Family Feud: The Witching Hour Series Book 5

by Joanna Mazurkiewicz

  "He did," Michael replied. "You shouldn't be upset. He’s only worried."

  "No, I'm not. I just needed to make sure."

  "Julia, what going on? What did that asshole do now?" Kelsie bombarded me with questions, probably because I was so lost in my own thoughts.

  "Nothing, I need to get Ella home. Thank you, Kelsie. I really appreciate you reaching out to Karina."

  "Don't sweat it. I'll see you tomorrow," she added, nodded to Michael, and within moments they transformed into wolves. I jumped into the car and fired up the engine, not wanting to stay in this area for longer than was necessary.

  I was quite tense until we were easing off into the main traffic.

  "Ella, are you all right? I know it's a lot to take in, but—"

  "Julia, I can feel people’s emotions and I can influence them," Ella cut me off all of sudden. It was a good thing we weren’t moving, because I would have probably lost control of the car.

  "What are you talking about, darling?" I asked her. She was smoothing her jeans over and over.

  "I only started doing it recently; first at work, when Christina was angry or upset. I could make her happy again. It's hard to explain, but I felt it, and when we sat down at the table. You were so anxious and nervous, meeting that white fairy—I tampered with your emotions."

  My heart rate sped up and I finally looked at her, realising everything Karina had said was already happening.

  "That was you? I thought Karina made me calm."

  "No, I felt the tension and I couldn't take it, so I calmed everyone down."

  Chapter 23

  The special one.

  I didn't know how I managed to stay composed. The cars started moving, while I considered what Ella had just said. As an elf, well, half elf, I wasn't able to tamper with people emotions. That kind of magic was advanced; normally pure-blooded elves studied it under close supervision. I could barely deal with pulsing and controlling my own excess magic. My grandma was able to command other people’s emotions, but only during certain times of the year, when the pressure was low, and she’d had an easy day.

  "Wow, that’s a good thing, Ella. It's really advanced magic. You shouldn't worry about it," I said a little too enthusiastically. I had no idea what that meant. Karina made me a little worried. What if Sid was Ella’s real father, not Alex?

  "I'm scared, Julia. This power is draining me. Sometimes when Mum’s cooking in the kitchen, I can hear what she’s thinking. I try not to, but she’s very expressive."

  "That happens to me sometimes. I hear people’s thoughts, mostly when I'm very relaxed or under pressure," I admitted, letting her know that this kind of thing was normal, for elves or fairies.

  "You do?"

  "Yes, it's part of our nature, so you don't need to worry about it. We could go to Nicky and she can teach you how to block these emotions. You just need to practice, that’s all."

  If my grandma had been alive, then she could have taught Ella what to do. I never paid attention to what she was saying and now I wished that I had. The cars in front of me were barely moving. It was after eight and I didn't want to get home too late.

  "What if my father’s coming for me? What if he knows what I can do?" Ella asked.

  Karina knew more than I expected, and the identity of Ella’s father was a mystery. For a short while we were both convinced that Alex was the one, but now I wasn’t so certain. He had locked her powers with a spell for some reason. I hoped she wasn't in any danger.

  "We’ll worry about that when it's necessary. For now, try to concentrate on your mother’s thoughts from the past. Ask her about her youth and try to read her emotions then. She met your father years ago, and Alex said he’d cast a spell on her to forget their relationship once he left. It's just a case of pressing the right buttons."

  I didn't even know what I was asking for, but it was worth a shot. After all, Ella’s abilities were evolving. She could read people and influence their moods.

  "Do you think there’s a chance she still remembers him?"

  "Yes, she must, even if she told you she doesn’t."

  Ella nodded when we finally reached her house. I told her she didn't need to worry. Her father was a royal fairy, and he charmed her in order to protect her. At least I wanted to believe that, if in fact Alex was telling the truth.

  It was late when I got home. Nathaniel called just before I had my dinner. We talked like any normal couple would, but I couldn't shake off the strange feeling that things were just about to change. On top of that, Tron hadn't contacted me again and I was desperate to speak to him about Alex. When he came to the office couple of weeks ago, I thought he would mentor me again, but apparently, he had his own agenda. I was no longer his student, just a relative of an old friend who had died.

