainly didn’t match Jehanne’s angry exterior.
A chimney rose from the cottage, filling the air with the scent of burning wood. Immediately, I tensed. Fire was no longer a friend of mine. Not only was it deadly for vampires, but it was the cause of my family’s death.
The cabin door creaked open, and Jehanne’s head popped out. “I don’t have all day,” she snapped. “Come in.” Turning on her heel, she muttered, “Damned immortal vampires, showing up for a reading, then wasting my time.”
I should probably warn you, Jehanne has a bit of a temper, Sebastian said through the bond.
I met his gaze. That seems to be an understatement.
Luna, watch what you say in there. His voice was serious, the warning clear.
I swallowed. Any levity I might have felt was long gone. I will.
We followed the temperamental werewolf into her home. I went in last, keeping my shadows wrapped around my arms like bracelets and my wings tight against my back.