The Delacours: Part Deux

thirty-eight.

When we reached the area I'd quickly researched on my drive, I found the cabin – it was owned by a small older woman and her son who were more than willing to let us stay in it for a few nights. She was waiting for me, despite it being nearly one AM with keys in one hand and a basket of snacks in the other.

"When you're ready to leave... give my son a call. You can leave the keys under the mat." Her voice was small, but kind. "I hope you enjoy your stay and if you need anything, at any time, give us a call."

"I don't think we will, but I appreciate it. You should get home, it's very late."

"Oh, I live not too far from here," she said with a smile. "There's wood inside for the fireplace, and more outback against the back of the cabin. If you want to enjoy the lake, night time is best – the way the moon shines on the water... It really recharges the soul." I looked at her curiously as the moonlight caught her eye. I took a deep breath, unsure of how I felt. "You have nothing to worry about, Madame Magister. You and the Eminence will be safe here."

"I suddenly feel the opposite..." I said, quietly. "How do you know who we are?" Her eyes flashed yellow.

"Dylan speaks highly of you two. We may not be able to be an official part of his pack, but his reach extends far."

"That still doesn't explain how you know who I am."

"Your work at uniting the races. The Sheriff called me and said you were coming – I suppose it was he who recommended the place?"

"Yeah... Dean said it was nice here." She smiled.

"So he said to expect the two of you. Again, you are very safe here. If you need anything, please let us know." I felt reassured knowing her ties and nodded.

"I very much appreciate it." She walked through the woods to her home, and I opened the door to the cabin. The fireplace was already going and there was a big bunch of flowers on the table from Dean. I put our bags down at the foot of the stairs, and went back out to get Val. I opened her door, and picked her up from the seat. I closed the door with my foot as I carried her inside. She was stirring in my arms, and asked me to set her down. I did. I locked the car and the front door behind us. Val walked over to the flowers on the table and took a deep breath. I saw a few sparks of magic surround them.

"I can't believe you let me sleep the whole ride..." she said softly. "I'm sorry."

"You needed the rest. I didn't mind driving in the silence. It was kinda nice actually."

"Where are we?" she asked.

"Central Maine. I guess we're on a wolf den..."

"That's what I'm feeling..."

"What do you mean?"

"One of the reasons wolves live in packs... Being together protects them – the pack bond serves as its own sort of protective charm." I walked behind her, kissing her neck as I wrapped my arms around her shoulders.

"Did you want to go to bed? It's late." She breathed deeply, looking out the large window that overlooked the porch and then the lake.

"What was she saying about the lake?" I laughed softly.

"Val, I don't think you packed swimsuits. Not to mention... It's September. It might be a bit cold."

"Guess it's a good thing there's a fireplace inside right? And since when does the cold bother you?" She unlocked the sliding door and took her shoes off. I did the same as we walked towards the lake. We got to the water's edge – Val got close, dipping her toes in the water. "It's not that cold, and out here in the woods... the moon right over our heads... it should do nicely to recharge me."