Chapter 272: Pender Tremere

One call was all it took. The coven flooded to my aid, several members arriving in short order to whisk the Enforcer back to the house. I chose to ride the veil, figuring it was good practice, but more so wanting the time to myself.

I beat them home, coming face-to-face with Mom as I emerged in the back yard. She didn't say anything, just hugged me and led me back inside. Sassy grabbed me the moment I walked in and hugged me too, silently. I'd almost forgotten all about him, about Dad and the rest of the mess in the face of the Dumonts and the dying Enforcer.

Tires peeled up and two of our more burly witches guided the man's black-clad body into the house. Mom leaped into action, gesturing imperiously for them to place him on the kitchen table. One swipe and the matching salt and pepper shakers and napkin holder were magicked safely to the counter, leaving the table free for surgery.

Mom's hands acted quickly, pulling away Pender's cloak. Everyone gasped, even me. A thin, short-hand