Enchanting Wilder

by Cassie Graham

  Kai smiles and, for a guy with demonic red eyes, he almost looks—mortal. “I didn’t know about Declan’s dream. I only know of yours, but the simple answer is I’m a lot like you in some ways. I’m a brethren, I guess you could say.”

  “You’re…” she stutters, looking to me as if she doesn’t believe it. “You’re a witch?”

  “Or warlock. You choose.”

  “Does that mean you’re a Strix?”

  This time Kai laughs. “No. I’m not a Strix.”

  “Then how were you able to manipulate my dream? I thought only Strix could do that.”

  Manipulated her dream? What? Why is this the first time I’m hearing about this?

  “They were,” Kai says. “Until we were made. And about the dream, anything is possible with the correct ingredients.”

  “How many of you are there?” I ask, skipping over the whole dream thing.

  “Hundreds? Thousands? I don’t know.”

  Thousands? “Who’s your creator?”

  Kai’s eyes downcast. “That’s the ultimate question, isn’t it? God? Lucifer? No clue. Whoever runs Beneath, I guess. But we’ve never met him—or her.”

  “You don’t know your own creator? How is that possible?”

  “There’s a lot you don’t know—there’s a lot I don’t know. I’ll tell you all I can, but can you put the gun away? I’m betting you have more wooden bullets in there.”

  He’d be right.

  I pop out the bullet in the barrel and push it in my pocket, switching the safety on. Kai hasn’t hurt us yet and by the looks of him, he could if he really wanted to. I’m choosing to go on faith here and trust him for the time being.

  Shoving the gun in the back of my pants, I meet McKenna at the end of the stairs and wrap my arm around her. “You’re, uh, you’re not wearing a shirt, Declan,” she whispers and I look down at my bare chest.

  Shit.

  McKenna grins, the rose still present on her cheeks.

  “I’ll go upstairs…”

  “No need.” Chanting low under her breath, McKenna says, “Soa, rie, niet.”

  A black shirt similar to Kai’s appears on my body and I decide to go with it. If she can dress me with a few simple words, I’m not going to complain.

  “All right,” Kai says. I’m still taken aback by his different appearance from all the other demons I’ve met. From his head down, he looks like a normal guy. Simple black jeans, a worn black shirt and black boots. His skin’s blemish-free, and there are hints of freckles on his snowy white arms. It’s almost as if he needs to sit out in the sun a bit more to broaden his tan. He’s a good looking dude, but it’s hard to get used to because his eyes—they are something I’ve only ever seen in my dreams.

  “There’s word that armies from all over are assembling to bring in a Strix with multiple powers,” Kai informs.

  McKenna’s grip on me tightens and I feel the chill radiate in her body.

  “I’m going to go out on a limb and say it’s you.” Kai points to McKenna.

  She says nothing in return.

  Grim, he utters, “Thayan armies have been circling your house all week.”

  “What?” My anger flares and I step forward, ready to strike.

  He puts his hand up to stop me. “Invisible, remember?” He gestures in a circle above his head. “We’re all loaded with magic. You wouldn’t have been able to see them.”

  The vein in my forehead pulses and my jaw tightens.

  “They couldn’t get in, obviously. You’re protected against almost any supernatural creature. The markings on the doors and windows of the house secured your safety.”

  “Then how did you get in?” McKenna questions.

  “Someone had to have messed with the markings. The one on your back door was smudged and I was able to walk right in.”

  “But if we’re protected inside, and no one can get in, how was it smeared? I obviously can’t see them.”

  “First of all, dear.” My blood boils at his pet name. “You can’t see them because you didn’t put them there. Lucky for you, I did. Only the witch or warlock who cast the spell can see them. The moment the orders came in, I had this odd feeling in my stomach and I knew I needed to protect you. Thayans know of your presence in this town, but not the exact location. All of that is to say, the moment the markings are tampered with, all creatures are attuned to their power. You’re fortunate tonight was my night for guard duty. We have Thayans posted all over the city. You’d probably be dead had I not come tonight. Someone would have come in, the pull of your Strix magic so strong, and it wouldn’t have been pretty. But, I restored the markings so we should be okay. No one will notice a difference.”

