On the Evil Scale: Keeper of La Tecla (The Key) Book Two

Beth was almost 70 years of age, wearing a white medical coat over her green velvet dress that hung on her thin, frail frame. Her features revealed that she was once very beautiful in her youth; her graying hair had been swept off her face, neatly braided in a tight bun with a fancy silver pin. Leaning against an elaborate can that rested between her feet, her hands displayed silver rings with multicolored stones in their settings. Silver Wiccan pendants hung around her neck on their thin chains that glistened here and there during her shifting stances.

She was also one of the few Immortals that dwelt on the island.

“By the Heavens…” she muttered in a Scottish accent, “it’s madness out here.” her pale blue eyes scanned the crowd.

“No kidding, we barely made it through.” Lady D answered.

“I know this happens every year before and during the holidays, but I find it extremely insensitive that they can even think about such things when a child is missing.” Beth shook her head.

“Well, I told everyone that they should resume their businesses, and since none of them can contribute to the rescue, it wouldn’t be fair to hold them back from making their living, don’t you think?”I added in a firm tone.

Beth looked at the young woman, scanning her up and down.

“So…you’re the half-breed that I’ve heard so much about.”

“Yes I am, and you’re the Immortal I’ve heard nothing about.”

“Yzavela….” Lady D barked, gripping her daughter’s arm, “don’t.”

“Ma’am , it’s all right.” Beth dismissed the young woman’s temper.

“I’m sorry.” I apologized, “I just don’t like being called out like that.”

“It was wrong of me, I apologize.” Beth bowed her head quickly.

“I must say though…” I walked alongside my mom as we followed her inside, “I haven’t met many Immortals, you’re not exactly in large numbers like Demons, Shayds and half-breeds, or other supernaturals and paranormals for that matter.”

“Our race is truly rare, we don’t go around announcing ourselves to mortals that can’t even tolerate what’s in the world around them. As I’m sure you don’t go around declaring yourself as a half-breed.” the Immortal woman glanced over her shoulder toward Yzavela.

“No.” I answered.

“There you go.” Beth grinned, “But if you have any questions about my kind, don’t hesitate to ask, but within reason.” Beth led her and her mother to her clinic down the long hall, “Ah, here we are.” she gestured her cane toward a door on the right where residents, single or married, sat waiting to be called in, “Give me just a moment and we will be right with you.” she greeted them with a warm smile. She paused in the doorway, turning to Lady D, “Did you bring the…”

“Right here.” Lady D raised her purse.

“Excellent then. Let’s get started.” Beth entered the clinic lavishly decorated with mild Christmas ornaments and garland that spread out into the main lobby of the hospital.

Time passed, and hours had least passed. Both my mom and I helped Beth and her two granddaughters mix new tinctures and teas for her cabinets and the patients that relied on her care. It was quite relaxing to be honest, and once her clinic had closed for the day, the four of us gathered in the backroom, engaging in conversations about this or that, just random things really. Her granddaughters were in their 20s and 30s, asking about Erik.

“Um…” I wondered awkwardly, “what about him?”

“Are you two just friends?” the 20 year old questioned curiously.

“Yes.” I announced firmly.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you.” she apologized sincerely, “I just think he’s so handsome and charming.”

“Yes he is, and he’s also a gentleman.” I nodded, for that was truth, I couldn’t, and wouldn’t, say otherwise.

“So, you and Anthony.” the 30 year old muttered with a wide grin.

“Yes.” I smiled.

“What’s he like?” the 20 year old wanted to know.

“He’s…” I paused, trying to find all the right words to describe him.

“If you’re speechless, he must be quite something.” Beth observed.

I laughed, biting my lip.

“Yes he is, he’s definitely quiet something.” I missed him terribly in that moment, but he was just down the street tending to business in the Giovanni tailors, “He’s amazing and wonderful, and gentle but also very sexy.” I listened as the women giggled, “Bust I think most importantly, he’s patient with me and what my job here entails, and he doesn’t complain.”

“He is quite the gentleman.” Lady D approved, “And he makes you happy, that’s also important.”

