The Raven and the Witch Hunter Omnibus

BIG BEAR CHAPTER 14-2

NIGHT FELL IN THEIR cozy apartment, with laughter and Chinese takeout adding spice to the evening. Cat and Vanessa laughed at stories of Emma Jane's past bloopers, while Cat embarrassed Vanessa with tales from their childhood in which she didn't come out looking like the strong and capable woman she currently was. They'd just finished eating when Evelyn came over, looking drawn and worried. Cat got up, while Vanessa and Emma Jane watched from the couch with concern.

"Are you okay?" Cat moved closer, resting her hand on Evelyn's shoulder while Vanessa watched, almost positive that Cat was sending healing energy into their tired friend.

Evelyn shook her head then sighed, as she looked at Cat with worry. "It’s not me, I'm fine. It’s Zahara. I've been seeing her in my dreams for the last few nights and I think she's in danger. I need to go and see what's happening in real life.” Evelyn shook her head again, a scared look in her eyes. “I think something’s coming after her, but everything's blurry, so I can’t see what it is. Maybe if I can talk to her in person, I can figure out what’s going to happen."

Cat gave Evelyn a hug before letting go. "How bad?"

Evelyn exhaled shakily. "I'm not sure. But I know it’s big. I'm leaving for Scotland through Summerland tomorrow morning and I don't know when I'll be back."

Cat looked at Vanessa, who could tell that her sister was conflicted, but wasn’t sure why.

"What is it?" Vanessa asked, curious what was going through her sister's mind.

"My last exam was yesterday. We don't start again until after winter break is over. I wanted to go with you to see Mom and Dad, to see their faces when you tell them the news, but..." Cat trailed off.

Vanessa knew exactly what she was thinking. "It's fine, Cat. I still have a few weeks of shooting left before I can take any more time off. I shouldn't have had time for a vacation right now, but with all the murders and stuff, shooting was off schedule and the director was overwhelmed. Be back for Christmas, if you can? Maybe we can have another small wedding celebration then."

Cat smiled gratefully before turning to Evelyn. "I'm coming with you."

Evelyn appeared taken aback. "What? No, I can't ask you to take time off school like that."

Cat shook her head, firming her jaw. "I just said I'm done for a few weeks. I can always come back before you, but I don't like the look on your face. I have a feeling my power may be useful for that reason alone. Zahara's my friend too. I can't let you go over to Scotland on your own. You'll need someone to watch your back," said Cat. She gave Evelyn a stern look, before adding more playfully, "besides, Mrs. Khan makes some truly delicious pakoras. I've missed them ever since we left. Give me an hour to pack my stuff and I'll be ready to go."

Evelyn smiled, shaking her head with amusement at Cat’s reply. "I'd love to have you with me, so I won't say no. It'll be just like old times."

"Well, sort of," said Vanessa.

She got up from the couch to stand beside Cat and showed Evelyn her ring.

Evelyn took her hand, admiring the emerald. "Congratulations! I'm so happy everything worked out for you lovebirds. I’m sorry I couldn't say more before." Evelyn gave an apologetic shrug.

Vanessa wrinkled her nose. "I get it. You can't give away all the details or the outcome could change. Man, I prefer my powers to what you two got saddled with. I can fly and use the air as my toy, but have no pesky extra knowledge, which I much prefer."

Evelyn raised an eyebrow then looked at Emma Jane who was sitting on the couch watching them quietly.

"How are you making out, being surrounded by such a loud group?"

Emma Jane looked at her, calm radiating out from her. "I've never felt happier or more at home then I feel here. I'm so grateful for your help and can never repay you for what you've done for me."

Evelyn waved her thanks away. "Pshaw. Go on with you now. This was your destiny, you just didn't know it. I barely even told you where to look. You and Vanessa were the ones who came through all the obstacles and earned your happy ending."

Emma Jane dipped her head in acknowledgment. "Still, thank you a million times over. If you ever need help, I’ll always be there for you."

"I'll remember that," Evelyn replied. "Still, you'll be busy on your own battlefront in the future, so we'll touch base when needed. For now, it's all good," she said, smiling.

"Most likely you’re right. Evil never rests, unfortunately." Emma Jane looked wistful.

Vanessa crossed her arms firmly. "Well, I don't care what evil is doing. It's going to give Emma Jane the next few weeks off to enjoy married life before it comes knocking on our door. And that's an order."

Vanessa punctuated her sentence with a firm nod, causing Evelyn to shake her head and laugh.

"Well, of course! I'm sure things will conspire to give you a few day's rest. I'm going to go pack my things and head to bed early tonight. It's an eight-hour time difference from here to Edinburgh and I'm hoping if we leave first thing, we can be at the Khan's by supper tomorrow."

"Good idea," Cat agreed. "I'll pack my stuff too. Sorry I can't stay longer guys, but I think a few days, or weeks, of me being away will be a nice chance for you two to settle into married life. Send me a text if you need anything, okay?"

Vanessa and Emma Jane assured Cat they would, then said goodbye to Evelyn and goodnight to Cat, heading to bed themselves. They lay in the moonlight, holding each other while they both marveled over the fork in the road that had turned into their relationship. Neither of them had seen it coming, but it had arrived at a point when Vanessa had been lonelier than she'd ever been and when Emma Jane had completely given up on the thought of happily ever after. And now they lay together in complete contentment as the moon tracked over the clear and starry sky. They didn't know what tomorrow or the next day would bring, but tonight they were together.

Life was perfect.