He slammed the door behind him hard enough to rattle the paintings on the wall. “Fucking druggies. If women want to be reckless, they should be sterilized so they can’t procreate.”
“Another child casualty?” Julian drawled, and then smiled at the other men. “He’s become so sensitive now that he’s going to be a daddy.”
“Fuck you,” Bane spat as he headed straight for the bar.
“You’ve got to toughen up, Bane.” Nick never could resist a good opportunity for provocation. It wasn’t in his nature. “Can’t have a soft spot for the kids. You need to man up. Take care of shit. Especially your own shit.”
“Fuck you, too.” He tossed back a shot of Silver Patrón and poured another.
Dru shook his head. “You shouldn’t have intervened, Bane. Should have let them both die. The fates had interceded on our behalf, and you should have let it be. The world tried to correct itself, and you stopped it. Now who knows what kind of shit storm you’ve created with your selfishness.”
Bane sent him a murderous look. “Don’t make me take your soul, too.”
“I wish you could.” Dru eyed the man, understanding the depths of pain he experienced.
“The prophecy never mentioned a child.” Julian shifted, turning his pensive gaze out the window to the lush greenery surrounding them. “For all we know, it could be the spawn of Satan. A soulless wonder, to be sure.”
The rest of them turned their gazes to Julian as a wave of uncertainty rolled through the room. “Never mention her name,” Dru said. The last thing they needed was Lucifer taking them to task for failing. She was a difficult bitch to handle on a good day.
“Dru’s right.” Nick spoke in lowered tones. “I’d swear the woman has listening devices planted across the universe informing her when she becomes the topic of conversation. I can’t begin to imagine what would happen should she find out about Bane’s offspring.”
“She can’t know.” Bane drew his fingers through his ragged hair. “Ever.”
Bingo. If Lucy discovered their failures… “I didn’t mention anything when I talked to her today. Told her we were in operations mode and that she shouldn’t worry.”
“If she finds out we failed, you know she’ll have her hot ass down here in a second, and she’ll take matters into her own hands.” Nick blew out a breath in memory of his last meeting with her.
“Are you saying you wouldn’t enjoy that…again?” Julian lifted a sarcastic brow. “Perhaps you should have used more discretion when dealing with the Devil.”
Nick snorted. “Perhaps you should have fucked her and then you wouldn’t still be a virgin. Beware the scorned woman.”
Bane’s expression turned tortured. “She’ll kill them. All of them.”
“Isn’t that the ultimate goal here?” Julian asked. “To end this nightmarish Apocalypse?”
“They don’t all have to die,” Dru reminded them. “Only one.”
“It’s not going to be Tierra.” Bane shot a glance at each of them, daring them to challenge him.
“Arguing is getting us nowhere, gentlemen.” Julian regarded them with quiet disdain. “We need to find a way to stop the women from opening another seal and ending the world, all before incurring her wrath.”
“You’re right.” Dru released a sigh heavy with frustration. “If she comes to Port Townsend, we’re all screwed. We need to formulate an infallible plan.”
His brothers murmured their agreement as he reached for the crystal bowl sitting on the mantelpiece and grabbed a handful of the tiny cinnamon candies and poured them into his mouth. The flavor sizzled against his tongue, bringing him a measure of reassurance.
“What’s with the candies?” Nick asked with a condescending look. “I thought you didn’t pollute your body with that garbage.”
“Yeah, that’s what I thought, too.” But he hadn’t been able to deny the recent incessant craving.
Chapter Three
Claire sat in a melon-colored Adirondack chair on the wide porch, staring toward the Puget Sound. Precious sun rained down on the hillside town for once, and she soaked it up like a dwindling fire inhaling fresh oxygen.
Below, in the yard, Tierra knelt near the holly, planting who knew what in the garden. The scene was far too domestic to be comfortable, and Claire itched to get on her motorcycle and let the glorious rays fall down on her. She hadn’t ridden it nearly enough since they’d opened the Fourth Seal and all hell had broken loose; not to mention, her vitamin D levels had bottomed out.
