The Anxiety of Kalix the Werewolf (47 page)

“I wouldn't say being a model was much of a talent,” said Dominil.

“Neither would I. But people make a living from it. You made quite an impression.” Distikka looked down at herself. “I don't like wearing this dress.”

“Then we have something in common,” said Dominil. “I don't like my high heels.”

“Are you any closer to finding the Guild's headquarters?”

It was an abrupt change of subject. Dominil didn't react, but Distikka knew she'd surprised her.

“It's obvious to me that you came here to learn the whereabouts of the Avenaris Guild.”

“Is it?”

“Yes. It seems like a hopeless endeavor, but I can see why you attempted it. The Guild has gained the upper hand. You can't fight back if you can't find them.” Distikka looked around her coolly. “Who are you targeting? Kabachetka? Gezinka?”

“I'm targeting you,” said Dominil.

“Ah. Well, that would make sense. I do know the address of the Guild's headquarters. But I'm not going to tell you.”

“Why not?”

“Why would I?”

“They mean nothing to you.”

Distikka considered this. “True. But the Empress is keen for them to succeed and, for the moment, I'm reliant on the Empress's goodwill.”

“How unfortunate for you,” said Dominil. “Lackey to a foolish creature like Kabachetka? Don't you think you should be doing something more worthwhile?”

It was Distikka's turn to fall silent. She rallied quickly. “Having burned my bridges with the Hiyasta, rather spectacularly, I must live with the Hainusta. As the Empress's guest, I need to remain on her good side.”

There was a faint trace of a sneer on Dominil's face. “I wouldn't do it.”

“Really? And what would you do?”

“I'd live quietly in poverty rather than be a servant to some idiotic Empress.”

“I had quite enough poverty in my youth. But we seem to be straying from the point.”

“If the point is the location of the Avenaris Guild,” said Dominil, “you already insisted you weren't going to tell me.”

“I presume I'm not your main target. No doubt your companions are also trying to learn the address. They won't succeed.”

They sat in silence for a while, sipping champagne. The auction had begun, and there was some excitement in the room as bids were made.

“The Courtauld Gallery is a fine place,” said Distikka. “I was entranced by Degas's sculptures.”

“I like them too.”

“It's a pleasure to meet someone so intelligent and civilized.” Distikka leaned over the table. “You should abandon this. All the werewolves will end up dead, including you.”

Dominil leaned forward. “Perhaps all the werewolf hunters will end up dead instead. And their helpers.”

Distikka smiled. When she smiled, which was rarely, she looked very young, with her short hair and small stature. “I like you, Dominil. But I'll kill you if you get in my way.”

“I'll kill you if you get in my way.”

“I'm disappointed.”

“That I'll kill you?” asked Dominil.

“No. That you didn't also say you liked me.”

“I like very few people, Distikka.”

CHAPTER 88

Moonglow was pleased that all of her friends had managed to model successfully. No one had plummeted from the runway or attacked the audience. She counted that as a success. William was less impressed. He'd looked on askance as Kalix marched angrily down the catwalk.

“Is that blood on her arm?”

“Probably just scratched herself on a zipper,” said Moonglow.

“She looks like she's about to kill someone.”

“She can be a bit temperamental,” admitted Moonglow.

“What's she like to live with?”

“Fine. Always has a good word for everyone. And she's very helpful around the house.”

William had looked dubious.

“She's a good model,” said Moonglow. “She looks really beautiful.”

“Maybe.”

“Maybe?
She is.”

“I suppose so,” said William. “But when I'm on a date I've never found it wise to describe anyone else as beautiful.”

Moonglow laughed. “I think it's OK on this sort of pretend date.”

“All right,” said William. “She is really beautiful. But I'm not sure I'd like to share a flat with her.”

They watched as Vex appeared, careering cheerfully down the runway. She'd made a lot of effort with her hair, bleaching, spiking and teasing it out. Under the spotlights her dark features appeared to be surrounded by a halo of light.

“It's like a bleached afro,” said William. “You don't often see that.”

Next Dominil strode down the runway.

“Your designer friend certainly knows how to pick models that stand out from the crowd,” said William. “How long does it take her to make herself look like that?”

“No time at all,” said Moonglow. “Dominil looks like that naturally.”

“Even the white hair?”

“Yes.”

“Do they all come from some family of beautiful vampires or something?”

“I like Thrix's clothes designs,” said Moonglow, hastily changing the subject.

William had liked them too, and they were in a quite animated discussion about current fashion when William suddenly paused and looked around.

“My mother's bound to appear soon. She'll pretend she has some reason, but really she'll be wanting to check you out.”

“I'm sure your mother isn't as bad as you make out,” said Moonglow.

“Wait till you meet her. She can be intimidating.”

“Is she worried I might get my claws into the family fortune?” asked Moonglow. She meant it in good humor, but William looked embarrassed.

“Among other things. She never seems to approve of any girlfriend I pretend to have.”

“It will be fine,” said Moonglow confidently.

“I hope so. Meeting my mother on a first date is a lot to ask. Especially as you've come here for a different reason.”

“What?” said Moonglow.

“The man you were trying to meet?”

Moonglow had been having such an enjoyable time with William that she'd forgotten she'd pretended her reason for coming to the ball was to meet someone she thought would be here.

“Right. I don't think he's here yet. Probably he'll just turn up for the ball. He's a keen dancer.” Moonglow bit her lip and wondered why she'd said that.

