A surprisingly smooth hand encircled hers. Gwen looked over.
The lady smiled. “I’m Ms. Murdock. Sleep well, Gwen. Trust in the love growing between you and that young man.” As she blinked her eyes, Gwen drifted away.
* * * *
Josephine reached out and snagged a mage’s arm as they walked toward Seattle’s Silver Council headquarters. The woman turned, making eye contact.
Pushing her power, Josephine whispered, “Take this to Preston Emrys. Don’t stop until he has the letter in his hand.” She placed an envelope in her grasp and pushed her toward the door.
Even after death, it’s still easy. A smile played across her lips as she patted the dagger through the messenger bag. It was time to put her plans in motion.
Cole, the fool, had taken two long years to bring her back, but somehow, she came back stronger than she’d expected. Her body was whole, as if she’d been dead mere moments. She knew his skill with the dead would ensure her power would be renewed, but she anticipated a long recovery. He’d found a way to perfect his spell, and a way to preserve her body. She hoped the journals she managed to grab documented how so she could find another necromancer to help with her plans.
The severed tie to her soul and magic was reforged in her resurrection, and now stronger. If Preston could have tracked her, he would have. That meant her theory was right. Her essence had changed, maybe evolved, and wouldn’t linger like a normal living person’s would. And yet, she was entirely present, as if she’d never left.
For now, the Council was safe, as long as they stayed away from her. Eventually, she’d be back to tear them down. First she needed to gather enough power to combat every last one of them and their tricks.
Time, but she had no shortage of that. She’d miss her favorite pet, but Cole was too easily manipulated. He’d lost his sense of self, which was a shame, because he’d been fun in the beginning.
Taking Michael as her new toy crossed her mind, but his will was clearly too strong. Shame, a druid would make a great tool, but they were naturally resistant to her brand of magic, including hypnosis.
Sighing, she walked back to her car that Cole had kept hidden at the warehouse, and slipped inside. Her old life was officially over. Time for a fresh start. The one she never told Cole about, in case he was captured, or killed.
* * * *
Roxy stepped into A Good Book in Edenton and found Tremaine at the counter. “Mike went all the way to fucking Lake George, and no one thought to tell me?”
“Hey, calm down, kiddo.” He glanced over her shoulder at Trevor who gave him an apologetic shrug. “Mike doesn’t want you to worry.”
“You’re the one who set him up with a girl who ran from him. He told her he loves her, and she ran away.”
“It’s not that simple,” Robert explained, as he came from the back of the store. “We didn’t have Mike’s location. Even with the blueprints and layouts, Gwen couldn’t quite remember where the building was because it was hidden by wards. We went to Amanda and I took Gwen into her head. I should have warned her what could happen.”
“Wait. You took Gwen into Amanda’s head?” She frowned, pausing as she unsuccessfully attempted to figure that out. “How the hell did you do that?”
“Doesn’t matter. I’ve done that sort of thing a million times. Looked for memories to help me find what I needed to get the culprit. I didn’t warn Gwen how to navigate. She stumbled on private memories about Mike. It made her question things she wouldn’t have questioned otherwise.”
“That’s what he meant about not knowing the whole story?”
Robert sighed. “Yes. Trust me, it tore Gwen apart, but she had to know Mike chose her and only her. That’s my fault too. I couldn’t let Liz go when I tried to be with Gwen.”
Her brow arched. “This whole situation keeps getting weirder.”
Tremaine turned to look at Robert. “Yeah, tell me about it. I seriously want no more details.”
“Like I’d give them. We ended amicably, but after Coltrain, the pattern left her with some self-worth issues. She usually ignores them and pushes through.”
“Can Mike fix this?”
Robert nodded. “I’m positive he can. You didn’t see the determination on his face. I would feel bad for Amanda but neither of them want to go back. In fact, Amanda wants to stay in Edenton where a friend can help her find a way to live that her maker didn’t bother showing her.”
“If Gwen doesn’t snap out of this, I’m going to hunt her down and kick her ass.”
“You won’t have to. She loves him.”
Roxy shook her head. “She left. She can’t love him that much.”
Robert ran his hands down his lapels and met her gaze. “Trust me, she loves him. She thinks she’s doing what’s right for both of them.” He glanced over at Tremaine. “You can ask him. I did something similar a long time ago, but it all worked out.” He squeezed Tremaine’s shoulder before disappearing.
Roxy shook her head, trying to figure out what she’d witnessed.
“He’s right. Her leaving doesn’t mean she loves your brother less. Might mean she loves him more. Look, I don’t know the whole story, only that I had a strong feeling about what was between them when I saw them together, long before they figured it out.”
Roxy slid onto a stool and dropped her chin into her hand.
Trevor sat beside her and wrapped an arm around her. “Don’t worry, Roxy. You’ll have your brother back soon.”
Tremaine smiled. “Let me make you a smoothie.”
She grinned. “Okay, Uncle.”
“Don’t forget it.”
* * * *
“You wanted to see me?” Robert asked as he walked into Preston’s office.
