by Betty Legend
“I’m leaving here with a new perception of life. It’s going to be weird going home and back to work.”
Squeezing her a little tighter, I stroke her back. “Keep in touch often.”
“I will.”
The door opens, and Mom and my guys come out onto the patio. Killian has my duffle bag slung over his shoulder, along with his. I appreciate them giving Rachel and me privacy to talk. Mom steps closer, pulling me into a hug.
“Be careful, my sweet girl.”
“I would tell you not to worry, but I know better.”
Stroking a sleeve, an inward, pained look fills her face. “It’s hard not to worry, knowing what’s out there.”
Griffin comes nearer, rubbing her shoulder. “We’ll look after her. I promise.”
My mother places her hand on Griffin’s cheek. “Thank you. I believe you all will.”
Cyrus steps back from the others and creates a portal behind us. My mom gives me another hug and kisses me on the cheek. The guys step toward the portal, waiting for me. Joining them, I wave goodbye to Rachel and my mom before stepping through.
Our next steps are into Killian’s living room. Killian takes our bags upstairs as I enter the kitchen to get a mug of tea. Emeric follows me into the kitchen. Squeezing my ass, he gets my attention.
“Hey, babe, I’m going to stretch my wings. I’ll see ya in a while.”
“Okay, have fun.”
“Always.”
Griffin and Cyrus have taken seats on the brown leather couch. Killian returns without a shirt and drops into the matching leather chair.
“It was nice to meet your family,” Griffin says as I rejoin them.
Sitting on the padded arm of Killian’s chair, I stir the honey I added to the tea.
“I loved having you all there. It was tough to leave, but I plan to go back again soon to help Rachel with her skills and spend time with them. It makes it a lot easier when we can portal and be there in minutes.”
Cyrus removes his glasses and wipes them with the bottom of his olive-green t-shirt. “How do you feel about Rachel having magic abilities?”
“Nervous and excited. I love that we can explore our magic together, but I told her not to use it because of the Holy Accolades, and well, I didn’t tell her about demons. I didn’t want to terrify her.”
Killian rubs my leg. “That was probably best.”
“I agree,” Cyrus adds.
“I’m worn out from the eventful weekend. Can we all hang out tonight, relax, and have dinner together?”
“Of course.” Killian pulls me from the arm of the chair and eases me onto his lap, so I don’t spill my tea. “What do you want for dinner?”
“I thought we could cook a big meal together, maybe some chicken, stuffing, potatoes, and vegetables.”
Stroking an arm down my side onto my leg, Killian kisses my shoulder.
“That sounds perfect.”
Griffin and Cyrus give approving nods.
“Sounds delicious,” Cyrus smiles.
Griffin outstretches his legs and rests his feet on the coffee table.
“Do we need to pick up any of the ingredients, or do you have it all here?”
“I’ll check.” Setting the mug on the table, I stand from the chair.
“If we need anything, I’ll go into town.”
“I’ll go with you,” Cyrus offers.
“Thanks, Cy.”
“We’ll probably all go with you,” Killian tells me over his shoulder.
I give them all an appreciative smile. “I adore you guys.”
The three of them lower their voices, and I hear the word bed as I’m rummaging through the refrigerator, taking inventory.
“What are you guys talking about in there?”
“There’s something I want to show you. I started working on it right after you left.”
Leaving the kitchen, my curiosity brings me back into the living room. Killian is grinning with pride.
“What is it?”
“Come on.” He stands from the chair. “Let’s go out to the shop.”
The three of us follow him across the yard into the building. A smile splits my lips as soon as I see the beginning of a wooden headboard for a bed large enough to accommodate all of us.
“You’re building a bed frame!”
“I am. Do you like it?”
Coming closer, I brush my finger over the smooth, sanded wood.
“I love it. Is there enough room in the loft for it?”
Killian leans against the wall, a thumb tucked in a pocket. “There is, sweetheart. I measured it. There won’t be room for other furniture, but there’ll be room for the bed.”
