Strings Of Fate

Chapter 18

Marquez followed his nose to Daniel. It was late, not quite midnight but late. Most of the rides and stalls were closing or closed. They shut down outward from the big top to encourage people to herd towards the exit. The last few stranglers were being rounded up and helped home. There were always one or two who needed a hand, and the circus was happy to help. Lost souls were a speciality of theirs, even if they weren't keeping them.

A low rumble moving through the air made him pause. It didn't take long for him to spot the origin. The wolf was failing to hide his irritation as he stood guard. His ears were up high, and his tail was stiff and to attention.

"Do we have a problem?"

"Not yet," Nikolai shook his head, eyes not meeting Marquez's. It wasn't disrespect; it was Nikolai watching for threats. Something had him spooked. Marquez and Nikolai butted heads about many things, but the safety of the circus was not one of them. "The police have increased patrols, but we have people scouting the perimeter."

Marquez bristled, sharing the wolf's unhappiness. Another reason that he wanted Terrence sleeping on the grounds. He wanted to know that everyone was safe and under watch. Not the people were likely to go after a human. They were after the hybrids, but Marquez didn't like it.

"Can we spare a few men? Terry is home for the night."

Nikolai's eyes locked onto him, and he smirked. "Slipped the leash?"

"Encouraged to," Marquez grumbled. He resisted the urge to punch the wolf at the smug look on his face. It wasn't like Nikolai was having a swimming time getting Avalon into his fold. Nor had he never scared of a potential circus member before by letting his more possessive side come out to play too early in the courting period. "Keep the youngsters in the centre."

"Pack to the edges. I know what to do," Nikolai nodded, his voice serious despite the teasing edge to his voice. "I can't spare anyone to stay in Terry's building, but we'll keep an eye on who goes in and out of it. Sam may have broken the back door, so the street entrance is the only way in and out."

"Thank you."

It was better than leaving Terrence on his own. They'd be watching for when he left for work too. Mika had organised some of the night owls and early birds to be ready to keep Terrence's bakery full again tomorrow. Marquez did not doubt that there were members of the pack ready to go as well. Would it be better for Marquez to go tomorrow or Sanvish? Probably Sanvish. Marquez wanted, but that might be too strong.

"What that face for?" Nikolai bumped his shoulder. "We've done this a million times. No one is going to hurt the babies. Nor is Terry going to disappear into the night. We got this."

"I know. We do," Marquez said, agreeing.

His eyes flickered over to where Avalon and his wolf were dancing to some music. Like this, it was too easy to see that the two were bound together. Their heart showed in their hearts, in the closeness of their bodies and the way Avalon saw nothing else beyond Ivalio. Ivalio could see, but he kept his little deer safe from any other predators around, intensionally or not. They weren't the only ones dancing; a few of the hybrids were relaxing now the day was over. The air was light, and the magic was humming happily. Nothing bad was going to happen tonight. It was the wrong feeling for it.