Stan interjected, “I wouldn’t hold my breath. It’ll be at least another two hours, or longer. I wouldn’t be surprised if they sent out Katrina to read the warehouse grounds, and maybe even sent her to determine Gabe’s fate and if any others were involved, before they make a decision.”
That made a certain amount of sense. The wards wouldn’t have let Stan and the others get away with lying to the council, but just because we believed it the truth didn’t make it reality. A powerful compulsion or spell could’ve been used to modify our minds, so they had to verify it all in other ways. Especially before disgracing a Nephilim, the bastards.
I took a moment to cast a light healing spell, something in the realm of earth. It was very weak, as a weak earth witch, and would’ve barely been enough to heal a simple cut, which is why I used potions. But, it was better than nothing, and changed my headache from a sensitive stabbing throb to a low level constant ache. My stomach still churned as well, and I felt strung out, but I was still alive.
The cell wouldn’t stop it, only magic directed at the walls, or beyond, would be affected by the crystalline structure in the walls.
“They’ll probably call in and question Serin as well, once they get that proof. If he hasn’t heard about this already.”
I settled in to wait. We didn’t talk all that much after that, and about nothing important. I’d eat my boots if the cell wasn’t bugged, and I was sure the others knew that as well. The last thing we wanted to do was piss them off more than we already did by breaking in here. They could punish Serin for his murder of Gabe and his group, along with the wanderers, and his attempted murder of us, but they could also put us to death for our crimes.
We had after all, assaulted our way in here, not to mention run an illegal supernatural fight club for one week, and participated in one for who knows how long. There was also the matter of grand theft auto. I’d never asked how long Adele had them all under her thumb. Point being, I hoped for a slap on the wrist, and a fine. I didn’t think anything we did deserved death, but the council might want to cover things up, even if they did punish Serin in some way.
Chapter Fifteen
The council looked stern, and their faces were closed off as we were led back into the room from the cell. I wouldn’t have dared made a guess as to their true intentions or plans for us. There was one Nephilim, two witches, a male and female, along with an alpha shifter and a fae on the actual council in Chicago. I doubted that last one cared all that much, perhaps he was here today because of other council business that actually involved the fae. There was also one more chair on the dais that stood empty, presumably for the head vampire in the Chicago area.
Serin was present and heavily guarded by a female Nephilim and several shifters, and he had a murderous glare on his face for us. Sure, blame the victims, it was all our fault in his eyes, that he’d compromised his duty and principles. Arrogant bastard.
Katrina was present as well, and it seemed likely Stan was right in his guesses, she’d gone out to take a look around. While she wasn’t our friend in any way, I didn’t believe she’d lie for Serin either, even if she could fool the wards or the shifter on the council with an untruth. Which, she probably couldn’t.
I had no idea on the council names outside of Grant who Abby had named, and they didn’t bother to introduce themselves.
It was probably close to noon, so we’d spent over two hours cooling our heels in that cell, if not quite three.
The alpha said, “Before we proceed, you three are taking responsibility for all actions of your people in this matter?”
Abby, Stan, and Sally all replied in the affirmative.
The alpha grunted, “We will deal with Serin, he will no longer be a threat to you past today. He has been stripped of his authority in Chicago under this council, and that is all you need to know. He will be censured and punished further, but that is between him and this council. I expect none of you will speak of this further outside these walls, lest his actions stain all our races in human eyes.”
Lest? What kind of shifter uses that word? I did manage to not snort, at least.
Sally said graciously, “Of course, we don’t want to cause waves, councilor. We just want to continue our lives in reasonable safety, under your auspices.”
Grant snorted at that, and I couldn’t blame him. Sally had turned on the charm a little too high for that, but it was also the truth. We wanted to live, and not have the council come after us and kill us. Really, just leave us alone, and we’d be if not happy, at least fine.
Both witches looked a little amused, and it looked like the shifter alpha was still trying to figure out if she’d just mocked him. Mocking any shifter was a foolish endeavor. The fae didn’t appear to care, and he was staring down at a tablet screen.
The alpha finally nodded, “Excellent, see that you keep your word. Now, although Serin’s actions were regrettable, there is the small matter of your guilt in several areas. Not least of which, is bribing an officer of the council. We don’t necessarily care about all the human laws you broke running an illegal business with gambling, food, and drink, nor do we care about the actual fighting. Shifters need an outlet, and I understand that’s even more critical for shifters without a pack.
“It’s the bribery, selling unauthorized potions, and the various assaults over the last day on council personnel in my pack, as well as from the vampire coven that needs redress.”
He paused and waited for comment.
Abby said, “Councilor, I am an authorized potion seller, and we weren’t selling any potions not approved already by the council to carry in my store. Granted, we were away from my store, but there’s nothing in my potions’ permit that specifies allowed locations.”
The female witch councilor pressed her lips firmly together, as if she wasn’t very pleased to hear that argument, then sighed, “She’s correct, Samuel. If she wasn’t selling black market potions, she wasn’t breaking the law, ours or human laws, selling from that booth.”
He scowled, “The other two charges?”