“Yes, yes he does and yes it is, but sometimes I can’t help but wonder if maybe my work gets in the way of me enjoying my life and all that it has to offer.” I complained, looking at my mom then over at Beth.

“Girls, why don’t you run along home now.” Beth suggested to her granddaughters, “I’m sure your parents and boyfriends are lookin’ for ye so go on…get you bums home.” she smiled. Watching as the two women stood, placing quick kisses to her cheek, she waited until they left the room. Once the door closed behind them, she continued, “I was born here little lass, and I have seen many changes come and go. You see, my family had owned this very clinic for three generations, I more than some, if not most, know how to balance between my work and my personal life. Sort out your priorities first, then the rest will just fall into place.” she looked at Lady D, “There’s not much more I can say for your mum has raised you into a fine young woman, I can see that so just…think about it, hmm?” she grinned, “And honey, if I were you, I would get as much of that Italian as you can get because he is just one fine lookin’ man that knows how to walk.”

“He sort of does have a strut to his walk.” I gushed affectionately.

“Oh yes…” Lady D smiled.

“Enough men talk, tell me about your dragon and wolf.” Beth’s pale blue eyes glanced toward the two supernatural companions that had remained silent, almost seeming to have not been there at all, “They are such fascinating creatures, I’ve never seen a wolf of that size in all my immortal years.”

“They’re uh, well it’s a long story.” I turned, taking in their presences, “One I’m sure my mom has told you about already.” I glanced at her, receiving a nod in reply, “But yes, they are fascinating, and don’t call them creatures, they’re a bit sensitive about that word.” I whispered.

“You make it sound as if they understand what we’re saying.” Beth’s voice raised curiously, as she leaned forward.

“That is because we do understand, Immortal.” a boy’s voice verbally answered, “We understand perfectly.”

Looking around, Beth was confused. Thinking it might have been a child that still lingered in her clinic, she stood and shuffled toward the door but peeking through the gap, there was no one there, it was completely empty with the lights turned off and everything.

“Wh-what was that, who said that?” she turned to the two women.

Saying nothing, I pointed at Abraxas who raised his head, flicking his tail and twitching his wings.

“By the goddess, it can’t be.” Beth gasped, “He speaks?” she walked over, taking her seat once more, “Fascinating, absolutely fascinating. I meant no disrespect little one, and how about the wolf, does he…”

“No, he does not speak but he sure does howl an awful lot.” I teased.

“Apology accepted, Immortal woman.” the small dragon bowed.

I chuckled softly, loving the dragon more and more.

Beth said nothing more, before being lured into the laughter shared between Yzavela and Lady D and it was contagious, but once it had ceased, I glanced toward the large wall clock, displaying the time.

“It’s getting late, and I think we should get going before the bell.” I looked at my mom, receiving a nod. Glancing at Beth I finished, “And thank you for allowing me to come tonight, it was something I definitely needed.”

“This is your island, little lass…there’s no need to thank me, but you are most welcome here anytime.” Beth stood, offering her farewell hugs and smiles. Walking with the mother and daughter, following behind the large wolf that led the way ahead on his long leash, she escorted them outside, “Have a pleasant evening, my dears.”

“Goodnight.” Lady D waved.

“Night.” I smiled over my shoulder, the helped my mom down the steps very carefully for there were icy spots making it for a slippery fall, “Careful, watch your step.” I held her hands.

“I’m fine, I got it. Thank you.” Lady D moved slowly, “I’ll wait here, you go get the Jeep cause I won’t make it there in time for the bell.”

I nodded, then turned, running with Zanzabarr and Abraxas through the village, making my way toward the Jeep that sat parked along in its space.

“Yza, what are you still doing out?” Caleb appeared.

“My mom and I were at the clinic and lost track of time.” I worried, urging Zanzabarr and Abraxas into the Jeep, “My mom’s waiting for me by the hospital.” I glanced back.

“You don’t have time.” Caleb frowned.

“I’m not leaving her here!” I argued.

“I didn’t say that.”

