Finding Hawk (Branches of Emrys Book 3)

by Brandy L Rivers

  Chatan shook his head. “Stupid fucking bastard.”

  Tremaine nodded. “To gain magic, he had to have a hand in the ritual. He made a choice, even if it was partially influenced.”

  “What is that blade?” Jacinda asked.

  “The Galican. It’s was hidden until a few years ago when Josephine, and her husband stole it from the previous Silver Council Magister. That’s when she died originally. Her husband brought her back before his own death. Don’t worry, the dagger is going back into hiding, away from anyone who would use it.”

  “Good. That magic is dangerous,” Chatan answered.

  She nodded. “I didn’t do anything to Mason but made him think I burned him again. I needed him out of the way to deal with Josephine. But the magic didn’t bond with him. He’s going to wither away.”

  Robert nodded. “Most likely. We have healers who will try to fix what’s broken, but it’s doubtful they can do anything.”

  Josephine blew out a breath. “If I wasn’t trying to cover my ass to make sure I didn’t go down for being a scary caster, I would have done more than really burn him the first time. But I didn’t know what was going on when I got here.”

  “Admirable,” Robert said. “What about Orlando?”

  “Orlando, I put him under because he wanted to play mind games, but he’s not good at it. He should wake up tomorrow.”

  “Can I slip into your head to quickly see what happened?”

  She gulped, then nodded. “Just don’t hold anything against me.”

  He shook his head. “You have my word. But this is faster, easier, and we can leave you two alone. Though later, after things settle down, you should call. I can take you to someone who would very much like to meet you.”

  Chatan shook his head.

  She looked at him, then turned back to Robert. “Who?”

  “Your grandfather. Brent Shadows. Tyrrell Lavelle’s father,” he answered.

  She blinked, trying to figure out how they knew about her family. Then she said, “I never knew anything about my father’s family. I’m not sure how much my mother knows. He left them to keep them safe from something that hunts my mother’s line.”

  “Doesn’t mean he doesn’t want to help you any way he can. And he’s like you in some ways. His magic is varied. You should talk to him.”

  She nodded slowly. “Take the memories.”

  “I’ll look at them, not take them.” He touched her head, then the night replayed itself. And he was out. He didn’t look further, didn’t pry into anything but what happened from meeting with the elders, until they showed up.

  “That was quick.” Jacinda relaxed slightly.

  “I would prefer you trust me,” Robert explained. “Please keep my secret. The Council would have a fit if they learned what I am, what Preston is.”

  “I’ll never spill a word, I promise,” she answered.

  He nodded to Chatan. “I hope that goes for you too.”

  “Definitely.”

  “Get some rest. That blade should have killed you, but between your quick thinking and Chatan’s impressive skill, you’re whole, completely.”

  “Thanks.” He slipped a card into her hand. “I can take you to your grandfather if you decide you want a quick trip.” With that, he stood, touched the other two men, and they disappeared.

  “Let’s get you cleaned up,” Chatan said. “Then we’ll rest.” Though she had a feeling they would do anything but sleep.

  She smiled as he scooped her into his arms and carried her back to the bathroom.

  “You aren’t mad?” she asked.

  “Why weren’t the elders with you?”

  “The van couldn’t go through the wards. I couldn’t take everyone. I went before they could argue. If I hadn’t, I’m not sure the first protection spell I wove would have held. I needed to make sure they couldn’t cut you.”

  He ran his hand up her side and shook his head. “I’m glad I managed to fix what she did.”

  Jacinda blinked. “What did you do?”

  He lifted a shoulder. “Pushed your magic back into you and healed the wound.”

  She kissed him and he lifted her up to sit her on the counter.

  Pulling back, he captured her gaze. “What did you do to me? I couldn’t move.”

  She winced. “I wove a protection spell around you so they couldn’t cut you before you left the reservation. Then I infused more magic into it so they couldn’t hit you again.” She touched his forehead. “How’s your head?”

  “Didn’t even notice that until you touched it.” He glanced at the mirror and his lip curled. “I’d love to smash a bat into his head.”

  “I might have broken his mind. The illusion I cast shouldn’t have lasted long. But if he has reality warping magic and doesn’t know how to use it, he might have looped the spell.”

  Chatan couldn’t help laughing. “Serves the prick right. Now, let’s forget about that because we’re both safe.”

  She pulled him down for another kiss.

  Chapter 38

  After making love in the shower, Chatan took Jacinda to bed. He lay there, combing his fingers through her damp hair. “Willing to say this is forever now?”

  “Yes.” She trailed her fingers over his jaw, sending a shiver down his spine. “I can’t stand the thought of losing you, Chatan.”

  He pulled her close and pressed a kiss to her lips. “I’ll follow you to the end of the world and back. We’ll stop Thanatos.”

  “I hope so.”

  “I told you, we’ll go to my father. He can help.”

  Her eyes closed as she nodded.

  “Talk to me, Jace. What are you thinking?”

  Smiling, she pressed closer. “That I’m lucky to have found you.”

  “You’re doubting that we can deal with Thanatos.” He could tell by the way she avoided his gaze.

