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

Over the next two days, things became more chaotic between Leonus and I, after I had discovered the note and rat that he left outside of Erik’s room. It was disgusting and vile, something an enemy would do, and that he was, my enemy. While Erik, Jonathan and Anthony sat in the chairs across from me, I stared at the note written in the Scotsman’s hand.

“So that’s how he wants to play it.” I mumbled, looking at the three men, “All right then.” I laid the note on the desk in front of me.

“What are you going to do?!” Erik leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, rubbing his hands together.

“Return the message.” I smirked mischievously.

“What do you mean?” Jonathan wondered.

“You’ll see.”

Later that afternoon, the Lancaster household heard a knock on the door.

“Can you make yourself useful and answer the door?!” Heather spat.

Leonus growled, abruptly standing from the kitchen table. Opening the door, he looked around the yard then saw no one present but as he glanced down, there was a basket wrapped in plastic with a large red ribbon tied around the top. Frowning, he snatched it off the mat, then slammed the door. Returning to the kitchen, he laid the basket on the table.

“I think that’s for you.” he mocked.

Heather turned, flipping the towel over her shoulder. Curiously, she opened the ribbon, then caught a note tucked inside that had been addressed to him.

“It’s for you.” Heather handed it to him, then turned away.

Scrunching his mouth forward, he ripped open the envelope then read the note in a familiar print written in all capital letters.

“A LOAD OF SH*T FOR A PIECE OF SH*T.”

“Who’s it from?” Heather questioned over her shoulder.

“I…” he cleared his throat, “I don’t know, it wasn’t signed.” then he stood, approaching the basket. Removing the plastic wrapping, the deep frown remained as he slowly opened the lid that allowed the foul stench to escape from within.

“Bloody hell…” Heather pinched her nose, “what the hell?!” she saw steam escaping from the large piles of feces that weren’t from animals that she had ever seen, “Ugh, what laid that?! A bloody dinosaur?!”

Leonus growled, slamming the basket closed.

“That f*cking b*tch!” he shouted.

“What’s going on, who are you talking about?!” Heather argued.

“That b*tch, that little f*cking Lycynian screwing-whore!” Leonus turned to her, then glanced across the room, where their three sons stood with wide, shocked eyes.

“What’s that smell?!” Liam complained.

“Smells like poo!” Seth laughed.

“Ha, poo…poo….” Daniel muttered, shyly.

“Get that out of this house now, I don’t care where you put it, get it out of here!” Heather shouted, “And I don’t even want to know what is it you’ve done to have such a disgrace placed upon our doorstep!” she rushed across the room, “Go outside, go on.” she smiled. Just as the boys were out of sight, she turned to Leonus, “Do you want to tell me what’s going on?!” but he didn’t answer, “LEONUS!”

“It’s nothing.” the Scotsman growled, closing the basket, snatching it off the table. Stomping across the kitchen and living room, he swung open the back door, tossing the basket into the large trash bin. As he stood there, staring at the snow, with his breathing fogging from the winter air, he nodded, “All right, you wee b*tch…war it is, and war you will get.” he grumbled, “WE’LL SEE HOW YOU SURVIVE IN THE BOAR-WOLF TUNNELS…” he punched the wall then retreated inside.

“Leonus, hello?!” Heather argued, holding out her arms, “Suddenly I am invisible to you now?!”

“I said it’s nothing, I’ll take care of it!” Leonus pushed past her, “It’s just a bloody prank, that’s all. Nothin’ to worry about.” and yet again, he stormed out of his house with a plan in motion.

“What the hell just happened?”! Liam wondered.

“That my dear boy, I don’t know.” Heather leaned against the ledge of the counter, folding her arms, “Unbelievable.” she shook her head.

After Thomas and Erik left the study, Anthony and I stayed behind.

“So, do you think Leonus got the message?” I wondered, looking up at him as I laid in his arms, leaning my head against his chest.

“I’m sure by now he has, whether or not he knows it’s from you.” he grinned, gently rubbing her back, “And again, nice touch by the way.”

“Mm, well…I’m sure he’ll think of something as a reply.” I groaned, pushing myself up into a sitting position on the ledge of the couch, “I know Leonus, I know how he thinks, I mean his thoughts alone are loud enough that any Demon or half-breed on the Isle can hear them but…” I sighed, closing my eyes, rubbing them quickly, “there has to be something I can do that he can’t change or use against me.”

Anthony, sitting behind her, leaned in, resting his head against hers.

“If only you could take away what he values most.” he muttered.

