by Rae Rivers
It was terrifying but exhilarating.
Closing her eyes, she stopped fighting and embraced it. Her insides burned from the pressure as she absorbed the magic around her, grimacing at the invasion of dark magic.
But she pushed on, immobilising the magic that threatened to destroy them, and gave in to the instincts that would nullify it all.
The fires went out, the smoke subsided, the pool grew still, and she was vaguely aware of the groans of protest that filtered through the darkness.
Uneasiness joined the ranks of the other emotions when she felt the lighter magic sweep through her, mingling with the darkness.
Somewhere far away, a warning fired but she didn’t stop. She wasn’t ready to break loose yet, absorbed in powers so strong; they’d devour her if she lost control.
But she held her ground and revelled in it.
Just as she thought she’d explode from the pressure caused by the clash of energy inside, everything calmed.
Her magic at work.
She felt them succumb to her. The relief was so intense, triumph washing over her, and she smiled.
Exhaling softly, she opened her eyes, delighted by the intensity of her magic, and searched for the Keepers.
But reality collided with her euphoria the moment she saw Declan stumbling toward the stairs, clutching his chest. He called her name, his voice a low grumble of agony. He was drenched in sweat, his hair clammy against his skin. He looked pale and exhausted.
Panicked.
Oh, my God. No wonder she’d felt the lighter magic. Harper and his warriors hadn’t been the only ones affected by her powers!
Horror gripped her and with an instant flip of her internal switch, she let go, releasing her hold on them all.
She gasped as their magic withdrew, leaving behind a crippling exhaustion. Disorientated, she descended the stairs, her movements unsteady, and dropped to her knees beside Declan.
“I’m so sorry, Declan,” she gushed, reaching for him. “I didn’t mean to hurt you too.”
“Where’s Sienna?” he grunted, shoving her away.
Kate searched for his brothers and Sienna. They were as weak as Declan, struggling to regain their strength, all breathless. She gaped at the bodies strewn across the snow covered lawn.
A strangled cry ripped through the night as Rick reached Megan. “Megan!” he yelled, shaking her unconscious body. When she failed to respond, his head whipped up to face Kate. “What did you do to her?” With a shout, he charged.
“NO!” Harper bellowed, launching himself in front of Rick as his arms came up to subdue the enraged warrior. “You fool! You harm her and it’s all over!”
Somewhere in the confusion, Kate recognised Lora. Gone was the quiet woman she’d met at the bar. She’d evolved into a raging banshee as she barked out orders.
Kate was vaguely aware that the warriors had begun to withdraw, temporarily shelving their attack plan, as guests began to peer through windows and doors, curious about the commotion outside.
She looked around, reaching for clarity, trying to clear the murkiness that clouded her brain. Lora was there, helping her to her feet, leading her away.
“What are you doing?” she asked as Lora opened the door to her SUV.
“Trust me, Katie.”
Kate frowned, the name triggering memories she’d long since buried. There was only one person on earth who had called her by that name.
And she was dead.
CHAPTER THIRTY TWO
Rose’s Cottage
Bennett Estate
The car door closed quietly, the sudden silence piercing Kate’s slumber. God, had she fallen asleep? Opening her eyes, she blinked in the darkness, reaching for her senses, and groaned when they came crashing into place.
“Why are we here?” she asked as Lora opened the door. Behind her was a small stone-walled cottage, the thatched roof covered with a thin layer of snowfall. Beside the single light that burned on the porch, the rest of the house was in darkness. It was surrounded by a small wooden fence, a single gate the only entrance.
Recognition fired and Kate sat up straighter.
“Rose’s cottage,” the older woman replied, helping her out the car.
She knew that. The daggers and her mother’s Grimoire were hidden here. But she wouldn’t tell Lora that. Yet. “The Bennett estate? Why bring me here?”
“Because I’m angry, Kate, not stupid. We need their help.”
“So why kidnap me?”