“Whatever.” I climbed in, slamming the door. Turning on the engine, I drove through the gates, revving through the streets then swerved, parking at an awkward angle outside the hospital, startling my mom, who stood with Anthony, “Get in!” I shouted through a gap in the window. Watching as my mom climbed into the backseat, I paid no attention to Anthony veering around to the driver’s side, “What are you doing, I can drive.” I complained, watching as he swung open the door.

“I know, but….” he grinned, “I’m your chauffeur after all, so move.”

Huffing, I slid across the seat, watching as he climbed in, slamming the door.

Anthony gripped the wheel, turning it quickly, then drove the Jeep through the village and down the streets. Making his way toward the gates, he honked the horn toward the Guardians that waved before putting up their barriers that protected RP&V. Glancing quickly in the rearview mirror, Anthony watched as Lady D bounced around from the rough terrain and jerked form potholes hidden beneath the snow.

“Want to slow down before we tip over?” I complained.

“Yes, please.” Lady D pleaded from the backseat, where Zanzabarr and Abraxas roared and growled in complaints of their own.

Anthony said nothing, keeping his eyes on the road ahead, and hands on the wheel; his knuckles turned white from the firm grip. Once he followed the curved shape of the road, the tall black wall was seen up ahead out in the distance followed by Winter fog that crept across the island, concealing the beasts.

“We’re not going to make it!” Lady D fretted from the backseat.

“Would you please Ma-ma, just shut up!” Anthony growled, for her persistent complaining wasn’t helping him concentrate any better.

“Anthony! I screamed, watching as a massive shadow came running toward the Jeep from his right, pounding against the vehicle before it retreated into the fog.

Grunting, Anthony listened to both Yzavela and Lady D shrieking loudly as the creatures ran alongside the Jeep, thumping against it, as an attempt to knock it off the road for this was the first time that any had been out during their reign.

“Abraxas…” I shouted fearfully, “make a path NOW or we die!”

The Zyphyn nodded then vanished, disappearing in a burst of red flame that startled Lady D who shrieked, leaning her back against the window. Flying above the Jeep, shifting into a larger form, he soared through the air blasting powerful streams of fire that lined the road, scattering the Boar-wolves that squealed and grunted from the flames that burned their thick hides.

Anthony, trying to keep the Jeep on the paved, slippery road, paid no attention to the heat of the fires that steamed against the outer frame of the Jeep that began melting the body paint on the hood. Frowning, he slammed his foot harder on the gas, then pushing a button on the dashboard, a red light flickered moments after.

“What’s that light?” I hollered over the revving engine and roaring flames that continued melting the snow, and creatures around us.

Anthony said nothing, focusing intensely on the road ahead, making sure they didn’t topple over.

“Are they f*cking crazy?!” Justin shouted as he paced the wall.

“It doesn’t matter, open the gates!” Wyatt ordered loudly, “NOW!”

Justin nodded, then sped down the length of the wall, working the large cogwheel-like mechanism that opened the outer gate upward.

“Wait…” Wyatt held his hand up, “wait…” and just as the Jeep had approached, he shouted to the Wraith, OPEN IT NOW!”

Justin hissed, turning the wheel with such strength and ease, hearing it metal spin and gear grind loudly.

“CLOSE IT NOW!” Wyatt shouted another order.

Justin then turned the wheel the opposite direction, slamming the outer gate closed, skewering one of the Boar-wolves with its large, steel and iron teeth-spikes.

Wyatt turned, disappearing, only to reappear by the inner gate where a Jeep skidded across the grass before coming an abrupt halt with a loud screech. Running forward with other Guardians, both Wraith and Demon, they gathered around the vehicle that steamed profusely.

“Hey…” he called out to the passengers, then watched as the doors swung open, followed by three figures emerging with a wolf jumping out, shaking his fur, “what the hell happened?!” he looked at Yzavela.

“Don’t…ask.” I huffed, shaking out my jacket, feeling extremely hot.

“Aside from being in an oven on wheel, just peachy.” Lady D huffed in complaint, holding onto the wall nearby for support, then buckled over, getting sick quickly.

“Are you all right?!” Wyatt worried.

