2 Minutes to Midnight: Urban Fantasy Midnight Trilogy Book 2

by L. M Hatchell

  Lily’s throat burned as she remembered the eagerness with which Annabelle had taken to her studies; even before she was old enough, she’d watch Lily and try to copy everything she was doing. She was determined to be a great witch, and no one was going to stop her.

  “She would have been … one of the best.”

  “She still can be.” Diana turned to face her, the warehouse looming behind her. “We can help you use the Ouroboros.”

  A heavy weight pressed on Lily’s chest, almost suffocating her as she tried to push it back. She knew better than to give in to the hope, knew better than to trust the Council. But what if …

  “I’m not giving it to you.”

  “I’m not asking you to. The Council have plenty of magic at our disposal; we’ve no need for an old relic.”

  “Then what do you want from me?”

  “Your help.” Diana assessed her carefully. “There is only one way to stop the prophecy and save our people. The hybrid has to die.”

  She held up a hand to halt the protest that was on the tip of Lily’s tongue. “You know I speak the truth. All we’re asking from you is information. Keep us informed of the hybrid’s whereabouts, and we can make sure no one else gets hurt. No one else has to die, Lily.”

  So many emotions rushed through Lily: fear, anger, guilt. It was Phoenix’s fault this was all happening. If it hadn’t been for her, the prophecy would never exist. Both Abi and Diana had now said this was the only way. But could she do it? Could she really give Phoenix up to the Council? Would she be able to look herself in the mirror again if she did? Would she be able to face her sister again?

  And it was that thought that pulled her up short. The chance of seeing her sister again. She’d do anything to make that happen.

  Even if it meant selling her soul.

  The scenery all blurred into one as Phoenix rested her head against the car window. City turned to motorway, then to rolling green fields as far as the eye could see before starting the cycle all over again. Four hours they’d been driving only to end up in the Wicklow Mountains, barely an hour from where they’d first started. She hadn’t argued when Ethan suggested it was worth leaving a false trail; she’d learned the hard way what it cost to take unnecessary risks.

  Ethan was quiet in the driver’s seat beside her. The occasional sideways glance was thrown her way between watching the road ahead and flicking to the rear-view mirror, but overall he left her to her silent musings.

  After the first hour, the hum of the rental car’s engine had become soothing and lulled her into a mild sense of relaxation. It hadn’t kept the niggling worries from flitting at the edge of her thoughts though, and every now and then, the relaxation would turn to a suffocating panic.

  “Are you sure Abi will be safe with them?” she asked for the third time.

  He spared her a reassuring smile despite the frustration he was no doubt feeling.

  “Nate will watch out for her. The most dangerous place she can be right now is with you. It’s better this way. At least until we know the trail is clear.”

  What he said made sense; hell, she’d even agreed to the plan. The others would lay low in a safe house in Galway while she and Ethan ran a diversion to draw out anyone that might follow them. Nate would use the time to try to hack deeper into the Council’s network and find out what they were planning next. Then, once the coast was clear, they’d all regroup and head to Donegal together. That way they’d at least be limiting the trouble they were bringing with them.

  Abi’s response to the plan had been less agreeable; she refused point-blank to leave Phoenix’s side. It had taken a lot of convincing, and a pinkie promise to check in every hour, before her friend had conceded. Nate’s offer of self-defence training helped sweeten the deal too.

  It gave her a strange fuzzy feeling that Abi was so adamant to stick by her, considering everything that had happened. And that was why she knew this plan was the right one. If the Council was going to follow anyone, it would be her; she’d do everything in her power to lead that danger away from the others.

  As the road sloped upward, the smooth tarmac was replaced with potholes and gravel. Trees lined the narrowing road and ditches awaited the unprepared. The 80 kph speed limit suddenly seemed a lot more questionable, even taking into account their so-called immortality.

  They’d passed the last village fifteen minutes prior, and the glimpses of civilisation had become fewer and farther between: a quaint bungalow here, the occasional farm there. Instead, sheep and cows dotted the lush green fields and breaks in the treeline afforded unobstructed views of breath-taking valleys and forests.

