“But what if he doesn’t believe you?” Kira’s fear for Bonnie came through her voice. “What if he knows you’ve helped us?”
“I’ve been lying to that bastard since day one.” Bonnie grinned, giving Kira a hug. “I’ve got yours and Mira’s numbers. I’ll text when I can. What I want you to do is read that diary, practice your magic. Don’t worry about using it, because I’m the one letting dickhead know if I feel your magic. I’ve had him send his idiots on so many false chases it’s not even funny, but I really do need to get back.”
“Please be careful.” Kira hugged her back but was still unhappy about her leaving. “If you just tell me where he is now, I can go with you and end this.”
Bonnie shook her head. “Not yet.” Bonnie frowned. “If you’re not strong enough with your magic, then it would be a waste. We need to do this right or we will fail. Please believe me. I know better than anyone what it’s going to take. I may be young and blonde, but this girl has smarts where smarts count. I will be back soon to help you, but until then practice, Kira.”
Kira laughed, realizing she was going to miss Bonnie. She just had a way about herself that attracted you to her. “Okay, I trust you, and ask Ronan, that’s saying something.”
“Okay, peace out.” Bonnie threw the peace sign out, then walked away until she disappeared.
“You like her.” Ronan smiled down at her, taking her in his arms.
“Yeah, I do.” Kira nodded, then hugged him tightly, hoping to resume where they left off after being interrupted, but then his phone buzzed.
“Shit.” Ronan took out his phone and cursed some more. “Duty calls.”
“Guess you can’t play hooky?” Kira asked, hoping he would say yes, but at least he thought about it.
“Sloan’s already about to chop heads, so I better not.” Ronan laughed and moaned at the same time. He bent and kissed her hard. “I’ll find you when I’m off.”
“Promise,” Kira said against his lips.
“Promise.” He kissed her again, then pulled away. “But you have to promise me to not do anything crazy.”
Kira thought about it for a minute. “Helping Mira plan this wedding coming up in a few weeks too crazy?”
“For me yes, for you no.” Ronan winked as he put his hat back on, then took off back toward the compound.
Kira sighed, looking up at the sky and feeling happier than she had in a long time. Maybe things were finally going to go their way, for once.
Ronan felt much better knowing he and Kira were on the right page. He absolutely was alpha, but in truth, he didn’t want a woman he could control. His protective instincts were over the top, but that couldn’t be helped. It was who he was, but he could tame it down and come at it in a different way so to not be overbearing. Kira was worth him changing somewhat in that manner.
“Come on!” Sid waved him on. “I’ll fill you in on the way.”
Ronan picked up his pace, following all the Warriors who were heading toward the garage. Even Sloan was getting into one of the vans. What the hell was going on? Ronan jumped in with Damon, Sid, Jared, and Duncan.
Duncan opened the huge weapon duffle bag that was locked in each van and started handing out weapons. He secured his weapons, then glanced at Jared. “Anyone going to tell me what we’re running into?”
“Steve is trailing Bonnie,” Sid answered as he strapped on his chest gun strap. “He’s wearing a tracking system.”
Ronan stopped and looked up at Sid as the words Sid spoke registered. “Why?”
“Ah, so we can follow him.” Jared smirked like Ronan was an idiot.
“No, why is he trailing Bonnie?” Ronan persisted, even though he knew what the answer was going to be.
“Because, dumbass, she’s leading us straight to Orjyll.” Sid shook his head at him. “Come on, cowboy. Wake the hell up and get with the program.”
“Fuck you,” Ronan growled, then glanced at Duncan who was staring at him.
“It’s what we do,” Duncan said as if he knew exactly what Ronan was thinking. “If you’re not on board, you better let me know now.”
Everyone in the van was silent, even Damon who was driving stared at him through the rearview mirror.
Ronan nodded, then mumbled, “I’m on board.”
Once everyone went back to what they were doing, Ronan glanced out the window and knew without a fact that if they failed, this would be a betrayal to Kira and she may never forgive him. Grabbing another gun, he checked it, then slammed the chamber closed. This is why they couldn’t fail, and he’d die making sure they didn’t.
