But it’s no matter because, in a few short minutes, we’ll be standing on the soil of Ireland where I have every intention of getting Rainey to forget everything that’s happened the past couple of months.
Maybe then, I will experience some reprieve from the crushing guilt I carry with me over the deaths of Jane and Agatha.
Delaney strolls into the living room of Tarnley’s home, a pint of ice cream in her hand as she plops down onto the couch and digs in.“Chocolate chip cookie dough?” I ask.
“Is there any other kind?”
Smiling, I shake my head. “Have I told you how nice it is to have you back, Del?”
“You have, but I still appreciate the sentiment.”
Losing Jane was a hell of a lot harder than I was prepared for. She’d become such an intricate part of my life in the time we knew each other. And while Rainey was missing, a friendship was formed.
Having Delaney back doesn’t change that for me even if it is great to see my old friend once more.
“You know, I thought that once we sent that witch back to hell, I could stop being used as a personal taxi service,” Fearghas announces as he walks into the room.
“We need you,” Rainey adds, following close behind. “Unless, of course, you want to have to break me out of jail again.”
“I’d really rather not,” he says dryly.
“Then Ireland it is.” She turns to Delaney. “Are you sure you’re okay with this? You just got back. It feels super shitty to leave you alone again.”
Delaney sets her ice cream to the side and gets to her feet. “I’m fine. I will be reading up on magic and staying put in this silver-lined house to keep myself from being discovered on the off chance they’re looking for me—or rather Jane.”
Rainey bites down on the inside of her cheek. “This feels wrong.”
“Please go. Have fun. Enjoy living the life you fought your ass off to have. I promise I’ll be fine.”
“I’ll keep a close watch on her,” Fearghas offers. “Should there be any issue, I will swoop in and save the day once more.”
It takes everything in me not to roll my eyes. The fae has been jabbing at me that he’s the one who brought the succubus in since the day after I came back. Apparently, he doesn’t feel it’s too soon to remind me that I nearly killed the woman I loved and was part of the reason Jane and Agatha both died.
I shut my eyes and take a deep breath.
The nightmares certainly haven’t gotten any easier to live with.
The door leading to the tunnels opens, and Tarnley walks in, cracking it behind him. The strained look on his face tells me all I need to know. This is not something I’m going to like. “What is it?”
“I need to speak with you both.”
“What is it?” Rainey asks.
“The Immortal Council wishes to meet with you both.”
“The Immortal Council?” Rainey clarifies. “As in the council that oversees the entire supernatural world?”
Tarnley nods.
“Why?”
“They wouldn’t tell me, but based on what they had to say, it can’t wait.”
“Tell them to fuck off,” Rainey replies dryly. “They didn’t want to get involved when we needed them. They can suck a massive dick now.”
“While I appreciate your colorful insult, Miss Astor, I’d really rather not suck a dick. At least, not today.” A woman pushes the door open, and the moment I get a glimpse of her face, I move closer to Rainey.
“Who the fuck are you?” she demands from beside me.
“I am Mrs. McClough.”
Rainey pales as she stares into the eyes of the woman she’d once believed to be behind Delaney’s death. “You knew my grandmother.”
“Yes.” She answers softly. “I’ve known you and your sister for quite some time as well—or rather, your cousin as it turns out.”
“Delaney is my sister.”
“What do you want, Lucy?”
She doesn’t even blink an eye at my calling her by her first name. “I want to offer you two an opportunity that I urge you to truly think about before responding.”
“I’m assuming you already know we’re going to deny it,” Rainey snaps.
Her soft green eyes find mine before flicking back to Rainey’s. “Again, I urge you to truly think prior to spouting off whatever insulting garbage is running through your mind.”
“Now that you’ve insulted me, go for it.”
“The council believes it would be beneficial for all supernaturals to come to an agreement on a truce. It is our belief that by extending the Immortal Council to include ambassadors for the hunters as well as all other major supernatural factions, we will be able to maintain a higher level of peace amongst ourselves.”
“In other words, you want to avoid another original witch type situation. A power grab.”
“That would be ideal, yes.”
“You do realize my kind kills your kind, right? That it’s in our DNA to hunt you.” Rainey’s reminder sums up everything I love about her in less than a second. She’s strong, ballsy, and doesn’t give a single fuck—as she would put it.
“Yet, you managed to fall in love with one of us, prior to his change, of course.”
“Elijah’s a special case. You can’t run around forcing hunters and supernaturals into blind dates.”
“Your hunter friend Jack is going to be mating a shifter next week, is he not?”
“He is,” I reply tightly.
