by Nikki Landis
Ryder whooped into the air and rushed forward to engage the witches. His zombies followed and soon they were attacking, snarling, and chomping teeth as they lunged for their victims. Damian and Gabe stayed by my side. We were all thinking the same thing.
This was too easy.
A diversionary tactic.
Jadis focused on me as she rushed forward and sliced her palm, blood dripping to the ground as she began to chant. The eyes of her witches glowed a dark red as they lost their glamour and transformed into hideous beasts with enormous black leathery wings that resembled those of giant bats. Their skin darkened to ash and hardened into a thick structure that appeared smooth and chiseled like volcanic rock.
Human/bat hybrids.
Damian hissed at my side. “Vampire. Our true form. This is a massacre.” His hand brushed the side of my cheek so fast I almost missed his touch. “Protect her. Ryder can’t handle my kind alone.”
“Shit,” Gabriel cursed as he moved closer to my side. “Go!”
Two of my Cosan were now engaged in battle. I had a feeling we hadn’t seen anything yet. We were being separated on purpose. I really hoped I was wrong.
A vicious howl let loose from the nearby trees before the leaves began to shake as a dozen creatures moved from their hiding spot. Tall hulking beasts with long muzzles and rows of razor-sharp teeth stood upright on two legs. Saliva dripped from their oversized canines. They had been there all along. I knew it instantly.
Lycan. Not the friendly kind either.
Gabriel growled as he pulled me against his side, whispering low in my ear. “I can’t fight in human form. I’ll have to shift.”
I nodded as he backed up a few feet, bones cracking and popping as he began the transformation. His face distorted as his bones elongated. Large teeth poked through a long, wide mouth as he snarled. Saliva pooled over his gums and slithered down his chiseled body. Wide-eyed, I couldn’t tear my gaze away. Claws developed on his hands and his legs lengthened, gaining him another two feet in height. Pulsing flesh rearranged on his body. Feet and legs continued to twist and contort as Gabe’s clothes ripped apart on his massive frame. The muscles of his body rippled with strength as his skin grew a light gray fur, short but still obviously not human.
Gabriel growled loudly as the other Lycan moved forward in pack formation. They were hunting. I didn’t know how these Lycan could transform without a full moon, but the only explanation was more of this same dark magic. Voodoo.
Damian’s words echoed in my mind. This is a massacre. He was right.
Gabe was seriously outnumbered. I could only hope that Damian and Ryder defeated their attackers and helped him soon. The entire pack converged on Gabriel as I backed up several feet.
I was drawn from the chaos when Jadis blasted me with a blinding spell. Smart. Reducing my sight would temporarily put me at a disadvantage if her spell contained more power than I currently possessed. It didn’t.
My sight was restored with a simple chant as she stared incredulously and stomped her foot in fury.
“You’re not strong enough to defeat me, Jadis,” I taunted, standing my ground in front of her.
“Have you forgotten my friend?” She held up the Voodoo doll. “We’re just getting started.”
Jadis squeezed the doll in her hand as my body curled inward with agonizing waves of pain. A groan of agony danced on my lips, but I fought the urge to cry out. I held out my arms and called to the ancestors, asking their power to fill me inwardly where Jadis couldn’t see. The extra boost almost immediately filled my body and I wanted to smile. Falling to my knees, I grit my teeth and took her punishment as she tossed the doll to the ground and stomped on it, laughing when I doubled over in pain.
This magic didn’t belong to her. She was nothing more than a pawn, used because of her simple mind and need for chaos. Whoever tore open the veil was the real threat. I knew this rogue witch was behind her corruption and was also the evil, dark, and heavy aura I fought off since the first night of Samhain. The true enemy. Male or female, I wasn’t certain, but I knew Jadis wouldn’t survive this night.
Speaking in a low tone, I conjured a spirit warrior. Past males associated with the Howe bloodline could be called upon to fight in a moment of need. These fighters were skilled and powerful with the advantage of Salem witch strength and immunity. As an added bonus, they could be sent back to the ancestors.
