Angelina

Chapter 16

     I stood by the window watching for their arrival. Angie sat on the bed. I knew she wanted me to join her but I was worried about her decision to invite Gilliana and Norah in. I was also grappling with the realization that I have never put anyone before my family, until now.

     “They are here.” I announced.

     “I’ll get the door.”

     She opened the back door and Angie motioned for them to come closer. Both Norah and Gilly looked confused.

     “I want you to come in.” She said when they stood before her.

     Norah looked at me hesitantly; she knew how I felt. Angie stepped aside and welcomed them into her home.

     Norah carefully held a box while Gilliana carried a large bag filled with a potpourri of select herbs and some rose petals.    “I chose Whiskey Mac roses because they are very fragrant.” Norah told us.

     Norah set the box on Angie’s side table and saw to the trunk while Gilly sprinkled the mixture behind the curtains, under the bed, in the closet and bathroom. Everyplace that was not visibly noticeable.

     “That smells amazing!” Angie said filling her lungs with the scent.

     It was over powering to me and I tried to focus on the scent of the forest just beyond her bedroom window. By the time Corinth and his clan arrive the herbs and petals would have absorbed all other odor from the room before fading to just a lingering scent. Norah suggested some be place in some of the rooms Angelina frequented.

     I stood next to Angelina; we both watched the scene before us. When the last petal fell, Norah retrieved the box. I knew what it contained.

     “This is for you Angie.” She opened the box and inside was two small vials of white powder. “It is monkshood, also known as wolfsbane. This can kill a Lycans but what is unknown is its effect on Vampires. This powder is enough to paralyze our kind long enough for you to make an escape. I would say half an hour.”

     “What are Lycans and why do I need this?” Angie asked. Norah looked to me to explain.

     “Lycans are werewolves.”

     Angie looked speechless for a moment. I waited for her to collect herself. “I know I should not be surprise, after all you exist, but I almost can’t believe it.”

     “They exist and many of them are not friendly, just like many vampires still feed on humans.” I told her.

     “What else is there that I should know about?”

     “That’s all you need to know, for now. If that powder gets on the skin of a vampire, he will remain rooted to the spot for half an hour maybe more depending on how much you get on the vampire. It is lethal to wolves but I don’t think we have to worry about them.”

     I took the box from Norah and pulled out one vial with a leather cord attached to it and placed it around her neck. “Wear one with you always and keep the other near at hand.” I told her.

     She did not look happy about it but she acquiesced which made me content.

     “Have fun in Colorado.” Gilly said sounding very human.

     Angie smiled kindly. “I’ll try.”

     “Don’t look so worried.” Norah told her.

     Again, Angie responded, “I’ll try.”

     “That goes for you too.” Norah said to me as I showed them out. I nodded but she knew better. Until Corinth and his clan return from whence they came, I would remain ever vigilant.