  I stop him. “Wait, let me get this straight. You put these markings on the house out of the goodness of your heart?” I scoff. A monster with a conscience?

  He shows no emotion. “I cannot tell you why I did it. I heard her name and something inside me told me to protect her.”

  I shake my head, totally unbelieving. I’m just supposed to consider fate now?

  McKenna sniffs. “A Thayan couldn’t mess with the markings, so who did?”

  “Just because Thayans can’t touch them doesn’t mean we can’t have a mortal do it for us. The mind is easily manipulated. We can get humans to do pretty much whatever we want. Sure, whoever messed with the markings probably didn’t know what they were doing. They can’t actually see it, I assure you. It wasn’t a coincidence the markings—your markings—were toyed with.”

  “Mortals?” I say in a monotone voice. “You have mortals working for you?”

  “Surely. I know many who would like to become what we are. They earn their keep, build up the trust, then are turned. It’s simple enough.”

  I sneer. Simple?

  “As for the prepared spells,” he shakes the bag still in his hand, “I made them in hopes of entering. That’s what I was doing when you found me. I was placing them all over the house. The markings were doing their jobs fine, but the spells I supplied should cloak you altogether.”

  “But won’t the other Thayans be able to see mortals coming and going?” I ask.

  “No. That’s what the prepared spells are for. It’ll make the place look deserted to certain eyes.”

  “You can do that?” I make sure. “That’s a thing?” I turn to look at McKenna who nods. “Damn.”

  A hint of a smile crosses Kai’s face.

  “When you say certain eyes, do you mean mean Thayans?” McKenna asks.

  “Not necessarily. The spell is aimed to ward against any being, mortal or supernatural. If they have the intent to harm you or your coven, they’ll be affected by the contents of the spell.”

  McKenna thinks for a bit and I decide to sit down at the table they have placed at the corner of the store. Kai and McKenna follow suit. McKenna next to me, and Kai across from us.

  “How is it so specific?” I ask.

  Kai shifts, appearing more comfortable now. His shoulders have slacked and his hands are limply sitting on the table. I eye him cautiously. Still, I can’t help but wonder what made him change sides.

  “It’s all about the incantation and the heart behind the spell. Sure, the ingredients and meaning of words play a huge part in it, but it’s also the purity of the witch. You never learned this stuff?” He points to McKenna with a confused look.

  McKenna shakes her head. “Never. It’s all textbook. Do this. Do that. That’s it. We follow orders and don’t mess with the status quo.”

  Kai scratches one of his eyebrows. “There’s so much more to magic than following someone’s orders.” His red eyes light up with something—eagerness? Even I can’t deny I’m sort of interested in what he has to say. “It’s all about free expression. Following your heart and riding the waves.”

  McKenna doesn’t seem so certain. “How is it a demon knows about following your heart? Aren’t you the epitome of evil?”

  “I’m supposed to be, but there’s a flaw in my makeup,
I guess.”

  “You have a morality?” I ask, skeptical. I’ve officially seen it all.

  “I do, and it’s a pain. The things they forced me to do…” He shakes his head, pulling at his blonde hair. “Having moral standards and being a monster don’t really go hand-in-hand.”

  “Shit,” I mutter. If he’s telling the truth, I can only imagine the guilt he carries.

  Kai’s eyes widen and he nods.

  “So what are we going to do?” McKenna sighs.

  “Well…” he begins, but stops when Candy comes barreling through the door, stumbling to a halt in front of us. She giggles but stops short when she notices Kai’s deep red eyes.

  “Hona, bia…”

  “Candy! Stop!” McKenna screams, getting up to rush toward her sister. She grabs hold of her arm. “Stop.”

  “But he’s a…”

  “A demon, I know. Listen, I need you to sober up.”

  Candy blinks, holding on tight to McKenna. She clears her throat and shakes the hair from her face. “I’m good. I’m sober.”