“William, there you are.” William's mother arrived at the table having successfully maneuvered her way toward them without being observed. She was younger looking and more glamorous than Moonglow had expected. She was slender, her hair was very blonde, and she wore an elegant white evening gown and a diamond necklace.

“Are you going to introduce me?” she asked.

“This is Moonglow,” said William, standing up.

“Moonglow?” said William's mother. “Such an unusual name. William, could you please pop backstage for me? I forgot to bring my bag, you'll find it at the table with my name on it.”

“Uh . . . Do I . . .” William hesitated to leave Moonglow, but could find no reason not to go. “I'll be as quick as I can,” he said.

“No rush,” said his mother. “I always enjoy having a little chat with your girlfriends.”

CHAPTER 89

As Dominil had predicted, there was tight security around the ball. The hotel entrance was a narrow space, easily guarded, but the extensive gardens at the back leading down to the River Thames required more protection. The organizers had hired a large group of uniformed security guards who had already turned back several uninvited guests and kept a watchful eye on all river traffic.

Decembrius waited till dusk, then slunk into the bushes at the edge of Victoria Embankment. He emerged as a werewolf, in the shadows of the ancient Prince Henry's Tower. The tower was solid, black and smooth, and appeared unscalable. Decembrius studied the edifice.

I might make it to the top, he thought. He was a skillful climber. As a werewolf he'd scaled many tall buildings. But I might not.

He took a coin from his pocket and turned it over in his fingers.
I'm sure this isn't going to work
.

Decembrius pressed the coin to the wall and spoke the words the Enchantress had told him to say: “Minerva's silver ladder.”

Tiny tendrils of wispy gray smoke emerged from the coin, forming themselves into a ropelike ladder which quickly grew until it reached the top of the tower.

How about that, thought Decembrius. Thrix's sorcery is actually useful for something besides designing clothes.

The strands of the ladder were thin and translucent, almost invisible in the darkness. Decembrius began to climb. The sorcerous ladder felt wispy and insecure, but he reached the top without incident.

“Ladder disappear,” he said. The ladder vanished. Decembrius turned his attention to the gardens below. As yet there was no one there apart from the security men, most of whom were concentrating on the river. Beneath him, the inner face of the tower sloped gently to the ground. There were many ridges and ledges, making it an easy descent. He dropped into the gardens.

“Time to prowl.”

Decembrius disappeared into a thick clump of bushes, protected by his dark red werewolf pelt, and made his way toward a tree. With an athletic leap, he pulled himself into the lower branches, climbed higher, then settled down to watch. He looked over toward the rear of the hotel. The thought of Kalix modeling clothes made him smile. He knew she'd hate it. His smile disappeared quickly. The depression over Kalix hadn't lifted. One reason he'd agreed to stand guard was simply the opportunity of seeing her. Decembrius wasn't happy to acknowledge this to himself but he knew it was true.

As if it wasn't bad enough that I've been whining to everyone, including my mother, about Kalix, now I seem to have moved on to actually stalking her. It's pathetic
.

Decembrius shook his head. He really couldn't believe he'd talked to his mother about Kalix. He gazed at the hotel, imagining the ball.

She's probably in there with her boyfriend. She'll come into the gardens, she'll know I'm here and she'll think I'm following her. I should have told Dominil I didn't want to do this
.

Not, Decembrius reflected, that he had much else to do. His life seemed to be empty these days. Like certain other MacRinnalchs, Decembrius wasn't clear how to move forward. He lay on a branch, hidden in the shadows, safe from observation, and waited for something to happen. He wasn't really expecting the werewolf hunters to turn up, but if they did he wouldn't mind. Decembrius did not go looking for fights, but he had no hesitation in joining one if necessary.

And after that I'd still be unhappy about Kalix, he thought, and growled softly to himself.

CHAPTER 90

“Wasn't it great being models?” Vex had enjoyed the whole experience.

Kalix shuddered. “I'm never doing it again. I need some fresh air. I'm going out to the gardens.”

“You can't. We have to seduce Bakmer.”

Kalix scowled. “Stop saying ‘seduce.' We don't have to seduce anyone. We just have to spy.”

“OK, we've got to spy on Bakmer.”

“I'm too stressed. I need to escape for a while.”

“I thought this mission was really important for werewolves?”

“It is. But . . .” Kalix suddenly felt hopeless. Everything was feeling too difficult, and her anxiety was still at a high level.

“Come on,” said Vex. “It's not that bad.”

The young Fire Elemental placed her hand on the back of Kalix's neck. Kalix felt a very small amount of heat spread into her body.

“What was that?”

“Hiyasta healing power,” said Vex. She looked pleased with herself. “I've been practicing on flowers. Do you feel better?”

“Uh . . .” Kalix had hardly felt anything, but she appreciated Vex's effort and didn't want to be rude. “A bit better. All right, let's go and look at this Bakmer,” she said. “But I don't know how we're meant to learn anything. Everyone we're spying on seems to know we're spying on them.”

“I thought that might be a problem too,” said Vex. “But every time anyone said anything Dominil just said we were to use our initiative. How's your initiative?”

“Useless.”

They passed through the curtain, out into the busy room where the auction was in progress. Vex spotted Adviser Bakmer immediately. He was younger than Kalix had expected, appearing to be no more than thirty. His evening dress suited him well, but as he sat on his own, he looked ill at ease.