But they couldn’t be destroyed.
The spirit warrior was my cousin from marriage. A male that died in a freak accident ten years prior. Keith was tall and lanky with wavy blond hair, but he was strong as an ox. Not to mention the fact that he’d become quite adept at using a sword.
“Hey cos,” he greeted me, all smiles. “What mess are we in this time?”
“Oh, the usual,” I admitted, my eyes never leaving Jadis.
“That bad, huh?” He chuckled lightly before running forward and slicing the sword through the air. The blade made a smooth cut across the arm holding the Voodoo doll and Jadis screamed. Keith kicked the doll aside as I ran forward and snatched it up, calling down fire as it singed and destroyed the doll.
Glancing around the cemetery, I noticed everyone was locked in battle. Gabriel against the Lycan. Damian against the vampire with Ryder and his zombies. Keith with Jadis.
I considered who to help first when I heard my name, softly whispered in an eerie, disembodied male voice.
“Cassie . . .”
An evil so vile I had to fight the urge to retch, surrounded my soul. The hammering of my shields increased as my enemy sought to infiltrate my barrier one last time. All of my strength and power converted to those shields for protection. I couldn’t falter.
“Cassandra . . . I’ve been waiting.”
So have I, I thought.
Turning toward the source of the voice, I walked to the edge of the forest that bordered the cemetery.
It was time I met this witch and ended him, once and for all.
Chapter 13
The wooden structure in front of me appeared out of nowhere. Before this moment, it never existed. Many times, I walked among these trees in the past. An old forest that bordered the cemetery’s property line, it was populated with trees that held their own magic. Wide front doors opened with a creak as I approached, the illusion of hospitality. Moonlight filtered through the sporadic cracks in the wood as I entered, and the doors closed behind me with a purposeful click.
Fighting to stand against the onslaught, I rose my chin defiantly. The constant battering continued as I felt the presence of my ancestors increase. Their auras surrounded mine and sank in through the barrier, strengthening my shields further. I latched onto their gift and stood firm.
Maniacal laughter filled the empty spaces of the dark building as I awaited the presence of the one who tore the veil and manipulated Jadis Pudeator. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but no physical form appeared. Instead, a circle burned into the dirt floor just feet in front of where I stood. Moments later the ground cracked and broke open. Steam rose from deep within the earth as the flames of Hell lit up the interior. Fissures opened the soil wider but no being – immortal, human, hybrid, or demon – emerged from the hole.
“Cassandra,” the evil voice hissed, more present than before. “The fires of Hell await you.”
I shook my head, almost amused. I wouldn’t be fooled by this mirage. A simple trick that proved this witch was either a fool or testing me. No demon would allow the gates of Hell to open, and not chance an escape. I was being toyed with, but I didn’t know the reason why. Fear? Intimidation?
My hand glided across the air in front of me and the mirage disappeared. Only the dirt floor remained. “Who are you and what do you want?”
“Such a clever girl,” the voice responded, “but not quite clever enough.”
“You have my attention. Why not explain your master plan?” If I could find out what this being wanted maybe I could avoid additional bloodshed.
Outside, the so
unds of battle continued. Growls and snarls, shouts of anger and wails of pain all converged on the cemetery grounds. I had no idea if my Cosan were succeeding.
“The veil is torn.”
“I know,” I admitted.
“Why?” the entity asked, and I resisted the urge to lash out with my sarcastic tongue.
“To gain the attention of the Salem witches.” Why else?
“Ahh, yes. How are the Howe ancestors?”
Every muscle in my body wanted to react. The threat against my family was confirmed. “Why am I here?”
“You’ve no patience. The time will come.”
My mouth opened to retort when the doors busted open and Jadis stood in the doorway. She was a bloody mess. Hair matted to her head, scratches, and slices from a sword on various limbs. I guess she didn’t count on being bested by a spirit warrior.