  McKenna gives her a level look and grabs Candy’s other arm forcefully. Candy yanks away once, but McKenna holds strong, her will more powerful at the moment. Candy quickly gives up and huffs, going slack in McKenna’s grasp. Together, they close their eyes and the veins in their arms begin to glow a light purple color. The color flowing into Candy with ant-like momentum.

  My eyebrows furrow as I watch the sisters. Low and steady, McKenna speaks to Candy, and, as the seconds tick by, Candy becomes steadier on her feet. Calmer.

  When they break apart, Candy steps back and side-glances at Kai.

  “What was that?” I ask.

  Kai picks at his nails, looking bored. “They were channeling. Syphoning magic from one another.”

  “You what?”

  McKenna sits back down next to me. “There’s a connection sisters share called the Sephra Link. We can tug and pull on emotions. It’s also really great at helping to cure a hangover—err, the beginning of one.”

  Candy stays on her feet, and Kai rises from his seat, resting his back on the wall closest to us. “You can sit.”

  Watchfully, she steps around him and sits down. “Thank—thank you?” she says, confused.

  Kai laughs. “Sure. Thanks for not killing me with that curse.”

  A killing curse? My head whips to McKenna and her mouth thins.

  Candy’s eyes smile just a bit and she looks down, playing with her hands. “So what the hell is going on? Who is he?” Her eyes move to Kai and he stands up straighter, puffing his chest out.

  “He’s Kai. He says he’s here to help.”

  Candy’s eyes narrow and she sits back in her seat, folding her arms across her chest. “How in the world is he supposed to do that? What’s wrong? He’s a demon. De. Mon,” she emphasizes. “He has red eyes, McKenna. I’ve never even heard of a demon with red eyes.”

  “I know,” McKenna says softly. “He’s a…” she stops and she turns her head to Kai for clarification.

  “I’m a Thayan.”

  “And he’s here for essentially the same reason we are,” I join in, hoping to help ease her concern. “My brother and I originally came here because a group of vamps were attacking families in town.” Candy leans in, placing her elbows on the table. “Turns out, there’s a bigger threat out there.” I point to Kai. “They’re targeting McKenna.”

  Candy’s eyes widen and then a look of disgust replaces her worry. “What? Who? Him? How is this possible? Why McKenna?”

  Kai shrugs a shoulder. “No, not me specifically. My kind, and I don’t know why. That information hasn’t been given to me.”

  “We found a coven and we were able to take out a few.” I don’t even try to mask my cockiness.

  “Good,” Candy says and McKenna snickers.

  Candy’s taking the information fairly well considering her sister is in immediate danger. I wonder all they’ve been through to be so blasé about a situation like this.

  Kai clears his throat and his skin has turned an odd shade of white.

  “They were one of you?” I ask in disbelief. “Your people?”

  Kai shrugs. “Yes and no. Yes, they were some sort of brethren, but they weren’t exactly what I am. I’m specifically a Thayan. They were more than likely something else. Vampire-werewolves. Shifter-witch. Who knows.”

  “I’m sorry,” Candy interjects, her hands flying in the air and then falling with a thud on the wooden table. “What?” Her eyes go wide.

  I chew on my thumbnail, a little scared to tell her. “They’re hybrids.”

  “I’m a witch and a demon,” Kai interrupts and Candy gasps.

  “You’re a what? Is that why your eyes are that creepy red color?”

  I snort and cover my mouth when McKenna smacks me in the stomach.

  “Oh, uhh, Sorry. I forgot.” He shakes his head and closes his eyes, and when he opens them, the red color dissolves and his brown eyes appear.

  “Whoa,” McKenna croaks.

  “Holy shit,” I say.

  Kai smiles and shoves his hand through his hair. With his ankles crossed, he casually leans against the wall. “What?”

  “That was insane. I’ve never seen someone change their eye color before,” Candy admonishes.

  “Change my eye color?” Kai says. “No. I can’t change my eye color. I can just shove the demon side of me back.”

  Each one of us shakes our heads, amazed.

  “I’ve been around paranormal all of my life and I’ve never seen anything like you,” I admit.

  “Us, either,” McKenna agrees.

  “To be fair,” Kai explains, “most have been in Beneath for the majority of their lives. The batch in which I came from got out just recently.”