“We’re fine.” Anthony growled, then rushed around the Jeep toward Yzavela, “Are you all right?!” he held her close as she held onto him.

“I’m fine.” I trembled, then looked into his eyes, “Speed Racer, huh?”

“Ah, well…not the first time I’ve ruined a set of tires.” he grinned.

“Mmm…” I moaned then veered around him, rushing toward my mom, “Mommy, are you all right?!”

“Yes, I’ll be fine.” she panted, wiping the corners of her mouth, “I…” and before she could finish her rantings, she glanced to her left down the length of the tunnel toward the outer gate where the Boar-wolf that had been skewered, squirmed and squealed in place, trying to set itself free.

“Get inside now!” Wyatt ordered, gesturing toward the estate inside. He watched as Yzavela, Lady D and Anthony, with Zanzabarr, had swiftly shuffled through the inner gate, then he and other Guardians ran down the tunnel, striking the beast down before a thick, massive shadow loomed above it outside, tearing the beast in half, dragging off the lower half of its body away, leaving a streak of intestines and blood across the snow.

“Wyatt, what was that?!” one of the Guardians feared, then roughly kicked the Boar-wolf’s head then jumped back once its jaws snapped from a nervous reaction, “Jes*s Chr*st…” he cursed.

“Get that f*cking thing out of here!” Wyatt ordered, glaring at him, “I don’t want anyone seeing that one of them got through the gates.”

“Yes, Sir.” the Guardian nodded, then reaching down, grabbing the head by the tusks, the Demon disappeared, reappearing atop the wall, throwing the head over the edge and into the fog below, letting the beasts below to drag it away, “That’s disgusting.” he complained.

“Yza…” Wyatt rushed toward her, once the inner gate had closed, “what the f*ck happened?!”

“I don’t know.” I shrugged, “My mom and I were at the clinic and I guess we lost track of time so we thought we could make it back in time but sure enough, the bell rang and we took a chance.” I looked at my mom and Anthony, “If it weren’t for Anthony’s speed racing skills, I don’t think I could have made the drive back.” then I glanced at the sky, watching as Abraxas flew among the darkening sky.

“Are you all right, Mother?!” the dragon reached out.

“Yes.” I closed my eyes.

Releasing a loud roar, the massive black dragon landed upon the wall, startling the Guardians that had never seen his massive form that was larger than Axeon.

“Don’t ever…do that again.” Wyatt affirmed, looking at her, “Cause next time, you might not be so lucky.” he huffed, placing his hands on his hips.

“It’s not like I planned this!” I argued, “Sh*t happens, all right?!”

“Right, sh*t happens.” Wyatt groaned, shaking his head, “I think it’s best if you get inside.” he affirmed, taking a stand as one of the Isle’s most trusted, well respected Guardians, “Please…”

“All right.” I nodded agreeably, then turned to my mom, helping her back to the dwelling. Following the road, watching as Zanzabarr ran ahead, rolling through the snow, I glanced at the wall where Abraxas pushed himself off the wall and into the air, glowing swiftly before his small form hovered above in circular motions, “Oh my God, this can’t be happening, I can’t believe this.” I fretted, holding tightly on my mom’s arm, then looped my other arm through Anthony’s.

“Sweetheart…” Lady D turned to her daughter, “as much as I greatly appreciate your concern, I”m fine but right now, I think after that, I just need to be alone, if that’s all right?”

“A-are you sure?” I rasped.

“Yes, now please…” Lady D gripped her daughter’s hand, “go home.”

Sighing, unsure if I should adhere to her please, I nodded agreeably.

“Fine, but you’re forgetting something…” I muttered, “we live in the same building and it’s just right there.” I gestured at the dwelling that was just a few steps away.

Anthony coughed, trying to contain a laugh, then looked away when both Yzavela and Lady D looked at him. Shrugging, his grin was the only reply he needed to express.

“I think after that, we’re all a bit shaken up and aren’t thinking in a straight line.” Lady D exaggerated softly, “So, let’s just get inside.”

