Torment (Craving 2)

Mrs. Tunny played with her dessert, moving the crust of the apple pie slice from side to side on the plate before she said, “We understand, sir, but what of the others that live here at MacLeod?”

“You will speak to them and get them to understand…” Jeremy started.

“Oh,” Mrs. Tunny cut in, “they understand already, they do. Locals know a great deal about such things.”

We eyed her and I said, “Good. In the meantime, Jeremy and I are going to see what we can do about the problems that face us.”

“I imagine,” Mrs. Tunny said in a quiet voice as she avoided making eye contact, “you two…together, can manage a great deal.”

Davis pushed his plate forward and stood. “I’m off for m’bed and a good book.” He patted Mrs. Tunny on the shoulder. “Come along, dear, and I’ll help ye in the kitchen with the dishes first.”

Mrs. Tunny rose and as Jeremy and I were finished, she started to collect all the plates, but I stalled her by putting out my hand for hers and giving it a squeeze. “No, no. I am happy to do the dishes. You two go on.”

“It is my job and seeing as we won’t be here tom…”

“Go on, Mrs. Tunny. We can manage,” Jeremy said.

She sighed and left the dishes as she and Davis made their way out of the dining room. I watched them and it suddenly occurred to me that they were an ‘item’. Why I hadn’t realized that before, I can’t say, but I suddenly saw it all so clearly.

Devin laughed and said, “Ye cannae hide yer thoughts, lass. Aye, Mrs. Tunny and Davis have an understanding.”

I eyed him and felt a rush of love that I immediately tried to control. I had to contain what I felt. Things were going to hell in short order and I had to keep my head.

Jeremy looked from Devin to me and said, “The sooner you can come up with the spell to release him, the better. I have a feeling we are going to need all the help we can get.”

“Aye, but dinnae push the lass, she is doing all she can,” Devin said with feeling.

“In the meantime,” Jeremy said, and c

ut himself short as he took out his cellphone and moved away from the table. He must have seen I was going to question him because he put his finger up to stall me.

“Lass, coom spend the night with me,” Devin whispered.

“No…I can’t leave Jeremy alone to look after Davis and Mrs. Tunny. I might be needed if Allora…gets through the Blood Ward.”

“Think about what I need this time, and I need ye here to protect ye,” Devin said in a voice that was anguished.

I couldn’t help but notice Jeremy’s face. He had gone white.

I looked at Devin and indicated Jeremy’s position on the phone. We both waited for his phone conversation to be over.

He put his phone away and turned to us. “We have a problem.”

Devin’s laugh was haggard. I couldn’t help but snort.

“Mild way of putting it, lad,” Devin said.

“No, something new has come up,” he said, ignoring our reactions.

“New?” I asked.

“What are ye saying? Spit it out, lad,” Devin said.

“Lycans,” Jeremy said.

“Lycans?” I repeated. “What does that mean?”

“Werewolves,” he explained. “And Shifters.”