  Her chest constricted as she remembered the last time she’d been in these mountains. Ten years ago, she’d walked out of her family home. She’d never found the strength to come back. Not until now.

  As if reading her thoughts, Ethan asked softly, “Do you want to go see the house?”

  She bit her lip hard and shook her head.

  He reached out and gave her hand a quick squeeze before returning his focus to the road, an unreadable expression on his face.

  They drove for another few minutes in silence before Ethan pulled the car to a stop in front of a small pub that appeared out of nowhere. The thatched roof and white pebble-dashed walls gave the building character, even if the wooden door and window frames were weathered and in need of a lick of paint. Despite the apparent lack of civilisation nearby, cars littered the small parking area to the left and many of the wooden picnic tables were occupied with customers enjoying the rare sunshine. A B&B sign hung beside the door, swinging gently in the breeze.

  She hesitated before getting out of the car. So, this was their first stop? The place seemed so normal. A whisper of anxiety bubbled up in her throat as she imagined what magic fire could do to the thatched roof.

  She trailed behind Ethan as he headed into the pub. Darkness shrouded them as the light of the sun gave way to shadowy nooks and crannies filled with wood and exposed stonework. The smell of freshly poured Guinness reached her nose and her chest ached at the thought of home … until she noticed the silence.

  A glance around the room confirmed that all eyes were on them; she squirmed under their scrutiny. Two men in jeans and checked shirts sat on high stools at the bar with cold pints resting in weathered hands. A middle-aged couple sat in one corner, an unlit stone fireplace forming their backdrop. And an old man occupied the opposite corner, a newspaper in one hand, pint in the other. All were watching the newcomers with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. Phoenix suddenly understood what it felt like to be an animal in the zoo.

  Ethan grabbed her hand and plastered a friendly smile on his face as he pulled her to the bar.

  “Just a minute. Just a minute,” came a woman’s voice from a doorway behind it.

  Phoenix raised her eyebrows at Ethan, but he said nothing, just leaned against the bar.

  A couple of very silent, very uncomfortable minutes later, a woman came bustling from the back room, looking somewhat dishevelled as she wiped her hands on a tea towel. Her mousy brown hair was pulled back in a messy knot and her black top was covered in flour, but her smile was friendly, and she wore the lines on her face comfortably.

  “Now, what can I get you folk?”

  Ethan’s smile grew wider. “A Malibu and coke for the lady, and a pint of your finest for me. Also, would you happen to have a room for the night?”

  The woman eyed them both for a minute, her gaze flicking to Phoenix’s left hand resting on the bar. Phoenix’s cheeks grew hot as she realised the conclusions the woman was no doubt jumping to, and she shoved the hand self-consciously into her pocket.

  Assessment done, the woman nodded and began to prepare the drinks. “Room is eighty a night, breakfast included. Pub closes at eleven, so no loud music after that. Local church is back in the village and holds a six o’clock service. Band sets up at eight to give everyone time to get back from mass.” The woman placed two glasses on the bar in front o
f them and smiled. “Oh, and I’m Maura.”

  Phoenix took a welcome sip of her drink while Ethan handed over some money and received a room key in return. A low murmur of conversation had returned to the pub, but she could still feel the stares burning into the back of her head, and it was obvious the conversations were only half-hearted attempts to cover the eavesdropping.

  When he was done, Ethan nodded back towards the door and, with a smile of thanks to Maura, they took their drinks and headed for one of the empty picnic tables outside.

  “Jeez,” she said, once they were seated out of earshot. “That was about as comfortable as an anal probe.”

  Ethan snorted, choking on the first gulp of his pint. “I wouldn’t know. Besides, you grew up not too far from here. You should be well used to the local welcome.”

  A huff was all she gave him in reply.

  They sat in silence, watching as the sun sank lower on the horizon and the air turned chilly. Ethan gave her a sideways glance. “You look tired.”

