Agreed, but you’re still my mate, and I won’t leave you unprotected.
“What time’s that meeting today?” I asked Boris.
“Five o’clock in the Great Room. The coven leaders will be joining us, and we’ve asked all witches who can control the five elements to attend. Calandra and I broke the High Council bond this morning, hoping it might lessen Julius’ powers. We’ll select three new High Council witches today and link our powers.”
“I didn’t realize the High Council’s powers were linked,” I said.
“Yes. Linking our powers makes us stronger individually. It also allows us to share our powers if we want to,” Boris replied.
“Why didn’t you break this link before the ball?” Kaleb’s eyes narrowed.
“You can’t break the link without three High Council members, and Ava refused. With her death last night, the link was already weakened, so it only took two of us to break it.” Boris’ brows knitted as he scowled at Kaleb. “We want all wolves off coven grounds before our meeting.”
“That might be a problem.” Kaleb’s eyes flickered yellow as he and Boris locked gazes. “One wolf will stay behind to protect Sienna. Wherever she goes, he goes.”
Boris’ lips twisted as he turned to me. “I almost forgot. Calandra wants to see you at two o’clock in the sanctum.”
“Okay.” I nodded, avoiding Boris stare. He certainly wasn’t happy about a wolf staying behind, and I’m sure he was curious as to why Kaleb wanted to protect me. Stop glaring at Boris. We need him on our side.
Those are wolves’ teeth on his necklace. You can’t expect me to like him. Kaleb tore his gaze away from Boris, gritting his teeth.
I’m not asking you to be friends. Just please don’t make this any more difficult. I looked at Victor. “What time is dinner tonight?”
“From what Markus tells me, it sounds like we should stay at the coven,” Victor replied. “How about I pick up steaks and cook for us here? Your mom and I can be here by four o’clock. That gives me time to cook and for the two of you to catch up.”
“Sounds perfect,” I replied as two witches peeked into the living room, and then left. They probably weren’t too pleased about having wolf shapeshifters inside Hale House, but I couldn’t worry about that right now. Not when I had to check on Garrett and Rosella and speak to Calandra. I needed her and Boris to recruit the other covens. If they didn’t, then Julius would win.
Chapter 41
When I arrived at the High Council’s sanctum with Markus, Calandra sat at the round table, thumbing through a dusty old book. Kaleb had gone to meet with the other wolves while Victor stayed behind at Hale House to eat a late lunch.
“This room looks creepy.” Markus stood at the sanctum’s doorway.
“Careful.” I pulled him into the hallway, not wanting him near whatever ancient spell protected the room. “It’s best if you wait outside. There’s a spell on the room, and I’m not sure if it’ll harm you.”
“Fine. Door stays open.” Markus leaned against the far wall and folded his arms.
“One more thing.” I hesitated as I stood on the threshold. “You won’t be able to hear us.”
He let out a deep breath. “If you need me, wave your hand.”
“Okay.” When I entered the room and sat across from Calandra, she kept her gaze down as she concentrated on the pages before her. “Boris said you wanted to see me.”
“That’s right.” She looked up at me with tired eyes. “I’m sorry for not telling you about Kaleb. I knew you cared about him, and I should have told you the truth.”
“It’s okay. I know why you lied. I understand.”
Her eyebrows shot up. “You’ve talked to Kaleb?”
“Yes. He explained everything, including how he survived the spell barrier.”
“It’s important no one knows you healed Kaleb. If the wolves learned that us healing them renders our magic useless against them for a short time, they could target the witches.” She clasped her hands together on the book. “We need to figure out our next move before we meet with the other coven leaders. They’re asking for a solid plan. I’ve already talked to Devlin, and he knows we need his help. He’s not sure how he’ll convince the other tatcho vampires to join us, but I’m sure he’ll figure it out. Will Kaleb be able to recruit the other wolf packs?”
“Yes, but he’ll need my help,” I replied. “I’ll leave for Woodlake in a few days, to meet with the pack alphas. Convincing them shouldn’t be too difficult given that Vadoma wants to kill all the wolves.”
“I’m assuming Kaleb will protect you while you’re in Woodlake. Does this mean you and he bonded last night?”
I stilled. That was not something I’d anticipated her asking. Did she honestly expect me to answer such a personal question?
“Your silence tells me what I need to know.” She looked over my shoulder at Markus. “I hear the wolves are leaving today except for one wolf who’s staying to protect you. Is that him?”
“Yes. His name’s Markus.” I folded my arms, thinking about my earlier conversation with Kaleb. I didn’t want any other wolf staying behind except for Markus, and Kaleb agreed. “If it’s a problem, we can find a place in town to stay.”
“That won’t be necessary.” She closed the book and leaned back in her chair. “Are you sure meeting with the pack alphas is a good idea? You’re still a marked witch.”
“I’ll be fine.”
“You need to be careful.” Calandra sat up straighter and pointed to the doorway. “It looks like we have company.”
When I turned around, I was glad to see Devlin entering the sanctum. Dressed in black slacks and a blue polo shirt, he looked very relaxed.