A small smile tugged at the corners of her lips. “Is that what you’re calling this?”
“You didn’t give me much choice.”
“That’s precisely why you’re here,” she said, as they walked through the front gate, “so that you have a choice. Yours. We live in a world divided, good and evil, and you’re a powerful weapon. Both sides will want you because of the leverage you offer.” Lora unlocked the front door, pushed it open and switched on the lights. Turning, she looked at Kate, her eyes filled with a mixture of concern and weariness. “And although I think you already know what your choice will be, when you make it, it has to be yours alone.”
Kate nodded, her chest swelling with relief. For so long, she’d felt hunted, her own essence lost in the search. “Why are you helping me?”
“Because you’re a witch and we look out for each other. It’s what your mother would have wanted.”
“You knew my mother?”
“Sadly, not as well as I’d have liked to.” Lora didn’t elaborate and ushered Kate through the door.
“Is that why you called me Katie?”
“It was your mother’s nickname for you.”
“How come I don’t remember you?”
“I haven’t seen you or your mother for years.”
The familiar ache returned with a vengeance, bringing with it a wave of sadness for a mother she’d never fully known. She contemplated pushing Lora for answers but the woman’s face had clouded over in a blanket of secrets.
Later.
She went inside the living room and Lora followed, locking the door behind them. A large bookshelf lined one wall, stacked to capacity with books of all shapes and sizes. Heavy white drapes covered the two wide windows on opposite sides of the room. The last wall displayed a massive fireplace, tarnished black from years of use. The aroma of herbs hung in the air. It was cosy; tastefully decorated in splashes of white, pink and red, hinting that a woman had once lived here.
A woman who’d lost her life fighting the very war that Kate suddenly found herself a part of.
“There’s much to discuss, Kate,” Lora said softly, pulling off her gloves and coat. “I’ll make us tea but I’d suggest you get some rest. It’s only fair that I let Declan know where you are and once I do, nothing short of an immobility spell will hold him back from coming here.”
A wave of unease clenched her insides at the thought of facing him and she took a deep breath, despising the shame that filtered through her.
“I didn’t mean to harm them,” she whispered, her gaze meeting Lora’s. “I’ve only ever been able to immobilise one person at a time. Tonight, Megan was my target but I’ve never felt power like that before. My magic crippled them all.”
“There’s much for you to still learn.”
“Once I realised that my magic had affected Declan and his brothers too, it was too late.” She swallowed, fear gripping her insides at the thought of hurting them. “What if I lose control again?”
“You never lost control, Kate. When you saw you were hurting them, you stopped. Now that you know how powerful you are, you simply need to learn how to isolate and target your magic.”
“I can do that?”
Lora nodded, her expression clouded with worry. “Of course. With some help and guidance.” She wrung her hands together before moving toward the doorway. “I’ll put the kettle on. Tea and bed. You look exhausted.”
An understatement.
The adrenaline had long gone, replaced by the cripp
ling effects of exhaustion. She ached to crawl into bed, pull the duvet over her head and stay there.
But she knew Declan would never allow it.
And right now, she wasn’t even sure which bed was hers.
Swallowing the tug of sadness, Kate sauntered across the room, drawn to the photographs displayed on the mantelpiece above the fireplace.
Smiling faces belonging to Declan, his brothers, Sarah, and Sienna. It was easy to identify Rose by the splash of strawberry blonde hair and wise smile, her arms draped casually around the brothers.
She looked happy, relaxed and proud as she hugged her family.
The tug of sadness grew stronger, the photographs echoing everything that Kate lacked in her life.
A home. Family. A place where she belonged.
Scolding herself for dwelling on old emotions, Kate zoned in on the photograph of Lora.
Her eyes were alive with laughter, her arms around Rose. Beside the frame was another picture of Lora. The photo had been taken many years ago when her hair had been darker and she had her arm around a woman with shoulder-length brown hair.