“That’s fine. We can use another room for closet and dresser space.”
“That’s what I was thinking.”
“Is this what you want, my love, to live here and the beach house?” Griffin asks, pushing a few loose strands behind his pointed ear.
“I’d like all of us to. When I thought about it, the idea of having both places is nice.”
“What about your apartment?” Cyrus asks.
“When the contract term ends, I don’t plan on renewing it.”
“It’s official then.” Cyrus nears, his fingers grazing over the elemental air charm on my necklace. “You want to live with us permanently?”
“I do.”
Silver shimmers in his eyes as he leans in to kiss me. “That’s perfect.” Stroking my cheek, the corner of his mouth lifts. “Because we want the same thing.”
Hugging him, I rub his back, and he does the same, his caress a pleasured delight to my muscles.
Coming in closer, Griffin and Killian each hug me.
“I love you guys so much.”
“I hope it’s clear how we feel.”
Desire flashes in Killian’s eyes, and I trail a finger over his chest and abs.
“It is.” Tilting my head, I take his kiss, and he pulls my hips tighter to him as he dips his hands into the waistband of my jeans. Griffin is at my back, his hands squeezing my ass. Killian unbuttons my jeans as Cyrus angles my chin to him and presses a sensuous kiss to my lips.
“We’re not doing this here,” I tell them. “Too much sawdust.” Pulling away from them, I glance over my shoulder, swaying my hips with extra effort as I head back to the house.
“Time to work up an appetite,” Killian jokes to the others.
“I’m already hungry for something sweet,” Griffin replies.
Chuckling, Killian taps his chest. “Come on.”
The three of them catch up with me. We’re about to enter the house when the flap of Emeric’s wings draws our attention.
“We have a visitor coming.”
“What?” Killian’s voice rises, his stare incredulous.
“A black SUV is traveling down the dirt road, headed here.”
Killian steps toward the railing and sniffs the air. “I can smell the exhaust. It’s not far.”
“Who would be coming here?” My worry trickles out in my tone. “Does anyone know you live here?”
“Only family and all of you.”
The tires crushing twigs and rolling over rocks reaches my ears. Looking in the direction of the vehicle, I’m pushed behind the guys as they await the SUV to stop. Peering over their shoulders, I watch three pale-skinned and beautiful vampires step out of the vehicle.
“Is the witch here?” The tallest of the three asks, his demeanor exuding authority. Eyes like Phoenix’s lock on me, and curiosity tugs at me. Beside him are a male and female vampire, dressed richly and impeccably.
“Who are you, and what do you want with her?” Killian replies, his tone just as authoritative but more intimidating.
“I’m Kristo Artino, the patriarch of the Artino vampire coven. My nephew, Phoenix, has gone missing. He missed the coven meeting, which he never does. We visited his home, and the luggage he had packed was still there, and his home had been ransacked with evidence the Holy Accolades have been t
here.”
My breath catches. Pushing out from between Killian and Griffin, I meet his sharp gaze.
“Where would they have taken him?”
“We don’t know. We’re hoping you can find him before they kill him… if they haven’t done so already.”
Fear swells in my gut. “I’ll do a location spell. All of you should watch in case you recognize the place.”
Killian is the last to come inside, following the vampires. He hovers over them, keeping a close eye on their actions. Entering the nearest bathroom, the others squeeze in around me. In front of the large mirror, I use air magic, casting the spell. Phoenix’s image appears in the mirror, his body battered, burn marks on his skin. He’s in what appears to be a cell, looks exhausted, his eyes red, and enraged. Eyes watering, I lower my head as the sight of his condition pains me. Griffin caresses my arms.
“It has to be a church in New York,” Kristo shares. “It would be the closest and easiest place to take him, and based on the structure of the walls, I’d say that’s what we’re looking at.”
The image fades, and I clench my jaw.
“We need to get him out of there.”
We all walk into the living room, the female vampire following close behind me.
“Who are you?” I demand.