“We can’t stop looking for Josephine. Especially after this.” He held up a letter, delivered moments before by some entranced mage. “I know what she found at Draecyn’s two years ago.”
“What’s that?” Robert asked, taking a seat across from him. He reached forward and took the note.
To Gwen’s superiors,
Let her know she can have Michael Nights. I have the one thing I want, and after looking through Coltrain’s notes, the boy is more trouble than he’s worth.
I would recommend letting me go and forgetting you know I’m alive again. You’ll regret it if you do find me, though I don’t suspect you’ve learned your lesson yet.
It’s your deaths.
Josephine Monvoisin
Looking up, Robert asked, “And based on this, what is it she found at Draecyn’s?”
“The Wellspring. An ancient dagger that draws magic from the victim, granting it to the wielder. She’ll use it to gain power, Robert. She can already mindfuck most anyone into doing anything she wants. The delivery of this letter is a prime example. We can’t let her go.”
“We won’t. Have any clue where she is?”
“Unfortunately, she was dead long enough her essence is warped, and fades too fast. I felt her only briefly, then all trace of her was gone. I can’t track her.”
“Perhaps we can convince Erik to become an enforcer. I received the paperwork reinstating the diversity program. We might even want to talk to Mike about him joining.”
“He didn’t seem overly interested in all the extra stuff that comes with being Other,” Preston pointed out.
“That will change. One step at a time. He embraced his beast, and his magic. He doesn’t feel guilty for what he had to do today.”
“True.”
Robert added, “I have a feeling he’s not going to like Gwen being away from him on assignments. Once he convinces her, I’m pretty sure he’ll do whatever he has to in order to stay at her side. Considering how well he did on instinct, can it hurt to train him properly?”
“We can talk to them. How was he?”
“Determined. He’ll get her back.”
“Did he ask about your involvement in her past?”
“Yeah. Kid’s got guts, and his concern wa
s that I was good to her. After I told him I was, he was fine with our history.”
“You know, the more I think about it, the more I think he’ll make a good enforcer. I hope he says yes.”
Robert took another look at the note. “When they get back we should let Gwen know. We need to find Josephine. There was a reason Draecyn locked away that dagger and kept it out of Archives. It’s dangerous. It’s the very reason the Silver Council strives so hard to keep Others a secret from normal humans.”
“Agreed.” Preston heaved a sigh, and leaned back. “We’ll find her, eventually.”
Chapter 32
Gwen drove to her house. There were so many good memories from childhood, before the single horrible one. She hadn’t gone home in years, but it seemed fitting for Mike to find her here—if he did.
Mom had given her the house after she begged her not to sell it. She understood why Mom couldn’t go back. It broke her heart when Dad left them, and shut out his magic. They’d been together for a century, everything wonderful, until one day Dad couldn’t do it anymore, and decided all magic was evil. He’d begged and pleaded for Mom to do the same. She couldn’t shut off what she was though. Honestly, neither could Gwen.
“Why are you going back there?” Mom asked from speaker phone.
“I told you. I fell in love. But he has a past, and I’m not sure he can walk away from it. Even if he can, he may not want to be what he is. And I didn’t save him when he was in trouble. He saved himself, but what if he can’t handle the guilt of having killed a man?”
“Did you even give him a chance to talk, Gwen? Or did you start doubting everything and run?”
Gwen sighed. “I told him to go back to his ex, to find out why she really left. He didn’t know the whole story.”
“And how did you find this out? Why would he care if it’s been that long?”
“Remember Robert? He couldn’t let go of his past.”
“That was different. Robert was in love with Liz from the time he was sixteen. They were together for decades. How long was this guy with this girl?”
“A few years.”
“Exactly. And he said what he felt for you was different than what came before, right?”
“Yes, but what if knowing the whole picture changes his mind?”
“What if it doesn’t? What if he goes, finds out, and doesn’t want her. What if, after all that, he thinks you must not love him because you sent him back to another woman?”
A sob erupted from Gwen. “I’m the biggest fool. You’re right. But I’m scared to death he won’t pick me.”
“You said he begged you to stay?”
“Yes, but now he won’t answer his phone. He probably hates me.”
“Well, on the plus side, it’s still early in your relationship. If he really doesn’t love you, then I guess you’ll find out.”
“That’s not helping,” Gwen cried.
Her mom sighed. “Don’t give up hope yet. If he loves you, he’ll come and you’ll know for sure. Then, for my sake, don’t pull this stupid move again. If after all this mess, he comes for you, hold on tight and never let him go. I want you to be happy, Gwen.”
“I’d die before I let him go again. This was stupid. I kept thinking about the reason she ran from him. It could change everything.”
“Yeah, you’re my girl all right.” Mom laughed sadly. “I’m sorry, baby. Sometimes our biggest problem is our curiosity.”
“I’m here. I’m going to go. Need to get settled in. It’s not like he’ll be here anytime soon. I didn’t even tell him where I was going.”
“You said he was smart. Did you give him any hints?”
“Probably not enough to go on. If he calls me, I’ll go to him. I’ll beg Robert to zap me to him.”