“Bitch, this day is your last!”
I laughed. She was just too insane and full of drama. First, I was told my doom was coming. Now, she said this day was my last. Laughing harder, I shook my head. “You never have understood real magic. A pity you never will.”
“That’s where you’re wrong, Cassandra.”
“What’s the matter, Jadis? Not happy that your talents are nonexistent?” Taunting her was cruel but I was beyond caring in that moment. Jadis was the cause of several near deaths. She didn’t deserve sympathy.
She screeched as her voice rose several octaves. “I’ve always hated you.”
“Why?” I asked, a little too innocently. Jadis was never a close friend of mine but we didn’t hate each other in the past.
“The perfect Howe witch. So special. You had everything I wanted.”
It suddenly dawned on me. Sebastian Wildes? “You’re upset about a guy?” I laughed, truly humored.
She narrowed her eyes. “He dated me until you said yes and ruined everything.”
I snorted.
“But he’s not the only reason.” The smug look from earlier was back on her face.
Tapping my foot, I showed my impatience. “Do you actually have anything interesting to say?”
“It’s been three hundred and twenty-five years since the trials.”
What did that have to do with anything? “So? We aren’t in Salem in case you haven’t noticed.”
“Oh, don’t worry. Salem was just the beginning for the thirteen,” she cackled.
What the actual fuck? “You’re an original.”
“Am I?” She asked in way that made the blood in my veins run cold. “He’s coming, Cassie.”
“Who?” Yeah, I rose to the bait.
“You’ll find out soon enough,” she threatened.
Her games annoyed me. I was done playing. “Your pathetic practice of Voodoo can’t harm me,” I assured her.
“That’s not a problem. This is!” Jadis yelled as she launched her body forward, Keith’s sword clenched firmly in her hand. I’d need to return that.
Knowing I couldn’t move until the last minute, I stood my ground. Jadis was only a few feet away when she raised the sword and began to chant, her hand lighting up with red flames. I was prepared to duck down or dodge to the side when an arrow zipped through the air and pierced Jadis right in the center of her heart.
She screeched loudly as she fell to the ground, blood trickling from between her pale lips. Shock was visible in her eyes as her body twitched a couple of times before she was completely still, the light in her eyes quickly extinguished. I nudged her with the toe of my boot to be sure, but she didn’t move.
Jadis was dead.
Emptiness filled the room; the presence of the evil entity was also gone. It was as if nothing happened.
“Damn witches.” A deep male voice grunted with disgust. His tall, muscular body dwarfed the doorway, silhouetted in the frame. He held a crossbow as he sauntered forward, his long chocolate brown trench coat brushing the ground and the top of his boots.
“Excuse me?” I blurted out, blinking. Who was this guy? Where did he come from?
He didn’t answer and strode forward, pouring salt on Jadis’ body, dripping a clear liquid over her clothes, then flipping open a lighter. After a small smirk in my direction, he tossed the lighter onto her body and it ignited, exploding into flames and brightening the dark room.
Screeches of dismay hovered in the background for a few moments and then were silent.
The stranger laughed. “She won’t be coming back.”
He turned and moved toward the exit with his long strides, but I jumped in front of him, too curious to let him leave without answers. “Who are you?”
“Move out of the way, witch. I have to be here, but I don’t have to like it.” Huh?
What the hell was he talking about?
He shoved me out of the way and continued walking. “Don’t pretend that you don’t know,” he growled with a sneer. “All of you know. It’s how you operate.”
“Know what?” I asked with irritation. This guy was a serious asshole.
“You’re no different than any of the others. I should have known.”
Known what? “You must be confused.”
He turned suddenly and snarled as I backed up a step. “I’m not confused about who or what you are, little witch. Maybe you’re the one confused but I doubt it.”
What was his problem? Why was he so hostile? “You don’t have to be a jerk.”
“And I don’t have to like or speak to you either.”
