“As a PIB agent, you can’t do that.” He sounded so confident and a slow, deadly smile appeared on my face.
My mind was slipping into that place that it went when I killed for Levi. The part of my mind that allowed me to justify my paranoia and my actions. “Do you see a badge around my neck?”
“No.”
I lifted my jacket enough that he could see my holster was empty. “A gun?”
He started to look worried. “No.”
“I’m not here as a PIB agent, I’m here to verify your story. That’s it. And honestly, I hate being here where I know I can be ripped to shreds. So answer my damn question.”
“I got hit by a second blast, that’s when I lost my arm. It was about two miles away from the first. I fell into a ditch of some sort. Unconscious. I can tell you that there was a barn a few miles away, abandoned, because we didn’t smell any animals.” He shifted as much as he could in the chains, trying to get more comfortable. “When I woke, Kevin’s body was gone. I assumed that the man removed it.”
“Kevin’s body was in the barn, which exploded after we found it.” I crossed my arms. “You never thought to look or track the man?”
“Lady, I was missing an arm. My first thought was to get back home.”
I frowned. “You’re from the western slope. You didn’t go home. You stayed in town. I saw you at another scene.”
Greg rushed past me and grabbed Matthew’s throat. “Don’t you lie. Your heart skipped and your breathing changed.”
I glanced at Simon who had moved closer to the stairs as if guarding them. That shot my nerves up a notch. “Why didn’t you go home?”
“I caught the man’s scent on my way home and decided I was going to track him. I crossed pack territory and was taken.” He choked out.
I nodded and turned to leave. “Greg, if I may. I’d like to speak to you about Kevin’s murder.”
I didn’t even look over my shoulder. Simon moved in front of me and led the way upstairs. I could feel Greg behind me, he stayed close enough that his breath was on the back of my neck. I tried not to be affected, but the little hairs there stood up in attention. Simon led me to an office, he opened the door, but didn’t go in. I walked in and leaned against the bare wall.
Greg walked in and then motioned for Simon to leave. I didn’t give any sign that it bothered me. I was a big girl, I could handle a conversation with Alpha wolf on my own.
“Was Kevin associated with Jade Macklemore at all?”
“Yes, he helped the coven perform something, they used our land for it. It was before I was alpha, so I never asked.”
I shook my head. “He lent them the land to do a binding spell. The old pack leader had to have been in on it. You guys don’t let witches in here without knowing them first.”
“You’re saying that our pack aided in something illegal?” He snarled.
I held up my hands. “It was before binding spells were illegal. That being said, it wasn’t your whole pack, just the alpha and Kevin.”
“And Matthew?”
“He was part of the pack and a research partner with Devon’s father. I think it might have been his idea to use pack lands. He’s a witness to Kevin’s murder. Which will bring Devon to justice and probably get him to be condemned to an execution.”
“So you’ll kill him?” He chuckled. “You go from wanting your witness alive, to being willing to kill someone who was wronged.”
I shook my head. “No, I’m not an executioner. I need my witness. I need him bound in chains so he doesn’t try to kill you, your pack, or me.”
“No.” Greg snarled. “We will deal with him. Illegal or not, he helped. That means death by pack law.”
I took a deep breath. “I need him alive. What happens to him after the witness account isn’t my business.”
“I don’t think you heard me, Abigail. You will not be getting him. He may not be accountable for Kevin’s death, but he did something against pack law.” He took a step towards me.
“You’re going against your word.” I remained calm. “That’s also against Pack law.”
He chuckled. “I am the alpha.” He jumped towards me and I dived for the door. He missed me and ran into the shelf. “You aren’t welcome here, Abigail.” A growl trickled from his throat.
I cursed and threw open the door. Simon was nowhere to be found, but there were a bunch of people there, many of them, their eyes yellow.
“Release Matthew! We shall hunt and have our vengeance. He has gone against pack law.” Greg grabbed my wrist and threw me away from the door. “Run if you dare, Abigail.” He rushed through the crowd and they all followed him out of the house. I stood there, shocked for a moment and unsure what to do.
