by R. L. Wilson
The wolves are clawing at three huge beasts. Now Morgan and I will slip away and get Momma.
“Let’s go Morgan.” We race toward the winding staircase. I get dizzy sprinting toward the top of the staircase.
Morgan moves slower than me. Her footsteps stop. I twist around and glance at Morgan, who has taken a seat on the staircase, holding her leg.
“What’s wrong?” I gasp.
“I got cut.” Blood sleeps through the cracks of her fingers. “It’s okay, I’m coming.”
She stands and I view the small ring-shaped wound. I turn and keep racing up the stairs. Once we get Momma, I’ll heal her. It’s small—it won’t kill her.
We reach the third flight and right before my face, appearing from dust, is Prentiss. My eyes bulge. Shit.
“What took you so long?” He grins, fangs bared.
I rush toward him and he bolts fire from his hand. It passes my left arm nearly melting my hair before hitting the wall. His fire is scorching hot.
“The next bolt won’t miss,” he warns.
I hold my hand out and nothing but dark smoke emerges. My magic is out of commission again. This is the wrong time.
“Momma!” I scream.
“Harmony?” she yells. I gasp at the beauty of her voice. She’s alive.
“Mom, where are you?” There are several doors and more stairs. I spin in confusion.
“Don’t take another step if you want your mother alive,” he growls.
I pause, hands in the air. “Let her go. This is between you and me.”
Prentiss backs up to a door and opens it. My heart nearly jumps out of my body; anger washes over me as I witness Momma standing there in the flesh.
“Are you ok? Did they hurt you?” She has on a floral dress and her eyes are swollen from crying.
“I’m ok,” she says.
I inch closer. I want to hug her let her know, everything would be ok.
“Not another step,” he barks.
I stop and glare at Prentiss. It takes all I have not to run to my mother, but I don’t want him to hurt her.
“What do you want Prentiss? Give me my mother.”
“Respect,” he says before he unleashes a cloud of thick smoke.
I can’t recognize anything. Coughing, I walk closer and wave the smoke away from my face.
Once the dust settles my mother and Prentiss have vanished. I fall to my knees and sob uncontrollably.
Morgan hugs me. I wipe the tears from my eyes and sniffle. Impending doom is upon me. I have to get myself together; I won’t let Prentiss win this war.
“We’ll find her. This shit ain’t over. I’ll get Prentiss.”
Chapter 16
Morgan helps me up to my feet. We check each other for bleeding or large wounds. Sure, we both have scrapes and bruises but we kicked ass. I’ve still lost. My mother was right there at the tip of my fingers and I still couldn’t rescue her. I’m a failure, unable to get my magic to work. Andrea is right. I need some magic training.
We limp down the stairs. Sore joints are getting the best of me. My footsteps are like dragging a sand bag. I need to sit, relax, and have a cold drink. Although today was an epic failure, at least she’s alive.
I wonder where the wolves are. The echo of screams and loud crashes has ceased. The silence is loud. When we last saw them, they were winning the fight. But where are they? Not knowing makes me tense. The beasts are big…I hope the wolves are still alive.
We make it to the final step and I catch a flash of color. Kato stands in the hall. His bright-colored shirt is the source of the light. When did he get here? It doesn’t matter, he’s here to help me.
“Harmony, are you ok?” He grabs my arm and helps me into the kitchen. I’m nearly paralyzed from the fear Prints may hurt Momma. My feet are painful and heavy. I brace myself before I fall.
“I’m fine, but Momma is gone again.”
“She was here?” His face lights up.
“Yes, Prentiss disappeared with Momma in hand. She didn’t run or break free.” I gasp. “She’s not being hurt, she appeared normal. Her clothes were clean, her hair intact. I don’t understand his motive.”
“I’m sorry.” He lowers his head, staring at the floor. He doesn’t want to observe the tears rolling down my cheeks.
“I can’t survive this world without Momma.” How could I be this ignorant?
“If it makes you feel any better, Prentiss’s forces have disintegrated. Prentiss is finished in New Orleans.”
I have mixed thoughts about Prentiss leaving New Orleans. It’s great for the town. But where the hell is he going with my mother?
“We will find Prentiss, and when we do, your mother is coming home,” Kato states.