She needed to escape before she went crazy.
She jumped to her feet and joined Tierra. “I’m going to see if I can find some more of those blueberry leaves. We used it all when we created that protective spell we put around the house, and I’m sure that’s what is missing in the potion I tried to make the other day.”
Tierra lifted a haughty brow. “Would that be the day you broke my favorite vase?”
Claire gave her a guilty smile. “Sorry. I didn’t think you’d miss it. You have so many.”
She climbed to her feet and dusted dirt from her hands. “Excuse me? You didn’t think I’d miss one of my babies? I know exactly how many I have and where each of them is placed in the house.”
Aw, shit. “I just insulted you, didn’t I? I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to disrespect what’s important to you.”
A grin broke over Tierra’s face. “Okay. I didn’t really miss it. Aerin told me—”
“She what?” Claire would be having words with that girl.
“That it was an accident. She apologized on your behalf. Said you were trying to remember a spell that would help us.”
Claire worked to calm the residual emotion from her reaction. Learning to live with three women when she’d been isolated her entire life because of her affinity to Fire had its challenges. “I think I almost have it, and I can’t sit around waiting for something to happen. We need to prepare now for future possibilities. I think I can figure it out, but I believe I need leaves.”
“There are some wild ones growing near the rocks out by the old barracks.” Tierra paused, worry settling in her expression. “I don’t know if it’s a good idea for you to go, though. Especially alone. Take Moira or Aerin with you.”
Tierra had finally accepted it wasn’t safe for her to leave the protection of the house. Not if she wanted to ensure her and her unborn baby’s life.
“I’ll be fine.” As much as Claire loved her sisters, she found, at times, she craved the solitude she’d cursed all those years. “I’m just going to make a quick run on my bike. I’ll zip up the street and over. No one will see me coming or going.”
Tierra’s expression remained uncertain, but Claire could sense her acquiescence.
“Really,” she pressed. “I’ll be back in thirty minutes or less.”
“Okay, but take one of the fabric bags I made. It won’t suffocate the plants like plastic will. There are some in the garage.”
“Sure,” Claire said with a smile. Anything to appease her sister. “See you soon.”
She stopped long enough to snag a bag from storage and headed straight for her bike. She didn’t need the other two tossing out opposition for her going alone. It wasn’t as though they could all do a spell together anyway should something bad happen. If they did, they might end up busting open another disastrous seal, bringing them that much closer to the Apocalypse. Whatever came her way, if anything, she’d handle alone.
If she died trying? Well, then all their problems were solved, and her sisters could live a peaceful life without her. In all reality, it might be worth the sacrifice.
The anticipation of having heated power between her legs left her giddy. She zipped up her leather jacket and straddled the beast she’d secretly named War. If she couldn’t have the man, she’d settle for this magnificent machine. Her bike was more trustworthy anyway and didn’t have a desire to bring about her death.
As she backed out of the drive, she spotted Aerin frowning at her thr
ough the window. She gave her a quick wave as Aerin leaned out and then shifted her bike into gear, letting a spray of gravel kick up behind her. She knew her sister had a few choice words to say, but damn it, she needed freedom.
Warm sun soaked through her black leather and caressed her shoulders. She inhaled, enjoying the feel of her hair flowing behind her. She should have grabbed the helmet from her room, but there hadn’t been time. Besides, with the end of the world resting on her shoulders, she had more important things to worry about.
She constantly flicked her gaze to her rearview mirror, very aware of anyone or anything that might have followed her as she headed up the hill. So far, nothing. Those Horsemen, as tough as they liked to think they were, couldn’t be everywhere at once. So, she’d take the gift of aloneness and enjoy the hell out of it.
