The Company of Death: The Company, #4

By Lisa Olsen

Working side by side with Ethan for the Company, access to magic and developing her own skills as an Adept – Cady should have everything she's ever wanted, right?  But can she trust Ethan when Beau won't stay buried in the past?  When a freak accident releases four demons, including the one she shares an intimate connection with, Cady must rely on her new training to fight the good fight when Ethan's loyalty is called into question.  With the threat of Ash on the horizon, Rikard is more than eager to lend a hand – and any other part of his anatomy.  Who will Cady choose to fight by her side, and who will she keep in her heart?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lisa Olsen
• Release date: Apr 17, 2015
• ISBN: 9781513065076

Book preview

Chapter One

Ethan hit the elevator button for the fifth floor, making no effort to disguise his long suffering sigh.  I thought I’d dodged a bullet for this sort of thing when Christmas came and went.

Quit complaining.  We did what you wanted to do on Christmas day.  Cady leaned close to press a kiss against his smooth cheek, wiping away the faint smudge of lipstick she left behind. 

You wanted to do that too, he reminded her, drawing a lazy smile to her lips as she thought back to the gifts they’d exchanged. 

True, but it was your idea, she pointed out.  No fair welshing now that you already got your present.  Though truth be told, she’d rather hole up in their apartment to celebrate on their own again, but they’d been putting this off long enough.  At least we’re not out trolling sewers for demons tonight.

I think I’d rather be out doing that, he grumbled, prompting Cady to stick her tongue out at him.  The old elevator came to a halt with a lurch and she stepped out into the hallway, dragging him with her. 

Be festive and I promise I’ll make sure Santa leaves you an extra something in your stocking when we get home.

That got his interest.  Yeah?  Like what?  Cady leaned close to whisper into his ear, explaining exactly what kind of gift she had in mind.  A smile curved her lips when she heard his swift intake of breath as she’d managed to shock him.  Ethan played it close to the vest though, his tone playful as she pulled away.  Aw, I was hoping for those chocolate covered hazelnut things.

Cady let out a dramatic sigh.  I guess the bloom is off the rose, huh?  You’d already rather have sweets than me.

You’re my sweet, he grinned, blue eyes crinkling as he pulled her close to deliver a soft kiss.  For a moment Cady wished they could duck into his old place and spend the next half hour losing themselves in each other, but at that precise instant, her brother Ian opened the door to his apartment.

Come on guys, give it a rest, Ian muttered.  Not all of us want to see that.

Happy Holidays to you too, brother dearest, Cady grinned, making no move to step out of Ethan’s embrace.  For some reason she enjoyed needling her brother whenever they got together, which was few and far between since she’d moved in with Ethan.  Part of it was because they were busy on Company business more often than not, but part of it was because she still hadn’t completely forgiven him for being such an asshat and selling her out to Alma. 

Don’t you look nice, she added, noting Ian’s button up shirt and black slacks were more than his usual effort for the holidays.  She hadn’t thought he owned a red shirt, and his goatee was neatly trimmed.  He looked almost respectable.  Where was her rough and tumble brother who used to roust drunks for a living? 

Is that Cady?  Kelli’s raspy voice floated out to them, and Ian stepped back to let them pass.  Kelli greeted them from the kitchen, plastic ladle in hand, and Cady stifled a laugh once she caught her get up. 

The pretty blonde wore a red velvet dress trimmed in fluffy white marabou that barely covered her ass – sort of a slutty nod to Mrs. Claus.  Her hair was curled and teased to add several inches to her height, with a tiny Santa’s hat perched precariously on top.  Tiny jingling bells tinkled from her earrings and she wore a glittery snowflake pendant around her neck, despite the fact that it was two days past Christmas. 

Cady hadn’t known anyone was bothering to dress up, and had on her usual jeans and a black off the shoulder top, paired with a red leather jacket – one of many new additions to her wardrobe.  While she’d been saving most of her Company paychecks since Ethan paid the rent on their apartment, her one splurge of late had been leather jackets.  She couldn’t resist them after years of going without. 

If she’d known they were attempting to dress up for the party, she might’ve worn a dress and heels, or done something with her long red hair besides leaving it loose down her back.  Not that she would’ve been able to get Ethan to wear anything other than his t-shirt and jeans, his brown leather jacket covering for the fact that he had at least one gun and two knives strapped to him at all times. At least he’d shaved and ditched the faded army jacket which always made him look homeless. 