“Meaning?” I turned, looking at him, “You don’t mean his family.”

“No, no…” he frowned, “Heather and the boys are innocent in all of this but what else does he value? His alpha status, and the power it gives him. If you can take that way, he’ll be nothing.” he placed a soft kiss to her cheek, “Hmm.”

Closing my eyes, enjoying his sensual touch and kisses, I realized.

“Wait…” my eyes opened, scanning the room quickly, “that’s not a bad idea.” I looked at him, “That’s brilliant actually.”

“Um…I was only thinking aloud.” Anthony raised his eyebrows.

“No, I know you were but you’re onto something.” I jumped from my seat, rushing around the couch toward the bookshelf. Pulling on the book, I watched as it opened, “I’ll be right back.” I turned to the Italian who stood, curiously approaching the bookshelf, standing just a few inches from me, “When I’m done here, there’s something that I wanted to talk to you about anyway.”

“Oh?” Anthony’s eyes looked down at her, “Good, I hope?”

“Of course.” I smiled, then kissed him quickly, “Stay here.”

“I’m not going anywhere.” Anthony called out after her, watching as her petite form disappeared to the right of the passageway, “Weird.” he muttered, then turned, sitting in the chair, keeping his eyes upon the bookshelf.

Making my way upstairs to the Room of Secrets, I rushed toward the large book, beginning to quickly flip through its pages until I found what it was that I searched for. Removing a marker from my pocket, I wrote down the shelf and spot number on the palm of my hand. As I gently closed the volume, I veered around its large base, toward the section of said item; laying on the shelf in an old wooden box were a set of steel shackles that couldn’t be broken or have the locks picked. Removing the box from the shelf, I grunted for it was heavier than I expected but I managed. Carrying it across the room then laying it at my feet, I closed the door and locked it, then descended the stairs.

“Anthony?” I called out from the passageway.

“Si?” his tall frame appeared.

“Can you hold this please?” I awkwardly handed him the box.

“Sure.” he accepted the box from her grasp, “What are these?” he wondered, “Getting kinky in our mating?” he teased, flashing a sexual grin.

“No…” I chuckled, shaking my head, “they’re for Leonus.” I closed the shelf, then turned to him, taking the box from his hands, “Like I said, you gave me an idea.” I walked over, laying it on the desk, then removed my phone making a call.

“Care to uh…” Anthony scratched his chin, “let me in on this?”

“Please, thank you.” I ended the call. Turning to him, I quickly put my hands on his chest, “I think it’s easier to see, than it is to explain.”

“Okay?” he frowned with confusion, “So, what was it you wanted to talk to me about?” he placed his hands on her waist, gently pulling her close.

“I’ve been thinking about us a lot lately.” I answered, looking into his dark eyes that widened curiously.

“Me too, actually.” he grinned.

“Wh-what?” I whispered.

Taking her hands, Anthony smiled, thinking maybe this was that one moment he could reveal his intentions. Just as he placed his left hand in his pocket, a knock banged on the door.

“Uh, sh*t…that’s Wyatt.” I complained, “Bad timing, as always but we are going to finish this later.”

“Later.” Anthony sighed impatiently.

Veering around, biting my lip, I answered the door.

“Hi, come in.” I stepped aside, allowing the Demon to pass.

“This was a call I didn’t expect.” Wyatt muttered, “Hey, Anthony.” he greeted the Italian who approached the door.

“Hello, Wyatt.” he grinned, then stood tall above Yzavela, “I think I will leave you two alone to discuss things among yourselves. I have a few things that I need to tend to anyway, so I will see you later. And no ifs, ands, or buts.” he lifted her chin, kissing her quickly.

“No ifs, ands, or buts.” I smiled. Watching him pass with that sexy strut of his, I took a deep breath then turned, closing the door as my focus was on other things in that moment, “All right.” I clapped my hands.

“What’s this about, if you don’t mind me asking?” Wyatt wondered.

“Let’s sit.” I gestured at the chairs in front of the desk where the box of shackles sat openly.

“Has something happened, not another child?” the Demon worried.

“No, no.” I reassured, “But there’s something I need you to do, and no questions asked.”

“Um…okay.” Wyatt adjusted his seat, “What is it?”

Reaching for the box, pulling it off the ledge, it fell into my lap. As I reached inside, removing the shackles, I draped them across my knees. Their steel was worn with age but still held their strength.

“What are those for?” Wyatt widened his blue eyes, “Or WHO are they for?”

