by Nikki Landis
“Better,” he admitted grudgingly, tossing me a bottle of water as he sat.
“How are you able to thwart me so easily?” I asked after chugging half the contents.
“I specialize in anti-magic.”
“Anti-magic?”
“Pretty much. I can counteract magic or its effects. Oppose it, you understand.”
Not really. “You have to clarify this for me.”
“I have the ability to nullify and destabilize almost all forms of magic, and even destroy a magic user's (or witch’s) capability to utilize magic. For some, I can cripple and/or kill them.”
Holy shit.
“You could take my power away,” I exhaled, shocked. Kayde was a dangerous enemy, but as an ally . . .
“I can see the wheels turning in your head. I don’t go around killing people, Cass. Gwen asked me here as a special favor. I’m probably one of few who stands a chance of stopping this rogue witch.”
“You’re not part of this Cosan thing then, right?” Kayde was brought here to help but he wasn’t appointed by the ancestors like Damian, Ryder, and Gabe. I didn’t know why that never occurred to me before now.
He shook his head, his expression amused. “Nah, I think I’m good.”
At least he didn’t insult me. I wasn’t sure what to make of this friendly version of Kayde. Part of me was waiting for the other shoe to drop. “You’re different than I thought.”
“Maybe you shouldn’t judge people so easily or quickly.”
“Point taken,” I conceded, “but you haven’t made it easy.”
He shrugged. “True, I suppose.”
We both sat quietly for a minute before Kayde nudged me with his shoulder. “Your dad would have been proud of you. Not many witches can take everything a Winchester can dish out.”
I ignored the compliment. At least, I thought it was a compliment. With Kayde I was never certain lately what his motivation was or what his tone was meant to convey. “You knew him?”
“Of course, Gil was one of my closest friends.”
What? I found that hard to believe. Then again, maybe that was why Kayde was here. “How long did you know my dad?”
“Decades.”
Really? Why did no one ever tell me anything? “What do you know about his death?”
He cleared his throat, looking away from my penetrating gaze. “Gil Corey’s reputation was beyond reproach. He was the best of men, respected by all, especially within the covens.”
I already knew that part. “You’re avoiding my question,” I pointed out.
“You didn’t let me finish.”
“When someone stops talking it usually means they’re done,” I retorted, folding my arms across my chest.
“Always such a little spitfire. You’re so like him,” he added, gazing off into the trees.
“I don’t remember him as anything but kind and soft spoken.”
“Oh, around his little girl?” Kayde chuckled. “Gil adored you and never raised his voice. The sun rose and set on his precious little Cassandra and I say that without sarcasm. He loved you dearly.”
My heart ached with those words and how much I missed him.
“But when he was away from you and your mother . . .” Kayde’s voice trailed off and he laughed again. “He had a temper, a foul mouth, and little patience for stupidity, annoying humans or immortals, and answered to no one. Only your mother seemed to tame him.”
I couldn’t prevent the grin on my face at the thought. “He was always smiling around me and mother. I can still close my eyes and hear his deep laugh.”
Kayde finally turned, our eyes meeting with a swiftness that caused my breath to suck in and whistle between my front teeth. “So can I.”
There was no stopping the tears that filled my eyes in response. “Kayde,” I whispered with agony. “Tell me how he died.”
“He asked me to keep those details to myself, Cass. There’s no point in hurting you further.”
“I thought you didn’t care.”
“Sometimes that’s better than caring at all.”
With that simple phrase I understood why he pulled away from me. I reminded Kayde of his dead friend and it hurt too much.
“Gil was my best friend and my closest confidant. It’s not right . . . what happened to him or,” he gulped and choked out the next words, “how I feel about his daughter.”
Shocked, I couldn’t speak.
“Isn’t this touching?” Damian stood within the shadows of the trees, his voice dripping with sarcasm as it echoed across the dewy lawn. “Finally admitting how much you want her?”
