Normally, I’m the one owed favors by other hunters rather than the other way around because I’m who they call when no one else can handle the ‘problem’ whatever that might be.

Also because I absolutely despise being in someone else’s debt.

The phone call I got earlier today was a perfect example of why I hate owing a debt.

Loki and Zevi had finally stopped ageing at an accelerated rate and looked to be about two years old by human standards, so I was filling out paperwork to enroll them in a local preschool while I had a few minutes of free time, but of course the free time didn’t last long.

The old rotary phone on the shop wall started ringing and I reached out to answer without even looking back, only half paying attention to the call.

“Dogwood Apothecary, how may I help you?” The voice on the other hand chuckled.

My muscles tensed and I straightened up as I recognized the sound.

“You know, even when you gave me this number and said it was to a place like that, I never expected it to be true.” I swallowed hard on the snarl that threatened to peel back my lips.

“Parker,” my voice was cold and even instead as I leaned back against the wall of shelves behind me, spinning the pen in my free hand across my knuckles as if it were my knife, “what do you want?”

“You owe me, Wildes,” I bared my teeth at the way he spoke as if holding it above me, “or did you forget?” Instead of taking the bait, I let an exaggerated sigh slip through my teeth.

“I’m a busy person, Parker, I’d appreciate it if you didn’t waste my time, so I suggest you get to the point quickly.”

“We’re all busy, save it for someone who—” I didn’t let him get further.

“Alright, bye then,” I started to hang up, but Parker began shouting into the other end.

“Wait! Really, I need to call in the favor.” I lifted the phone back to my ear.

“I don’t like having to repeat myself.” He exhaled slowly, maybe in relief—it was a lot harder for me to read people on their voice alone.

“I have this buddy trying to move something... rare... our kind of rare, and he needs someone with a reputation to confirm it or the buyer won’t bite.” I pinched the bridge of my nose between my fingers, closing my eyes and taking a deep breath.

“And you want me to do it?” There was a grunt on the other end that I assumed was a yes. “And what, pray tell, am I supposed to be verifying?”

“A Béluæ.” I was quiet for a long time when he said that, struggling to keep myself from cracking the receiver in my hand as my grip tightened.

“So that’s why it had to be me, not just some other hunter,” I was quiet when I spoke, “because I have Soul Collector blood.” There was another affirmative grunt and I took another deep breath, exhaling through my teeth. “Fine, but after this, you lose my number.” I paused, finally setting the pen down and putting the preschool paperwork in a folder under the counter before I broke the silence again, “Where am I going?”

“I knew you’d do it—” I could hear the triumph in his voice and it made me want to punch him.

“Where, Parker.” It was more of a growl than a question that time, but still it got the point across.

“Palm Bay, Florida. Give me a call when you hit town, I’ll give you the address.” I frowned slightly, hanging up before I leaned heavily on the counter and let out a sound half groan and half growl.

“Fucking Florida,” I muttered the words—I don’t do so well in more tropical climates—and took a deep breath, running my fingers through my hair as I tried to find a silver lining.

If there was one, I wasn’t finding it.

After a few more minutes of pointless procrastination, I shook my head and straightened up, slipping through the door into the back where Michael was sitting at the desk with a book. “Michael.” He looked up at me in question over the rims of his glasses, “I just got a call about a job,” a sort of unspoken understanding filled his expression and he leaned back in the chair, “if you need help with the pups, call Jesse.” He nodded slightly as I unlocked my cabinet and pulled out my duffel and a tungsten and silver glaive with a telescoping shaft. “I’ll see you when I get back.” I started to go without another word, but he caught my arm in his grip despite the fact I flinched away from the contact.

“I know I’m still on thin ice with you,” he paused with a very obvious fake smile, though he was getting better at that, “but come back safe.” I nodded slightly, not sure how to respond before he let go of my arm and returned to his book. I left my bag by the back door and took the stairs two at a time.

“Loki, Zevi,” I called through their door before opening it slowly to find the two of them immersed in a game of war with toy soldiers, legos, and lincoln logs.

“Mum,” Loki looked up excitedly and Zevi grinned when they heard me come in; it almost broke my heart that I had to leave.

“Hey, who’s winning?” I crouched beside them, a smile playing at my lips as I observed the little battlefield while they—Loki, mostly—rattled off who was involved and why even if a lot of it didn’t make sense in the real world. After a long pause, Zevi finally spoke up for more than a few seconds.

“You have to go, don’t you?” I reached out to ruffle his hair and tried to sound light hearted.

“Yeah, I’ll be gone for a while,” I forced a smile, “but I’ll have lots of stories to tell you when I get back, alright?” They clung to me for a few minutes in silent goodbyes and I kissed the top of their heads in return, Alix’s words echoing in my head:

Do you know why you never say goodbye? It's because even though you know you may be going off to never come back, you also know that you might come back, and saying goodbye is preparing for the worst.

Goodbye is a confirmation.

“Good hunting, mum.” I laughed softly as the boys drew me back from the memory.

“Be good, alright, go easy on Michael.” I climbed to my feet and started to leave, but Zevi clung to my leg a moment longer. I touched his back in a light signal before lifting him up to rest on my hip, “What’s wrong, love?” He pressed a toy soldier into my hand and I frowned.

“This one is you.” I laughed quietly as I examined the little green man; a sniper laying on an invisible hill, “She’ll make sure you come home, just like you do for other people.” My gaze shifted to look him over for a long time in silence.

“Who told you that’s what I do?” Zevi’s small smile lit up his pale blue eyes and I could swear it was infectious, tugging at my lips too.

“Jack did.” I took a deep breath, shaking my head slightly.

“He has a very different way of looking at things than most people do.” Still I smiled and tucked the little army man into my pocket, “I’ll come home,” I set Zevi back on the floor beside his brother and stepped back toward the door, “promise.” Then I slipped back out the door and down the stairs to retrieve my duffle before heading out to start the long drive to Florida.