Chapter 473

I turned to the kitchen and grabbed everything I needed. “Did you find everything?” I looked at Toya.

She nodded. “Once again, Carl knew exactly what would be needed. It was in the cupboard above the fridge.” Toya chuckled. “He actually left a note taped to the bottom of a shelf with Abby’s and my name on it.” She grabbed an envelope from the counter and handed it to me.

Abby’s name was in bold, but Toya’s name was also on it. I slipped the letter from the envelope and skimmed it.

Toya,

I know you’re looking for everything Amy will need to save Abby. I put everything up above the fridge so you guys wouldn’t actually use it to season dinner.

It’s going to be hard to watch, but you need to make sure the parents allow Amy to work. Make sure Wendy and Ainsley know as well; you might have to hold back a couple of wolves. And when I say might, I mean you will.

Carl.

P.S. Tell Carly I love her. I don’t want her to ever forget it.

I had to swallow past the lump in my throat. Oh, Carl. I put the letter away and looked at Toya, raising my eyebrow.

“We are ready. Your mom even got some rope to tie them down if we need to.” I nodded and wiped my face. “You got this, Amy. We believe in you.” She rubbed my back and then walked over to the far counter, grabbed a small box, and handed it to me. “Go save that little girl.” I took the box, put it down, and hugged Toya. “What’s this?”

I sighed. “I just needed it.” I sighed as she slid her arms around me, supporting me. “It’s been a rough day.”

She nodded against my shoulder. “Your mom heard from your dad.” She rubbed my back. “It sounded horrible. But we can talk about it after we cure Abby, and then have porch wine.” I laughed.

“That sounds perfect.” I let go and stepped back.

She looked me over. “You look exhausted.”

I nodded. “I am, but I have enough for this.” I grabbed the box and went back to the dining room. Abby was staring at the ceiling, doing her best to be strong. I slid the box onto the chair. “This isn’t going to be pretty.” I pulled out candles and placed them around her, starting at her head and moving clockwise. I leaned down and kissed her forehead. “This is going to be painful.” I looked at Shelly and Rick. “It’s going to look like I’m trying to torture her…kill her. But I swear on the Goddess I am saving her.” They both nodded.

Toya stepped up. “I know it’s going to go against every instinct you have as a parent. This is your pup on the table. I’m not even sure what’s going to happen, but the three of us are here to protect you from yourselves.” My mom and Wendy stepped up beside them. Rick looked down at my mom.

Wendy held out her hand to him. “Hey Ains.” He was trying his best to seem strong.

“Hey Rick.” She smiled, holding out her hand. “You have grown up so much.”

He chuckled, considering her offer. He nodded and slowly held his hand out. “Yeah, a lot has changed since I was the little boy on your front porch.” My mom winked at him.

“Not as much as you think.” She nodded to Abby. “You have an amazing little girl.”

He nodded. “That I do.”

Wendy held her hand out for Shelly, who grabbed it without hesitation. “Thank you.”

“You are very welcome. And I know you will hate me pretty soon, but I won’t take it to heart.” She smiled. “But we are going to save your little family.” Wendy nodded to Toya. “Make sure she reads the note in the box before she starts.”

Toya snapped her fingers. “Right.” Toya pulled out a small piece of paper and handed it to me. I quickly read the words and groaned internally, but I shook it off. We will figure it out as we had to. I pulled out the bowl and threw the cotton balls inside.

I laid out everything, then I heard little footsteps. Carly was holding my Book of Shadows, her eyes a veil of white. “You will need this, Tri-spirit. Your work tonight will be long, but important.” She sighed. “Vince did more than you think. Hidden runes, hidden curses. Tonight will stretch you to the end of your rope, but it will be your strength and determination that will make the final decision. Will you swing free from his manipulation or hang from it?” She trembled and then dropped. Alannah scrambled as she dove to catch her.

“Is it always like this?” Her voice was filled with worry.

I walked over and took the book. I bobbed my head. “Kinda.” I smiled as I turned away, but my stomach was a twisted ball of knots. What the fuck is going on?