Glancing around, hearing the Boar-wolves squealing in the distance, it wasn’t a suggestion neither Anthony and I were argue on. Once she was in her room, I watched as she closed the door, locking it quickly. Turning to Anthony, I held onto his hand then led him upstairs and once inside my room, I too closed and locked the door, while both Zanzabarr and Abraxas scampered toward the fireplace.

“I was reckless, wasn’t I?” I muttered, turning to Anthony.

“Not intentionally.” Anthony approached her, placing his hands on her shivering shoulders, “But…you’re safe now, you’re safe.” he then pulled her close, holding her in his strong arms.

“I’m sure this isn’t how you imagined the evening to go?” I rasped.

“It never is.” Anthony grinned, “But it always turns out better than.”

“But it’s not fair.” I looked up into his dark eyes, “Especially to you.”

“As long as I’m with you, it doesn’t matter.” Anthony reassured her.

Smiling, I shook my head, then leaned into his arms once more.

Erik sat on his bed, playing notes on his guitar when he heard soft knocks on his door, followed by heavy feet stomping down the hall. Laying the guitar on the bed next to him, he cautiously stood.

“Who is it?!” he called out.

No one answered.

Nervously, he held his breath, opening the peephole window, then he exhaled, seeing no one. Quickly opening the door, glancing down the hall both left and right, there was no one present but as he lowered his gaze, a basket laid at his feet with a red ribbon. He frowned, then knelt down, picking it up. Retreating inside, closing his door, he laid the basket on the table then cautiously opened the lid and at first, he saw nothing but as he looked deeper, he jumped back grunting with disgust for lying inside stabbing through its small body with a small pocket knife, was a dead rat. Frowning, he spotted the tip of a note tucked beneath the body. Looking around, he grabbed a dagger that hung on the wall, then moved the rat aside, stabbing at the tip of the paper, slowly sliding it out of the basket.

“Bloody hell…” he cursed for the rat’s tail was attached. Dropping the note, he quickly turned it over, reading the words,

“One rat down, another to go. Remember that, magic fingers.”

“Leonus.” Erik growled, gripping the tip, tossing the note back into the basket, closing the lid quickly, “You son-of-a-b*tch!” he grunted. Dusting his hands off, he scampered toward the bathroom, washing his hands vigorously then emerged, standing by the table, wondering what he should do with the basket: burn it, or show it to Yzavela to let her know that that Scotsman made such a threatening act against one of her friends.

The next morning I woke, stretching with a soft moan. Opening my eyes, looking around, Anthony sat in one of my chairs by patio, with his attention on a pad and a pencil in hand.

“Good morning.” I rasped with a smile.

Raising his gaze, glancing toward the bed, a warm smile crept along the corners of his mouth. Standing quickly, walking toward the bed with the pencil and pad in hand, he climbed laying next to her.

“Good morning.” he placed a soft kiss to her lips.

“What’s that?” I rubbed the corners of my eyes, looking at the pad.

“Nothing, just…” Anthony grumbled softly, “doodling.” he smiled.

“Doodling?” I teased, pushing myself onto my knees, “You doodle?”

“Si, but it’s just a hobby really.” he shyly looked away.

“Don’t be shy, may I see them?” I asked.

Anthony looked at her, then hesitantly handed her the pad that was rightfully hers to begin with. Adjusting his back against the pillows, he waited.

Flipping through the pad of my own drawings, I came across his own, and I was surprised for there it was, a sketch of me while I slept. As I ran my hand over the drawing, a wide smile grew.

“It’s beautiful.” I admired, glancing at him, “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I didn’t think it was important.” he shrugged casually.

“I think it is, it’s beautiful. I mean, this is like Leonardo da Vinci.”

“No, not quite.” Anthony reached for the pad but she pulled it away.

“Ah-ah…” I bit my lip, “I’m keeping this.”

“Come on, little Yza…it’s just a sketch, nothing great. Give it back.”

“No.” I jumped out of the bed, holding the pad close to my heart.

“Yzavela…” Anthony growled sensually, climbing out of the bed. As he stalked toward her in slow steps, his eyes flashed yellow, “give it.”

“No.” I held the pad behind my back.