  “How recent?” My eyebrow quirks and I try to remember a time I came across anything like Kai.

  “A few months? I don’t know. I’ve been here for longer, though. A year, at least.”

  “You’ve been out for that long?” inquires Candy. “Why were you so special and got out of Beneath before anyone else?”

  “I was the first.”

  The room falls silent and we stare open-mouthed at Kai.

  I’m the first to speak. “You were the first? As in the Alpha?”

  Kai takes long, agonizing seconds to answer, picking at the lint on his shirt, not bothering to look up when he finally responds. “In a way, yeah. I mean, Maker, my creator, is the ultimate Alpha, so I guess I’m the Omega? I’ve never really thought about it.”

  “Does that mean you have a lot of say within the Thayans and other monster hybrids?” McKenna asks.

  “I have all the say,” Kai responds with no hint of superiority. “I only take commands from Maker.”

  “So wait,” I interject, “if you’re the big man on campus, why are you doing the bitch work watching over a coven of witches that may or may not exist?”

  He shrugs nonchalantly. “It’s the biggest game in town. Everything else we were doing was small stuff that didn’t interest me. Plus, we knew they existed, we just didn’t know exactly where. As far as my seniority, it doesn’t matter. Until recently, I’ve always done what I was told and that’s it.”

  “But you’re not, are you?” Candy inputs. “How do we know you’re truly going to betray your people?”

  Kai laughs. “My people?” He shakes his head. “No. They’re a bunch of monster’s hell bent on destroying the world. I don’t want any part of that. It’s probably because I was the first. There’s a glitch in my makeup. Maker didn’t get it right the first time. I didn’t want to do what I’m told from the get. I couldn’t follow orders blindly. I always wanted to be on the other side of the fight. Listening to Maker only fulfilled me for so long. My allegiance was broken long ago. Once I got topside, I realized the virtuous in this world. And, you know what? I felt for humans. It felt odd and alien, but I felt for them. That basically led me here. To help you.”

  “We aren’t hum
ans,” McKenna says. “Why feel for us?”

  “Hey.” I smile, insinuating my obvious non-supernatural mortal-ness.

  “Well, you are, I guess. Shush.”

  Kai smiles at us. “You aren’t humans, true, but you’re the good. Once I knew your name and saw what you were, I knew I had to help.”

  “Do you know what I am?” I probe. I wasn’t exactly sure he was cognizant of what I do.

  “Sure. You’re a Pursuer. I know of all hunters in my area. You’ve come into contact with a few of us and it is—was—my job to know all of you. You’re Declan and you have a brother, Sherwood.”

  My mouth goes dry. “Are you the only one who knows about me?”

  “I’m the only one who actively follows the identity of Pursuers, yes. Everyone else couldn’t care less. I was to report back and give names to Maker.”

  “And have you?” My hand balls into a tight fist.

  “I have, but it’s not what you think. I only give roundabout locations and fake names. I told you, I’m not here to make problems. I’m here to help.”

  “Do you know about the rest of my family?” I probe.

  “Oh, that your dad is a Pursuer and your mom can kick some serious butt if she wanted to? A bit. I saw him take down a nest of vampires a while back and checked up.”

  “What about my family?” McKenna asks, her eyes full of anticipation.

  Kai’s eyebrows pull down in concentration. “I don’t know much. Your parents passed about a year ago. Your sister and you are all that’s left of the Sawyer Strix coven. We were told you were different, and that’s why we needed to keep watch over you until it was time to attack. Though, I personally think they want to bring you to Beneath to do experiments, or maybe you mean something more to our world—I don’t know. They didn’t tell me everything.”

  McKenna sighs. “I hate this.”

  “Me too.” I pull her to me.

  Candy nods with sympathetic eyes. “Me too.”

  “So, that’s why I’m here. I know Maker is up to something bad—something huge. I don’t want any part of it. If you allow it, I’d like to keep you out of harm’s way, too.”

  McKenna looks at me and my gaze finds her beautiful eyes. She claps our hands together, squeezing once. “What do you think?”