A woman Kate recognised.
Their features were so similar, the relationship obvious, and like a puzzle, the pieces shifted into place. Kate reached for the frame, surprised to see that her hands were shaking.
“I called Declan,” Lora said, appearing in the doorway. “I didn’t tell him where you are but I suspect he’s already bullying Sienna for a location spell.”
Kate held up the photograph of her mother, her throat so dry she could barely form the words.
Lora’s expression fell and she stared at the photograph for a long while before meeting Kate’s gaze.
And when she did, her eyes were filled with tears.
“I’ve been looking for you and your mother for so long,” she whispered as the tears trailed down her cheeks.
“My mother passed away.”
A sob broke free but Lora was quick to regain her composure. She nodded. “I know, and I’ve been terrified for you ever since. I thought I’d lost you both.”
Kate glanced at the photograph, already knowing the answer to her next question. “Who are you, Lora?”
Lora didn’t reply and crossed the room. Reaching up, she cupped Kate’s face within her delicate hands. “I think you already know.”
Kate’s throat constricted as tears took flight and she nodded. “I thought I was alone,” she said, the words coming out in a choked sob.
“Me too.”
They stared at each other in silence, the truth of their reality striking them where it mattered most. For a brief moment, relief shone through the heartache and tears, and Lora smiled.
“She died and all this time I thought … ” Kate’s words trailed off and she covered her face with her hands as tears took their grip.
“You’re not alone, Katie,” Lora whispered, reaching for her. “Not anymore. You’re home now.”
The words, said aloud, seemed to crumple Lora’s composure and she began to cry in earnest too.
Kate put her arms around her grandmother. They clung to each other, sharing so much more in that moment than two strangers ever could. Sorrow. Relief. Gratitude.
Together, they cried for a reunion they’d never expected, a life they’d never shared and for a woman they’d both loved.
And lost.
CHAPTER THIRTY THREE
Sleep wasn’t on the agenda for Declan, despite his exhaustion. Two hours had passed since the last guest had left but he was no closer to getting any rest.
Deciding he needed an outlet for the frustration that twisted his insides, he donned his swimming gear and headed to their indoor pool.
It had been Archer’s idea to incorporate the lengthy pool in their renovations a few years ago, not surprising considering his connection to the water. With their icy winters and love of swimming, it was a decision none of them had ever regretted.
Of course, they’d added a lounge and bar area too, so the pool had become a favourite gathering spot. With wide glass doors, low lighting, natural stone walls, and aqua blue water, the pool area looked like something out of a country club brochure. It was a luxury they all loved.
He was agitated to discover that his brothers had beaten him to it. They were both seated around the bar beside the pool, Levi asleep at Ethan’s feet. The aroma of coffee spiced the air, along with the bristle of tension.
Apparently, sleep wasn’t on the agenda for them either.
They both looked tired, despite their swim, but the exhaustion that overshadowed everything else had nothing to do with the fact that the sun would soon be up.
No, this went deeper than they’d ever experienced. They’d been drained by a magic superior to theirs, stripping them of the powers they valued most. It had given them a taste of the one thing that would kill them.
Weakness.
And it sucked.
“Did you find Kate?” Ethan asked, glancing up from the rim of his coffee mug. His hair was still wet, the collar of his T-shirt spattered with drops of water.
“She’s safe. Lora has her but wouldn’t say where.”
Ethan fell silent, knowing that challenging Lora would be fruitless. They’d learnt from Rose that once an older witch made up her mind about something, she was as stubborn as a cat about to be given a bath. Sienna was no different.
Not knowing where Kate was irked Declan’s protective instincts. He had to find her, talk to her, and bring her home. With Harper on her tail, unpredictable as he was … shit.
Declan dove into the water and swam four laps. The swim did little to quell his irritation, and he climbed out.
Ethan tossed him a towel and held out a coffee mug. “Drink up, brother. You look like crap.”