She parked her bike in the camping area at the Fort Worden State Park and hid it among the large pines before hiking her way to the bluff overlooking the bay. Soft yellow grasses danced in the breeze coming off the water as a few fluffy clouds drifted across the blue sky. She found the wild blueberries exactly where Tierra had said, and she bent, cutting them with a pocketknife she’d found in the house.
Someone had carved curious runes on the blade, and she’d received a weird, electric vibe from it when she’d picked it up. So, she’d claimed it. It wasn’t like Tierra would bother tracking a knife anyway. She’d already explained that whatever was in the house belonged to all four of them. Family heirlooms, so to speak.
Weird, that. Having a family, having sisters who loved her and watched her back. It was a feeling she could definitely grow used to. Their love and acceptance conjured a warmth inside her that had nothing to do with her power.
With her task completed, Claire turned to retrace her steps toward her bike, but halted instead. A small red fox blocked in her path, staring at her with beautiful gray eyes. Claire inhaled a surprised breath, not sure if she should be afraid or not.
Suddenly, a steady stream of energy filled her like she’d not experienced before. Powerfully intense, but filled with love and compassion. On some unknown level, the fox reached out to her, and she wanted to respond in kind.
“Hello,” she said as she crouched to its level. The fox lifted its slender nose, sniffing the air. Claire held out a hand to indicate a desire for friendship.
The fox hesitated and then stood, its white-tipped tail unfurling behind it. With cautious steps, it approached. Claire waited while it sniffed her, its black leather nose wet against her fingertips. Then it rubbed its face against her, its fur warm against her hand.
“Oh…” she said on a sigh, delighting in the shared energy. She had the distinct impression he was a male.
“You are adorable.” She ran her fingers down the flame-colored fur on his back and over his huge fluffy tail.
You’re mine.
The thought came to Claire on the breeze, and she tilted her head. “Did you say that?” Foxes couldn’t speak, any more than…
You’re mine, and I am yours. The fox stared deeply into her eyes, sending a shiver racing over her.
She was well-accustomed to familiars by now. Each of her sisters had theirs. Tierra loved Jinx, the typical black cat famous in the lore for accompanying witches. There was Cheeto, of course, Moira’s sweet little pig, and Aerin’s bat, Lecter. Claire had just assumed the goddesses hadn’t granted one to her.
But now…maybe so.
Claire stood and took several steps toward her bike as she glanced over her shoulder. The little fox trotted after her, his tail waving as he walked. She stopped. He stopped. She continued until she reached her bike, and he followed her the entire way.
As she straddled her motorcycle, the fox walked in front of her, stopping inches from her front tire. He glanced up at her as though to inform her she wasn’t leaving without him. His gray eyes held steady until she laughed.
“Well, come on then.” She patted the seat in front of her.
He didn’t hesitate to race forward and jump. His back claws found purchase on her jeans as he climbed his way onto her seat. He settled his warm body between her legs and laid his head on her thigh.
“I’ll be damned,” she whispered, petting him between his ears. “Hang on tight…Kai.” The name popped into her head. Kai, Scottish for fire. Perfect for a fire witch’s red fox.
She started her bike and headed toward the house. When she was a block away, a cloying, depressive feeling clouded her. She couldn’t go home. Not yet. She needed more freedom. More time with her little fox, and he seemed to be doing just fine riding on her bike.
Instead of going home, she headed toward the outskirts of town where she could open up the throttle and really fly. She infused her engine with fuel, skipping down the middle of the road, passing cars if they moved too slow. Kai gripped her with his claws, but not hard enough to hurt, and she was careful not to do anything drastic that might cause him to lose his seat.
When she’d released her excess energy, she pulled to the side of the road long enough to send her sisters a text, letting them know she’d be home soon. She needed space, but wouldn’t make them worry.
Back in town, she eyed the street that led to their lovely Victorian home, but didn’t slow or turn. More blocks of shops and structures flew past before she found herself in the quaint downtown area of Water Street. Brick buildings constructed back in the 1850s popped up around her, making her smile. Despite the pervasive misty weather, something about this town owned her. She’d definitely come home.
