Ten long years had passed since Shawn bade his best friends Josh Sorenson and Kristin Lee a fond farewell, off to begin training as an ranger, then off again to root out the remaining Killers. With Darpassine vanquished once and for all, the Followers had scurried to the far corners of the earth, hiding in the dark places. But now they were either dead or languishing in Tromveld.
Followers were the farthest thing from Shawn's mind right now, though. He was giddy with anticipation, his heart near bursting. He was about to see Josh and Kristin again. As he walked through the streets of Wolf Crossing toward the Pub, the stars in the night sky seemed to wink at him. At the pub's doorstep, Shawn straightened his robes and took a deep breath before reaching for the door handle.
But before he could open the door, it burst open and Miles tumbled out and sprawled onto the street. In the doorway stood George and his henchmen and Beedle, guffawing and holding their sides.
Shawn helped Miles to his feet.
"Thanks, Shawn. And hullo. It's great to see you," Miles gushed, vigorously shaking Shawn's hand.
"Great to see you too, Miles," Shawn said with a grin.
Miles entered the pub first, giving George, Beedle and Stuart a dirty look. The three goons snickered as he passed. When they saw Shawn, however, Beedle and Stuart shut right up, glowering. George threw an insult Shawn's way. "Well, well, look what the cat dragged in."
Without missing a beat Shawn pointed to the trio and said cheekily, "It's nothing compared to what the cat coughed up." He heard knuckles crack and a fist pounded in a palm as he passed. Some things never change, he sighed to himself.
George started to say something in response but was drowned out by a high-pitched squeal. Suddenly a pair of arms enveloped Shawn in a tight hug, and a mass of bushy brown hair smothered his face. "Shawn! You're here!" Kristin cried. "I've missed you so much!" She planted a big kiss on Shawn's cheek.
In her enthusiasm, Kristin was squeezing the air out of Shawn. In a hoarse cough he said, "I've missed you too, Kristin. Can you not hug me so tightly?"
"Oh, sorry," Kristin said as she released him. Shawn grinned. He looked her up and down. She was even prettier now than when they were schoolmates. But it was more than admiration. As his groin stirred he realized he was attracted to Kristin as more than just a friend. For the first time in his life, Shawn felt lust for her.
Before Shawn could dwell on this development Josh stepped forward, his hand extended. "Welcome back, Shawn."
"Glad to be back, mate," Shawn replied, shaking Josh's hand. "How've you been?"
Before Josh could answer, George broke in. "Yes, Sorenson, how are things at your shop? Burned anymore of my property lately?" he sneered. Beedle and Stuart guffawed.
Josh's face reddened. His broom shop had nearly burned to the ground the month before. "If I find out you had something to do with the destruction of my business, so help me I'll..."
George clucked his tongue. "Now, now, Sorensen. Don't say anything you might regret later."
Angry beyond words, Shawn made to step up to George but Josh held him back. George didn't seem to notice. He, Beedle and Stuart went to join a loud and visibly drunk Missy Miller and her equally loud and inebriated friends.
Shawn glared after them before turning back to his friends. "What was that about? Why did you let George walk all over you? You could've flattened the git. We're not at The Academy anymore."
Josh leaned forward. "Things changed while you were away, Shawn," he explained sheepishly, his voice barely above a whisper. "George practically owns Wolf Crossing. He can pretty much do what he wants."
"What are you talking about?" Shawn asked, incredulous.
Josh continued, glancing furtively around. "After Morton George's death, Byron took over managing the family fortune. Soon he was buying magical properties like mad. He owns several towns, including Wolf Crossing. He owns the land my business and my house are on."
Kristin piped in. "At least George will never own The Academy," she declared defiantly.
Josh beamed at her. "Kristin's a professor at The Academy."
"Brilliant!" Shawn exclaimed. "What subject? Arithomancy?"
Kristin nodded, smiling modestly.
"Cool, said Shawn. "Listen, I want to hear all about it. But let me quickly say hello to a few people before we catch up. There's loads to talk about. Grab a table in the corner. I'll be back in a few minutes. 'Kay?"
"Sure, Shawn," Josh and Kristin agreed. Shawn made his rounds and rejoined his Josh and Kristin at a corner table. As he sat down, Shawn couldn't help but notice that Kristin's slender hand was on Josh's thigh under the table. Shawn felt a twinge of emotion. Was it jealousy? No, that wasn't it. He did not want to take Kristin away from Josh. He would never do anything to hurt his friends. He loved them too much.
Shawn arched an eyebrow and grinned slyly at Josh and Kristin. "So, the rumor is true?"
"What rumor?" Josh asked.
"I overheard Samantha Bellows tell Catherine Lovejoy you two are an item."
Josh's ears turned a bright pink. Kristin's eyes flashed angrily at her former schoolmates, who were chatting animatedly to a pair of fellow alumni. "Those gossips!" Kristin hissed. "What we do is none of their business."
"But it's true?" Shawn offered.
Josh and Kristin glanced at each other, communicating with their eyes. "Yes, it's true," Josh admitted, grinning sheepishly. "But we like to keep it quiet."