Hi!  How are you guys? Kelli gushed as soon as they came into view.  Who wants some of my special eggnog?

What’s special about it? Cady wondered aloud.  Kelli’s forays into mixology were hit and miss. 

About a fifth of brandy and rum.

Both?  That was sure to pack a punch.  But it was a party, right?  Sure, I’ll have some.  Ethan?

No, thank you.

Festive, remember?  She tilted a brow in his direction until he relented.

Fine, I’ll have one.

Cady smiled over the small victory, handing him over the first cup Kelli ladled out before accepting one for herself.  She took a seat at the breakfast bar when Kelli didn’t leave the kitchen, frowning over the progress of whatever she had cooking in the oven and offering a view of red panties that spelled out naughty in glitter across her ass. 

Sipping carefully, the drink was far more spirits than nog, but it went down smooth enough.  After a few more mutters about the stupid oven, Kelli straightened again, and Cady felt more comfortable speaking to her face than her rear.  Speaking of festive, look at you!  You should’ve told me we were dressing up.

Well, it’s a holiday party, right? Kelli shrugged.

I know, but it’s just us.  They’d never been so formal before.  Something about the way Kelli’s eyes went wide with a deer in the headlights stare prickled Cady’s newly developed danger sense.  Wait... it is just us, isn’t it?

Um...  Kelli darted a look to Ian, who scratched the back of his neck uncomfortably, before busying himself downing the rest of his eggnog.  A knock sounded at the door and Kelli threw her arms up in the air with a spastic version of spirit fingers.  Surprise! she yelled, sending Cady’s hopes plummeting into her boots. 

Ian brushed past them to play doorman again, pulling the door open to reveal their mother standing in the hallway.  Jules was dressed up more than her usual style too, in a sparkly green camisole top over faded blue jeans and chunky Ugg boots.  Her auburn hair hung loose, falling a few inches below her shoulders in a layered cut, softened by wispy bangs. 

She gave Ian a kiss on the cheek and breezed inside to catch Cady up in a dizzying hug.  Sorry we missed you guys on Christmas, but I’ve always said, that’s an arbitrary date anyway.

It’s still the date everyone celebrates, Cady felt compelled to remind her.

I know, but who cares if we get together on the twenty-fifth, the twenty-seventh or in May, for that point, as long as we get together? she smiled, standing aside to wave Gobi in, who hung back in the hallway like a vampire waiting for an invitation. 

Gobi had on a crazy holiday sweater with dogs wearing Santa hats all over it, paired with a pair of brown corduroy pants and hot pink Converse high tops.  His dirty blonde hair was slicked back with enough hair gel to smother a cat, and pulled back into a nubby ponytail. 

Nice to see you Gobi, Cady smiled, surprised to see him there. So that was still going on, was it?  She’d had no idea they were still seeing each other.  Ethan brightened up at seeing a friendly face though, setting his untouched eggnog aside to gather by the front entry where everyone clustered. 

Did you guys drive down from Long Beach together? he asked, offering Gobi his hand to shake.

Jules had the grace to blush.  Actually, we just got back from Vegas.

Oh? Ian frowned, glaring in Gobi’s direction. 

Gobi either didn’t notice or didn’t care about Ian’s death stare, spreading his arms wide to Cady.  Come give your old man a hug, he beamed, sweeping her up into a big bear hug. 

My.... Cady’s brows rose as she stared at her mom over his shoulder.  A sick feeling started in the pit of her stomach as soon as she saw Jules’ face.  Ah, balls...

We got hitched! Jules screeched, thrusting her ring finger in the air to show the diamond sparking there.  Gobi dropped his hold on Cady to show the titanium band around his finger as well. 

Pretty gnarly, huh? he grinned. 

The entire room was stunned into silence. 

You got married? Cady finally managed to get out.  Like actually legally married?

Yep, all legal-like and official, Jules nodded.

Are you sure this is a good idea? Cady said, but her words were swallowed up by Kelli, who tottered over on her heels to gush over the ring. 

Oh my God, it’s so beautiful!

Cady tried to catch Ian’s eye, but he seemed to be taking the news pretty well, considering his new step daddy was a few years younger than him.  Ethan recovered from his surprise to shake Gobi’s hand again and offer his congratulations.

We were in Vegas, you know, and that’s the city of love, Gobi grinned. 

I think that’s Venice, Cady murmured, but no one paid her any mind. 