“Before I tell you that, I need to know if there’s a way that you can, I don’t know, enchant these shackles to bind a Lycynian’s transition.” I spat the words quickly, “At will, or otherwise.”

Wyatt, a 6’4 level 5 Demon, the highest rank among the race, leaned back against the chair, scratching his scruffy chin, before running his hands backwards along his shaved head, then down his neck. Staring at the chains, this wasn’t what he expected. Biting his lip, he lowered his hands, leaning forward asking bluntly,

“It can be done yes, but you do realize that that’s dark magic, right? I mean, Marxus forbade the Demons from practicing it here.”

“Well, Marxus isn’t here.” I argued, “Can it be done, yes or no?”

“I just told you it can.” Wyatt frowned, “But…”

“No questions asked, remember?” I interrupted, “And stop trying to read my mind, there’s nothing for you there.” I groaned, feeling the sharp stabbing pins and needles of his intrusion trying to squirm its way through my thoughts, “All I’m going to say is that Anthony gave me the idea.”

“All right, but I just have to ask one question.” he urged, “That’s it.”

“And what would that be?” I complained, rattling the shackles when I adjusted them across my lap, feeling their weight.

“Who are those planned for, that’s all I need to know.” Wyatt urged, “They’re not for Anthony are they?”

“No, they’re not.” I looked at him, knowing that I could trust him. I stared deeply into his blue eyes, “They’re for Leonus, that’s all you need to know.”

Finally understanding the situation and what it was she asked of him, Wyatt nodded, reaching for the shackles that she handed to him. He felt their weight, then stood.

“You realize that he can’t go around wearing chained shackles?” his voice rasped softly.

“I know that, so if you can somehow remove the chain linking them together while keeping the bracelets in tact, I would appreciate it.” I stood, staring up at him.

“It can be done.” he nodded.

“Great.”

“When do you need them ready?” he wondered, studying the links of the old chains.

“By morning.” I answered bluntly, “I want it done before we venture to the ruins in two more days.”

“All right.” Wyatt nodded agreeably.

“How will you do it?” I wondered, walking him toward the door.

“No questions asked, remember?” Wyatt grinned, then placed his hands on her small shoulders, “Now, I say this because we’re friends.” he looked into her wide, dark eyes, “Whatever the reason, know that isn’t something you can take back, so I hope you know what you are truly asking. There’s always a consequence, you know that.” his voice held such truth in his advice.

Standing silent, I knew he was right, and I wasn’t going to object.

“I’m perfectly aware of that, thank you. Just be careful.” I nodded.

Wyatt returned the nod, then left. Standing outside the door that slowly closed behind him, he concealed a heavy sigh, then glancing down the long hall leading to the library, he nodded. Glancing down at his watch, knowing he had plenty of time between his next shift, he ventured down the hall, entering the library, retrieving some of the older books that contained spells of the darker arcane practices that were tucked away on the highest shelf among other books. As he laid several on the table, he quickly flipped through the pages for a spell that didn’t require a sacrifice or have consequences against the person performing the spell, or anyone surrounding them. Finally, just as the hours passed, he managed to combine several chants together, taking phrases and verses from each other. Folding the paper alongside the shackles that laid on the table, he waved his glowing hands above the items that vanished, returning to his room. Reaching out, closing the books, he raised his left hand, lifting the books off the table, then he turned, extending his arm outward, sending the books back to their places on the shelves.

“Wyatt…” Nick’s voice muttered over the radio, “Wyatt, come in.”

“Sh*t.” the Demon cursed, reaching for the radio, “Yeah, Nick?” he answered quickly, leaving the library.

“Where the hell are you? We’ve been trying to reach you for hours.”

“Yeah, I know. I’m sorry, I uh…had a thing.” Wyatt frowned as he ventured down the hall, quickly shuffling down the stairs.

“Well, hopefully your THING can wait or is taken care of.” Nick hissed over the speaker, “We need you on the wall.”

“Yeah, all right. I’m coming.” Wyatt snapped. Turning off the radio, he vanished, reappearing on the wall.

Later that night, Anthony had a surprise planned for Yzavela and he was going to see it through without interruptions. Pacing around his room, combing his dark hair back, he paused in front of the mirror. Adjusting his white crisp shirt open at the collar, with the sleeves rolled up, and tucked in his leather trousers, he glanced toward the door over his shoulder, hearing soft knocks. Smiling, he rushed to open to it.

“Good evening.” he elegantly bowed, greeting Yzavela.

“Good evening” I chuckled.

“Come in.” he stepped aside.