To go into the forest blindly while the wolves hunted meant that I would be killed. To stay here would be essentially trespassing and Greg would have me hunted. My options were not looking great. I heard howling outside. Maybe if I stayed on the path I’d survive. I looked up to see Simon there.
“I’m sorry, Abby.” His face held sorrow and he moved his arm as if to reach out to me, but thought better of it.
“You let him use me to condemn Matthew.” I clenched my fist. “I have to depend on you to get me out of here. How can I trust you?”
He shook his head. “I didn’t know that’s what he was going to do, but we don’t have time to argue.” He tossed me keys. “I’ll catch a ride back to town. You get out of here.”
So I couldn’t trust him to get me out. Fucking fantastic. I grabbed the car keys. “Just follow the path?”
He nodded. “I’ll keep it as clear as I can for you. Greg won’t be happy that I’m protecting you, but he’ll have to get over it.”
His body started to shake and I could see the bones and muscles move under his skin. Snapping and wet sounds filled the room as his body changed. He hunched over onto all fours and looked at me as his face changed. It lengthened into a muzzle and a growl came from him. In a burst of energy black fur flowed over his body. His head came up to my chest and his yellow eyes met my gaze. He nudged me and I started out. The house was empty, the clearing was too, but I could hear the howls in the distance. Goddess protect me, I was going to try and make it past a bunch of werewolves on a hunt.
I took a deep breath and kissed my pentagram. I darted through the clearing and to the path. My feet crunched on the gravel and I found myself glad I’d worn my combat boots. They weren’t great for running, but at least they’d keep traction. The howls started to get closer, but I refused to look behind me. I had to trust Simon that he would keep the path clear and just look forward.
Footsteps came behind me and I risked a glance. Matthew, with his one arm, was gaining on me. Why the hell didn’t he shift? I picked up my speed, but should have remembered that he was a werewolf. My heart pounded and my lungs burned. I was pushing too hard for not warming up first, but my life was in danger. Warming up was not an option.
Something caught my hair and I was pulled backwards and off balance. I cursed as I landed flat on my back. His foot landed on my chest and I looked up into Matthew’s gaze. “We’re on the same side.”
“No, we’re not.” He snarled and pressed down harder. I grabbed his ankle and twisted it so he fell. I jumped back up, but he caught me around the waist with his one arm and slammed me back down on the ground.
I snarled and got myself up enough to grab the blade at my back. I sliced my side as I drew it, but it didn’t matter. I brought it along Matthew’s arm, causing him to cry out and let go of me. “Silver.” I snapped and jumped up. Running with the shallow wound in my side would suck, but it was possible. Except now the wolves blocked my path and the scent of blood was in the air.
Matthew laughed. “I hope you’re willing to go down with me.”
I wanted my gun, but it was in the car. Twenty wolves at least, all bent down and snarling, ready to attack. I shook my head. “You were trying to feed me to them.”
“To save my life.” He sna
pped. “Now you and I both have blood falling. They’ll eat us both.”
As if on cue the wolves lunged towards us. I had no idea if it was going to work, but I dipped my hand in my blood and slammed it on the ground. The purple circle closed around me, but Matthew was too far away and out of my reach.
The wolves hit the barrier. After two or three unsuccessful tries, they all turned to Matthew. They took him down, several of them at once. His screams echoed in the woods and I could hear the tearing of flesh. I swallowed and let my circle down. They didn’t notice me and I ran. My body ached and my heart pounded as I got to the parking area. I sheathed my blade and fished the keys out of my pocket. I opened the doors and a black blur ran by me.
I drew my blade to find Simon sitting in the passenger seat, in human form. His naked body covered in scratches and bite marks, his head leaned against the window. “I’m sorry Abby. I can’t stay conscious. I just…need sleep.”