  Sighing, she rolled to her back. “I don’t know what I think. I know my father thinks I can. My mom didn’t believe until recently. And with as long as Thanatos has hunted my family, I don’t know. I just don’t.”

  He rolled to his side and turned her face toward his. “I’ll help you find the answers. You have to trust me.”

  “I do.” She caught his hand and smiled. “Can we forget about all that for now? We should be celebrating the fact Josephine can’t hurt anyone else.”

  He pulled her hand to his lips and pressed a kiss. “Soon, we need to take a road trip. I can meet your mother. You can meet the rest of my family.”

  “I’d like that.” She slid her leg between his and rolled him to his back as she climbed into his lap. “We can always come back here.”

  “Always, Jace. I finally feel at home here, with you.”

  * * * *

  Jacinda stared at the picture on the wall. Her father held her mother, who held her as a baby. They were at a park she vaguely remembered. She stood in her parents’ home. The one they owned, but only stayed in a couple months at a time when she was little. Later, her mother would only bring her back for a week or two before moving on.

  Jacinda traced her father’s arms that held them tight. He looked at her mother with such love and adoration it broke her heart to know her mother lost that twenty years before. How lonely had she been all that time?

  A guttural cry pulled her attention. She jolted and ran up the stairs, toward the sound.

  An evil laugh tore through the house, shaking the walls.

  She pushed through her mother’s bedroom door. Chatan was nailed to the wall with stakes driven through his shoulders and pelvic bone. Symbols had been burned into his skin.

  She moved to him as the light faded from his eyes.

  “I love you, Jace.”

  Jacinda’s eyes flipped open, her heart hammering in her chest. Chatan pulled her closer, nuzzling his face where neck met shoulder.

  Tears filled her eyes.

  She couldn’t take him to meet Mom. Not now. Not until she made sure Mom was safe. She needed to warn
her, maybe bring her back to Wanatoga until she figured out what to do with Dove and Hawk.

  She covered Chatan’s face and whispered the words to keep him sleeping a few more hours. By the time he woke, she’d be on the road.

  Her heart broke as she slipped from his embrace and dressed in clothes she quickly shifted. After throwing everything she owned in the box, she hurried out the door and threw her possessions in the back of her car.

  Before she left, she crept inside and found a pad of paper and scribbled a note.

  Chatan, my love,

  I’ll be back as soon as my mother is safe.

  You can’t come with me this time.

  I don’t have time to explain.

  Please wait for me.

  Yours forever,

  Jacinda

  Arms wrapped around her from behind. “I’m going with you,” he murmured. “You can tell me on the way.”

  Pure fear roared through her as she spun in his arms. He shouldn’t be awake. Unless he was resistant.

  Blinking back tears, she pushed him back. “No. You can’t.”

  If he came, he would die.

  “I’m coming, Jace. You can’t stop me.”

  She leaned up to kiss his lips as she placed her hand over his heart and cast a stronger spell before lowering him to the floor. He’d lose a day and wouldn’t be able to follow. It was the only way she could guarantee he’d be safe. “You can’t come with me. I’ll be back.”

  Jacinda rushed to her car and drove away. She prayed he would forgive her.

  Jacinda and Chatan’s story will continue in

  Chasing Dove coming May 11th, 2018.

  You can order your copy here.

  Chasing Dove

  Branches of Emrys #4

  After solving the riddles of her father’s journal, Jacinda has finally found what she was looking for—and something she didn’t expect—love. With nightmares plaguing her, she runs away to protect the man who claimed her heart.

  Unable to let her go, Chatan follows Jacinda, determined to prove she needs help. And not just his. She has more family than she believes, and they have the means and willingness to help stop Thanatos.

  Chatan has to convince her running isn’t the answer while uncovering the deep secrets of the relics she's found, and how she can use them to stop Thanatos.

  To finally free her from the past, they will have to discover dark pieces of their families’ history. Their destiny is entwined with a prophecy, an ancient war, and each other. What side will they choose?

  Chasing Dove coming May 11th, 2018.

  You can order your copy here.

  About Brandy L Rivers

  Brandy L Rivers is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She is kept busy writing the Others of Seattle, Others of Edenton, Combustible, and the Pine Barrens Pack series.

  An avid reader, Brandy has always loved writing. She became serious about it as a stay-at-home-mother. With every story her world of characters expands, pulling her new directions.

  Living in rainy Western Washington with her husband and three kids, Brandy is already working on future stories in each of the series, and several other projects.