And we were having a high-ho time if you catch my drift, Gobi winked, and Jules interrupted him.

Getting shit-faced on ganja and champagne, she laughed, taking over the narrative.  And we were riding around on this golf cart we got from... Where did we get it, honey?

Shit if I know, sweetie pie, Gobi shrugged, giggling as she got deeper into the story.  I remember what we did after you crashed it into that parking garage.

Oh right!  I almost forgot about that!  You gave me that massage to help the crick in my neck, and you kept on going.

Mom... Cady tried to stop her before she got any further, but Jules continued on as she always did.

And we ended up sprawled across the roof of that limo. 

Mom...

I think we almost gave the driver a heart attack!

Mom! Cady yelled and all eyes swung on her.  Maybe she’d been a little too loud, but she couldn’t hear one more word about what they’d been up to on top of that car or she was going to lose it big time.

Relax, baby, nobody saw anything after the driver left.  At least, if they did, nobody called the fuzz.  Which is fortunate or I would’ve had to eat the rest of our stash, and I would’ve been tripping balls the rest of the weekend.

Aw, I would’ve eaten it for you, babe, Gobi pledged, to which Jules got all teary-eyed.

You’d do that for me?

Anything for you, red.

My hero! Jules laughed, sweeping Gobi up into a big hug, which wouldn’t have bothered Cady if Gobi’s hands hadn’t been all over her mom’s ass.  Were they high now?  What else could describe the rampant display of public ickiness?

I do love this woman, Gobi grinned. 

They launched into a description of their wedding at the Chapel O’ Love, and Cady edged away from the group, unconsciously drifting toward her old bedroom.  Ethan caught her as she reached the door, his brows drawn together with worry.

You okay?

Cady nodded, managing a faint smile.  I need a minute.  To his credit, Ethan merely nodded, drifting back to the living room, even though he had to be even more uncomfortable in the crowd than she was.  Slipping inside, she saw a hint of her old room buried beneath Kelli’s chaos.  Since she’d moved in with Ian, the extra bedroom had become a combination overflow closet and craft room to house all of the stuff she’d collected over the years.  Cady didn’t mind, she wasn’t using the room anymore, and she couldn’t wait to come over and do some fun craft projects with her.  The trouble was, she never seemed to find the time to do them, not even at Christmas.

If she wasn’t working, she was training under Blake, who had become her mentor.  The egotistical adept had more power and knowledge in one hand than Cady could ever hope to accumulate.  Still, she’d learned a ton in the three months they’d been working together.  Not just magic, but devouring languages, science, and history, now that she’d been given access to higher learning thanks to the Company. 

Whatever free time she had left over was jealously guarded by Ethan, who greeted her each day with as much passion as the last, accepting her into his apartment and his life.  So far they were making it work.

Cady?  Where are you baby?  Her mother’s voice carried through the door and Cady leaned against it, eyes darting to the fire escape.  It was a cheery thought while it lasted, but she’d never abandon Ethan like that. 

Coming! she called out, rejoining the party as Ian filled everyone’s glasses with eggnog.  Taking her place by Ethan’s side, Cady relaxed as he wrapped an arm around her waist, drawing strength from that simple contact. 

I propose a toast, Ian declared, once everyone had a drink in hand.  To Jules and Gobi, may you have many happy years ahead of you.

Cheers, everyone sounded, clinking glasses to take a sip before Ian continued.

To Cady and Ethan, may you live long enough to enjoy all the years you deserve.

Cady wasn’t sure how exactly to take that, but from the look on his face, she took it as him wishing them well as they all touched glasses and drank.

And I wasn’t going to do this yet, but with all this love in the air... Ian lowered himself to one knee before Kelli, who immediately started making a sound like a chipmunk in pain. 

Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God!  Kelli set her glass down with a clatter, waving her hands in front of her face as if it would keep her from tearing up.

Kelli, light of my life, will you marry me?

Kelli’s hat bobbed ridiculously as she nodded up and down, launching herself at him to fling her arms around his neck.  Ian caught her with a deep laugh, happiness shining from his face as he held her tight, and Cady felt a great big lump in her throat. They looked so happy, all of them.  And not that she wasn’t happy herself, but at that moment she felt such a disconnect from her own family, because she was headed on such a different path. 

