SIX

Aames took a step toward her and Phoebe struck out with her foot. She kicked him along the side of his head sending him reeling for a few steps. He turned on her the smile gone from his face.

"That wasn't very smart, bitch. Like the rest of us you don't have any powers. And you're all alone here. It would be a good idea if you garnered a few friends. You'll soon find you're going to need them."

"I don't need a warlock as a friend. Just keep your distance and you won't get hurt."

Suddenly Phoebe was grabbed from behind. Two men held her arms pinned behind her back. As much as she struggled she knew it was useless. Her physical strength was no match for them. And it seemed that everyone else in the camp was on Aames' side. He moved up standing only inches from her.

"You're a fool. We wouldn't have hurt you. Just a little welcome initiation, that's all. I dare say you would have even enjoyed it. But you had to go and try to be tough. Now I'll have to teach you a lesson." He leaned over and ran his tongue up the side of her face. "And I think I'm going to enjoy teaching that lesson very much."

Phoebe turned her head and tried to push away from him. He was disgusting. He was right about one thing. She needed friends. And it was clear these were not the types to be those friends. Her mind raced trying to find a way out of the situation. She knew what would happen. And it wasn't something she was looking forward to.

Suddenly a figure grabbed Aames by the collar of his shirt and threw him away from Phoebe. The figure stepped between Aames and Phoebe facing the warlock.

"Care to try that with me, Aames? I'm not a defenseless woman."

"Hey," said Aames, fear in his eyes, "I don't want any trouble with you. This isn't your concern."

"I'm making it my concern. I'm sick and tired of you trying to intimidate the newcomers. You and your band of punks make me sick. Now, let the girl go and go about your business."

"You ain't got no right to do this. You don't involve yourself in camp business. Why should you care what happens to this girl?"

"Because I don't like bullies. You're awful brave when it's seven against one. And a defenseless girl at that. Why don't you give me a try? I'd be interested in that lesson you mentioned to her. Come on, Aames. Let's see if you can back up that mouth of yours."

Aames just stared at the stranger for a minute. Then he turned and moved away. The men holding Phoebe pushed her roughly to the ground and followed the warlock. Phoebe wasn't hurt and was grateful for the stranger's intervention. She couldn't see his face but he had long brown hair past his shoulders. And such broad shoulders, too. The muscles of his arms indicated he could back up what he had threatened Aames with.

The stranger didn't turn. He simply stood and watched as Aames and the other hurried away, disappearing into the camp. The crowd that had gathered quickly dispersed back into the camp. The moment's excitement gone, they had all apparently decided to return to whatever business they had.

"Thanks," said Phoebe. "I wasn't sure what I was going to do. There were so many of them."

"Don't mention," said the stranger, turning to face her. "Ever. I didn't do it for you, lady. I'm just sick and tired of his kind trying to bully their way around. I've been looking for a reason to confront him and you just happened to give me that reason. But we aren't bestest buddies and aren't likely to become that way. So just move on and find a place. You'd do well to avoid him in the future. He's not the type to give up easily. If I'm not around he's liable to have another go at you."

Phoebe stared up at the man in shock and disbelief. Deep lines covered the face. There were several scars that appeared to be quite old. Hatred and anger showed in the blue orbs that looked down at her. Hatred and anger she was not accustomed to seeing from the face she recognized instantly. As she stared at the stranger who had probably just saved her life, Cole Turner turned and walked away from her.

Phoebe moved cautiously toward the house that Cole was working outside of. It was Cole, she knew that. But he was different. He apparently hadn't recognized her which confused her. And he was cold and uncaring. Not at all like the Cole she had once known. As she approached the house, Cole turned to her.

"What do you want?" he demanded.

"I just wanted to thank you again for helping me."

"You're welcome," he responded sarcastically. "Now, move on."

"What happened to you? Why are you this way? I know we had our differences but you were always so kind and caring. And how come you pretend not to know me?"

"Should I know you? Have we met before? You don't look familiar. As for why I'm like this let's just say I don't play well with others. I prefer being alone. Now, if you don't mind, I have work to do."

"I don't understand what's going on here. Everything has changed. I can't even find my sisters. And what are you doing in this camp? I thought it was a camp just for witches and warlocks?"

"It is," said Cole, looking around.

"Then what are you doing here? You aren't a witch. I was told that all other magical beings were killed on sight. How come they let you live?"

"What are you talking about? I'm a witch, just like you. Only with this damned collar I can't use my powers any more than you can."

"You're no witch. You're Belthazor. You're a demon."

Cole moved up and stood directly in front of Phoebe towering over her as if she were a small child.

"Watch your mouth. Even an unfounded rumor like that can be disastrous. I don't know what you think you know but you're wrong."

"No I'm not. You're Belthazor. Upper level demon. A member of the Brotherhood of the Thorn. Half human. Your mother murdered your father when you were three. And you worked directly for the Source."

Cole pulled her back toward the house until they were both hidden in the shadows.

"Keep your voice down. Who are you? How do you know so much?"

"It's a long story. Look, I'm not interested in exposing you. I guess you have your reasons for pretending to be a witch. But things aren't as they're supposed to be. Everything is changed. And I'm going to need some help to figure out what's changed and how to fix it.

"I'll make a deal with you. You help me and I'll keep your secret. You helped me back there with Aames so no one will be suspicious if you keep helping me. If I can figure out what's happened maybe I can put things back the way they're supposed to be."

Cole looked at her suspiciously.

"How do I know I can trust you?"

"You can. That's all I can say. Look if I had wanted to expose you I could have done that earlier. I didn't. And I've come to you privately now. I didn't go to the guards and tell them your secret. You help me and I'll help you. What do you say?"

Cole looked at her for a moment. If she said something he could be in a lot of trouble. He couldn't just kill her. That would be too suspicious.

"You have a deal," he said after a moment.

"Good. Now, let's start by you filling me in on just what the hell is going on."