Falling

Chapter 23: I smell subterfuge

"Yep, it sucks but that's how you catche mistakes." He pulls out a black covered book and sets it on the desk. He turns it so it's right side up on my side and I read the title. 'Hell hounds'. I smirk.

"Really?" He shrugs and I laugh softly as he leans back in his chair to look at me as I sit down in the chair in front of his desk.

"I wrote it after you left. It has stuff about our parents and hell hounds and anything else you could think of. It was my way of remembering you. As for the guys. He gestures to Cer, Re and Brusier who are standing in the doorway. I roll my eyes.

"So there's a reason they're following me around?" For the first time since Noella Bran laughs.

"Put their names together. Cerberus. The three headed dog that guards Tartos? Well they actually guard the goddess of the moon cause she has to catch any escapees from Tartos. Her hell hounds suck the souls and if a hell hound sucks a soul then they no longer exist. So Jarek can never be redeemed or reborn. If you escape here your hell hounds suck their souls. The only one that give them redemption is you and even then it has to be brought to dad, mom, and me." I groan and laying my head down I bang it on the desk. Before I can bang it a second time a hand appears between my head and the desk. I look up to see Bruiser.

"Really. I'm never getting rid of you guys am I?" Bruiser face falls and I hear whimpers behind me. Crap, they're like a mix of dog and human. Sighing I drop my head down. "Sorry, I didn't mean it like that. It's just.... alot to take in." I hear gasping noises and look up to see Bran choking on laughter. "Shut up and show me the library. I need a book to read that won't give me nightmares." Scooping the book off the desk I stand and gesture to Cer and Re. "After you boys." They both smile as Bruiser and Bran follow behind us. Another bloody parade. As we walk through a large open cavern I catch something out of the corner of my eye and look to see Noella frozen in a doorway to the right. I give her a crooked smile as Bran walks on oblivious just as a woman comes striding straight to Bran. Her mocha colored skin and cat green eyes make her look exotic and innocent but I can feel the malevolence pouring off of her. As if trying to prove my point. She glances briefly as Noella then throws herself in Bran's arms and kisses him full on the lips. Noella makes a choked sound as I fight not to look at her. I have to play this just right. Subterfuge baby. I wait until I hear Noella's rushed footsteps before clearing my throat. She pulls away from Bran with an innocent expression as she blinks at me. Bran scowls at her and takes a step back.

"Why did you do that Sulis? I told you I have a mate..." He grimaces and his shoulders slump. I look at Sulis and struggle for an eager expression.

"Sulis? The life-giver and curse maker? I've heard so much about you." Sulis brushes at her dress as she straightens to look at me.

"Have you? And you are..."

"Abna but I prefer Ash. Anyway I've been trying to brush up on my magic and was hoping to look at some of your curses. For tips." Her cat like eyes narrow slightly as she glances at Bran.

"Yes, I'd heard you'd been found. With two very beautiful wolf mates at that." Pretending I didn't notice her suggestiveness towards my mates cause I can't rip her throat out, yet, I smile and nod.

"Yes, yes. Could I borrow the book, please. Just til the party. I'm really hopeless at curses." She glances once more at Bran who's watching us suspiciously. Like he knows something is going on but he just can't figure out what. Both Sulis and I focus on each other as she smiles slightly and holds out her hand as she slides closer to Bran, who looks at her oddly.

"Book of curses please." I struggle to look at the book and not Noella's hands but it isn't working so I glance briefly at Bruiser who's staring at Noella and glancing at Bran with a shocked expression. Yes! An ally. He found out on his own so I can use him now. I smile brighter as Sulis hands me the book.