Stan hesitated, then said, “Guilty, councilor, with an explanation. Although I would ask for some leniency, we were under duress for most of it. First the assault charges. We didn’t believe we’d survive if we didn’t reach this council today, and we took pains to avoid permanent injury or death, successfully I might add.
“As to the bribery charge. We were going to bribe Serin, but technically that never happened, since he double crossed us with murderous intentions. It was actually Adele that bribed Serin in the past, and we only participated under duress when she annihilated two of our groups. We’ve gone from six groups of outsiders to three in the last year.”
Samuel, who I’d learned was the alpha councilor from the witch’s comments, replied in a dangerous voice.
“Are you suggesting we reduce the charge to attempted bribery?”
Stan shook his head, “No. We complied with Adele, under duress, in bribing Serin. I only wished to point out the extenuating circumstances of duress, and to request you consider that, councilor.”
He looked side to side, up and down the row of chairs to his fellow councilors, “I see no reason to revisit the verdict, any of you?”
They all shook their heads. Though Grant glared, which told me the Nephilim councilor had been outvoted, and had wanted harsher measures.
Samuel ordered, “You will all pay a fine of ten thousand dollars, each. Additional to that, you will turn over all profits from last night. We can’t have you earning money from breaking the law, after all. Lastly, we are seizing the warehouse in question as joint council property, to be liquidated. If you fail to pay the fines, the consequences will be harsh. Do you understand?”
It sucked, but all in all it could’ve been much worse.
Abby, Sally, and Stan all indicated understanding.
Samuel nodded, “Good. You will be escorted off the premises, the items we confiscated on your arrival will be returned at the security de
sk in the lobby.”
We couldn’t get out of there fast enough, or at least I couldn’t, and I felt a surge of relief as I got my bag back. I could only assume no one had tested it, the enchantments were far too strong for me to power. In hindsight, bringing it was stupid, but I brought it everywhere and felt weak and naked without it. If they’d tested it, I’d be losing my head for using soul binding magic, even the voluntary kind.
As for Serin, I’d have to be satisfied with him losing his authority and influence, depending on them for true justice for the murders just wasn’t realistic. Also one of the reasons I hated Nephilim so much. They got a free pass in this life, and most people were stupid enough to believe them truly angelic like their parents.
It was what it was, and nothing would change it.
We took cabs to the dock to recover our cars, once we’d explained all that happened to the shifters who’d been stuck waiting at the hotel. Vic really hadn’t been happy at all with the way things had gone, but I’d convinced him we were fine. And I was, once I got my hands on a healing potion I felt a hundred percent very shortly.
We were on our way home. The ranch needed us there, and we’d only been gone the morning. I guessed John would check out of the hotel and make his way home after dark. Jayce could cover for a few hours, but not the full day.
I also gave Abby the lockable steel money box when we were safely on the road with Vic driving.
Abby said, “You know I can’t give you a sixth of it.”
I nodded, “Of course, part of the fine, I get it.”
Abby blew out a breath, “I’m shocked that worked.”
I laughed, and Vic let out a frustrated growl.
“But it did. Hopefully things will calm down. The sadistic fire witch is dead, and no more Serin to worry about. We’re also at peace with the other two groups in the suburbs, so…” I trailed off. It was all true, but it was also obvious and they both knew it well. Had I been trying to convince myself?
It was a good thing, get back to our normal day to day problems, and joys.
There’d be more trouble of course, but hopefully not for a while. It’d be good to have some time to settle into the ranch, but I wouldn’t be holding my breath either, just in case. I just hoped they’d let me stay, five more days for the trial period, and I’d already shown myself to be a good worker, good in a fight, and reliable.
At least, that was the face of it.
The traffic was light on the way home, given the time, and we made him home in a little less than an hour.
It was quite warm out for a spring afternoon in Chicago a little later that same day, the sun felt good on my face and the wind blew in my hair as I cantered down the straightaway in the trails. The trail opened up into a nice glade where I slowed to a walk, and I felt alive. I wasn’t nervous about riding anymore, and it made a difference, yet it was still exhilarating.
I’d decided to skip brewing for the day after we’d gotten back and had lunch. We’d spent the morning in a cell, and none of the potions were below half anyway. The only thing I’d done was put those perfect vision eyedrops out on the shelf. I’d needed a little time to unwind and there was no better place than out in nature for me to do that. Not only for my witch side, but the fae in me enjoyed nature as well.
I also needed to think a few things out and settle my mind. The horse, Clara, didn’t seem to mind taking a break, as I dismounted and settled on the ground. The earth below me, the trees, grass, and other flora was soothing to my senses.
I’d taken a lot of crazy risks lately. The kinds I wouldn’t have entertained the last four years before I’d come here. I’d also been more than sure I could’ve escaped if I’d wanted, but I hadn’t counted on being knocked out and helpless for thirty minutes, under the power and at the mercy of the local council. It was disturbing.
I wasn’t a coward, but due to my third nature I had to weigh risks against exposure and death, more than most.
It’d only been nine days, sixteen for me, since I walked down Abby’s driveway for the first time. I liked them, this place and their company struck a chord in me, but I wasn’t sure if I was losing my mind. Maybe I was just really tired of hiding, of running, but taking a hard stand for people that might throw me out in five days, was that smart?