This wasn’t what her life was destined to become.  Marriage, kids, all of those things seemed a million miles away since the Company had come into her life.  Sure, Ian worked for the Company too, but it was different for him.  He was little more than hired muscle, working a job, and going home at night.  He wasn’t privy to the intrigue and secrets the Company held – the world that she’d stepped right in the middle of when Ash first followed her out of the club that night.  She wasn’t even sure if Ian fully comprehended the fact that he had an actual demon bound to him that made him stronger and faster. 

It cast a pall over the evening for her as they sat around eating Kelli’s slightly scorched bagel dogs and spiked eggnog while talking about wedding plans.  Ethan caught onto her mood, but didn’t try to draw her out, respecting her need to sort it out for herself.  More and more Cady felt herself drawing apart from her old life.  Her old friends, her old haunts, she almost never found the time to make them a priority. 

But no longer. 

The Company could demand a lot of things from her, but she wasn’t going to let it suck away her humanity and become a robot like Foster, or even Ethan when she first met him.  She was more than the magic inside her, and she sure as hell wasn’t about to let go of the important things without a fight. 

Taking Kelli aside to make another round of snacks, Cady caught her up in a spur of the moment hug.

Oh... this is nice, Kelli smiled, relaxing into the hug after a second.  I thought for a sec you were going to hit me.

Cady let go of her.  Why would I hit you?

I don’t know... Because it seemed like maybe you weren’t all that happy about me marrying your brother.

Crap, had it shown?  She hadn’t meant for it to look like she wasn’t happy for them, any sadness was purely her own deal.  Cady scrambled up some enthusiasm fast.  What?  No!  I couldn’t be happier!  You guys make a really good couple.

Do you think so? 

I totally do, Cady nodded emphatically.  I think I was surprised, you know?

Talk about surprised, I think I peed a little, Kelli grinned.  You’re really not mad?

No, not at all, Cady smiled, brushing the hair back over Kelli’s shoulder.  I think if anything, maybe I was a little worried we’d grow apart with you getting married.  I mean, it feels like we almost never talk to Penny anymore.

Kelli’s face clouded.  I know, right?  I can’t remember the last time she came out for margarita madness.

Cady felt a stab of guilt for missing more than a few margarita madness nights herself.  Promise me that won’t happen to us.

Of course not, Kelli promised.  You and me... we’re like sisters.  Well, not actual sisters, because then it’d be a crime for me to marry Ian, but you get what I mean.

Yes, I do, Cady laughed, feeling lighter than she had since she’d forced Ethan into the elevator.  This could work.  She could be a super secret agent for the Company and still keep her old friendships.  Now, put those snacks in the oven before Gobi chews on one of the lampshades.  She didn’t have to be a psychic to tell that his munchies had kicked into high gear, as his fingers swiped over the empty tray, collecting the last crumbs.

They do look pretty tasty, Kelli grinned, popping another tray into the oven.

The rest of the evening went by fairly smooth, as long as Cady kept her glass full and didn’t let her eyes linger too long on her mom and new step-daddy’s inappropriate hands.  Kelli and Ian were actually pretty sweet to watch together.  He seemed to have found his softer side around her, and he brought out her instincts to take care of someone besides herself.  Cady sincerely hoped they could make it work. 

Ethan was quiet, but then again, he was always quiet in social situations.  After a couple of hours, Cady decided they’d both put in enough face time and could make their getaway.  With a firm commitment to stop by Gobi’s place to see her mom before they left town again, and tentative lunch plans with Kelli, they rose to make their goodbyes.

A little tipsy as they made their way down to the car, Cady was glad Ethan’s metabolism left him clear headed enough to drive.  They drove home with their hands clasped on the console between them in companionable silence, until they reached their apartment, the same apartment he’d vacated in a hurry when Ash was improperly bound to him. 

Are you really alright? he asked, kissing her on the shoulder as he took off her leather jacket. 

Cady leaned back against his solid chest, eyes closing as he wrapped his arms around her middle.  Yes, I’m fine.  It just got me thinking about the future, you know?  She wasn’t sure if she imagined it or not, but maybe he tensed at her response before he let go.

I try not to go there.  You never know what’s in store for you, he said, hanging her jacket up in the hall closet.

So you’ve never tried any divination about your own life to see where you’ll end up?

He gave a half shrug.  No, what would be the point?  The future’s always changing, there’s no sense in getting your hopes set one way or another when it’s so uncertain.

I guess that’s true, she allowed, leaning against the arm of the couch to pull off her boots.  It just makes me think about the path I’m on and everything. 