Kayde’s mask returned in that moment, swiftly becoming the hard shell I was accustomed to seeing. Without a word he jumped up and stomped off, his long leather trench coat billowing behind with every step.
“You’re an asshole, Damian.”
The vampire was in front of me so fast I barely blinked. ‘Watch it, precious.’
“Why?” I asked, challenging him. “Sometimes you go too far.”
The expression on his face proved Damian didn’t care about anyone besides himself.
‘You assume so much, little Raven.’
“Really? I think I see you for what you are, Damian.”
His green eyes seemed to glow brighter as he snarled, coming close enough that we were only an inch or two apart. “You don’t know anything, witch. Experience has been a poor teacher. You still behave as immaturely as a spoiled child.”
Taken aback, I blinked but stood my ground. “I suppose that’s better than pretending I’m something I’m not.”
Damian began to blur in front of me, his dark form switching back and forth between the glamour and his true physical appearance. A hideous beast with enormous black wings that resembled those of a giant bat stood before me. His skin darkened to ash and hardened into a thick texture that appeared smooth and chiseled like volcanic rock. Gazing upward, I realized his height also extended with this little performance.
A human/bat hybrid.
Vampire.
His piercing emerald gaze seemed to strip me bare as his tongue flicked over his sharp fangs. “You test my patience, pet.”
If he thought this was intimidating, he had a lot to learn. “You don’t scare me, vampire. Get over yourself.”
A loud guffaw grabbed our attention as we both turned to see Ryder leaning against a nearby tree. “She’s got a point, bloodsucker. You don’t inspire much fear.”
That must have pissed off Damian because he whooshed forward and into Ryder so fast, I nearly had whiplash. Not to be outdone, Ryder slammed into Damian’s ebony wings and knocked the vampire to the ground where they rolled and jumped back to their feet.
When did my backyard become the next episode of some bad wrestling show?
I heard a loud roar and turned my head in time to witness the giant werewolf form of Gabriel barrel into the other two. Crossing my arms over my chest, I watched in disbelief as the three ended up in a brawl. About twenty seconds later it became clear this was for fun.
Sometimes it felt like I was managing an adult daycare instead of juggling a friendship with four grown men. Hell, I didn’t know if it was friendship, a relationship, or some weird harem. Make that a reverse harem. Did that mean we were all fuck buddies?
Damn, I seriously needed to figure out my life.
Chapter 10
I descended the stairs about seven p.m. completely decked out in Samhain attire. My skull face paint was finished and completed the eerie and haunting look. Dressed in a black corset, black fishnet stockings, and knee-high black boots with heels – I felt sexy and lethal. An awesome combination. The skirt was red silk with black spider webs that glittered in the light, while underneath was black tulle and mesh gathered in several spots that showed off my skin and stockings.
A giant red rose was tucked behind my right ear and finished the ensemble.
Gabriel was waiting for me at the bottom of the stairs and held out his hand as he wh
istled. “Damn, Cassie, you’re a vision.”
‘Good enough to eat, pet.’
“Delectable,” Ryder agreed.
“Maybe the rogue witch will think so, too,” I blurted, frowning. “This is stupid.”
“He’s not going to pass up the opportunity to meet you, of that I’m certain.” Kayde’s words were exactly as I feared.
“Drawing him out is smart,” Ryder argued. “We have the upper hand.”
“You know this is best, Cassie,” Gypsy declared, biting her lip with repressed humor as she yanked on her boot and zipped it up. Our outfits were similar. “This concert is a great setting. Besides, it’s Samhain. I want to get drunk, eat candy, and kiss cute boys.”
I rolled my eyes at her silly agenda. “Geez, Gypsy. Priorities, huh?”
“We need to end this,” Aunt Gwen added, giving Gyps a stern look before turning back toward me, “and it was your idea.”
Yeah, I knew that already. No need to remind me.
“I’m so glad everyone likes to use me as bait all the time,” I replied, heavy on the sarcasm. “Maybe I’ll end up knocked out like last time.”
‘Stop being so dramatic.’
