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

Morning arrived. As I woke, blinking my eyes slowly, I scanned the room around me, taking notice that I had slept over at Anthony’s. As I turned over, there he laid on his side, facing me, looking handsome and peaceful, I didn’t want to wake him. Leaning in, placing a soft kiss on his cheek, I smiled watching as he turned, locking his lips with mine.

“Good morning.” he greeted, opening his eyes.

“Good morning.” I smiled, “I didn’t want to wake you.”

“Why?” he stretched, letting out a soft grunt in the process.

“I don’t know, I just didn’t.”

“Well, I’m awake now.” Anthony smiled, propping himself up.

“Me too.” I sat up, then glanced at the time, “I should get going.”

“It’s only eight-thirty.” Anthony teased, leaning in, placing a soft kiss to her neck as he moved her hair aside.

“As much as I would love to, uh…” I giggled, “mate with you in the morning…” I turned, looking into his eyes, “I do have to go, I need to check on my mom and companions.” I stroked his face, then ran my hands down his chest, “But rain check?”

“Of course.” he gently took her hands, kissing the palms, “Go.”

“I love you.” I kissed him again, then stood.

“I love you, now go before I don’t let you go.” he jokingly tapped a hand to her butt, receiving a squealing giggle in reply. Watching as she quietly opened his door, sweeping out into the hall, he laughed.

Descending the stairs, making sure the Lycynians hadn’t taken notice of my presence, I was wrong for there was Nathan standing by the large, cluttered kitchen table.

“Ah, what do we have here?” he smirked.

“A waste of space?” I mocked, leering at him as I stood by the door.

“Funny love, funny. But I knew I caught your sweet scent.”

“Are you sure it’s not someone elses?” I sneered, “After all, she smells sweet too.” I referred to HER.

Gulping quietly, Nathan’s eyes stared, knowing that she knew.

“Hmm.” I grinned, then left, slamming the door behind me. Making my way back toward my dwelling, I was greeted by both Zanzabarr and Abraxas who ran toward the door, after a long night of feeling cramped in my mom’s room, “Hello my babies, I know…I’m sorry.” I kissed them both, then glanced ahead toward the kitchen where my mom sat at the table with Katrina and other witches, “Morning.”

“Good morning, sweetheart.” Lady D smiled, then scanned her eyes up and down at her daughter’s attire, “Um, weren’t you wearing that yesterday?”

“Yeah, I went to Anthony’s.” I answered quickly, then glanced over at Katrina, “How’s Margaret and Belle?”

“They’re fine, just a little shaken up.” the witch answered, then took a sip of her coffee, “This is shocking for them, for everyone.”

“I know it is.” I mumbled, then glanced at the time, “I have to go.” I walked around the table, hugging my mom, “I’ll see you later, okay?”

“All right.” Lady D watched as her daughter grabbed a muffin before retreating up the stairs.

“She’s been hanging around that Lycynian a bit too much, don’t you think?” Katrina complained, “If that were my daughter, I would keep her on a tighter leash before she does something stupid.” she sipped from her cup once more.

“Well, she’s not your daughter, and she’s more capable of making her own decisions but I am her mother and only I will decide what’s best for her, and if I didn’t think that was Anthony, I…” Lady D huffed, then realized she was wasting her time explaining herself, “I don’t have to explain anything to you.” she stood, “And if I recall from what I have heard, wasn’t it your daughters that were supposed to be watching Lucy in the first place, getting distracted by one of the Wraith’s charms?” she waited for a reply but received none, “Mm, that’s what I thought.” she nodded affirmatively, “Good morning.” she bowed her head toward the other witches, then retreated to her room, closing the door.

“Lady D…” the women whispered.

“She is right, you know.” one of the women looked at Katrina.

“Piss off!” the Irishwoman snapped, grabbing her books off the table.

Once I showered quickly, dressing in clean, fresh clothes, the three of us; Abraxas, Zanzabarr and I rushed back downstairs running toward the manor that was quiet and empty. Making it to the study just in time for the broadcast, I turned on the futuristic computer that I had purchased upon my return, tapping on the holographic screens. Once I accessed the video chat feature that would allow groups of residents to join in, a list suddenly appeared, waiting for permission and access. Taking a deep breath, making sure I looked presentable with a quick glance at my reflection off the screens, I began the message, clearing my throat; my face appeared on every single phone, I-Pad and the screens in RP&V.