That thought sent regret surging through his body. He had finally found his mate, only to possibly die before ever really loving her. Jesus, ranch life was so much easier. Maybe after this if he survived, he would rethink his life.
Chapter 26
Even with everything going on, Kira hadn’t laughed so hard in her life. All the women were gathered in the game room putting together centerpieces for the wedding. Even though Sloan had offered to pay for whatever was needed, Mira wanted to make all the decorations herself.
All the supplies had been delivered, and after talking to Ronan, she had gone inside after he left and found the women brainstorming. Once they figured out what they wanted to do, actually what Mira, who couldn’t make up her mind, wanted to do, they started making them. The crystal bowl was plain, with a robin blue ribbon tied around the top in a bow with country sprigs and tiny white flowers. Inside the bowl would be a floating candle. Simple and pretty, just like Mira.
Kira stared at the one she did and smiled. “I can’t believe you’re getting married in less than two weeks.”
“I know.” Mira squealed with excitement. “When we couldn’t find a place, I thought we would have to postpone it, but then Ronan pulled the hero card. I still can’t believe he’s letting us use his place. He’s a good guy, Kira.”
“Yes, he is.” Kira blushed, knew her cheeks were red and wished she hadn’t in front of her sister.
“I’m sure we can have a double wedding,” Mira teased, giving her sister an elbow.
“Okay, let’s not get too carried away.” Kira grabbed supplies for the next centerpiece and changed the subject away from her. “So you got your dress, bridesmaid dresses, and how about the food?”
“Yes, ma’am.” Mira glanced down at Drew who was sleeping in her carrier. “And the food we are going to cater. I swear I think Steve tasted every single item they had before making a decision. I think he just wanted a free meal.”
Kira glanced at Mira, her heart warming with how much happiness radiated from her sister. Steve was absolutely the best thing that had ever happened to Mira, and he had grown on Kira. “I approve of Steve,” Kira said, trying not to grin.
“Oh, well, really?” Mira snorted. “Thanks, sis. Glad he got your special stamp of approval.”
“Hey, you should be happy I’m not trying to turn him into a lizard or something.” Kira kept a straight face. “I did think about it a lot.”
“I really love him.” Mira twirled a little flower between her fingers. “And I’m still super pissed that you went after Orjyll without telling me. We are stronger together.”
“I know, but it wasn’t really him we were going after.” Kira tried to smooth it over with her sister. “We were looking for Bonnie.”
Before she could respond, Lana walked up to them. “Emilia is here.” Lana glanced at Caroline, who was frowning. “And it’s not good.”
Kira stood just as Katrina and Jill walked into the room. “Hey, have you guys seen Slade or Blaze?”
A phone buzzed, making Kira look down at her bag. “You best look at that.” Tessa walked in behind Jill and Katrina.
Nicole, Becky, Angelina, and Pam all came closer. Kira’s hand shook as she reached for her phone. Putting her thumb on the button, her phone came alive. There was an unread text. Hitting it, she read it aloud. “Come now! Old shoe factory by the river.” It was from Bonnie. Kira looked up at
Lana and then Caroline. “Is this a trick?”
“No, it’s not.” Lana shook, her eyes went to the back of her head, then opened. “Go now, Kira! Go!”
Kira jumped at the different voice that came out of Lana. “Emilia?”
“Yes. Don’t be afraid of the power,” Lana said, but not in her own voice. “Go! You’ll know what to do, but you are the only one who can save them. Go!”
“Tessa?” Kira said, without looking away from Lana.
“We have to go now, Kira.” Tessa’s tone told her all she needed to know. This was real, and now she knew exactly where all the men had gone.
“Reverse the curse.” Kira pointed at Lana. “Emilia, you have to reverse the curse.”
Lana nodded, then went limp, but didn’t go down.
Tessa stood there with her eyes closed, but when she opened them, it was a look Kira never wanted to see again. “Oh God.” Tessa gasped. “We have to hurry.”
“Stay with Mira and Drew.” Kira grabbed her bag, not really knowing what in the hell she was doing, but the intense need to go had her shaking violently. She felt a power deep inside her that scared her.