“Not a chance of that happening with all four of us there.” Gabriel pulled me into his arms and placed a soft kiss on my lips. “Relax, my sweet.”
“We need to get this witch out into the open.” Kayde met my gaze with a look of indifference. “I prefer a straight fight to all this mess with the Ether and your mental shield attacks.”
I hadn’t seen him since the backyard hours ago. “I suppose you’re right.”
He didn’t meet my direct gaze and I wasn’t sure where that left us after his little declaration. Of course, he never said what those feelings were that he had for me. I suppose Damian made it obvious when he mentioned Kayde wanted me, but that didn’t clarify a damn thing.
Damian chuckled in my head which I ignored.
“Off you go,” Aunt Gwen declared, shooing us all outdoors. “I’ll be in the backyard with the ancestors, some incense and candles, and about a gallon of wine.” She winked at me and Gypsy. “Make the Howe name proud.”
* * *
The band was rocking out on the stage as Gypsy and I mingled with friends, bumping into none other than Sebastian Wildes and the Bishop brothers – Kane and Karter.
“Cassie!” they yelled in unison, hugging me at the same time.
I laughed at their greeting and placed a kiss on each of their cheeks. “You boys grow more handsome and charming each time we meet.”
Twin grins appeared on their faces.
“Better than last time,” Kane snorted.
“Oh yeah,” Karter agreed. “No razor blades in the candy. My throat still hurts at the thought.”
“No doubt,” I agreed.
“Hey, Cass,” Sebastian’s deep voice cut right in. “Behaving yourself?”
“Where’s the fun in that, Seb?”
He shrugged, his gaze locked on Gypsy as she swayed to the music not far away. “How’s Gypsy?”
“Why don’t you ask her yourself?” I taunted, smirking at his scowl. “Repair any damage you’ve done.”
Kane and Karter snickered. “Chicken shit,” one of them added.
Seb frowned and made his way toward Gyps without another word.
“He’s got it bad,” Kane observed.
“He’s got something,” I quipped, laughing.
“How about a beer, Cassie?”
I nodded as the brothers left in search of a keg. Standing alone, I swayed to the beat and heavy guitars, enjoying the night. There might be a nasty male witch trying to kill me, but at least I had Samhain to help ease the tension.
“Come here often?”
The cheesy one-liner was issued by an unfamiliar male voice. I turned to the left and saw a young man with tussled blond hair and puppy sweet brown eyes. He seemed harmless enough. No bad vibe set off my Spidey-like witch senses.
“Often enough,” I teased, holding out my hand. “I’m Cass.”
“Nice to meet you, Cass. I’m Roman English.”
English. Why did that last name sound familiar?
“Hi, Roman.”
“Beer?” He lifted a cup and I shook my head.
“No offense, but I don’t accept drinks from men I don’t know.”
He nodded in understanding. “Smart. How about we head toward the keg and I can pour you a fresh one?”
My eyes darted toward Gypsy as she sauntered closer, eyeing Roman. “Who are you?”
“Roman,” he left off the last name as he shook her hand. “Just moved here.”
The female lead singer of the band belted out their newest hit. "The moon has awoken with the sleep of the sun. The light has been broken; the spell has begun.”
“She got that from Midgard Morningstar you know.”
Midgard was the lead singer of a metal rock band. I elbowed Gypsy with a smirk. “Stop it.”
“It’s true. She’s a total copycat.”
I laughed and turned away, my eyes scanning the crowd for my Cosan. All the typical Samhain revelers were here, dressed up in their Day of the Dead outfits. My guys weren’t visible, but I could feel they were close and watching my every move, ready to pounce when necessary. Roman probably made them nervous but they remained hidden just like we agreed. No point in tipping our hand to the rogue witch before it was time.
Seb showed up with a couple of beers and whisked Gypsy away, promising lots of candy and excitement if she followed. I waved her off with a knowing grin as Roman moved closer.
“So, about that beer . . .”
“Sure, you lead.”