She laughed. “Good luck, baby. Call me if you need me.”
“Love you, Mom.” She hung up as she parked the car. Staring up at the door, she prayed she hadn’t made a huge mistake.
How long before he comes? Will he come? What if he doesn’t?
Shaking her head, she climbed out. She didn’t even bother with her bags, because she was going to fall into bed and cry herself back to sleep, then stay there until her tiger pounded on her damned door.
Making the trek from the driveway to the front door seemed to take an eternity that led to a giant heartache. With a heavy sigh, she slid the key into the lock and turned.
Sniffling, she wiped at her face before pushing the door open. She stepped inside to find Mike setting his paintbrush down. He turned with a smile that quickly fell away when he saw her face.
She ran to him. He caught her halfway, sweeping her into his arms. “I told you,” he murmured, “you’re all I want. I talked to Amanda like you insisted. She and I are completely done.” He kissed her eyelids. “Now stop crying,” he said more forcefully. “I love you. Don’t make me chase you again. This time, I’ll consider payback for being a fucking moron when I first met you, but I’m not running again so you can’t either.”
She sniffled. “Never again. I wasn’t sure I’d make it. It broke me open to walk away.”
“No one else but you. No regrets. I’m not ever letting you go, Gwen.”
She closed her mouth over his and got lost in their kiss. When she pulled back to catch her breath, she whispered, “I couldn’t do it again. I’m so sorry.”
“I get it. I hope this proves you’re my only choice.”
“It does.” Her smile finally brightened. “Why are you streaked with paint?”
He nodded behind him as he shifted out of the way.
Her breath caught.
She was curled in his armchair looking at something with happiness on her face and in her body language. Colors flowed around her in the background, drawing attention to her warm brown eyes and rapturous smile. “I don’t have words.”
He beamed. “You were telling me about this place, about the memories. I fell for you in that moment. Hard. You were so alive, and open, sharing a piece of you I wanted to be a part of.”
She gasped. “That was so soon. I wasn’t sure you’d even give me a chance at that point.”
He caressed her face. “You’ve changed everything for me. I was locking away a part of me, a big part, because of fear. You took that fear, made me see that it isn’t having power that’s bad, but what you do with it.”
“What you did yesterday doesn’t…” she shook her head, afraid to say it.
“They meant me harm. Cole would have taken a part of me I’ve come to accept, and even enjoy. All thanks to you. You made me realize I wouldn’t turn into my father. That my power was a part of me I should embrace. I don’t want to go back to how it was. I wasn’t happy.”
“You’ve convinced me. I won’t ever leave again. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have. It tore me apart.” She blinked and more tears streamed down her face.
Mike thumbed them away and pressed a light kiss to her lips. “I’d show up to catch you again.”
“Won’t have to.”
He grinned. “Want to give me the tour? I stuck to this room, and the kitchen, which thankfully had some canned food, because I got hungry. I can’t cook, but I can heat up a can of soup like a pro. Don’t even really know where I am. Preston had to dig for the address.”
Her brow arched. “You asked the guys for help?”
“You gave me instructions before bailing. I figured I would follow them before showing up here. You didn’t tell me anything more than you lived in a house on this lake. So, I called Tremaine because I had his number, and begged him to send Robert to me. Robert showed up and I asked him to find out where this place was. Based on the minimal info I had, Preston found it. Then I had Robert take me to Amanda to get the truth. It changes nothing, for either of us.” He gave her a stern look and she smiled slightly. “Preston texted him the address, and here I am. I spent all night painting the woman I’m hopelessly in love with. The one who sent me on a crazy chase and showed up crying.”
“I f
igured it would take you a while to decide what you wanted.” She sighed. “I’m a fool.”
“No. I asked Robert what happened between the two of you. It might not have been the right fit, but it did hurt you when he didn’t choose you.”
She chewed her lip and nodded. “I don’t want him though.”
“I know.”
“Even then, I wasn’t in love with him.”
“No, but you wanted to be the one he would choose, because you were with him at the time. Sort of like how I wanted Isa to choose me, because I wanted her. I didn’t love her, not really, but she made me feel something better than nothing.”
“You really do get me.” She grinned.
“Like you get me. Now show me your extravagant home.” He took a look around. “I’ll admit, I wasn’t expecting this.” He waved a hand through the room. “It’s bigger than I imagined.”
“Can we stay the night and go back tomorrow?”
“There’s nothing I’d rather do, besides make love to you, but we have all night.”
“Maybe we’ll start with the bedroom then.”
* * * *
The house was ridiculous. A fucking mansion. She took his hand, dragged him up two flights of stairs, and into the far room at the back of the hall.
He stopped to take in the master bedroom suite, at least he assumed it was, because it was bigger than his entire condo. “Holy shit, Gwen. I take it money was never an issue?”
She laughed and looked over at him. “No. I know, it’s too much, but it was my family’s. Mom gave it to me, the memories hurt her too much, but there were a lot of good ones for me I don’t want to forget. Mom and Dad were together over a hundred years before everything changed.” She looked up at him and shrugged.
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