From the corner of her eye, she spotted a tall, dark-haired man approaching the doorway that led to Sirens Pub. Sizzling energy ripped through her. She’d know those muscles and that sexy walk anywhere.
Dru.
The moment she thought his name, he stopped and turned as though she’d called to him. Their eyes locked for an intense moment, stealing her breath. Then he blinked and focused on her fox. His expression grew darker as he narrowed his gaze.
“Shit,” she hissed. She nailed the throttle on her bike and zipped around a corner, taking her away from the very one she desired and the deadly threat he posed.
A smart witch would hightail her ass home after a close encounter like that.
Then again, Claire always thought smart paled in comparison to sexy or dangerous.
Feeling brave, she circled around, slowly descending the quiet street again until she caught sight of Sirens entrance. Disappointment and relief filled her. Dru was gone. He’d headed inside, maybe to meet with his brothers. If so, she may have stumbled upon the perfect scenario in which to spy.
Her sisters would be angry if they knew, but someone had to start fighting back. If they intended to win this battle, they couldn’t be on the defensive the entire time.
Excitement pulsed through her as she parked her bike in an obscure spot behind a business. “You should stay here. Stay hidden,” she murmured to Kai.
When he’d crouched down in a nearby clump of tall grass, she hurried to make her way across the street before anyone who might pose a threat could spot her. She peeked inside the glass door on the first floor below Sirens.
The entrance was empty.
Quietly, she opened the door and slipped inside. The stairs leading upward provided a few vulnerable moments, but she hurried and made her way toward the bar. As she neared the hallway, her heart stopped.
A window provided the perfect view into the backroom of the bar. Death, Pestilence, Conquest. Where was—
“Looking for someone?”
Claire whirled around to find Dru, his dark gaze boring into hers like black nails into a coffin.
Chapter Four
Claire fought to retain her composure. Sweet Goddess in the heavens, Drustan looked breathtakingly fine. His black, form-fitting t-shirt outlined pecs and biceps in tantalizing detail. Ripped jeans barely contained his powerful thighs, while sturdy military boots completed his ensemble. She didn’t know of one woman who could see him and not want. Certainly not
her.
A dark shadow underscored his mesmerizing eyes leaving him with a haunted look that only made him sexier.
Claire took a step back, coming up hard against the window frame. She couldn’t help but remember the last time he’d had her against a wall and the full-blown sensory onslaught that had followed. Even if he’d only conjured their intimacy, their encounter was still real in her mind. She could taste him, feel the exquisite sensations of his mouth on her breasts, his…
She blinked and refocused her gaze, wondering if he’d tried to seduce her again just now. A slow smile curved his lips, tightening her insides. He closed his eyes for a moment, and then nodded as though he could somehow sense her reaction to him.
“Stop it,” she whispered. She drew her tongue across her bottom lip, searching for moisture. Dru caught the movement, watching her as though he’d pull her into his arms at any moment and kiss her. The idea intrigued and scared her at the same time.
“You look good.” His deep voice slid over her senses like satin against her skin.
“No thanks to you.” As much as she ached for him, she harbored serious resentment for what he’d done.
“I wouldn’t have taken your Fire, you know, had I not thought you’d survive.” His gaze drifted lower, down her neck toward her breasts. “I trusted sources when I shouldn’t have.”
Could he really have been concerned?
She raised a hand to her throat, certain he’d caressed her. But he hadn’t moved.
Another skill of his.
“Liar,” she said in a low voice. “Everything you’ve told me is a lie. Everything you’ve shown me is, too.” She needed to remember the hard truth of that.
“No, Claire.” Unexpected pain radiated from him, giving her a surprising slap. “I would have found another way had I known what it would do. You can’t imagine what it was like to see you lying there…”
Which Witch is Wicked? (The Witches of Port Townsend Book 2) Page 2