Page 62 of Jared

King Ashland turned towards Jared and gave a curt nod.

R.W. shivered. As a kid, he'd been scared witless after reading The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and reading the scene with the courtyard statues. “It's like the book,” he heard his voice rasp.

King Ashland sighed. “Open one portal into a wardrobe and never hear the end of it...”

R.W. stared in disbelief. No way am I going to even ask about that. Just- no way.

“You mean it's real?” Jared blurted out.

The Seelie King gave Jared a faint smile. “The portal, yes, the lion business, no.The statue thing...well...” he gestured towards the two new statues. “Don't worry. They are not dead. In fact, they are fully aware of all that goes on around them. They will remain here until the Veil itself is no more.”

Steve placed a reassuring arm about Jared. The hedge and gate means you won't have to look upon them unless you so wish.”

Jared turned to look towards the house to look at the windows. Where there had been windows giving a view over this part of the garden, now there was unbroken wall. The Veil had indeed thought of everything. Everything except-

“It's a shame the other victims and their families won't get closure knowing they were caught and punished,” James said.

Except for that, R.W. agreed ruefully.

King Ashland inclined his head in acknowledgement. “Sadly, this is true. Unless fate brings them here, we cannot risk letting them know. All we can do is try to help them from behind the scenes, and that we shall do to the best of our collective ability. And now, let us adjourn.” With that, he raised his scepter once more, and opened a portal that the Fae and attending vampires left through. James, R.W. and the wolves left through the garden gate and made their way to main house's dining room. Dinner was a sombre affair, not even discussion of the upcoming wedding and impending birth lightening the mood. R.W. was glad when they all turned in for the night.

As he closed his eyes to sleep, he tried very hard to not think of the two men, imprisoned within stone and left self aware. He wasn't very successful and morning was long in coming.

R.W. felt an immense sense of relief. The two men had been caught and would never hurt anyone again, he'd left the creeptastic world of woo woo behind, and he'd gotten to the bottom of gut instincts regarding the Changs and their building. Plus, he'd gotten James back.

Sort of. R.W. sighed. Not like we'll be partners anymore. He said he's probably gonna take that job with the Changs, being some sorta go-between law enforcement agencies and the pack. And they asked me to consider being a man on the inside,to help keep their secrets, or joining James and working it from that angle while helping them police themselves.Are they kidding me?

R.W. gave himself a mental shake.

And what was with that Laurie guy? I understand he's a vampire. Christ, talk about freaky and heejeebie fuckin' scary. He seemed nice enough though, but the way he kept starin'. Like I was a steak and he was starving.

He shivered.

Well, here I am, back at my own apartment. Normal life to resume for the evening in three...two...one...

He parked his car, pressed the 'lock' button on his fob, and jingled his keys as he walked towards his door.

Yep, just me, a cold brew, a pizza, and some Netflix.

He placed the key in his lock, already thinking about the toppings he would order and debating whether or not he wanted extra cheese.

I could do some extra reps at the gym to make it up, he mused. He opened his door, placing one foot over the threshold.

“Sorry to interrupt your evening.”

He froze, then quickly cast a glance over his shoulder. The voice had been familiar but he'd never thought to hear it again any time soon.

“We need to talk.”

Laurie.

R.W. licked his lips. “About what?”

Laurie's gaze locked onto R.W.'s lips. With a sinking feeling, R.W. suddenly had a very good idea about the proposed topic.

“Oh,” he croaked.

Laurie smiled and lifted his gaze to meet R.W.'s. “Surprised me too.”