Entering his room, I looked around, taking notice of the dim lights, then caught a flickering glow coming from the bathroom. Turning to Anthony, he stood by the door, holding a rose in one hand, with his other hidden behind his back.

“A rose for a rose.” Anthony purred, handing her the flower with its dark red velvety petals, “Watch the thorns, they’re sharp…like you.”

“Um, thank you?” I frowned.

“I didn’t mean it like that, I mean that like a rose, it’s beautiful yet so delicate, but also unexpectedly dangerous and sharp.” he charmed her with his smooth words.

“Ah.” I smiled, “And that?” I gestured to his hand behind his back.

“Ah, this.” Anthony teased. Withdrawing his hand, he held a small red fire extinguisher, giving it a gentle shake.

“Wh-what’s that for?” I laughed.

“In case things get too hot between us.” he laughed with her.

“Oh my god…” I continued laughing, because he was just too cute.

“No?” he approached her, wrapping his arms around her.

“Only if it works.” I teased, wrapping my arms around his neck.

“We shall see.” Anthony grinned, then leaning in, he shared a long, passionate kiss, before tossing the fire extinguisher on his bed nearby, “Mm, no…come with me.” he gently took her hands, leading her to the bathroom.

“Jonathan, come on, this is ridiculous.” Sarah argued as she paced.

“What’s ridiculous about it?!” Jonathan frowned, “I want to be with you, I want you to move in with me, tell me what’s ridiculous about it?!”

“Because…it just is!” she tried finding excuses, “I mean, I like having my privacy to be who I am when you’re not around you know, just as I’m sure you want yours.”

“You think that seeing your little pet peeves is going to make me see you differently, and not love you anymore?” Jonathan argued bluntly, “Sarah, come on…” he tossed his arms in the air, “I don’t get this. I don’t know why you’re making such a big thing out of this.”

“Because I’m not ready, I don’t want to, that’s why!” she spat, turning to him quickly.

“You don’t want to.” Jonathan nodded, “All right, so it’s me then?”

“What?! No, no it’s not you.” Sarah mumbled.

“Then what is it Sarah, tell me because I’m getting tired of you god damn games that I’m not in the mood to play, and I’m certainly not going to be bounced around between your fickle emotions! Either you want to be with me, or you don’t, it’s that simple!” he argued, “I have enough to deal with, worrying about finding my sister and then my parents, I don’t and won’t doddle over how you’re feeling and or not feeling! I can’t do this anymore Sarah, I can’t.” he shook his head.

“What are you saying?” she turned to him, folding her arms.

“You and I have been dating, or whatever this is, for two years now and…” Jonathan huffed, “actually longer than that, but only you, are the one that can’t seem to make up your mind about what it is that you want, because I know it’s not me.” he held out his arms yet again, “And I’m done. If it’s time you want and need, than it’s time you get.” he turned, walking toward his door, “But when you’ve realized what it is you do want, just know that I won’t be waiting for you.” he said over his shoulder bluntly. Opening the door, he turned to her, “Now, please…leave and don’t come back until you sort things out.”

“Jonathan, please…don’t do this.” Sarah whimpered, feeling tears.

“Leave.” Jonathan didn’t look at her.

Taking a quivering breath, she grabbed her coat off his bed. As she walked by, she paused, wanting to say something but decided to hold back her words. Once she stepped outside in the hall, she turned, but Jonathan had closed the door immediately behind her. Gasping with tears, she knew that she f*cked things up between herself and the one man that treated her with respect and love, not obsession. Putting on her coat, she wandered down the hall, then bumped into Erik.

“Oh, sorry.” she wiped her tears, veering around him.

“Sarah, you okay?” he wondered, looking at her.

“No.” she paused, crying softly, “Jonathan just broke up with me.”

“What?” Erik scoffed, “Why?”

“It doesn’t matter.” Sarah shrugged, then continued down the hall. As she descended the stairs, she realized that keeping her secrets from Jonathan, and her intimate affairs with Nathan to herself, it all had caught up to her, beginning to rip her world apart.

“Sarah!” Erik called out after her but she didn’t answer. Glancing at the hall ahead of him, he frowned, wondering if there was anything he could do to tell the situation. Approaching Jonathan’s door, he knocked softly.

“Go away!” Jonathan called out from inside.

“It’s me.” Erik answered loudly enough to be heard. Stepping back, he listened as feet shuffled close to the door before it opened, “Hey.” he greeted his friend.

“Not now Erik, please.” Jonathan complained.

“I just bumped into Sarah, she told me you broke up with her. Want to talk about it?”