  For the next two days I worked in the agency during the night. Normally Roberto waited for me outside half an hour before I was about to close. I didn't want to take any chances with Jasper. He hadn't been seen since my trip to North Wales, but I knew he was alive, waiting for me to slip up again.

  I updated Kate on everything that went on in the bar. That night she went away to Brighton with her sister. She wasn't sure about Nathaniel’s theory.

  “You're overthinking this, Julia, and you have no evidence that royals are involved," she told me at lunch. We talked everything over, debating about Ella’s father, but I wasn't convinced she was right. Surprisingly Kelsie was busy, and we didn't have much time to catch up. Nathaniel had launched a new product and the factory was flooded with orders. I tried to keep a close eye on him, to see if I was right about the possibility that he was changing into a bloodsucking, cruel creature, but he behaved as he normally did. Everything was fine, so I stopped worrying about it.

  The next day I woke up late, and when I glanced at the clock, it was just after 2:00 p.m. I felt like I hadn't slept at all. My fingers seemed swollen, my power buzzed in my ears, and I felt tingles everywhere. Nathaniel had been very busy over the past week and we hadn't seen each other much. Tonight, Mum wanted us to have dinner at their new place. I needed to catch up with my dad and finally show him the letter I found at Grandma’s house. He detested his new desk job and hopefully since Nathaniel had rescued him from the trolls, he hadn't gone any further with his own investigation.

  As far as I knew, Charlotte and Jacque were still in the UK; they were currently in Scotland visiting some other family members. The wedding plans were still on hold. We’d both been through a lot, but I promised Nathaniel we would be married by summer.

  "Hello, firecracker." Nathaniel welcomed me at the door when I showed up a few hours later. I felt so tired with the influx of power, especially when I was close to him. I didn't complain when he took me into his arms and kissed me hard. Power surged down my core, and the unease faded as soon as a wave of desire embraced me tightly. The excess magic had been a real pain in my life. Sex was a glorious solution.

  Nathaniel’s hand moved down to my arse, and his hard erection pressed over my stomach.

  "How about we fly to Las Vegas and do this elvish wedding thingie?" I asked, getting lost in his alluring scent.

  He looked at me with amusement in his eyes and brushed my hair away from my face.

  "Thingie?" He chuckled, and then shook his head. "No, we aren’t getting married in America. Your mum would be very disappointed if we did that."

  "Maybe you’re right. She wouldn't be happy." I moaned when he slid his hand under the hem of my knickers, stroking me sensually. We needed to be at my parents’ in an hour, but I didn't mind getting lost in the moment. I’d missed sex, missed having our time together.

  "Julia, you’re thinking too much. We’re getting married in a couple of months. I'm hiring a wedding planner, so you and your mother can sleep in peace," he said, pulling away. He closed his eyes, breathing rapidly, probably because he was ready to rip my clothes off.

  "Fine, fine. We should get going then. You know how much my mother hates it when we’re late," I s
aid, shifting my powers away, but desire had clenched my insides. I guessed we could forget about sex for tonight. My parents were expecting us.

  That annoying feeling that something was off didn't leave me when we got into Nathaniel’s Aston Martin several minutes later. He was loving and caring again, and maybe I was just overwhelmed with the amount of power I felt within me over the past few days.

  I tried to cast an immunity spell, but my attempts gave me a headache. My fingertips were sparkling, energy circulated, and my mouth was dry. Every movement was uncomfortable. I glanced at the corner of the street when I was just about to climb out of the car, and in the darkness, I thought I saw Jasper. A moment later there was no one there. I rubbed my eyes once, then twice looking intensely at the same spot.

  "Julia, are you all right?" Nathaniel asked.

  "I'm fine," I replied, telling myself that at this rate I was going to go crazy. Jasper wouldn't follow me to my parents; he wouldn't risk his life. Nathaniel didn't need to know what was going on with my overactive imagination.