You’re thinking about marriage and kids and all that? Ethan looked uncomfortable, almost scared. Her big bad demon hunter, afraid of commitment, like any other man.

No, well yes, but only in the abstract.  I’m only nineteen, I’m not ready for any of that stuff. 

Sometimes I forget how young you are.  His face looked as if he’d tasted something sour, and Cady was sorry she’d brought her age up.  He always had such a hang-up about age, and he wasn’t even aware of how old he truly was. 

I’m only saying I wonder if that stuff will ever be in the cards for me.

I can’t give you that sort of life.  Not now, maybe not ever.  He’d moved in front of the window, staring out at the city below, and Cady came up beside him to take his hand.

I know, and I accept that, really I do.  I told you, I’m not over here pining for you to propose.  We’re together and we’re happy and that’s more than enough for me.  She gave his hand a squeeze.  Someday that might change though.  Like you said, the future’s always changing, there’s no sense in getting your hopes set one way or another when it’s so uncertain.

The only way I could ever have kids is if I offloaded all of the subjects.

I know.  And she knew how much a part of him they’d become, how he’d come to rely on their strength, and how it’d shaped his personality to have this purpose – fighting evil for the Company.  But it could be done, Rikard was proof of that, his mother had been a Reaper once. 

Once on that track, Cady wondered how he was.  She hadn’t heard from Rikard in months, not since she’d had Cassia removed.  Not a phone call, not a text, nothing.  Just a few mentions every now and again from Ethan, or rumors from Blake, who fanned himself whenever the subject of Rikard came up, and called him rough trade.

But do you suppose Ian knows that? she asked, coming back to her original train of thought.  What if he’s setting Kelli up for disappointment?  Not that I think she’s wanting kids yet either, but eventually someday I know she’ll want to be a mom.  Then Ian will have to choose between the Company and her.  After living with that kind of power for years, I’m not sure who will win out.

It’s true, most Company men, or women for that matter, don’t choose that traditional lifestyle for themselves.  To be honest, I never even thought I would have this. He gestured between the two of them. If it’s not enough...

Stop right there, Cady cut him off, turning Ethan to face her.  I really am happy about the way things are, I swear.  You are enough for me. 

His head dipped, blue eyes tinged with a rare vulnerability.  You say that now, but you’re young...

Cady pressed her fingers over his mouth, effectively silencing him and his broody doubts.  I’m old enough to know what I want, and what I want is you.  I chose this life, remember?  I chose you.

There were no more words passed between them as kisses and the removal of clothes became the order of the day.  Ethan wasn’t much for flowery words and sonnets, but he definitely knew how to show her what he was feeling when it came to the bedroom, and in that moment, he clearly felt like he had something to prove. 

It was more than an hour later when Cady felt him slip from her side to cover the mirrors and settle in to sleep for the night.  As she wound herself back into his embrace, she was hopeful for their future together.  She loved him and he loved her – come what may.  Did she need anything else?

Chapter Two

Ow...  An elbow to the ribs was hardly her favorite way to wake up, but Cady forgot to be grouchy about it when she saw Ethan was still in the throes of a nightmare.  It was happening more and more often, dreams that had him waking up drenched in sweat, or reaching for the gun he kept on his bedside table. 

Cady had tried slipping into one of his dreams to help, finding him entrenched in the jungle, fighting some war she couldn’t identify, only to have Ethan freak out about it later.  After that she’d sworn up and down she wouldn’t enter his dreams again without permission, even when it tore her up inside to see him suffering.

All she could do was try to gently shake him awake, and hope it was enough.  Hey, did you have a bad dream? she asked when his eyes popped open, wide and staring, only to narrow beneath a furrowed brow seconds later.

I don’t know, I can’t remember.

She couldn’t tell if he was being honest or not, and decided to let it go.  Snuggle with me and go back to sleep then.

Instead he sat up, swinging his legs over the side of the bed.  No, I’m pretty sure I’m up for the day.

You can still come back to bed.  It’s a perfect day to curl up with a good book and let the world go by outside.  Cady studied the row of tattoos running down his back, the glyphs standing out darkly even in the dim, early morning light.  His muscles rippled at her light touch, and he rose to pull on a pair of shorts. 

I think I’ll go out for a run instead.

In the rain? she replied with a dubious look to the windows.  Have fun with that.  Maybe run past a donut shop on the way back and bring me a buttermilk bar?

