Taking on Tory(28)

Topper fingered her bright pink hair for several long seconds while she stared at him. She must have been satisfied with what she saw because she gave a nod and sat back. She grinned and snapped her fingers.

Simon stared in disbelief as all the papers rose and tucked themselves into the large envelope. His eyes moved back to Topper’s amused ones. He knew he was scowling at her, but he couldn’t stop. She knew something she wasn’t telling him.

“Tory is safely tucked away back home,” Topper replied cheerfully. “She isn’t very happy about it either.”

“She is unhappy?” Simon repeated with a dark frown. “I need to go to her.”

“Do you love her?” Topper asked with a raised eyebrow.

“That is none of your business,” he retorted, glaring back at Topper with a stubborn expression. “This is between Tory and me.”

Topper shook her head. “Not in the town of Magic,” Topper replied softly. “You have been on your own, Simon Drayton. It is time for you to go home.”

“What are you talking about? I am home,” Simon growled. “I am going to get Tory and bring her back with me.”

Topper shook her head. “Magic is her home,” she said, standing and smoothing her khaki-colored top. “It is yours as well.”

“How do you know that?” Simon demanded, standing.

“Because the Fates told me,” Topper laughed. “I’ve included directions to Tory’s house. Land on the east side of the house.”

“Who are the Fates and why should I land on the east side?” Simon asked in aggravation.

“The Fates guided Tory to you,” Topper said as she adjusted her hat. “They are also Tory’s Godmothers and absolutely adore her.”

“Oh,” Simon replied as he watched in fascination as Topper snapped her fingers and a large pair of binoculars appeared around her neck. “Are you a witch?”

Topper chuckled and wiggled her nose. “Of course and so is Tory, sort of,”she grinned. “I’m late. Don’t forget to land on the east side of the house. I’m so excited. Ta-ta for now, darling.”

Simon stood in disbelief when a swirl of pink smoke suddenly engulfed the woman named Topper. One second she was there, the next she was gone. He turned as Youssef opened the door.

“The helicopter is ready,” Youssef informed him quietly.

*.*.*

“Remember to land on the east side of the house,” Simon ordered the pilot as he gazed out the window. “As soon as we get out, return to Phoenix.”

“Yes, sir,” the pilot replied.

Simon waited impatiently. The moment the skids touched the ground, he jerked the door open and jumped out. Youssef followed him as he ran toward the house.

He was almost to the stairs when something hit him hard on the left side. He flipped through the air, shifting as the beast inside him recognized he was under attack. His paws clawed the dark red soil as he rolled to his feet.

Alexandru Carson stood glaring at him. Cold hatred burned in his eyes as he stared back at Simon. He circled slowly as he made sure that he placed his body between Simon and the house.

“I knew you would come,” Alexandru snarled. “I hope your friend told you that I plan to kill you.”

Simon growled menacingly back at Tory’s brother. He could sense that she was close by. His eyes kept shifting from Alexandru to the house.

“She doesn’t want to see you,” Alexandru stated. “I’ll just make sure she never has to worry about that again.”

Simon charged Alexandru. The two figures collided in a loud clash of rage. Simon knocked Alexandru back several feet, but the Vampire had his hands wrapped part way around Simon’s neck. Simon yelped when Alexandru slashed his teeth across his left ear.

Both men backed away and began circling each other again. This time it was Alexandru who charged. He jumped at the last moment and twirled over Simon’s back so he could grip him from behind. Simon struggled to throw off the Vampire, but it was almost impossible. He twisted and rolled in a desperate attempt to prevent Alexandru from getting a firm enough grip to break his ribs.

Simon rolled back to his feet with Alexandru still wrapped around him. He heard the Vampire’s furious curse before another sound sent him into uncontrollable rage. The sound of bone cracking and Youssef’s cry of pain, spun him around at the same time as Alexandru released him.

“Stop!” Tory’s horrified cry rent the air. “Nonny! Help! Alexandru, Simon stop!”





Chapter 13


Tory woke from the late afternoon nap that she had fallen into feeling more refreshed, and determined, than she had in days. The past few sleepless nights, combined with the days she had been with Simon had finally caught up with her. She had settled into the dreamless, peaceful sleep of the Vampire when they needed time to heal.