Harley Merlin 12 by Bella Forrest (story books to read TXT) 📗

I’m sure Tobe would be happy to talk with you for a while. He’s good like that. Honestly, I think everyone who meets him falls in love a little bit.”

I wrinkled my nose. “Gross.”

“You’re no exception, Finch. I’ve seen you go in for a hug when you think nobody’s watching,” she replied, grinning. Luke smirked, no doubt stowing that knowledge away for a rainy day.

“Hey, sometimes a man just needs to be held by a six-foot-something lion-eagle hybrid!” Tobe really did give damn good hugs. A living teddy bear, exactly what a person needed.

We headed back inside the Fleet Science Center, past the warring brats and through the fire exit behind Kid City. Melody and Luke waited behind us as Harley did the honors. She placed her hands on the door, said the Aperi Portam spell… and nothing happened.

“Having problems?” I poked my head over her shoulder. “Does it need a gentler touch?”

“No, I’ve got it.” She tried again, but the door didn’t open.

“Is everything okay?” Melody fidgeted. Could the coven sense what she was?

Harley pushed her hand firmly against the door. “It’s fine, it’s just stubborn. After everything that happened last year, it’s got a vendetta against newcomers.”

“Ah, yes, the sentience of a coven.” Melody’s eyes twinkled, and I sensed another incoming encyclopedia entry. “It’s fascinating how they have a life of their own, in a way. They are living, breathing entities, the same way we are. Magicals often forget that. Some aren’t even aware of it.”

“I said, APERI PORTAM!” Harley boomed at the poor door. The words thundered out of her like she was about to wrangle a horde of gargoyles. The interdimensional bubble fizzed in fright, and the door popped open a second later.

As head tour guide, minus the flag and name badge, Harley took us straight to the Bestiary. It looked like she couldn’t resist Melody’s passion for knowledge, either. The entire trek, Melody prattled on about covens, Purge beasts, the former directors of the SDC, and a million other things. I let her voice wash over me, not because she bored me, but because I just didn’t have the stamina to listen.

Harley shoved the heavy double doors that opened out onto the majesty of the Bestiary. I doubted the novelty would ever wear off. Melody’s eyes transformed into saucers.

“Oh my,” she gasped.

I flashed her a smile. “Lions, and tigers, and bears.”

Speaking of lions, Tobe stood before the huge atrium, its silvery veins sparking and glinting as it sent power to all the covens of the world. Another figure stood with him, the two of them in deep conversation.

“Is that Leonidas Levi?” Melody whispered, her voice filled with awe.

I puffed out a breath. “Unfortunately, yeah.”

He didn’t look good. Sweat drenched his white shirt, which made for uncomfortable viewing—I could see more of Levi’s chesticles than I’d ever wanted to. Dark circles ringed his eyes, and he looked to be panting despite standing still. Every couple seconds, he mopped his forehead and neck with a dirty-looking handkerchief. Ugh…

“Tobe, we’ve got someone here to—” I started to introduce Melody, but she beat me to the punch.

“It’s an honor, Mr. Beast Master!” She actually bowed. “My name is Melody Winchester, and I’ve been looking forward to meeting you for such a long time. And, may I say, you have a beautiful Bestiary. Honestly, my mind is blown. This is all so… amazing.”

Tobe flashed his fangs in a surprised smile. “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Winchester. I would be delighted to show you more of the Bestiary, once I finish this discussion with Mr. Levi.”

“Forget it. We were done anyway,” Levi muttered. Who peed in his cornflakes?

Harley tilted her head. “Are you okay, Levi?”

“I’m fine. Why wouldn’t I be fine when it is about a hundred degrees in here and my head is pounding?” He smeared the handkerchief over his brow. “You go and show them around, Tobe. I need to sit for a minute and catch my breath. Must you keep it so warm in here?” He fanned himself with his hand.

“It is not so warm, Levi.” Tobe put his paw on Levi’s shoulder. “Are you sure you are quite well? Perhaps you should visit Dr. Krieger.”

“I’ve got too much to do to bother with doctors,” Levi huffed and sat on the nearest glass box. “Go on, what are you all gawping at? Pay no attention to me while I slowly melt. If you find a puddle when you return, pour me in a jar and bury me.”

Tobe ushered us away. “I think it may be best to leave him to his own devices.”

I glanced over my shoulder as Tobe led us to a different part of the Bestiary. Levi hunched over, dabbing his face and taking deep breaths. He definitely needed to see Krieger, even if it was only a case of man-flu.

“If anything specific tickles your fancy, Miss Winchester, you must tell me, and I will ensure you get ample viewing time.” Tobe paused beside a large box with swirling black smoke inside. He sang softly, and unexpected tears sprang to my eyes. His voice urged the black smoke to solidify. Four creatures appeared, with the legs of goats and the upper halves of men. They trotted up to the pane and peered out.

“What’s that song?” Melody sniffled, wiping her eyes. Even Luke seemed to be having trouble.

“It is the Song of the Satyrs,” Tobe replied. The song lingered in the air, choking me up.

Melody approached the glass. “These are satyrs?”

“They are, Miss Winchester.” Tobe stood beside her, his arms tucked behind his back underneath his folded wings. “I thought we could begin with the most familiar Purge beasts before moving on to the more obscure creatures.”

“They’re beautiful,” Melody whispered. “I knew they would be.”

Tobe smiled. “I am pleased you think so.”

“So, where are the others?” I sidled up to Harley while Melody admired the satyrs.

“You’ll see them soon enough,” she replied distractedly. “Right now, I’m more interested in your new friend. Who