“Ditto.” Declan dried himself, draped the towel across his shoulder and took a large gulp. He grimaced. Ethan had concocted a powerful brew, clearly after a bigger caffeine kick than usual.
“As much as we need to protect Kate from Harper’s clutches,” Ethan said slowly, “we have to be wary of her.”
Declan’s defences prickled.
Even more so when Archer agreed with a nod, his broody glare shifting from the depths of his mug to Declan. “She could destroy us, Declan. She loses control again and she has the ability to wipe out everything we are.”
“Kate was provoked and if anything, she did what she did to protect Sienna.”
“She weakened us all.” His words were said slowly, his voice wired with razor sharp edging. A given considering his woman had been harmed. “We live in a world of warlocks and chaos. Chances are it won’t be the last time someone pushes her buttons and it happens again. She’s a risk to us.”
“She’s more of a risk in the hands of Harper and his minions.” God, the thought sent his blood pressure soaring. “Kate was as surprised by her abilities as we were. Clearly, something set her off. Sienna learnt how to master her magic. Kate will too.”
“And hopefully she won’t kill us in the process.”
Ethan stepped between them. Always the peacemaker.
Declan scowled at his older brother, who released a noisy sigh and reached for his coffee.
“I know you care for Kate,” Ethan said, turning to face Declan. “I like her, more than I should considering she zapped my ass too. Hell, the fact that Harper wants her makes me like her more. But Archer’s not wrong, Declan. She’s a danger to us.”
“Damn right she is,” Archer grumbled. “We have a witch to protect and to do that, we need our powers. In a single swoop of whatever the fuck that was, Kate depleted us all. Any more and she could’ve killed us.”
Declan clenched his fists, reining in the anger that made him want to punch something. Damn his brothers for being right. “So what do you suggest we do? Toss her out?”
Over his dead body.
“You know we can’t do that, especially now that everyone knows how powerful she is.”
“Did you know she could do that?” Eth
an asked.
Declan shook his head. “According to her, she’s only able to immobilise one person’s magic at a time. She never told me she could do more.”
“I don’t think she knew she could.” Sienna stood in the doorway, a Grimoire clutched to her chest, her words plunging them all into silence. Dressed in sleepwear, her hair pulled back into a ponytail, her face free of make-up, she looked so innocent and ordinary – it was hard to reconcile that with the powerful woman she was. But they all knew how dangerous she could be when crossed.
Sienna moved closer and placed the book on the counter. Archer pulled her into his arms, kissing her forehead.
“What did you find?” Declan asked, nodding at the Grimoire.
“To be able to nullify my strength alone requires a tremendous amount of power but to drain everyone outside … ” Sienna shrugged, shaking her head. “Kate had help. And a lot of it.”
Opening the Grimoire, she slid it toward Declan.
“What’s this?”
“One of the legends you’re so fond of,” she said, her voice lined with a hint of sarcasm. She pointed to a drawing.
“A bunch of interlinked circles and witchy symbols,” Declan said, glancing at the rough sketch. “Why don’t you witches ever just use words? Everything’s a damn drawing.”
Ignoring the dig, Sienna touched the circles. “Interlinked circles,” she said, trailing a finger to the sketched symbols within each circle. “These symbols represent several generations of women.” She tapped the final symbol, larger than the others. “And this is the symbol for a Null.”
“And it means what? I don’t speak witch, Sienna.”
“It’s a lineage of witches. Nulls.”
Silence fell, thick and prickly as they absorbed the impact of her words.
“Their magic is unique. Individually they’re powerful but together, they’re a quite a force. Similar to the way our magic works when combined.”
“Oh, that’s just brilliant,” Archer drawled. “You mean there’s more like Kate?”
“Not every witch born to this lineage is a Null so it’s hard to say. It’s usually the third generation that acquires the ability. Sort of nature’s way of offering a power boost to witches every few generations.”