Page 57 of His Little Devil

It's quiet this time of night, and I pull off at a rundown gas station to top up my tank and do a quick spell.

Hunters have been getting more bold lately, and I don't need to find myself on the other side of their sword.

Magic only goes so far when they have cursed objects.

A loud truck pulls into the station behind me, and the small hairs on my neck stand up.

I mumble one more spell to protect me and disguise myself, then return the gas pump and put my cap back on my bike.

I don't linger, and quickly throw my leg over the seat and start her up.

Clouds of smoke scented with Marijuana fill my nose and I sigh with relief. They aren't Hunters, just potheads, stopping for some midnight munchies.

Leaving the parking lot, I take off down the highway. I could have taken a portal, but this way, I'll have my bike with me in case I need to stay longer than planned.

The sun is comingup as I yawn and pull into a small convenience store. I don't know where I am, but Don's magical presence is strong here.

It's a cute little town on the cove, somewhere in California. Sandy beaches and people wearing bikinis catch my eye.

There also seems to be a massive amount of surfers at this hour. Parking my bike, I check that I'm alone, then spell some basketball shorts and a T-shirt, so I can change.

This place is hot, and wearing leather is not the best option. Climbing off, I stretch out my sore limbs.

My ass is numb, but it will be worth it if I can find Don and convince him to come back to Alistar Academy with me.

I don't want to go to this wedding alone. Nor should I have to.

I doubt Silver will even say two words to me after everything, but my heart wants what it wants, and watching her marry someone else isn't it. At least if Don comes too, we can commiserate together.

Leaving my bike, I find one of the bathrooms and quickly handle my business, then change.

I could go for a shower, some food, and a nap, but it will have to wait.

Pulling my phone out of my shorts pocket, I decide to call Jade and check in.

I know Wells is fine and he hasn't woken up, otherwise I would have gotten a call, but I have a bad feeling.

Something strange is going on with all of us, and I don't see it ending well.

I'm too tired to try to cast a vision, so my phone will have to do for now.

It rings a few times and I'm about to hang up and try later when Jade's muffled voice greets me, as I'm bending down to remove my boots.

“Arrow, you okay?”she whispers, then yawns, causing me to as well.

I stand back up, covering my mouth and nod, then groan and rub my hand over my sweaty hair.

She can't see you, dumbass.

“I've made it to where Don was staying, but it's still early. It looks like a small beach town…”

I trail off, watching a young woman chasing her daughter through the shallow waves.

She seems familiar somehow.

“I'm an idiot,”she grumbles, and I focus on what she's saying.“I should have known he would go there. It makes sense. When a magical being is in need of protection or solace, Crystal Cove will appear.”

I search for a sign, but all I can see is a small restaurant and bar. The smell of bacon frying has my feet drifting closer.