Wow. “Hey, I don’t even know who you are or why you’re here. Just leave.” Hands planted on my hips, I was furious and filled with attitude. “I don’t need your help.”
He snorted. “You nearly died. Not much of a witch, are you?”
Now I was being insulted? “Just go back where you came from,” I ordered, my jaw tight with anger.
“It’s not that simple. I’m here for Gwen to help hunt this rogue witch down. So get that straight. You, I could care less about.”
Shit. He was the one we were expecting? Why did my Aunt Gwen invite this guy? “Well, you’re a total and complete ass so that’s not a problem. I’m happy to ignore you completely.”
Ryder, Damian, and Gabriel entered the building with curious glances.
“What’s all this yelling about? We could hear you all the way outside.” Ryder seemed more than a little flustered.
“You could hear them argue in China,” Damian muttered under his breath, glaring at the new guy.
“You okay, sweetness?” The concern in Gabriel’s voice was unmistakable.
I nodded at Gabriel and sighed. “Yeah, I just want to go home.”
“No problem, angel. Go ahead with Gabe and Damian. I’ll be along in a minute with Kayde.”
Kayde. That’s right. I nearly forgot the jerk’s name.
He smirked as his arms crossed over his broad chest. “Tell Gwen I’ll be there soon.”
Was he serious? Did he think I was his messenger? Sticking up my middle finger, I flipped him off and stomped from the wooden structure, not bothering to look at his reaction.
As I walked across the cemetery, I sensed I was being watched.
The evil entity was definitely a rogue witch. I knew that for certain. I wasn’t sure if this witch was a Salem descendant or not. Maybe someone who had a reason to hate the thirteen. I was positive I hadn’t seen or heard the last of this dark and sinister presence. For some reason I was released tonight and Jadis was allowed to be destroyed.
There was only one thing that made sense. The wicked being in Mystic Hallows was playing a deadly game. Tonight was a test. Pass or fail, I wasn’t sure why the thirteen Salem witch families were being targeted. All I knew was that all of us were in danger.
This Samhain, a wicked black magic was working its way through the Mystic Hallows coven.
As I walked by the Howe family crypt, the horrible truth sank in with devastating clarity.
Jadis was dead . . .
But she wasn’t the one who tore the veil.
/> The question was, who did?
Toil & Trouble
Episode 2 – Toil & Trouble
…
A ghoul who craves zombie flesh. A sensitive vampire who cries black blood. A lying werewolf my ancestors adore ...
And oh yeah, the witch hunter who hates me. Four unlikely heroes sworn to protect the powerful Salem Howe lineage from evil and help prevent the next uprising.
But, what happens if I need to save myself from the four devilishly handsome men? It's par for the course in my chaotic life. Trouble follows the Howe family like a curse. As the festival of the dead continues and Samhain thins the veil between the living and the dead, how will I prevent evil from taking over Mystic Hallows for good?
Prologue
I was a magnet for trouble.
Aunt Gwen heard me say this at least a dozen times, but she usually just nodded and smiled. It was probably because she didn’t want me to feel badly about it. I was beginning to think she didn’t find it amusing anymore, not that I blamed her. Samhain usually brought celebration and a unification with the ancestors. This year it had brought nothing but new immortals to Mystic Hallows, and an evil presence that threatened to destroy the Salem witch families – starting with my own, the Howes – and unleashing pure evil on the town.
So, this conclusion made sense. Trouble and Cassie Howe, hand in hand.
Once the immortals showed up – three of them, to be precise – things got tricky. A seductive vampire with a narcissistic wit, the sensual and passionate wolf, and the zombie controlling ghoul with a fantastic sense of humor. They were my Cosan. My protectors who were obligated and entrusted by my ancestors, sanctioned by the coven to guard the most powerful Howe female in our entire lineage. This just happened to be me. Honestly, I was still trying to figure out how I was so special. Maybe somebody goofed.