“My apologies for interrupting, but I wanted to see Sienna before I left.” Devlin nudged his head toward Markus, who still stood in the hallway, his gaze set on Devlin. “Your wolf friend gave me twenty minutes.”
“I should go. I’ll see you at the meeting later, Sienna.” Calandra stood and returned her book to the shelf. “Devlin, have a safe trip.”
“You’re leaving?” I asked him as soon as she’d left the sanctum.
“Yes.” He nodded as he sat across from me. “I’m needed at home.”
I sighed, feeling disappointed. I’d hoped to spend more time with Devlin before leaving for Woodlake. “Samhain’s less than five weeks away. We can’t win this fight without your help.”
“I promise I’ll be back before Samhain, but I must put my family first. I’ve been away too long, and one of my brothers seems intent on destroying our family’s legacy.” He lowered his gaze, looking sad. “I’ve heard you’re asking the other wolf packs to help. Are you sure that’s a good idea?”
“I have no choice. Kaleb will do what he can, but it’s me who has to convince them. With their support, we’ll have a better chance of defeating Julius and those that stand with him. You said it yourself. History will have to repeat itself.”
“Yes.” Devlin pursed his lips. “Who will recruit the other covens? You’ll need the witches’ support too.”
“They’re selecting three new High Council witches today. They’ll help Calandra and Boris talk to the other coven leaders.”
“I suggest you take a witch with you to Woodlake. Someone you can trust to watch your back.”
I shook my head, knowing who he meant. “I can’t ask Garrett to go.”
“I’m not referring to him. You should take Rosella. She might not be as powerful as you, but she’s smart. She’d be an asset to you in Woodlake.”
“Rosella detests the wolves, and her mom’s just died. There’s no way she’d go even if I wanted her to.”
“She’ll go if Garrett asks her to, and the trip will be a good distraction for her. Have you seen Garrett today?” he asked.
“Not yet. I plan on going to see him and Rosella once Kaleb leaves.”
“You should be careful what you say. Garrett won’t be happy to learn you’ve bonded with Kaleb.”
> “But…” My face heated. There was no way Devlin could know about Kaleb and me. The room’s privacy spell should have prevented anyone from hearing us.
“I didn’t mean to embarrass you.” He laughed. “I’m a tatcho vampire; we crave virgin blood. Your blood smells sweet, but it’s no longer intoxicating.”
Blushing, I glanced away. I definitely didn’t want to talk about what happened last night. “We’ve decided to keep it a secret until after defeating Julius. I hope you won’t tell anyone.”
“Your secret is safe with me,” Devlin said. “But I encourage you not to break up with Garrett. It’ll make things easier with the wolves if they think you’re dating a warlock.”
“I don’t know if I can keep lying.” I sighed. Was Devlin right about the wolves? Would they agree if they believed I’d removed the love spell from Kaleb and was dating Garrett?
“I’m sure you’ll do what’s best.” He glanced over at one of the nearby bookcases, tilting his head to read the titles.
“I hope you don’t mind me asking, but I’ve been thinking about your agreement with Cyprian. He asked you to protect me when the time came, and he did something for you in return. What did he do?”
“I guess I can trust you to keep my secret.” He scratched his chin. “I asked Cyprian to use dark magic to cast a spell on a wolf shapeshifter. I needed her memories erased.”
“Why?”
“We were in love, and if my family had found out, they would have killed her. I couldn’t allow that to happen.”
“Oh,” was all I could say. A vampire and wolf shapeshifter in love? How sad Devlin had been forced to erase her memories to protect her.
“I should go.” He rapped his knuckles on the table.
“Wait, I need a favor.” I reached over to touch his hands and took a deep breath, knowing Kaleb would be furious if he overheard this conversation. “If they find the rest of Vadoma’s bones and capture me, I need you to kill me.”
His eyes flickered red. “You can’t expect me—”
“I’m the last of the Dinescu bloodline. If I’m dead, Vadoma can never come back. She’ll be stuck in hell forever.” I removed my hands from his. “Do you think I want her taking over my body and killing the wolves? That would include the wolf you’re in love with. I’m sure you realize that. You said it yourself: she’ll finish what she started and destroy the world as we know it. I can’t let that happen.”
“What does Kaleb think about this?” A grim look crossed his face.
“He doesn’t know.” I looked away, knowing exactly how Kaleb would feel about this plan. He’d be mad at me for even considering it. “When the time’s right, I’ll tell him, and he’ll understand.”
“He won’t understand. You’re his mate. I don’t think you realize how much he loves you. He’d do anything for you, and you dying won’t be an option. He’ll fight you on this, and so will Garrett.”
“You’re right, but they’ll understand it’s the only option if we can’t stop Julius.”
“If I do this, Kaleb will come after me.” Devlin folded his arms. “I’ll be forced to defend myself, and I won’t hold back.”
“He won’t go after you. If I have to cast a spell on him, I will.” I bit my lower lip, not quite believing what I’d just said. I must be crazy to even think about casting a spell on Kaleb. “Do you agree this is the only option if all else fails?”
