Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 83281 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 416(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83281 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 416(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
“Okay, well…” I wasn’t sure what to say to that. “You really don’t mind helping me? I mean, you hardly know me.”
“I think we both know that isn’t true.” He cupped my cheek in one big hand and looked searchingly into my eyes. “We might not have known each other for very long, but that doesn’t make us strangers. Far from it, baby.”
I felt my cheeks flush under his gentle touch and the sweet nickname. He was right—we hadn’t known each other long, but there was definitely something between us—a connection I could neither explain nor deny. I felt seen by him in a way I never have been by any other man.
“All right,” I said rather breathlessly. “Then when do we leave?”
“Right now—as soon as you can get ready to go,” Rath told me. “It’s best to start in the morning, when the sun is still high.”
“Why—does it take all day to get to Baba Yaga’s house?” I asked.
“Hut—her hut,” he corrected me. “And it takes as long as she wants it to take. She likes to test the people who come to her—to make sure they’re worthy of her time. She doesn’t like to be disturbed by strangers unless it’s absolutely necessary.”
“Great,” I muttered. “Just what I need—a meeting with a woman who’s even more socially withdrawn than I am.”
Rath laughed and then sobered.
“Seeking out Baba Yaga is no joke. We’ll have to be ready for anything. And since we’re going outside the barrier, be sure you pack something warm to wear.”
“But I’ve lived in Florida for most of my life—I don’t have anything warm,” I protested.
Rath frowned.
“You had on boots and a sweater yesterday—just wear a lot of layers like that.”
“Well, okay. Where are you going?” I asked, because he was headed for the front door.
“To my place to pack.” He turned his head. “And to get some weapons. It’s best to be prepared.”
Then he turned away, leaving me to wonder what in the world I was getting myself into.
CHAPTER TWENTY
To my relief, the closet in my room seemed to understand my needs. The minute I opened the door, I saw a brand new, heavy winter coat with a fur-lined hood hanging right where I couldn’t miss it. It was bright red and the fur that lined the hood was silvery gray—it was beautiful. It was also extremely heavy when I put it on, but I could tell right away that it would keep me warm.
There were fur lined boots to go with it, as well as a long, wooly scarf that looked hand-knitted and gloves that matched it. I saw some other cold weather clothes too and I folded them and put them in the backpack which had also magically appeared.
“Thanks, Grandma—and, uh, Grandpa Morris,” I said aloud, as I finished packing.
“You’re welcome, child,” breathed the little voice in my ear. “Be safe. You have more control of your magic than you know.”
“But how can that be?” I argued. “When I’m bound?”
There was no answer this time, and after a moment, I felt stupid for standing there arguing with the empty air.
“Okay, well—I guess I’d better get going.” I looked down at Sebastian who was watching me anxiously. “Look, Sebastian, I don’t know if you should go with me or not. It sounds like this trip might be dangerous and also really cold. Will you be okay if I leave out a lot of kibble and water for you?”
Sebastian made a face and sniffed, his whiskers wrinkling.
“Okay, I’ll leave out some tuna too,” I said. “And I’ll ask Rath to have a friend come check on you if we’re not back by tomorrow. Will that work?”
“Mmmrrrow!” Sebastian jumped up on the bed and I leaned down so he could rub his furry cheek against mine.
“I know,” I told him. “I’ll be careful. And don’t forget, Rath will be with me. He’s a big guy—he can watch out for me.”
Sebastian mewed again and then we went downstairs to get his food and water situation sorted out.
I packed some snacks for later and ate a quick bite of breakfast. Then I left Sebastian enough water and dry kibble for two or three days as well as a can of tuna packed in oil—his favorite. I hoped I would be back by that night, but to hear Rath tell it, we might be going on a longer journey than that. So I wanted to be prepared.
Speaking of Rath, when he came back to the door, I almost didn’t recognize him.
“Wow!” I exclaimed, letting him in. “What’s all this?”
He was bare-chested and dressed in loose fur leggings which were tucked into tall, black fur-lined boots. He had on a fur cloak as well and a thick black belt with a long, curving knife in a sheath hanging from one side. But what really drew my eyes was his main weapon.