Page 66 of The Chosen One Universe: Volume One

Sam

As reality sank in, Sam tried desperately to remember any of the lessons Zaire had taught them about magic. Henry whimpered and Sam held him close, tucking the blanket he still had clenched in his arms around Henry’s shivering body.

He’d even managed to hold onto the socks somehow. He stuffed them in his pocket while he continued to wrap one arm around Henry. “I’m here. You aren’t alone, Henry. I’m here.”

“The bad magic, Sam.”

Mrs. Foote. At least he had a face to put on whoever had taken them.

“Okay. Let’s think this through,” Sam said. “Can you feel the wards?”

“The trap, Sam. Zaire said to not call it a ward because wards don’t hurt.”

“That’s right. I forgot. Do you feel the trap?”

Henry nodded.

“And can your magic get through it?”

Tears filled Henry’s eyes. “It’ll hurt. It always hurts.”

“Okay.”

Sam scrambled to think of something but before he could come up with any other ideas, the door opened, and Mrs. Foote walked into the room. She looked gaunt and haggard, and she’d definitely lost weight since they’d seen her last. Something had definitely done a number on her. Far less than she deserved, Sam was certain.

“Who are you?” she said.

“Sam.” He tucked Henry safely behind him and faced her. “Exactly what do you think you’re doing? You do know he’s under the protection of our pack now?”

She scoffed. “You think I’m scared of the big, bad wolf? There’s much scarier things out there, Sam.” She sneered his name and took another step toward him. The tips of her fingers began to crackle with blue energy.

Sam fought to keep the fear from his expression. Then he remembered the track Vaughn had taken the first time they encountered this poor excuse for a human being. “You think I’m talking about the wolves?” Sam asked. He smirked and reached behind him. “Show her, Henry. Show her whose protection you’re under.”

Henry held out his arm, revealing the leather band Meshaq had given him a few days before. The red stone glistened, and she glanced at it curiously.

“Oh, right,” Sam sneered as he tucked Henry safely behind him again. “You’re not familiar with the hellhounds. Meshaq has become quite attached to Henry.”

“I need him,” she screeched. “I need his magic.”

“You can’t have it,” Sam said.

Her fingers continued to trickle with blue light and Henry began to tremble behind him. “And you know,” Sam continued, “I’m a hundred percent human. Wonder how fast the hellhounds would come if you used your magic on me? You’re not hurting shifters this time, or even a young mage. No, I’m wholly human and you know what that means. I’m off limits.”

“No!” She screamed and bolted forward, her fingers sparking and ready for him. Sam braced himself, grabbing her wrists and flinging her to the side as she hit him.

Pain shot through his arms, a burst of electricity shocking him. He trembled but fought for control, intent on keeping Henry safe. She hit the wall and spun around before starting back toward him. “Careful,” Sam said. “You may want to rethink this.”

She continued breathing heavily. “I have to have him. You don’t understand.”

“No, I don’t. He’s just a little boy, and he has protectors now. I don’t know what you’re up to, but it needs to stop.”

“He’s going to kill me,” she snarled. “I have to bring him the boy’s magic. Get out of my way.”

Sam thought quickly, trying to think of some way to distract her further. “You can’t take what isn’t there.”

He reached behind himself and felt for Henry’s arm, giving him a little squeeze that he hoped Henry would understand. He needed him to play along.

She gasped, looking at him with terror-filled eyes. “What?”