I took a moment and tossed a blanket from the back of the car onto him. I wasn’t giving it a second thought. I jumped in the car and locked the doors. The engine roared to life and I spun the tires getting onto the highway. My heart didn’t want to calm down, the adrenaline continued to pump through me as I drove. It wasn’t until I saw the lights of the city that I felt relieved and loosened my grip on the steering wheel.
I’d have to give Simon first aid when we got back to my place. He’d need food and he’d need rest. I knew tomorrow we’d find the remains of Matthew dumped somewhere so that his part in the case would be closed. I just hoped that I wouldn’t throw up at the thought of the wolves tearing him apart.
I pulled into my driveway and put my head on the steering wheel. I’d make a note that the Alpha wasn’t a friend of mine. I shook Simon a little. “Hey, I need you to wake up long enough for me to get you inside.”
He opened his eyes and nodded. “I need help.”
“Yeah, no kidding.” I grabbed my bag out from under his feet, pulled my gun out and put it in its holster. I got out of the car and came around to help him out.
He leaned heavily on me and the wound in my side. I gritted my teeth and shut the car door. We moved slowly, but I got him to my front door. I unlocked it and walked in. I clicked the key fob and locked his car and then reached to turn on a light. The light flickered on and illuminated Michele and Clarissa sitting on my couch.
The look on my face must have been horrible because Clarissa’s face fell into a mask of sorrow. “I’m sorry, Abby.”
“I’m hearing that a lot tonight. I can only imagine why you two are here, but here’s the deal. Simon needs medical attention and so do I. Let me get us taken care of first and then I’ll sit down and talk. Like rational people.”
Simon stood straight and then leaned on the wall. “Damn, Abigail, your night sucks.”
“No kidding, but I’m still alive.” I sighed and looked at the witches on my couch. “Deal?”
Both of them nodded and Clarissa came to help Simon. She touched my arm. “Promise you’ll listen?”
“I can promise I will listen, but I can’t promise I’ll follow what you want.”
“Thank you.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Clarissa helped me patch up my side and I patched Simon up. I sat down next to him on the couch. He leaned his head back. “I’m just going to sleep here.”
“You deserve it.” I’d have to talk to him about tonight later. Clarissa and Michele took up the two recliners and turned them to face the couch.
“You look like hell.” Michele sighed. “How did you cut your side?”
“I drew my blade at the wrong angle, I could barely raise up enough to get it.” A small price to pay for me being alive right now. “Forgive my rudeness, but what are you both doing here?”
Clarissa pressed her lips together and I knew that I wasn’t going to like what she was going to say. “Michele thought you might listen to me.”
“Did Michele tell you that Jack and Sean almost got me killed?” I kept my voice even. “I don’t need the coven’s protection. I have a warrant for Devon now. They want to bring him in alive.”
“Devon is part of the Cult.” Clarissa stated. “They want you dead.”
I shook my head. “I currently have a truce with the Cult and no, I don’t want to go into details. Devon is a rogue from the Cult. He’s out for revenge. He’s also an Elemental without control.”
“We didn’t know that.” Michele stated, her face still calm. “Then you must come with us.”
Clarissa held her hand up to silence Michele. “Abigail, I know you aren’t a child anymore and I know you’re stubborn and want to do things your way.” She met my gaze and put her hand down. “But you cannot handle him. Let the executioners do their job and you come to the coven’s safe house.”
“I can’t. My duty above my safety. It’s my job to bring Devon in. I know the coven doesn’t agree with that and I appreciate you trying to help me.” I took Clarissa’s hand. “I promise I’ll do everything to protect myself.”
She nodded. “Levi told me that he gave you his gift early.”
It was such a strange change in conversation. “He did.” I tried not to let the confusion show on my face.
“Page six hundred and fifty, there’s a wonderful poem. I think it will help guide you through this time.” She squeezed my hand. “Come on Michele, she’s not going to fold. I think she’s had a long enough night. Let her be.”