“Good morning, everyone. I apologize for this announcement at such an early hour but…events have happened last night that you must all be aware of.” I paused, adjusting in the chair, “As of last night, there was a child that was taken by the Boar-wolves, and although there has not been any official evidence, I don’t know what happened, no one really does but I assure you that the Guardians are out there and they are looking for signs near the area where the child was taken, or supposedly taken. I…”

“Who was taken?!” a voice wondered over the broadcast, “Who?!”

Reading the name, the man was Leonard Brye, the Isle’s blacksmith.

“The Saxon child, Lucy.” I answered, “She’s just a baby.”

“Bloody hell, you can’t be serious?! She’s just a wee little thing.”

“Yes she is.” I saddened, listening to gasps over the open lines, then I watched as other names appeared, coming online for the chat. Once they were approved, I listened as they spoke before the last name that I dreaded most, Leonus Lancaster, popped up, “Go ahead, Leonus.” I announced, reluctantly approving his connection.

“How could this have happened?! How could you be so careless as to not be alert of what’s happening under your own leadership?! And you call yourself our KEEPER.” his Scottish voice shouted in a loud, boisterous accent.

“I’m not Marxus, I can’t be everywhere at once.” I snapped bluntly, “Can you be everywhere at once, Leonus?!” I listened as he remained silent, “ I didn’t think so.” I paused, taking a breath before the loud conversation burst into chaos, speaking over one another, “Everyone calm down!” I shouted in a loud voice, steaming in the process, and as I glanced at the screen, I could hear faint gasps, knowing that all of them saw my steaming outline, “Please, this ridiculous f*cking…” I groaned, “arguing back and forth isn’t getting us anywhere, it isn’t getting Lucy back to her family, so everyone just shut the f*ck up!”

“I knew it, I knew something like this would happen, especially with the bloodsuckers and magic fingers patrolling the island!” Leonus’ gruff voice mocked loudly, “And because of it, look at this, a child, an innocent child was taken. Where were they, hmm? Where were the Guardians during this moment of…”

“LEONUS!” I exclaimed over his voice, “Do not blame this on the Guardians, the Boar-wolves are responsible!” I slammed my hands on the desk; the sound of rattling items could be heard over the speakers, “The Guardians were alert of the situation but before they had that chance to prevent this, the creatures carried her away before any of them could track her down. Besides, isn’t your home just two doors down from where this happened?!” I put the Scotsman in his place, “Where were you when this happened? Oh, that’s right…drunk, and lazy. A coward.”

Activating video chat, allowing his face to appear on the screen, his voice remained open for the other channels to hear.

“What did you say to me, you little hell-brat?! I don’t believe I heard you the first time.”

“Gladly, but right now my focus is on Lucy, so I suggest you shut that god damn hole on your face you call a mouth, put aside the god damn hatred you have for me and the Guardians and help us figure this out, and what we’re going to do to get her back! Understand?!” I answered firmly, “And please say something derogatory please, cause I would love to put you on mute and strap a muzzle on that thick face!”

“You can’t hide behind your doors ALL the time, little b*tch. I’ll be watching.” Leonus growled, sneering at her over the screen, “No one embarrasses me like this and gets away with it, NEVER!” he leaned in, whispering the threat that everyone heard.

“The Keeper is right!” Heather pushed her way in view on the video, “We must work together, all of us Leonus.” she glanced at him, “It is for a child Leonus, for the sake of a child put aside your hatred, what if this were one of our boys?! Would you be standing here arguing with Yzavela then?!” the Irish woman put the Scotsman in his place.

Everyone, including Yzavela, remained silent.

“Thank you, Heather.” I continued, once the moment passed.

“What do we do now?” Leonard questioned.

“I’m still waiting to hear something from the Guardians to shift their way through all of the packed snow from last night’s storm but until then, if any of you have any suggestions on how we can proceed from here with caution, you’re more than welcome to come to the study to discuss it, but I ask that you all let me know first, and please…please, whatever you do, don’t be stupid and go searching for Lucy yourself.” I took a deep breath, “Now if any of you have any hunting skills, I’m sure they will help us all greatly but right now all we can do it wait.”

“There is nothing more we can do.” Leonard announced loudly.

“So what do we do now?” another voice questioned.