Jonathan scoffed. Stepping aside, he let his friend inside.

“Listen mate, it’s getting late.” Jonathan stood, “We’re heading out tomorrow so we should get some sleep.” he suggested.

“Yeah.” Erik stood, “If you need anything, I…”

“I just need to be alone, that’s what I need.” Jonathan rasped.

Erik nodded. Approaching the door, he glanced back at Jonathan; he stood in front of his fireplace, leaning his hands on the mantle.

“Goodnight.” he called out to him.

“Night.” the Australian muttered over his shoulder.

Quietly slipping out into the hall, Erik sighed heavily.

“Bloody hell.” he pondered, “Sarah…” he let out a few soft TSKS. Glancing at the door behind him, he then ventured down the hall, returning to his room just three doors down.

As the island slept, and the Boar-wolves scampered across the island, Wyatt retreated to his room after his shift as supervisor, leaving the Wraith Justin in charge for the remainder of the evening. Removing his uniform, laying in on the chairs quietly, he turned, glancing over toward his bed where his partner Luna lay sleeping, looking like Sleeping Beauty in his eyes with her long blonde hair following the shape of her slender waist. Growing a faint grin, he walked over, placing a soft kiss to her cheek, then retreated to the bathroom, taking a shower. As he felt the water pounding against his head, he stared at the drain for the longest time before the water turned cold.

Once drying himself off, tossing the towel in the hamper, he emerged then grew surprised when his partner sat up, leaning against the thick pillows, covering her body.

“Hey.” Luna rasped.

“Sorry.” he walked over, sitting next to her, leaning in, kissing her.

“For what?” she moaned.

“Waking you.” he grinned.

“I wasn’t really sleeping.” Luna chuckled.

“Oh really?” he flicked his eyebrows.

“Nope.” she ran her hands along his neck, then glanced toward the table near the patio, “What are those?” she studied the shackles that had appeared suddenly.

“Ah, yes…” Wyatt nodded, “they’re uh, for Yza.”

“For Yza?” Luna barked, “Something you want to tell me?”

“It’s not like that, you know it.” he affirmed, “She asked me if I…” he paused, catching himself from telling her too much, “nevermind.” he dismissed the topic, “I can’t talk about it, Keeper and Guardian stuff.”

“And the spell?” she leaned forward, “That’s some dark stuff. Is that between the two of you as well?”

Looking at her, staring into her wide green eyes, Wyatt nodded, and it was all he needed to say.

“Well then…” Luna rubbed her arms, “need any help?”

“No, I don’t want you involved in this.” Wyatt worried.

“I am though.” Luna argued. She was a level 4 Demon, practicing the lighter healing magics of the arcane crafts, closely working with Beth.

Gently grabbing Luna’s hands, Wyatt pleaded softly, begging her not to make a big deal out of the task that was asked of him.

“After this, it’s done.” Wyatt affirmed.

“Fine, but I’m going to watch.” Luna huffed.

Wyatt nodded, then stood. Walking toward the table, he laid the old steel shackles across the surface, breaking the chains from the large, thick bracelets. Waving his hands toward the balcony doors, slowly the curtains slid closed. Glancing at Luna, she stood dressed in one of his shirts near the fireplace, with her arms folded. Nodding in her direction, he then focused on the task that was assigned to him.

Reaching for the paper, he read the spell reciting the words written; his hands, glowing in a bright blue hue, darkened into a blackish essence that swirled around the shackles that were inches below his palms. Watching the occurrence, the magic seemed to have been absorbed into the metal before a blast of magic exploded, startling Wyatt who jumped back, watching as the dark essence lingered around the bracelets before fading completely in an eerie and slow disintegration. Huffing deeply, he glanced at Luna, feeling a powerful tingling sensation running down his spine, while the hue encircling his hands, pulsated before extinguished with a clench of his fists.

“What was that?!” Luna worried, holding Wyatt close.

“I don’t know, but…I think it worked.” Wyatt mumbled, observing the shackles, hearing a magical hum that only he and Luna, probably all Demons and half-breeds could, and would, sense.

“Can you please tell me what’s going on?” Luna turned to him.

“I can’t.” Wyatt placed his hands on her shoulders, “Not unless Yza says otherwise, I told her I wouldn’t ask questions but whatever this is, or was, she knows the consequences of the task.”

“That’s what I’m worried about.” Luna feared, feeling a shiver down her spine.

Wyatt said nothing more, approaching the table. Reaching for the old shackles, upon his touch they sparked against his fingertips. As he turned them over, he frowned, then laid them back in their place.