“Your advice to her is a poem?” Michele stood. She clenched her hands into fists and locked her jaw. “Her life is on the line.”
“Levi gave her a wonderful book of poems.” Seeming oblivious to the look on Michele’s face, Clarissa nodded. “And it looks to me that she escaped death’s grip tonight. So let us remember that she is an adult, not a child witch that needs supervision.”
I wanted to laugh but I kept my face blank as the two made their way to the door.
Michele followed her out and I locked the door behind them. I had no idea why she would lie about the book. Once they were gone I went to the room where I had placed the book and flipped to the page. I wondered briefly how Clarissa got past the spell on it, but the thought disappeared when I reached the page. There was no poem, but there was a note.
Michele is convinced you are working with Devon. She wants to bind you. Be careful. Here is the spell that will help protect you from a binding. She forced me to come here.
Which means Michele was forcing her to not answer her phone too. I cursed. I ripped the note up and tossed it in the trash. On the page of the book was a potion and I scanned over it. Luckily I had everything I’d need. I needed rest first, then I’d worry about making the potion.
When I woke, I realized I’d only slept a couple hours. I wasted no time and went to gather what I needed for the potion. I pulled out a bowl and started mixing things. Hopefully this worked. If Michele cast a binding spell on me, I would be useless against Devon. I brought the bowl into the kitchen and pulled out the cast-iron pot I used for making potions. I turned on the gas stove and put it on. I slowly poured the liquid into it and let it come to a boil. It smelled awful, but if it would help, I’d take it.
Simon came wobbling into the kitchen. “I feel like I got hit by a truck.”
“You’ve only slept for a few hours, why don’t you go back to bed? I have a guest room.” I stirred the boiling liquid. “What happened? I thought you were the strongest werewolf.”
He chuckled and sat down on the stool at the counter. “I am, but that’s in terms of shifting. I can take on most wolves one on one, maybe three on one, but more than that I’m just overpowered. I’m sorry for last night. You never should have been used like that.”
“No, I shouldn’t have been. But Matthew was lying. There were no other signs of explosions out there. I think he was working with Devon. Betraying everyone. He deserved the death he got, but it still would have been nice to have a witness.”
Simon nodded. “What happened with you?”
/>
“Matthew caught up to me and pulled me down in the path. He tried to use me as a distraction. I learned that my circle, when conjured with my blood, will keep wolves out of it. I ran to the car while they killed him.” I got a vial out of the cabinet. The instructions said to take at the sign of magic fading. I’d gotten smart at some point and bought plastic vials so it wouldn’t break. I’d have to keep it on me at all times and it wouldn’t do me any good to have it break. I took a glass eye dropper and put the liquid in the vial.
“What are you making?” He asked. “And can we order food?”
I looked at the clock. The sun was up, but nothing that delivered was open yet. “I’m making a potion to help defend against a binding spell. Do you have spare clothes in your car?”
He nodded. “I do, if you go get them for me we’ll go to breakfast. My treat. I am starving and it’s the least I can do after my pack tried to eat you.”
Wasn’t that the truth? “Okay.” I put the vial in my pocket and went out to his car. I opened the trunk and reached in to grab the bag there. I snagged it and then ran back inside. I threw the bag at Simon. “Now you can stop wearing a blanket and I don’t have to look at your naked ass.”
He slowly started to lower the blanket. “Come on now, you like my ass.”
It was true and heat rushed to my face. “Go get dressed.” I shoved him in the chest towards the guest room. “We can crash after we eat. I only slept a few hours.”
“Seriously witch, you need to take care of yourself more.” He walked into the guest room and closed the door.
I closed my eyes for a moment and my phone dinged. I pulled it out and saw a text message from Nick.
‘Just saw my brother in the warehouse district downtown. Old factory with green walls, no signs. Wanted to let you know.’
What on earth had he been doing down there? I realized that he had probably been looking for his brother. Maybe there was more of a past between the two of them than I thought. Could be a trap, could be a friendly note.
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