I grin. He always knows how to make me smile. “Indeed.” His positivity gives me temporary hope. He’s certain we’re getting Momma back. No matter what I tell myself though, tears continue to flow. This battle isn’t over. Soon, I’ll be in another fight for my life.
We walk out into the field where Derrick and the rest of the pack are. They are yelling and jumping. Overexcited about defeating the huge creatures who attacked us. I silently count the wolves, and it relieves some of the tension. We all made it out alive and in one piece.
“Look on the bright side. Jeanette is alive,” Morgan says.
I wouldn’t have gotten this far without Morgan. She is definitely a fighter. Maybe not a supernatural, but she has some kick-ass moves.
“Where is your mom?” Derrick asks, scanning the door.
The brown wolf sniffs the air. “Her mom is not here anymore,” he mutters.
“No, but we will find her soon. Damn snake slipped right out of my hands.” My temperature rises and my hands form into fists. I’m angry, so much so my blood buzzes.
Derrick extends his hand. “You have won the trust of the pack and we swear our allegiance to you.” I put my hand in his and he kneels at my feet. Then he hops back to his feet as Andrea approaches the crowd.
I don’t want her to know about the wolves; I hoped I could hide it for a little longer. Until I was back in Detroit.
Her smile slides into a frown. Every step she takes is harder than the last as she gets closer. Her face looks tight and red. She’s going to burst.
I let out a shaky breath, pushing fear back down inside of me. I hope she doesn’t think I’m betraying her; this has nothing to do with her.
Darting her gaze from me to the pack to Kato, she asks, “What’s this all about?” She folds her arms and glares, her light brows furrowing as she scrutinizes me.
Momentarily stuck in anger, I don’t say a word. I don’t want to say something I would regret.
“Should I panic about this meeting?” She slants an evil eye at Derrick.
“It’s not your concern,” Derrick growls.
“Stay away from my family or you will deal with me.”
He puts his hands in the air. “The wolves are only here to help.” He turns around and marches down the hill, with the wolves marching behind him.
“Prentiss disappeared with my momma and he may never come back. The pack helped me. I wouldn’t have known she was here if it weren’t for them,” I explain.
“Yeah, his operation is clean, wiped out,” Kato says.
“I have something for you.” She pulls her purse strap off her shoulder. Not another damn book, I hope. There’s no time. Especially for more family secrets. She slips a folded piece of paper from her purse.
She hands the paper to me. I’m too afraid to open it. Chills wind down my spine. I get a burning sensation while holding this paper. Like inside is a bomb and once I open this letter, it will explode in my face. Not a literal bomb, but a mega-blast of information.
“Go ahead, open it,” Andrea says. Her eyes twinkle, but is she trustworthy? Everyone is a suspect except Morgan. She’s on my side.
I glance at Morgan, who nods her head, then I unfold the paper. Deed of land?
“What is this?” I gro
wl at Andrea with a frown.
“A copy of a land deed. Property Prentiss owns.” She points her finger to his name. “You should stay in New Orleans. Because I’m sure he’ll be back.”
“Stay here?” Morgan turns up her nose like something stinks.
“Continue the fight here in New Orleans,” she says with a sincere expression on her face. “You’ll get power and respect here. You’re a strong witch.”
“I’m not fighting for power. All I want is my mother back.”
She grabs the deed from me and slips it back into her purse. She wears her disappointment on her face. She exhales. “You know where to find me if you need me.” Then she strolls down the hill toward the city.
Morgan lights a cigarette. “My nerves are too bad to stay here. I almost quit smoking.”
I chuckle. “Yeah, sure.”
“What do you say, we stay here or go back to Detroit?” Kato says.
“What do you think?” I question.
“With the Iand deed Andrea showed us he might be back.” He wipes the sweat from his forehead. “This city is busy and these streets are dangerous.”
I trust his opinion and he did as promised. He has won some of my trust. Not my heart yet, but some of my trust.
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Sneak Peek of Eternal Shadow
Prologue
Normally, I’m not afraid of the dark. But in the South the night skies become pitch black. The street lights are few and far between. Just like the houses.
Not that I can’t defend myself—I can. However, I’m walking alone down a dirt road in an unfamiliar territory. I don’t look dangerous; I’m a small-framed girl. Wearing comfortable flip-flops and stretchy shorts. No visible weapons. No obvious aura of magic. You wouldn’t know I’m supernatural.