  She shrugged. Sleep wasn’t coming too easy right now, and she’d spent the past few nights tossing and turning in Ethan’s spare room. When she did finally fall asleep, her dreams went on a never-ending loop involving a gaping black hole and her dying in the most horrendous ways possible.

  Last night’s dream had been the worst; all she remembered were the cries for help before waking in a pool of sweat. It had taken her a long time to rid her mind of the sound and shake the feeling that there was someone she needed to save.

  Ethan stood and offered her a hand. “Why don’t we check out the room? You can catch a quick nap before we use you as bait.”

  ***

  Ethan unlocked the door to the B&B room and moved aside to let Phoenix pass. He followed her in and his attention was immediately drawn to the double bed that occupied most of the space. The floral bed covers were a complete eyesore and reminded him of something from the eighties. The room was clean though, and a matching floral armchair sat by the large picture window, affording a breath–taking view of the hills.

  Phoenix came to an abrupt halt as she, too, spotted the lone bed. Ethan watched with morbid fascination as she tensed and started tugging nervously at her sleeve. A sharp pang of irritation clenched his jaw.

  “Don’t get your knickers in a twist.” He stepped past her towards the bathroom. “I’ll take the floor.”

  He closed the bathroom door a little harder than necessary and leaned back against it. Was the thought of sharing a room with him really that bad? It wasn’t like he was going to ravage her while she slept. Hell, it was the twenty-first century; she should be the one taking the floor.

  With a weary sigh, he went to the avocado-coloured sink and splashed cold water over his face. Phoenix would just have to suck it up because he wasn’t leaving her alone again. His wolf growled in agreement; she was theirs to protect.

  What part of him had thought being alone with her would be simple? Just being near her drove him crazy. He’d basically signed himself up for a week of torture.

  Ever since their kiss in Darius’s lair, he’d gone out of his way to give her space. After the role he’d played in her parents’ sacrifice, he had no right to push her. Some stupid part of him had actually hoped she’d come to him of her own choice if he just gave her time. Instead, her walls had gone straight back up, and the glimmer of passion she’d allowed him to see haunted his dreams.

  Maybe it was time they laid it all out on the table once and for all. A straight up conversation with no bullshit. Grabbing a towel from the radiator, he dried his face, decision made. Before he could second-guess himself, he yanked open the bathroom door. And stopped.

  Phoenix lay on garish bed covers, her breathing soft, in sync with the gentle rise and fall of her chest. Her eyes were closed, and for once, the tension was absent from her face.

  He leaned his head against the doorframe and sighed.

  Darius absently swirled the golden liquid around the crystal tumbler as he stared out the viewing window of his club. Even at this height, the scent of blood reached him and his fangs ached for something with a bit more bite than the smooth whiskey. But it would have to wait; business first, pleasure later.

  The door opened behind him and he pressed a button on the wall to turn the glass black. He knocked back the whiskey and turned to face the wolf that eyed him warily from the doorway.

  “Sit,” he ordered, indicating towards the velvet sofa.

  There was a slight hesitation before the man complied. Blue eyes tracked his every movement as he picked up a file from his desk and placed it on the table between them. He opened the file and fanned out the security footage images so that each was clearly visible.

  The flinch was subtle but enough to catch his attention.

  “Tell me, Omega, do you recognise anyone in this image?” He pointed to a still taken from the security cameras in the Dublin lair, almost a month prior. The picture showed Phoenix leaving the lair with a number of others in tow. One of which he knew to be a wolf.

  Silence was the only answer that came, and the wolf held his face in a blank mask, obscured by the tangled white hair that fell in front of his eyes. The flinch had been enough, however.

  “Need I remind you that you only remain alive so long as you’re useful to me?” Darius let the warning hang in the air between them before twisting the knife in fully. “What do you think will happen to the other wolves if you’re gone?”

