Read Arcane Magic (Stella Mayweather Series) for Free Online Page B

fours. Not only that, but the wide expanse of woodland surrounding my house would do just fine as the furry beasts' community toilet. Fortunately, that incident was never repeated, and my porch was scrubbed clean in its entirety the very next day. Two pretty chrysanthemum bushes were also planted, flanking the porch base, which I assumed was their peace offering and apology.
    "Well, now, I have one of your pack taking a snooze on my porch." Since Gage knew of my predicament and was close by, I didn't hesitate to retrace my steps, stretching one foot out to nudge the sleeping wolf as I expressed my displeasure to Gage.
    "My pack are all here at the Loup tonight," Gage told me, adding, "area meeting."
    I frowned. "I thought you were home. Your light is on and the truck is parked there."
    "Took my motorcycle. Forgot about the lights."
    I nudged the man again with my toe and he didn't move. "Another meeting?" I asked, waiting for the man to stir. He didn't and I felt my heart rate increasing. Something was wrong with the man. What if he were unconscious and needed medical help?
    "Just one pleasure of rising in the ranks." Some shouting erupted and I heard the rustle of fabric in my ear as Gage probably pressed the phone to his shirt while shouting something in response. It didn't sound polite. "Like I said, everyone's here. At least, I think they all are. Maybe someone ducked out. You recognise your visitor?"
    "Nope. Thought you might know. Looks tall, white, with dark red hair and a beard."
    "Don't recall any bearded redheads." Gage paused. "You sure it’s a wolf?"
    "Yep, I can sense it, but there's something..." I trailed off as I nudged the man with my foot one more time. Of course, that was what was "off" about him. The scent of otherness was mixed with something most unpleasant, something decaying.
    The man at my feet wasn't taking an impromptu nap.
    He was dead.
    "Stella?"
    "He's dead," I blurted. "Oh, crap, Gage, this werewolf is dead. On my porch!" Taking a step backwards, I leaned against the railings and jumped, spinning to scan my surroundings. I'd been so focused on my annoyance at a minor infiltration of my property that I barely thought to look around until now. With the phone still pressed to my ear, I cautiously began to survey my immediate surroundings. The wards weren't giving off any alarms, so that was good, plus, I was protected wherever I stood. Another step off the porch, however, and the wards guarding the house would diminish. I turned warily, half-expecting something or someone to jump out at me right before I faced it or them, but there was nothing. The woods remained still in the half light and the air seemed very silent.
    "Dead?" repeated Gage, like he didn't quite believe what I just said.
    "Definitely dead," I confirmed, not that I planned on getting close enough to feel for a pulse. I could tell from where I was standing. Just in case I wasn't being clear enough, I added slowly in a panicked voice, "There's a dead werewolf on my porch."
    "Go inside," Gage's voice became thick and urgent, accented by the heavy thud of his footsteps as he yelled out orders to his pack. "Stella, go inside right now and lock your door. I'll be there in a minute or two. Stay on the line until I get there."
    "Okay." My voice sounded like a squeak as I bounded up the steps, leaping over the dead man's legs, and pressing myself against the front door with my keys rattling in my hand. Without bothering to insert them into the lock, I simply ran my hand over the mechanism, feeling it spring open as the magic recognised me. Pushing inside, I flipped on the lights and simultaneously rammed the door shut, relocking it as fast as I could. "Gage, are you there? I'm inside," I said into the phone.
    "No, ma'am," came a different voice. "This is Jay. Gage will be with you soon. He just took off. Said I had to stay talking to you until he gets there."
    "Okay," I mumbled as I peeked through the window in my living room. The dead man