“I’m Phoenix’s cousin, Andrea.”
She sits in Killian’s chair, swinging one long leg over the other as if she owns the place.
“Please, make yourself comfortable,” I bark.
“You’re a feisty witch. I can see why Phoenix likes you.”
Those words settle my nerves a fraction.
She snickers. “Does that news surprise you?”
Putting a hand through my hair, I exhale as I try to calm the rising panic. This isn’t the best time to have a heart to heart with his cousin over Phoenix’s feelings.
“What are we going to do about this?” I ask aloud. “I’d like to move as quickly as possible. I don’t imagine he has much time left.”
“It’s a bait trap,” Kristo replies, removing his long coat. “They want you to come.”
“Of course, I’m going to, but we need a plan.”
Kristo lays his jacket over his arm. “We can assist you in getting him back. Between all of us, it should be a fairly easy task.”
“I think we should move tonight. We should go right through the door and kill anyone who gets in our way.”
Leo leans against the nearest wall, a smirk rising. “I like the way you think.”
Griffin glances at him, giving him a disapproving stare.
“We need to have a plan of action. You and I can open locked doors. Killian can give us coverage with fog.”
“We’ll need to move fast and organized,” Killian adds in. “They have weapons. Bullets and knives can injure any of us, and we don’t know what other weapons they’ve purchased on the black market.”
“If we feed beforehand, we’ll be able to take bullets and heal rapidly,” Kristo shares.
“I’m not going to be in the front, so I can be a walking target for these wretched humans,” Andrea complains.
“Of course, I didn’t expect you to participate,” Kristo sneers. “We don’t want you breaking a nail.” With a disappointed glare at her, he grimaces. “I’ll have other members of our coven assist.”
Killian meets Kristo’s gaze, this time with respect. “We appreciate the assistance.”
“Of course. Phoenix is a valuable member of our coven and a key to breaking this oppressive curse.”
Andrea flicks her wrist, waving her hand in the air. “Daddy wants his powers back and more blood-sucking children.”
“Andrea,” Kristo growls. “Wait in the car. I don’t have the patience for your behavior.”
Andrea snaps her tongue against her cheek, her fangs revealed below her curled lip. “Fine.” High heels tap across the hardwood floor, each step exasperated.
Kristo exhales. “Excuse my daughter. It’s been a while since she’s fed.”
Emeric snickers. “I don’t think it’s the lack of blood, Mr. Artino. She’s just a bitch.”
Leo’s mouth curls, his head dropping before he looks at Kristo. Kristo ignores Emeric, but we all know he’s right.
“Let’s discuss this plan in better detail, then I’ll need to make a few phone calls.”
Around the room, we share our ideas and solidify our plans.
With Andrea taking the SUV back to the Artino home, the rest of us use a portal to get to Phoenix’s house. From there, we separate to track down every old, retired church building within a hundred-mile radius.
Emeric and I find the right location. Sitting behind the coverage of darkness, trees, and parked cars, we watch the entrance, confirming our suspicion when we see the familiar jacket of one of the Accolades.
When Killian, Cyrus, and Leo arrive, Killian sniffs the air and points to the black van close to the door of the church. “Phoenix was in that van. I can smell his blood.”
“I can too,” Leo reveals.
The two of them crouch next to us. Behind us, another portal opens. Griffin and Kristo step out of it.
“We got your message,” Griffin whispers.
Another man comes out of the back door of the church.
“I think they’re taking shifts,” I say. “Let’s get a layout of the exterior.” I look over my shoulder, and most of them are already gone. Damn, they’re quiet.
Emeric winks at me. “Tonight, you’ll see a different side of us.”
“What side is that?”
“The predator.”
Cyrus, the only one left with me besides Emeric, massages my tense shoulders.
“We’ll get him back.”
“I hope so, for his sake and the lives of supernaturals.”
Killian emerges from the darkness, his shimmering amber eyes the first thing I see. Squatting next to us, he points to the back door.