“No, we’re going with you.” Mira bent down and kissed Drew on the head. She chanted, and realizing what Mira was doing, Kira joined the chanting to put a strong protection spell on Drew.
“I’ll stay with her and protect her with my life.” Becky knelt and picked up Drew.
“I’ll stay also,” Caroline said, the fear on her face a reflection of what everyone was feeling.
“So will I.” Angelina walked over by Becky. “I don’t want to get in the way, but please be careful.”
Kira was heading toward the door, grabbing the keys from Jill. “I’ll drive.” She ran toward the garage and frowned. All the cars were gone except for one, but the garage was full of motorcycles.
“Ah, damn,” Nicole cursed, then shrugged, heading toward one. “Guess it’s no different than a dirt bike.”
“Well, I know how to shift so I should be okay?” Pam frowned, then glanced at Kira. “Guess you can’t just do your thing and magically get us there, huh?”
“Unfortunately not.” Kira frowned and prayed she didn’t die, leaving one less Grail female on earth. Knowing skirts weren’t going to do, she used her magic to change into leather pants and leather jacket made for street riding. “Change into street gear just in case we go down.”
Mira did as she was told, and Kira made sure that the rest of the women were protected with the same clothes.
“Fuck yeah!” Jill looked down at herself then gave Kira an enthusiastic thumbs-up.
“Shit, how do we start these things?” Pam straddled one, but clearly had no clue what the hell to do.
Kira looked away from Pam, climbed on one with Mira climbing on behind her since there weren’t any left. Kira closed her eyes, lifted her arm and twirled her finger. In unison, the bikes came to life.
“Just don’t kill yourselves, ladies,” Kira yelled over the roar of the bikes.
Everyone backed the bikes out or got them turned around. It was rough going in the parking lot, but finally, everyone seemed to get the hang of it. Jill passed them, then stopped before pulling out on the road.
“I’ll lead the way,” Jill yelled. “I know exactly where it is, but we have to stop before that. Just follow me.”
“Just remember this is new to some of us,” Kira yelled back, then frowned when Jill wiggled her eyebrows at her.
“New to me too.” Jill grinned then took off.
Kira screamed when it looked like Jill was about to lose control, but sighed a gulp of relief when she straightened it up.
“She’s crazy!” Mira shouted, then held on tightly as Kira pulled out onto the street. She tried to focus on what she was doing, but her mind screamed for her to hurry. Using more magic, she kept the bike upright and had Mira do the same thing with any of the women who were having problems.
It seemed like they were going forever before Jill held up her hand and turned into a parking lot. Never more relieved to be off anything in her life, she got off, helped Mira, and gathered everyone around.
“Whoo-wee!” a male voice called out. “I think I’ve died and gone to heaven, boys!”
Ignoring him and his friends yelling things out, Kira looked at everyone. “Jill, lead the way, but once we get there, stay behind me.” Kira frowned, looking over at the men who kept screaming things at them.
“Excuse me,” Jill said, holding her finger up. She walked away from them then stopped with her hand on her hip. “Hey, redneck!”
“Damn, she knows your name, Eddie.” One of the men laughed loudly.
“How about you shut your piehole before I shut it for ya?” Jill tapped her foot as if waiting for an answer.
“How about you come on over here and help me shut my piehole, bab—” Old Eddie started, but Jill didn’t let him finish.
Thrusting out her hand, he went flying in the air then skidding around the parking lot into the liquor store dumpster. She looked at his friends. “So, who’s next?” she asked, then hissed, showing her fangs.
Kira had never seen grown men run so fast in her life. Jill returned to the group, wiping her hands with a smile. “Continue.”
“I wish I had a plan. I don’t.” Kira frowned, not feeling right having them with her. “Anyone who wants to go back, please go. I will do my best to protect you, but—”
“My man is obviously in there and in trouble,” Nicole growled then shook her head. “I’m going nowhere.”
“Girl code, bitches,” Jill spoke, then looked around. “We got this shit. Do what you need to do, Kira, and we’ll do what we have to do.”