I honestly didn’t think it would be in doubt at all, they all liked my company, and seemed to trust me in a fight. They were also impressed with my brewing. The only thing that brought a doubt to my mind was I’d told them about the voluntary soul bonding. It wasn’t selfish or evil, and they’d come to no harm in the past, now, or the future, but they were bound to serve me in death until I’d passed from this life, instead of moving on which was the natural progression in this life.
I knew that had at least shaken Abby, and the air witch was trying to come to terms with the idea against all the other things she knew about me. I had no doubt, if she made me leave, it would be out of fear of the future, that at some point I’d let the left-hand path corrupt me over the long term. She trusted me at her back and in her home today, just… maybe not a year from now, or a decade.
My hope was that she’d take the risk, and then banish me sometime in the future if that ever happened, but I already knew it wouldn’t. The darker side of magic didn’t tempt me at all. No, my temptations were of a different nature.
The sound of hooves behind made me smile, when I sensed a shifter riding. I knew it was Vic, so didn’t bother turning around as he slowed to a walk, dismounted, and joined me. A little thrill went down my spine, at how close he sat, but the realist in my head told me he wasn’t going to make a move.
He asked, “You really okay?”
I smiled, and then looked to the side into his warm and butterfly causing dark brown eyes.
“I am. I’m just, decompressing, and trying to figure out if I’m crazy for being fine.”
He laughed, and I grinned impudently, “How about you?”
He grunted, “I was a mite upset earlier, when I recovered and woke from the ward attack, but I’m good if you are. I have a class in two hours, but I’m free until then. I love it out here.”
“A mite upset?”
He grinned, “Just a little. The others may have had to hold me down and convince me to wait.”
I snorted, “Sounds about right.”
He smirked, “I grew up a city boy, if you can believe it.”
I laughed, “Really, can’t.”
He gave me a look, “It’s true. The first sixteen years of my life I was never farther away than a few hundred feet from a streetlight. Hunting was something rednecks did, and I was a geek straight A student, blissfully unaware of the supernatural world around me.”
I giggled, it was hard to imagine. Gods, I kind of wished he’d touch me, and I had to put my hands in my lap to stop myself from touching him.
He said, “One of my buddies, Matthew, had convinced me to go camping with his family. Fishing, kayaking, and white-water rafting. It sounded cool, if a bit intimidating, but I’m male so I couldn’t possibly wuss out. Even if I’d never once stepped into a forest before then.
“It was fun, at least until the second night, when a sadistic rogue passed through. The impossibly large wolf killed Matthew’s parents first, and it was terrifying. The screams woke us, and when we left the tent, I had to grab Matt’s arm and convince him to run. It was pure luck that we ran toward the water, not that I had any idea at the time what a shifter was, much less that we can’t swim with our denser bones and musculature.
“We almost made it, when the shifter caught my leg. I’d have died right there, if Matthew hadn’t been a damned hero. He grabbed the double-sided oar from the kayak on shore, and then slammed it into the shifters head with a shout, while the rogue was worrying my leg back and forth, playing with me and enjoying my fear before he went for the kill.
“Of course, that just pissed him off, and he let my leg go and lunged for Matthew’s throat. There’s no way I would’ve been able to sa
ve him. He was dead before the rogue’s weight brought him to the dirt on shore, his head halfway bit through, and the blood was everywhere.
“When the shifter turned back at me, I rolled into the water of the river and swam for it, my bitten leg was infected with the virus by then, and was deadweight, but I managed to get far enough away. At the time, it was pure adrenaline and desperation. I was truly surprised when the monstrous wolf didn’t pursue. The shifter taunted me a bit after that, pacing at the water’s edge, ripping Matthew’s body apart, even eating his flesh, but I stayed out near the middle of the river in the deep water, and he wouldn’t go in.”
That was horrific. I couldn’t help but touch him on the leg, if only in comfort.
He smirked self-mockingly, “It was horrible, but I came to terms with it a long time ago. The next night, which was the second day of the full moon, I learned what that bite had cost me. I think I went a little mad for a while, until I figured it all out.”
He shrugged, “It’s still a little weird for me that the humans know what I am, now. I tried to go home once, after we were all outed by the Manhattan incident, but I never tried again. My family was scared of me, and rejected me, if not in harsh words, harsh scents.”
I wondered what he’d think if I told him I’d been central to the Manhattan incident, and the outing of the supernatural. If he knew those thousands of deaths were on my soul, if accidental. Though I blamed the Nephilim Sodel, hero of the world for stopping the so-called apocalypse, for those deaths, ultimately.
My hand froze, as I realized it was making circles on his hard-muscled thigh. I also couldn’t help the little sigh that escaped my lips, when I felt his fingertips brush the small of my back. My whole body felt hypersensitive in that moment, as warmth flooded my stomach and moved through my body. I’d never felt such a powerful chemistry with a man before, and it was more than just raw attraction. Especially now that he’d opened up to me.
Hexes and Hellfire: Kyra Bell: Book One Page 12