  My mum and dad’s house was brand spanking new. The insurance company took ages to sort out the paperwork and release the money. Everything had been resolved a couple of months back, and they chose a small semi-detached property near the old place. I was a little apprehensive talking to Dad about the letter. Before Grandma’s death he was running the police department’s paranormal unit, and now he was forced to do a desk job, while Dannika, his subordinate, was conducting the investigation.

  "Nathaniel, how nice to see you," Mum sang once she opened the door. Nathaniel went inside, telling my mother that she looked fantastic.

  "How’s Dad?" I asked Mum, once she stopped giggling. Nathaniel must have worked really hard to make sure that Dad had forgiven him. Luckily, Mum didn't hear what happened at the funeral.

  "Oh, you know, he goes to work, and then goes out in the evenings." Mum sighed, taking me straight to the kitchen.

  "What do you mean, he goes out? Where and with who?"

  "I tried to ask, but you know how stubborn he is. We’ve been arguing about this, but I think he cast a spell on me, so I wouldn't nag." Mum whispered the rest of the sentence. I had to roll my eyes, but then again, my father’s late evenings were concerning.

  "Did he tell you anything at all?"

  "That he’s close to solving your grandmother’s murder, that’s all. Maybe you should talk to him. He does listen to you."

  Dad was in the living room with Nathaniel. His aura was dark, and he looked like he hadn't been sleeping much. I didn't really know where I could start without causing yet another argument.

  "Hey, Dad, you okay?"

  "I'm okay, hon. How’s the wedding preparation?"

  "Fine, Mum’s taking care of what’s necessary and we’ll be giving everything else to a wedding planner."

  "Good, good."

  "Julia’s made some progress with the investigation. Some things came to light in regard to your mother’s murder, Jerry," Nathaniel fired out. I narrowed my eyes at him, wondering why he had to bring this up so quickly. We hadn't even had food yet. My dad sprang from the sofa and looked at me like he was wondering if I was really his daughter.

  "What’s he talking about, Julia?" he asked with anger. "I’ve been pushed aside and now you’re putting yourself in danger?"

  "Dad, calm down. I'm not in any danger. I’ve been in touch with a few friends, trying to get some kind of positive outcome, since Dannika doesn't want to tell us anything." I was pissed off that Nathaniel just brought this up without consulting me first. Dad was working his jaw, probably expecting the worst. I was having trouble keeping my sparks at bay. My energy felt heavy and I wasn't able to control it, especially tonight.

  "Tell me everything that you’ve been able to find out," Dad said, looking pissed off and frustrated. I didn't know what he found out, but my information seemed like good leads to follow. Mum walked into the living room with tea. She sensed the tension and glared at Dad with irritation.

  "I found a letter in Grandma’s office, hidden under the sofa in a notebook …"

  I was talking slowly, aware that my story would anger him, but I was done with secrets. My father always told me not to give up. I didn't want to bring up my trip to North Wales, so I said that I met with Anthony in London. By the time I was through with my theory about royals and Karina, Dad was pacing up and down the living room. Mum looked stunned with my sudden slew of information. I didn't know what I was expecting coming for a visit. I felt guilty now that I’d waited so long to bring the letter up.

  "Unbelievable. I'm not allowed to move a finger and my daughter runs around London attempting to find the murderer on her own!" he shouted, and the bulb above us exploded.

  "Dad, don't be absurd. I haven't been running around London. I couldn't let you lose your job," I argued. For a moment, we were all sitting in stunned silence. I glared at Nathaniel who seemed to be somewhere else. I needed him behind me, especially now.

  "She warned me about this before, just before the wedding with your mother," Dad suddenly said, sitting back in the chair. "My great-grandfather was blessed by the king himself. Our ancestors were closely associated with the royals. Kimberley Taylor swore to keep the bloodline clean in exchange for abilities that others had never dreamt of. Her daughter and your grandmother drafted a contract. Everything was fine until I fell in love with your mother."