  Blue eyes tightened in pain, and he knew the wolf would answer. The Omega’s nature had proven key in helping Darius to control the temperament of his test wolves. That very same nature would make it impossible for the man to turn his back on the other wolves, not if it would cause them pain.

  “The wolf’s name is Ethan,” the Omega ground out eventually, each syllable torn reluctantly from his mouth.

  Darius raised an eyebrow. “How is it you happen to know his name?”

  The man clenched his fists and his whole body shook as he warred with himself.

  “He is the son of my pack Alpha.”

  Now that was interesting. He’d hoped to use the Omega to track Phoenix and maybe find out some information about her associates since they’d been such a thorn in his side. But this was an unexpected bonus.

  “Your old pack, where was it based?”

  A bead of sweat ran down the Omega’s forehead and his knuckles turned white from clenching so hard, but still he answered.

  “Donegal.”

  “Would he go there? Would his pack help him protect someone not of their species?”

  “Cormac would do anything for his son.”

  “Even defy the Council?”

  A small smile twitched at the corner of the Omega’s mouth. “If it gave him a chance to defy his cousin? Most definitely.”

  Darius stilled. “His cousin?”

  “Cormac’s cousin, William, is the head of the werewolves.”

  Confusion clouded Phoenix’s mind as she climbed her way back to consciousness. The room around her was dark, and her heart pounded as she tried to place the strange-smelling sheets and the too-soft mattress. It took a moment for the fog to lift enough to remember where she was.

  Flustered, she sat up. The bed covers were rumpled beneath her and a thin line of drool ran down her chin. How long had she been asleep for?

  The sound of running water filtered into her consciousness and she looked around, realising she was alone in the room. An image of Ethan in the shower flashed unbidden into her head.

  She pushed the thought from her mind and grabbed the backpack Ethan had left at the side of the bed for her. A quick rummage through it for her phone somehow produced a hairbrush. She looked at it in disgust, but then her gaze flicked towards the bathroom door. Shaking her head, she yanked the brush through her hair, then shoved it back into the bag. She was pathetic.

  The next rummage actually produced her phone, and she pressed speed dial on Abi’s number before she was overtaken by some other stupid urge
, like putting make-up on.

  “Fifi! Thank god. I’ve been so worried. Did you get there okay? Ethan’s not leaving you alone, is he?”

  Her mind once more flashed to the thought of Ethan naked and suddy in the shower. She had to clear her throat before answering. “Nope, he’s not giving me an inch. Sorry I didn’t call sooner. We got here a few hours ago, but I fell asleep. Guess I was more tired than I realised. You’re at the safe house, right?”

  She listened as Abi babbled excitedly about their hideout in Galway and the self-defence training Nate had dutifully started with her. He’d declared her a natural after she caught him with an unexpected knee to the balls.

  “Supe or not, it works on them all,” Abi proclaimed proudly.

  Phoenix’s laughter died in her throat as the bathroom door opened and Ethan walked into the room with his jeans slung low on his hips and bare chest still damp. The serious look on his face morphed into a cheeky grin when he caught her staring. She turned her back, cheeks burning.

  “What? … Yeah, I’m listening,” she blustered, suddenly realising that Abi had continued talking. “Look, I gotta go. Promise me you’ll be careful, okay?”

  Even after Abi hung up, she waited until Ethan cleared his throat before turning back around. He’d taken the time to put on a t-shirt, but the twinkle was still in his eye.

  “Like what you –” He was stopped from finishing his question by the ping of his phone.

  A quick glance at the screen and all signs of teasing fell from his face. Something that looked worryingly like fear flitted over his features before his jaw settled in a hard line and he shoved the phone into his pocket.

  “Ethan?”

  He was quiet for a moment before looking at her with serious brown eyes. “We’ve got trouble. Let’s go. I’ll explain while we check out the area.” He didn’t wait for her to respond, just grabbed his jacket and headed out the door.

  She grumbled to herself about annoying werewolves, but plucked her leather jacket from the end of the bed and followed him, closing the door behind her.