A Home for Misfit Monsters

Chapter 2 - Something In The Air

Ezra shuffled into the kitchen with a bright smile on his face. He couldn't remember the last time he had a good night's sleep or slept that long. Running a hand through his wavy black hair, he looked out at the rolling hills and gently rippling pond. He imagined it had something to do with this peaceful place and the beautiful being he found in his dreams. It was the first time she didn't leave him before he got to hold her.

Rolling his shoulders, Ezra chuckled softly. It was the first time he woke up with scratches on him too. She was getting more powerful every time they met, but he couldn't bring himself to find her or tell her what and who he was. It was safer if she didn't know.

Rummaging through the cupboards, Ezra pulled out a bag of ground coffee and set the machine going. He opened the refrigerator to find some cream or milk and groaned.

"Damn." He sighed. He didn't think to buy milk when he was in town.

"Where are you off to?" Belle asked as her wispy silhouette swept through the door as Ezra was grabbing his keys.

"There's no milk. I'm going to head down to that mini market at the bottom of the hill to get some."

"Oh, that's a shame." A sly grin curled over her lips. "But don't go all the way down there. Just go across the road to Rhia's. She'll have some milk."

Ezra raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure that's okay? I don't want to intrude."

"Yeah, it'll be fine. Just tell her I sent you. I was just there having a chat."

Ezra frowned. "She can see you?"

"Mm-hm. She's got that sixth sense like you." Belle grinned. "While you're there, ask her about the Halloween party she's having. We're invited, if you're still going to be around."

"Yeah, I'm staying for at least a month," Ezra said, tucking his keys in his pocket. "But I'm not really the partying type."

"She's not either, but her residents talked her into it," she said, nudging his arm. "Go on, introduce yourself. You should make a friend while you're here."

Ezra laughed. "I thought we were friends."

Belle shook her head. "Lord, you sound like Rhia. Go make a living friend," she said, flicking her wrist and the door swept open. "You need someone else to talk to besides me."

"Alright, Miss Belle," he said, nodding as he walked out the door. He had plenty of subordinates to talk to. He didn't need many friends. The silence was golden and he doubted he'd have much to say to Rhia. He wasn't in the business of getting close to humans anymore unless they were dead.

Ezra walked up the small sloped driveway and across the quiet leaf swept road to the hedge encased home. He frowned as he walked down the cobbled path to the towering black Victorian sat against the sprawling forest behind it.

The place reeked of death and a mixture of an unearthly power. His heart thumped as he gazed at the intricately woven wooden runes hanging from the porch. Those weren't just any runes. They were ancient and from a very powerful –

"Can I help you?" A voice huffed from behind him.

Ezra turned around and his eyes grew wide at the beautiful brown-skinned, raven-haired woman holding a large box in her arms. "Um, yeah. I'm sorry, let me help you with that," he said, skipping down the steps to take the box from her arms.

"Thanks." She wiped her brow "Are you lost?" she said and her warm brown eyes punched him in the gut as realization washed over him. He knew those eyes.

"Me?"

"No," she said, sliding her hands to her hips. "The other stranger standing on my doorstep."

"Oh, no. I'm not lost." Ezra chuckled as a blush burned over his cheeks. "I'm staying at the house across the street. I don't have any milk, and Belle told me I could borrow some from you. If you're Rhia, that is."