  My eyes started moving around the room. Now it was my turn to be stunned, and completely confused. Dad was pulling my leg.

  "Do you mean the contract mentioned in the letter? What are you talking about, Dad?"

  "There was always a contract, Julia. A legal document stating that we promised never to taint our blood in order to preserve the family genes. The oldest member of the family was supposed to approve the marriage of every Taylor who had ever been born. My mother was the last to renew it. The letter was just a reminder."

  "Reminder of what? I don't understand what you’re talking about. It was just a theory. I don't—"

  "No, Julia, it wasn't a theory. Someone within the royal circle predicted that the next-born son within the Taylor family tree would have the power of immortality. That’s why the contract was drafted, but I nulled its conditions when I married your mother."

  Chapter 24

  Final stroke.

  "This is the most absurd thing I’ve ever heard," I said, sitting back down and folding my arms together. Why did I have to mention this stupid contract? Dad was joking. Grandma couldn't have believed that a member of our family possessed the power to make other paranormals immortal. Elves and fairies were ageing, and no one could do anything to prevent that.

  Dad pressed his lips together, glancing back at Mum, who wasn't saying anything.

  "Your grandmother believed in the contract. I know how this sounds, Julia, but it's true. Apparently, the contract was renewed just before I fell in love with your mother."

  "What happened after that?" I asked, not convinced that my grandmother would carry on with something like that.

  "She didn't approve of your mother, but she never gave us a reason why we couldn't be together. At the time I had no idea there was a document that prevented us from getting married," Dad kept saying. "Things weren’t easy back then. We fought over this many, many times. My mum used a spell to make me forget about your mother. She was ruthless and didn't care about our feelings."

  I was sitting between my parents and my fiancé, not believing that my father had kept this from us for so long. No one had ever mentioned it, until now.

  "I went ahead and married your mother anyway. I didn't believe in the prophecy either. There haven't been any boys born into our family in the past sixty years," he added.

  "Barbra didn't speak to Jerry for two years," Mum suddenly said. "Then you were born, and she showed up, saying that she had forgiven your dad."

  "That sort of explains why she didn't want me anywhere near you," Nathaniel said.

  "I thought my mother was si
mply old fashioned and worried about her reputation. After you were born and she apologised, she said that she wanted to be involved in bringing you up."

  "She was murdered because she was trying to protect me, but I still don't know who would do such a thing," I said.

  “That's what we need to find out. This letter is proof that she was murdered. The royals should have stayed away. I’ll take the first available plane to Norway and demand to speak to the king," Dad said. I sunk back into the seat, rubbing my sweaty palms over my jeans. The contract was with Karina, the white fairy. Dad wasn't going to be happy about that turn of events.

  "No, Dad, you can't just arrive there without an invitation. This whole story sounds like a fairy tale. First of all, we don't have any evidence that the contact was ever drafted, besides the statement of a wizard—"

  "Julia, this is not up for discussion. This family has suffered enough, and that contract should have been voided a long time ago."

  "Jerry, calm down," Nathaniel said. "Listen to yourself. You’ve been working in a different department and you’re not in any position to demand anything from the royals. I have no doubt your boss is keeping an eye on you. You’ll risk your job and your reputation."

  "It's none of your business, Nathaniel. I asked you to keep my daughter safe and you let her get involved," he spat, with anger.

  Nathaniel went quiet and Dad kept shaking his head. The atmosphere went frosty and I felt foreign energy drifting around us. I would have recognised it if it was Dad’s.

  "Jerry, there’s nothing I can do if your daughter turned into a complete slut. She does what she wants and fucks whoever she pleases." Nathaniel scowled, letting his fangs descend.

  I gasped in disbelief. My father swung his arm, punching Nathaniel straight in his face. Everything happened so fast, that I didn't have a chance to react or even process what Nathaniel said. The impact of Dad’s punch sent Nathaniel over the sofa, and he crashed into the porcelain on the table. My heart practically stopped, and I sat there, shocked, not believing he would talk to my father like that. I had never seen Dad so furious, standing over the dhampir with his eyes glowing like two neons.