“Well, I just told you.” I argued bluntly, “Now, I think enough has been said today. Parents please, I ask that you keep a close eye upon your children, I don’t want another going missing, all right?” I heard a series of mumbling voices. Once the broadcast ended, I made sure I had kept the connection to the Lancaster phone line, “Leonus…” my voice called out, but received no reply, “I know you’re there, I can see you through Heather’s eyes, snickering.” I impatiently tapped the tips of my fingers on the desk, then watched as he slowly stepped in view, “There you are.” I mocked.

“What do you want?” he growled.

“You and I hate each other, that’s no secret, and that’s fine but please, I do need your help. For Lucy’s sake, not mine. You know about this island more than anyone here.”

Standing there, staring at the young woman’s face, he rubbed his left hand along the bottom of his beard, then glanced at Heather.

“Please Leonus…” the Irishwoman mouthed the words.

“Fine.” the Scotsman announced, glaring back at the screen, “But I’ve got terms.”

“Of course you do, and what would they be?” I sat back, waiting for a long list of complaints about the Wraiths and Demons that I have heard many times before.

“One….” he began counting his fingers.

“If you have to count your fingers, the answer is no before you start.” I objected then watched as the study door opened quietly; Thomas and Anthony slowly entered, taking a seat at the desk.

“Fine, just one.” Leonus groaned.

“I’m listening.”

“If I help you, you will not interfere with what I bring to the table. I have hunted in the past with my father in the Moors, so I know what I am doing and what I’m looking for. Is that something ye can agree on…KEEPER?” he finished bluntly.

“Agreed.” I urged quickly, “Just as long as you’re truly familiar with what it is you’re contributing, and not just full of hot air.” I mocked, “Meet me in the study in an hour and we will discuss further details. And don’t even think about starting a protest because I read you like a shard of glass, clear and flawed.” I leered then ended the call, “God, I hate that hijo de puta.” I cursed, looking at Thomas and Anthony.

Leonus stood baffled, yet smug, staring at the blank screen. Leaning against the kitchen counter where the large screen stood, he thought, “I HATE HER, BUT I HAVE TO GIVE HER CREDIT, SHE HAS GUTS STANDING UP TO ME LIKE THAT, BUT GOD DAMN IT…SHE BETTER NOT SEND ME OUT ON ONE OF HER WILD GOOSE CHASES, CAUSE I WILL KILL HER.”

“Why are you so hard on that girl?” Heather questioned, “She’s just a child, no older than Liam.”

“She’s a brat!” Leonus turned to her, “A brat that knows nothing of how this island works, and I’ll be damned if I’m going to let her ruin everything that I have worked for here.”

“You’ve worked for?” Liam argued, entering the kitchen, “You have been privileged to live here, and to be given all of this, we all have.” he gestured around the home, “So don’t make it sound like you’ve fought for it, because you’ve fought for nothing. Marxus granted us, the Lancaster family, this home that we didn’t work for. So…if you think you’re entitled to the Keeper position, I wouldn’t support you, or your claim.” he frowned, standing up to his father like the man of the house now.

“What did you say?!” Leonus stepped forward, “What did you say to me, boy?!”

“I’m not a boy father, not anymore.” Liam’s voice grew stern.

“Seth, sweetheart.” Heather turned to the middle son, “Take Daniel to your room and wait for me there, all right?” she pleaded, for she didn’t want her youngest to witness the oncoming argument.

Seth nodded, then excused himself from the table, leading his brother back to his room. Closing and locking the door, he played music that drowned out the yelling that soon erupted. Placing headphones on Daniel, Seth closed his eyes, wiping tears away for he saw more than his parents and older brother ever thought he had.

“When is that bastard going to realize that I’m trying to work this all out, including him in decisions that benefit the island?!” I argued as I stood, veering around the desk.

Thomas and Anthony turned, adjusting their seats in the chairs.

“Well, this is Leonus.” Thomas advised, “He’s not known to share.”

“Not one bit, it’s either his way or the highway.” Anthony added, “I thought you handled him well enough, as always.”

“Yeah, well…” I folded my arms, “I’m tired of handling him, I just want him to get on board or just drown himself in the sea already, is that too much to ask?” I turned to the Giovanni brothers, “I’m sorry, that sounded better in my head.”

“I thought it sounded right.” Thomas reassured, “Leonus isn’t liked, or favored, by everyone on the island. Actually, mostly just by those that follow him, and that’s not many.”

“It’s enough.” Anthony grumbled softly, “Unfortunately.”