Ethan smiled as he pulled a blue sweatshirt on over his bare chest and tugged up the hood.  Are you sure you don’t want to come with me?  Maybe earn that buttermilk bar?

Cady’s face scrunched up with dismay.  No thanks, that sounds like cruel and unusual punishment.  I’d rather skip the donut entirely and settle in here with my book.  Grabbing the novel from her bedside table, she snapped on the lamp. 

"The Grapes of Wrath, he read aloud with obvious distaste.  Is Blake making you read that one?  Talk about cruel and unusual punishment."

No, I’m reading it for fun, she retorted, resisting the urge to stick her tongue out at him.  At least his mood seemed to have lifted some.

You have a warped sense of fun.

Says the man going for a run in the rain.  Who’s the warped one now?

Just try not to waste the whole day in bed reading.  Maybe we can go out later for a movie or something if nothing pops up?

Try as she might, Cady couldn’t convince Ethan that the day was never wasted by reading.  Now that she didn’t have to punch a time clock and had a steady income that didn’t have her hovering at the poverty line, Cady had reveled in reacquainting herself with some of the classics.  Her small but growing book collection had already overtaken one of the DVD shelves in the living room. 

For a guy who had so much downtime, she was surprised he wasn’t a bookaholic too, but most of the time they were happy to watch a movie together.  If she got into a book and didn’t want to put it down, he found other ways to occupy himself that either involved weapon maintenance or working out – which half of the time was distracting enough for her to drop the book and join him in raising a bit of sweet sweat in a much more fun way. 

Sure, we can catch a movie later.  Only I think we’ve already seen everything out that’s good.

So we’ll stay in for a movie marathon and order Chinese instead, he shrugged.

Sounds good, she brightened, always up for that, only to groan when her phone lit up with a text from Blake.  Ugh, hold on, Blake wants something.

Rise and shine, Cady-cat.  Have you done your morning divination?

Cady fell back against the pillow in disgust.  I swear, it’s like he has a sixth sense for when I’m about to have fun and can’t wait to crap all over it.

Ethan finished lacing his shoes, tucking a dagger into the front pocket of the sweatshirt.  You’d better get to it.  Practice makes perfect, you know. 

I’ve already practiced the divination spell backwards and forwards, I can do it in my sleep.  Can’t I tell him I did it and didn’t come up with anything?

He’ll know if you’re slacking. 

I don’t see how.

Trust me, the Company always knows, he replied with a pointed look.  Sure I can’t interest you in that run now?  You can always do the divination when we get back.

And ruin my morning for good?  Forget it.  Go do your thing and I’ll do mine, and hopefully we can still have that movie marathon later.

Cady showered and dressed before beginning the divination, that tiny bit of rebellion as far as she dared press it.  As long as she kept Blake happy, she was happy.  A grumpy mentor spelled all manner of repetitious, boring-as-shit exercises which she’d rather skip.  But after sending an answering text, she drew the requisite sigils on the floor in chalk, settling on her knees inside to begin the familiar chant. 

"Dominus in lucem, mittere signum.  In sapientia tua precor."  Over and over, she repeated the phrase, rocking slightly to the rhythm, letting her mind float free without a specific target to focus on, the protective circle keeping her safe from any nasties out in the Ether.

It was quick, only a few seconds long.  The flash of a figure, too short to be a man, but not a child either.  He was small and dark, his skin absorbing the light rather than reflecting it, giving him a slightly indistinct, shifting appearance, as if he was made up entirely of shadows.  Tendrils of darkness writhed around his feet, obscuring them from view, making it seem as if he glided rather than walked.  And he was fast.  Almost appearing to jump from shadow to shadow as he stalked a lone fisherman. In the space of a heartbeat he had the man down on the ground, beating his head with a rock in savage blows. 

All of this was gone in a few seconds, leaving her blinking in the circle, not quite sure what it was she’d seen.  The brutality of the attack had her hands shaking in a way that had nothing to do with the normal excess energy that had to be channeled into the ground.  She was still getting used to some of the horrible things she saw when she did a divination spell.  This creature, whatever it was, scared the crap out of Cady, but she knew what had to be done. 

So much for their afternoon of fun.  Damn Blake anyway for messing with their plans.  Before she gathered herself to try again, she pulled out her phone to send Ethan a heads up text.  You’d better bring back extra donuts, it’s gonna be a long day.

Again and again