“Yes. But I have one condition, and I want this deal sealed with a blood oath.”
“Fine.” I stood, pulling my knife out of my boot. “What’s your condition?”
“I was wrong about my younger brother Lucas. He’s working with Julius and Vadoma, and I don’t want him killed. He can be injured, but he must not die.”
My lips twisted. “How can I guarantee his safety if he’s fighting against us?”
“You’re a smart witch. You’ll figure something out.” He got to his feet. “My baby brother is young and spoiled. He’s easily influenced by others and doesn’t fully understand the consequences of his choices. That’s my fault for not being there for him. Nothing can happen to Lucas.”
I shook my head, not liking his condition. “You want me to give him a free pass?”
“No. I want you to show compassion.” He ran a hand over his face. “If you guarantee his safety, the other tatcho vampires will join us on Samhain. They will fight to the death for the Lost Raven.”
I let out a sigh, knowing I might live to regret this blood oath. But how could I say no when Devlin had sweetened the deal by offering more vampires? “No one can know about our blood oath until I’ve told Kaleb.”
“Agreed.” Devlin took the knife from me and made a small cut in the palm of his hand.
Wincing, I did the same before pressing my hand against his, swearing our oath to one another. An oath sealing my fate.
Kaleb and I stood at the Raven Coven main gates, holding hands while saying goodbye. The other wolves, who’d already shifted, waited patiently by the woods outside the coven.
“I don’t like leaving you.” Kaleb kissed my forehead and wrapped his arms around me. “I should stay.”
“We agreed this was the best plan.” I inhaled his wolf scent I loved so much, knowing I’d miss him as soon as he left my arms. “It’s only a few days until Mom’s appointments are done. Three days at most, and I won’t be alone. Markus will keep an eye on me.”
Markus and Victor had left an hour ago to buy groceries and pick up Mom. Until they returned, I was under strict orders not to leave the coven.
He sighed. I know we agreed, but this still sucks. I’m going to miss you.
I’ll miss you too… Hey, we agreed no transference. Someone might figure it out. “When you get to Woodlake, let Drina know you made it back safely.” I gave Kaleb a stern look. “You can call me on Victor’s cell phone, and we’ll talk every day.”
“I will.” He ran his thumb over my lips. You worry too much. There’s no one here but us and the wolves. And they’re not paying attention. Even if they figured out the truth, they wouldn’t break their loyalty to me.
I pressed my lips together and glanced at the wolves. I wasn’t sure if I trusted them as much as Kaleb did. Have you told Markus about our bond?
I didn’t have to. He figured it out… Do you have any regrets?
No. Never. I wrapped my arms around Kaleb’s neck and pulled him closer. Promise me you’ll be careful and that you won’t do anything foolish. I can’t lose you again.
I promise. He lifted my chin and kissed me, uttering a low growl. Then he pulled away, much too soon.
“I love you, Kaleb,” I whispered in his ear, not wanting to let him go as I hugged him one last time.
“I love you too.” He released me with a gentle smile, then pulled off his T-shirt as he turned to walk away.
Crossing my arms, I watched Kaleb enter the woods and waited, hoping to catch a glimpse of him in wolf form.
Seconds later, a large black wolf appeared next to the others. As he looked directly at me, his eyes flickered yellow before fading. Watch your back with Garrett. I don’t trust him. He could easily change his mind about the blood oath.
Garrett won’t betray me. I waved, and then he ran into the woods with the other wolves following him, one by one.
I turned away from the gates and jogged toward the Main Hall, hoping I wasn’t wrong about Garrett. Would he be upset when I told him we needed to break up? After last night with Kaleb, I couldn’t lead Garrett on by letting him think he still had a chance.
As I approached the Main Hall, Victor’s car appeared in the distance and pulled up in front. The passenger door opened and Mom climbed out. She looked amazing in a yellow dress and her brown hair pulled back into a small ponytail.
When she saw me and smiled, I knew everything would be okay. Our plan to defeat Julius would fall into place, and soon Kaleb and I would be married.
What could possibly go wrong?
From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU fo
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Acknowledgments
To my readers – THANK YOU for sticking with me. Your support means everything and it’s the main reason I’m still writing.
Thank you to my family and awesome alpha readers – Isabella Kiani, Jennifer Preiss, and Richard Dane Scott. I don’t know what I’d do without you guys.
Another huge thanks to my amazing editor, Liz Dempsey from Error Eliminator, for getting my manuscript into great shape and to my talented graphic designer, Ravenborn, for the beautiful book cover.
About the Author
Frances Trilone was born in New Jersey, went to high school in Japan, and graduated from college in New York City. She now lives in Texas with her husband, three cats, and a spoiled shepherd/husky dog named Loki.
When she’s not writing, she loves to read, hike, watch movies, and spend time with family and friends. Some of her favorite things are: coffee, Thai food, animals, and Supernatural. One day she hopes to travel the world as a digital nomad.
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Romani Magic (Shifter Blood: Romani Curse Book 3) Page 27