The clack of my steps hit the pavement as I trot down the street. Night has fallen upon me as I make my way to Momma’s from the gas station. I had the sudden craving for ice cream, but they didn’t have butter pecan. Mainly, I need to clear my head. A short walk always does me good.
My arms and legs ache, covered with scratches and small bruises. It won’t stop me from searching for Momma.
The stuffiness never stops here. It’s humid still, but not unbearable. The brush of the grass and sting of mosquitos licking at my shins make me hurry. The scent of the summer’s fresh-cut grass and blooming flowers reminds me of Southern living. We never get the aroma of flowers in Night Heights.
I picture Momma’s face, remembering her smile. She must be terrified. I will bring her home.
The sound of footsteps behind me puts me on alert. I’m too nervous to turn around and look. Is it an animal, or two people? I pick up the pace, staring straight ahead. I’m ready to whip out my magic.
Kato told me I needed to be careful. He’d be pissed if he knew I was out by myself.
Harsh whispers drift through the air. It’s not an animal behind me. The tenor voices of men are a dagger to my soul, making my mouth go dry as I try to stay calm. If it’s two men, I can take them if they’re not supernatural.
My breathing increases, then I see a flash of bright lights up ahead. It’s a car barreling down the road. Should I flag them down?
The car gets closer and I view a man with electric blue hair. His face is pasty and he glares at me. I inch closer to the car. He continues going, after showing his fangs. Another blood-sucking vampire.
I’ve got to get home. Only two blocks to go. I don’t have time for this shit. I’ve got bigger things on my mind. If they’re trying to sneak up on me, they’re doing a terrible job. One of them must be heavier; his breathing is loud and rough.
Morgan must be worried, but I’ll be home in a minute. Once I get these wannabe stalkers off my ass.
I take a swift right at the corner to make sure they are indeed following me. For a few seconds, there are no footsteps. I wipe the sweat from my brow. They’re gone. I thought they were trouble.
As soon as my heart rate decreases, the footsteps sound again. It’s best to get prepared. These fuckers want a problem. I’ll be just the one to give it to them. As long as my magic works.
They have a slight advantage over me. Not just because they are men. They know the city better than I do; I can’t make any more turns or else I’ll be lost and unable to get back to Momma’s house.
I move from a street with an occasional streetlight to one with a flickering dim light several hundred feet ahead. I blink and keep moving. I need to reach the light. Then, I will turn around and unleash my magic. Right now the night consumes most of my vision. No point in fighting the darkness.
It’s clear to me they are not professionals. If Prentiss had sent them to hunt me, I wouldn’t hear them coming. This is the perfect time to attack: while I’m visually impaired by the night.
The suspense is killing me. I spin around and they have the same faces. Twins, I suppose; their hair is the same electric blue as the guy who passed me in the car. Their faces match too.
“Get her.”
I spring into a run without a destination. I’m lost, but I can’t stop now. My feet are heavy, and the footsteps get closer. I run faster, darting my gaze from left to right. I notice a dark alley up ahead.
I duck off into the alley. The darkness will protect me. They won’t be able to see me. Once they get here searching for me, I’ll unleash a bolt of hot magic.
Hiding behind a garbage can with sweat racing down my face, my heart beats like a drum. This town has too many clones. They tiptoe past the garbage can and I hold my breath, not wanting to make a peep.
One is fading. His body is a shell of the other twin. The other one is more substantial. He’s the leader as the spirit twin follows.
I inch back toward the wall as a rattle sounds out. I cover my mouth and glance over at the garbage can. I knocked the top off.
The footsteps come my way. I ignore my fears and dip into my magic. The garbage can scrapes against the gravel. As soon as they expose my body, I unleash magic balls one after another. The solid one goes flying across the alley.
I pause, preparing to release more fire at the other. My hands tremble. If he comes any closer, he’s toast. He darts his gaze from me to his twin and then runs off.
I exhale. Shit, they nearly got me.
Also by R.L. Wilson
Book 1 Eternal Curse
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0825V7Q9Y
Book 3 Eternal Shadow
Https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086Z84NTD
Coming Soon
Book 4 Eternal Darkness
Escaped by magic
Dragon Burn
Supernatural Academy
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