He reached for my hand, but I acted like I didn’t know what he was doing and smiled, glancing at the band. “This way.”
Bodies were tightly packed and gyrating to the music, many of them wrapped around one another. The festive atmosphere led to a lowering of inhibitions. Every year was the same. Samhain and the festival of the dead was a wild time and one I enjoyed.
We finally made it through the crowd about ten minutes later.
“I thought we’d never get through,” I joked, reaching the keg and Roman’s tall frame.
“Agreed. This night is much more than I bargained for.”
Staring at him in confusion, I tried to discern his meaning. “You said your last name was English?”
He nodded, grinning wickedly.
English. Why was that a name I felt like I knew?
“Oh, come now, Cassie. Surely you’ve figured it out already.”
Dawning realization hit me, and I gasped at the same moment he lifted a syringe, plunging the murky liquid housed inside the tube swiftly into my neck. “One of the original Salem lines, banished from the thirteen.”
“You’re . . . one of the damned.” The drug was taking effect quickly and I started to sway on my feet. Kayde tried to explain. The damned witches – those who sold their souls to the devil in exchange for power – were deadly and dangerous. Where was Kayde now when I needed him? Or the rest of my Cosan?
Everyone around us seemed oblivious to the evil stranger who stood next to me and wrapped an arm around my waist as if we were close friends. No one noticed how he drugged me or the urgency of the situation. Did my Cosan realize I was in trouble?
“Aw, sweet little Cassandra, you’ve made me wait so long.” He caught my body as I started to fall and lifted my limp form into his arms, eyes scanning the trees and nearby cemetery. “Your Cosan is far too late to save you.”
* * *
“Hurry, she’s beginning to awaken.”
The caw of a raven echoed in my ears as my eyes fluttered and opened. The ebony silk of the bird’s feathers shone in the moonlight as it hopped about as if in distress.
Moaning, my head rolled from side to side as I fought the effects of the drug.
“What are you doing?”
A female voice I didn’t recognize was arguing with Roman. He spoke to her low and harshly, but
I couldn’t comprehend his words or meaning. My mind was foggy. I tried to reach out with my magic, but I was blocked.
“Stop struggling, Cassie,” Roman ordered, as I met his stern gaze. “It will only hurt more.” A small knife was clutched in his hand, the sharp blade a cool silver in the silent beams of moonlight. The tip of the knife dug into my right arm at the elbow as I screamed, the sound foreign to my ears as the drugs prevented the noise from carrying far. It came out as a warbled groan.
Another caw echoed from the raven as it launched into the sky and flapped its wings rapidly as if in a hurry.
“Ancestors,” I whispered, unable to call to them properly.
As I regained a small portion of my coherency, I realized my body was lying on a cold slab of stone or concrete. Both of my arms were spread out at my sides and seemed to be anchored with thick rough pieces of rope at the wrists. My ankles were also tied down in the same manor.
Human sacrifice?
Candles were lit one by one by the unknown female as she began to chant, her words in a language I didn’t recognize. The flames of the black candles rose higher as Roman walked around the stone altar to my right and jabbed the knife into my other arm, also at the crease of my elbow, slicing deeply into the skin.
Screaming again in pain, I began to fight as my lucidity returned.
He bent over me with a sneer. “Cease your screams, chosen, or I will slit your throat.” His hand wrapped around my neck and squeezed as my eyes widened and I nodded.
The woman chuckled as her wiry red hair blew in the light wind. “I’ll gladly do it for you.”
“Not yet, Morgan. The ritual must be completed first.”
Ritual? What the hell was he talking about?
Roman’s gaze lowered to mine as I tried to reason with him. “You don’t have to do this.” My voice choked off painfully as his grip tightened around my throat.
“Oh, but I do. You see, Cassie your bloodline holds the most power. If I’m to send a message to the thirteen there’s no bigger statement than to begin with the Howe legacy.”
“Revenge?” I managed to ask, holding his line of vision as I wiggled my fingers and attempted to unravel the ropes on my wrists.