  To keep up with upcoming releases and news visit me at my

  Website – Facebook - Twitter

  Or join my newsletter

  Or reading group Rivers’ Shenanigans

  Also by Brandy L Rivers

  Bundled Sets

  Others of Edenton – Series Volume 1

  Others of Edenton – Series Volume 2

  Others of Edenton – Series Volume 3

  Others of Seattle – Series Volume 1

  Others of Seattle – Series Volume 2

  Combustible – the Complete Series

  Others of Edenton

  New Beginnings

  In Too Deep

  Shadows Fall

  Shadows of the Past

  Fated Love

  Falling Into Place

  Breaking Free

  Mending Scars

  Labor of Love

  Light in Darkness

  Blissful Agony

  Deep Trouble

  Entangled Darkness

  Deadly Design

  Blood Bound

  Untitled (Coming 2018)

  Others of Seattle

  Nights Embrace

  Storm Mistress

  Accepting Fate

  Red Queen

  Seductive Solutions

  Changing Destiny

  Coming Together

  Storm Wrath

  Twisted Bonds

  Darkness Binds

  Untitled (Coming 2018)

  Nights Embrace Spin-Off

  Summer Rhythm

  Branches of Emrys

  Sleepwalker

  Dreams of Change

  Finding Hawk

  Chasing Dove (Coming Summer 2018)

  Combustible

  Heart on Fire

  Falling Star

  Sweet Tooth

  Backburn

  Love Behind the Scenes

  The Callback

  Untitled – Ryan’s story (Coming 2018)

  Pine Barrens Pack Co-Written with Rebecca Brooke

  Cursed Vengeance

  Vengeance Unraveled

  Shifted Vengeance (Coming 2018)

  To keep up with upcoming releases and news visit me at my

  Website – Facebook - Twitter

  Or join my newsletter or reading group Rivers’ Shenanigans

  Reference Guide

  Bond – Shaman often find a mate, someone they have trouble living without. Sex seals the bond. Fae sometimes find a similar connection with the right person.

  Branches of Emrys – A group of Others trying to stop HARP and the Dark Templar from tearing about Earth to create a realm that was long ago destroyed.

  Dark Templar – An unsanctioned organization within the Silver Council bent on removing anyone they deem too powerful or a threat.

  Dreamwalker – An individual who can enter another person’s dreams. Some are powerful enough to alter a dream completely.

  Druids – Humans who possess nature magic primarily. They aren’t as common as mages. Tend to stick with other druids. They cast mostly earth and air spells, though some can manipulate fire and water. Druids can shift into animals with practice.

  Faery – Both the physical realm on the other side of the veil and the people who come from there. There are many different forms of Fae.

  Hybrid – Other of mixed parentage. Sometimes even children of human and Others are considered Hybrids.

  Mages – Humans who possess elemental magic. They can either sling spells like weapons or heal, though it is rare for a mage to be a healer.

  Magistrate – Somewhat like the Silver Council’s Sheriff, though their territory is larger than just one city.

  Mate – Shaman, Werewolves, Fae, and some other creatures, sometimes create a supernatural bond with their soul mate. The bond is nearly impossible to break unless one party dies. The bound couple will sometimes feel what the other is feeling, or sense danger the other is in.

  Mystic – Caster that can translocate nearly anywhere. Some can move through time. Often have psychic abilities like clairvoyance and telepathy. Some say they came from another realm.

  Others – Any being that isn’t quite human. Werewolves, vampires, shaman, druids, mages, witches, warlocks, Fae are some examples.

  Pack – Or werewolf pack, is a group of werewolves in an area. The size of the pack determines the size of their region. Werewolves in a pack have a hierarchal structure based on the creature’s innate dominance. Usually, there is an alpha which is the leader, and several enforcers who enforce the will of the leader, and the rest of the werewolves. Every pack is run differently.

  Pack Enforcer – Werewolves high in the pack hierarchy who carry out the Alpha's orders or discipline.

  Rift Bender – Mage/druid hybrid. They have skills of both sides of their parentage, as well
as skills born of both magics. They can open rifts and portals to other dimensions.

  Shaman – Humans who possess nature magic. Similar to druids, but not the same. Most shamans can shift into a specific animal.

  Shield – A protection spell. Forms a wall usually of one or two elements.

  Silver Council – Organization of mages. They are the governing force of most Others. Not everyone recognizes them, but they try to police all Others. The Silver Council is mostly made up of formally trained mages. They occasionally will employ other casters.

  Sorceress – A caster who sees Aura’s, can manipulate spirits or unseen entities around them. Danger lies in forcing their will too heavily on certain entities.

  Strigoi – A reanimated corpse whose soul is tattered enough a dark entity has taken root. Feeds off magical energy.

  Translocation – Some mages can vanish and reappear in another area. It is a rare talent.

  Ward – A spell that protects, sometimes keeps people from entering.

  Wereanimal – Any type of wereanimal. Werewolves are the most common. Werecats probably second. They are stronger and faster than your average human. There are rare cases of other wereanimals. Each species varies in what it may, or may not, be able to do. These creatures heal most wounds incredibly fast.

  Werewolves – Specific type of wereanimal. A werewolf is created when a werewolf in either its beast form or half-man form, bites and in rare cases scratches a human. They are incredibly strong, and faster than a normal human. Powerful werewolves can shift into their wolf form and a physical presence larger than human, covered in fur with enormous claws and bestial head. Their sense of smell and sight are very strong, especially in their beast forms.

  Witch – A human who is highly sensitive to magic, and can cast a limited amount of magic. Abilities vary from clairvoyance, empath, telekinesis, or various other psychic abilities. Most are adept at potions which combine natural ingredients with magic.