Everyone looked at Lana. “Don’t give me that look. Are witches immortal?” She pulled her gun out, holding it up. She then glanced at Kira who shook her head. “Then I’m good.”
Kira gasped as coyotes came out of the darkness, at least ten of them.
“Don’t worry. They won’t bite… you.” Katrina grinned, but it didn’t reach her eyes.
“Tessa, what do you see?” Kira asked, looking away from the coyotes as Jill led the way.
Tessa closed her eyes briefly, then opened them. “Pain. I see a lot of pain.”
Those words had the women running. Kira glanced at Mira. “Don’t be a hero, sis.” She slowed just as Jill stopped. “You have Drew to think about.”
Kira looked at the building, then took the lead. “Stay behind me,” she ordered, and then crossed her arms in front of her chest. As soon as they were before the large double warehouse doors, she spread her arms wide, and that’s when all hell broke loose.
Chapter 27
Ronan didn’t have a good feeling about this at all. He was always ready for a good fight, but Kira’s words kept coming back to him. Magic was to be fought with magic. As much as he hated to admit there may be some things he wasn’t equipped to take care of, he was man enough to admit it. That didn’t mean it didn’t rub him the wrong way.
“Jesus, it’s about time you guys got here.” Steve came out of the shadows. “I didn’t want to get too close and be seen. Bonnie went in, but that’s it. No activity on the outside that I can see.”
“Jax, you, Slade, and Damon come in from the roof.” Sloan stared at the window. “Everyone else, follow me.”
“Wait a minute,” Ronan said, before turning on his earpiece. “Kira said something to me, and Bonnie seems adamant that us going in now isn’t the right thing to do. Could we be jumping the gun here?”
Sloan appeared to take his words into consideration. “Honestly, Ronan, I don’t know.” Sloan glanced at Wyrick, who stood on the sidelines. “What do you think?”
“I think we can get this taken care of tonight,” Wyrick said, his eyes shifting toward the building. “He’s not going to see this coming, and a surprise attack is the best way. If for any reason he knows that Bonnie is a traitor or worse, his daughter, then things are going to get far worse.”
“I say le
t’s take the bastard out,” Jared growled, looking around.
“That’s my vote.” Sid nodded, and the rest of the Warriors voted to kick ass.
Sloan looked at Ronan. “Well, cowboy, you in?”
Ronan looked around at his brothers. “Let’s go.”
Ronan stayed with Sloan, Blaze, and Slade. Steve went invisible, so Ronan didn’t have a clue where in the hell he was. Everyone else was either on the roof or surrounding the building. Ronan pressed his back against the building and tried to look in the window that was clouded with age, making it hard to see. The door slowly swung open.
“Come on.” Steve’s voice echoed quietly around them. He then became visible, waving them in. “The place looks empty.”
Sloan went in first, followed by Blaze, Slade, and then him. Ronan looked up to see the rest of the Warriors in place from above on the rafters and some coming in through the back.
“There’s magic working here,” Wyrick, who appeared behind Ronan, whispered. He heard Wyrick chant something, then watched as he moved his arms around.
Ronan cursed as all of sudden what appeared to be an empty building became full of people with Orjyll standing in the middle of them. “Fuck!” Ronan knew a trap when he saw one. His eyes found Bonnie who stood beside Orjyll. The look she gave him made him shiver. They had made a huge mistake.
“Wyrick, you always ruin all the fun.” Orjyll hissed and before Ronan knew what was happening, chains wrapped around his body. He tried to fight them, but too late he realized they were silver chains.
Ronan was lifted off his feet, his eyes never leaving Orjyll, who was laughing hysterically. The people around him were all witches and were all using their magic to subdue them. Magic didn’t work against full-bloods, but objects used against them obviously did.
He looked up to see the end of the chain wrap around a beam and then he dropped toward the ground with no way to protect himself. The chain stopped him with a hard jolt, dangling him in the air. The burning started on his exposed skin, but he didn’t make a sound. He looked around to see his brothers all hanging the same as him, but no one showed the pain he knew they were feeling. They were immobile, their strength weakening by the second, reacting to the silver.
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