“They’re only using that exit.”
Kristo and Leo step out from behind a truck, wiping blood from their lips as they join us.
“The two in the parking lot are taken care of.”
Griffin slips out from between a few trees.
“I unlocked the front door, opened it, and looked inside from a distance. I couldn’t see movement in the nave or altar, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t far.”
“Well, should we just walk in the back door?”
“We can’t try to draw them out.” Kristo leans against a tree, his shadowy figure molding into the darkness. “If we do, they’ll use Phoenix as a bargaining tool and kill him when he’s no longer of use to them.”
Tying his hair back, Griffin’s gaze sweeps over us. “We need to move inside quickly. I say we go in through the front door.”
Biting the inside of my bottom lip, I glance at the others.
“Once they know we’re all here and ready for battle, won’t they kill him? That’s what they want, right? To kill him and us? What if it’s just me? What if I knock on the door and bargain with them?”
Cyrus shakes his head, his eyes widening. “No, that’s not what we planned.”
“She’s right,” Kristo tells him. “She should go in first. She can buy us time while we wait for reinforcements from our coven.”
“Screw waiting for reinforcements,” Killian replies. “If she goes in, we’re going in shortly after her.”
Looking at the roof of the church and its aged clay shingles, an idea forms.
“Griffin, can you get Killian on the roof?”
“Of course.” His brows furrow as he wonders where this is going.
“Killian, would you be able to use your magic to give the building a sensation of an earthquake?”
Curious eyes meet mine. “Yes, I can.”
“I have a new idea.” After I explain, we separate.
Killian uses his earth magic, creating a fog around the church grounds. Disappearing into the thickness, they follow the plans to use Griffin’s water ma
gic to lift them onto the roof. Kristo and Leo hide among the vehicles in the parking lot, the cloudy veil concealing them. Emeric lifts off the ground, his wings carrying him into the fog, where he’ll hover above the exit door.
“Your turn, Cy. Keep them from exiting all other doors and windows.”
Cyrus raises his palms outward, a silvery glow swirling around them. With his eyes closed, he mutters a spell. The nearest visible window glints with a silver glow around the edge of the frame, then it fades.
“It’s done. All windows and the front door are sealed.”
“I’ll let everyone know.”
Putting my hands out, I release a fiery ball of essence into the air. It rises above the church rooftop and dissipates like a small, sparkling firework. Killian sees the signal, and moments later, the ground beneath our feet vibrates. The sound of clay shingles cracking and crashing on vehicles and stone walkways echoes through the night. A piece of the stone wall comes tumbling down. Shortly after, men in blue and gold jackets come rushing out of the exit, their voices of confusion reaching us by the trees. Shadowy movement in the fog indicates Kristo and Leo are attacking. The terrified screams and calls of Lucifer confirm it. Large wings disperse the fog around him as Emeric lowers, releasing fiery balls at the men. Gunshots go off, and fear increases my speed as I run toward them. Emeric’s wings crumple as he drops to the ground. Standing over him, I release my water magic, throwing men and guns into the crumbling walls of the building. Griffin and Killian land next to us, the water magic surrounding them fading. Griffin raises an arm, and the guns are swept away into bushes.
More men rush out, weapons raised. Chaos erupts as the force of supernatural men converge on them. Looking down at Emeric, my heart freezes in my chest, and fear deafens all sound around me. Blood seeps from his wing, his face contorted in a grimace.
“I can heal you, but I don’t know how.”
Emeric takes my arm, squeezing it as he fights through the pain.
“Just like your other magic, baby. You can do it.”
Putting my hand over his wound, I concentrate on releasing earth magic, the thought of his wound healing a vivid image in my mind. Beneath my hands, a golden-bronze glow emerges, pulling energy from me as it seals the wound on his wing.
“That’s it, baby. You’re doing it.”
With a breath of relief, ferocity replaces the pain in his eyes. We stand, and he pulls the angel’s blade from the inside of his waistband.