“True.” I worried, then heard a knock, that sent both Zanzabarr and Abraxas into a frenzy, becoming protective supernatural guardians, “Shh…” I walked over, stroking their fur and scales, “it’s all right.” I comforted, then glanced at the door, “Come in…”

Thomas and Anthony stood, watching as Caleb slowly entered with a solemn expression, and something held in his hand, wrapped in one of his bandannas.

“Caleb.” I greeted, then noticed his uneasiness, “Caleb, what is it?”

“We, uh…we found this.” the Wraith whispered, taking slow steps toward her, cautious of the wolf and dragon, “Or Wyatt did anyway.”

“Is it…” my voice cracked.

“Yeah.” Caleb regretted, “He found it out by the ruins near the cliffs just past Ravenswood.” he handed the object to her.

“Ruins, right.” I affirmed, “Makes sense. Did you tell Jonathan?”

“No, not yet. Wyatt made sure the find was kept between us, figured you would want to know and to be the one to tell the family.”

“Thank you.” I appreciated.

“You’re welcome. Listen, I’ve got to get back to the wall, and by the way, nice speech. You handled it perfectly, and Leonus too.”

“That’s what Anthony said.” I side eyed the Italian brothers.

Caleb grinned, then turned, teleporting.

Once his presence disappeared, I slowly unwrapped the bandanna. I let out a soft gasp, for a red boot and dirty pink hair ribbon laid in my hands. Closing my eyes, I knew they belonged to Lucy without needing to have the mother confirm it. Letting out a quivering sigh, I opened my eyes that were filled with tears. Looking at Thomas and Anthony, they both stepped forward, standing on either side of me, sharing a hug before Anthony fully pulled me into his embrace.

“Oh my god…” I cried, “how am I going to tell a mother that her child was taken? Officially?”

“If you would like, Thomas and I can come with you, hmm? And I am sure your Ma-ma would too as well?” Anthony suggested softly, looking down at her, wiping her tears away with his thumbs.

“I would like that, please.” I nodded, then glanced at Thomas, “Give me a few minutes, then I’ll meet you downstairs.” I offered a smile.

“Take your time.” Thomas reassured, offering a friendly nod.

“We’ll be right outside, okay?” Anthony cupped her face.

“Downstairs will be fine.” I appreciated his concern and need to be nearby.

“Si, all right.” he grinned, then leaned in, kissing her quickly, then as he followed Thomas, he glanced back at her once more, watching as she retreated to the bathroom. Closing the door, he sighed worriedly.

“She’ll be fine, Tony.” Thomas comforted, patting his brother’s back.

“I know she will, but that doesn’t mean I don’t worry nonetheless.”

“I know, Tony.”

Staring at my reflection, wiping away my smeared makeup, adding a few touch ups here and there, I sniffled then wrapping the boot and ribbon in the bandanna, I tucked them in my pocket. Calling over to Abraxas and Zanzabarr, they followed me downstairs. As I stepped off the last step, glancing to my right toward the lounge, there sat the Giovanni brothers with my mom, speaking softly.

“Ready?” I announced, watching as they stood upon my approach.

“When you are.” Lady D greeted.

As the four of us left the manor, with time to spare before I had the meeting with Leonus, we waited for Anthony who sprinted toward the garage, retrieving one of the Jeeps. Acting as chauffeur once more, we arrived at the Saxon home, slowly parking the vehicle. Greeted at the door by Jonathan, he stepped aside, allowing us to enter.

“What’s going on, did you find something?” he wondered curiously.

Turning to him, I nodded.

“Yes.” I revealed softly, “Um, are your parents around?”

“Yeah, they’re in the kitchen.” he led the four of them through the home, “Mum, dad…Yza’s here.” he gestured at her.

Susan lept from her seat, rushing toward her.

“Did you find her?!” she pleaded.

“Yes, and no.” I removed the bandanna, telling them what Caleb had told me and where they were found. Watching as Jonathan Sr and Susan cried, holding their daughter’s items, I turned to my mom who pulled me close into her motherly embrace, “Maybe you should stay for a while, help her through this.” I suggested, “It might help having another mother here for her.”

“Of course.” Lady D smiled, combing her daughter’s hair back, then stepped toward the table, taking a seat beside the grieving parents, “I feel your pain, I worry every day about my daughter.” she raised her gaze.

“And how do you manage?” Susan looked at her.

“Courage and faith.” Lady D gripped her hands, “And not always in a higher power either, for they up there, have nothing to do with the mortal going-ons down here. Unfortunately.”

“Ain’t that the bloody truth.” Jonathan Sr moaned, then coughed softly.