“Then it can be done.”
“And if we refuse this offer?”
“Then I will find someone else. Though I truly don’t believe there is anyone else who can handle this position.”
“What about rogue supernaturals?” I demand. “What will you do with them? I doubt all of you will start playing ball with the rules laid out in the Accords. If that were the case, humans wouldn’t be getting slaughtered by the dozens each night.”
“The rogue’s will be free game for your hunters. But as a capture only. We will decide their fate.”
“You want to take a group of mercenaries and civilize them?” Rainey snorts. “That’s a damned hopeless cause if ever I’ve seen one.”
Lucy’s jaw tightens. “It is only hopeless if no one fights for it.”
“Then where the hell were you when we needed your help?” Rainey asks. “You were hiding out, not bothering to offer any kind of assistance.”
“You never asked.”
“Because you were busy trying to have me killed!”
She glares at Rainey. “You were a lunar divide witch. That alone is a death sentence for a reason.” Her confirmation is enough for me to want to drive a dagger into her heart, but killing a council member would lead to a war I want no part of at the moment. Not when we’re so close to peace.
“I thought the Witch Council was the only one who knew about that.” Bronywyn had told us as much from her experience occupying a seat. Though, I don’t confess that to Lucy.
“The Immortal Council sees all, Mr. Hawthorne. We knew of their mission and we supported it.”
“So many innocent women died because of that dumbass law,” Rainey spits out. “And I was almost one of them.”
“Necessary casualties in order to avoid a war.”
“A war that nearly happened anyway,” Delaney joins in.
“Get the fuck out,” Rainey growls at the council member. “I want nothing to do with your council. You want a poster child for your new supernatural order? Find someone else.”
Lucy’s cheeks redden. “You will regret turning me down.”
“I have nothing to fear from you,” Rainey growls back. She looks to Tarnley. “I trust you can escort her out?”
He nods.
“Delaney, you might want to pack. This house has been infested.” Rainey pops the ‘d’ on that last word, glaring at Lucy as I try to swallow down my joy at seeing Rainey shut down one from the trio who runs the entire supernatural community.
&nb
sp; “Will do.”
“Fearghas?”
“Coming.” He jogs over to us and touches both our shoulders. “Ta-ta.”
We rematerialize on the Cliffs of Moher, staring out over the ocean as the water crashes into the rocks. “Your bags are in your room. When you’re ready to return, just give me a call.”
“Thanks, Fearghas.”
“Anything for my favorite hunter,” he grins and disappears.
Wind whips around us, sending Rainey’s dark hair lashing around her face. It’s such a beautiful sight. “You okay?” I reach down and cup her cheek, tipping her face up to mine.
“I just hate that she showed up and spoiled our morning.”
“Spoiled?” I look around, not seeing anyone around. No supernaturals, no humans, no bloody war looming on the horizon.
Just me.
Just Rainey.
And the Cliffs of Moher.
“I don’t think she spoiled anything.”
Rainey smiles up at me. “You’re right. Fuck her.”
“I’d really rather fuck you,” I whisper, leaning down as Rainey laughs.
I kiss her deeply, my hands holding her to me, my lifeline, my breath, my love.
“What do you want to do first?” I ask, pulling back just enough to look into her face.
“I have no idea. It all seems so insane that just a few weeks ago, the world was falling apart, and now it’s all over.”
“Every ending is a chance to start anew,” I tell her, repeating something my mother told me centuries ago. I gesture out over the sea before turning back to her and cupping her face once more, the pads of my thumbs brushing over the tender skin of her cheeks. “Welcome to your new beginning, Rainey.”
39
Delaney
Even as most of us wish to deny it, dying is something we all must face at one point or another. Typically, when one is taken by the hand and walked into the afterlife by the reaper, we stay gone. Leaving behind loved ones to grieve and carry our memory throughout the years.
Unfortunately, that’s not how it worked for me.
After I died, there was no peace, no rest. At least, not for long. A witch ripped me from the afterlife in an attempt to feed on the magic of my soul. So here I sit, ice cream half-melted beside me, as I turn the page in the latest magic book I’m devouring in an attempt to control the magic unleashed the night I saved my little sister from being killed.
Magic that belonged to the witch whose body I now reside in.
My hope is that if I can control it, then maybe I’ll be ready for a fight should the curse placed on her centuries ago apply to me as well.
There could be nothing to worry about. After all, the soul that once resided in here is gone now, but I’m a prepper.
And now that I’m back, I sure as hell don’t want to die again. This is my second chance to be here for Rainey, to experience life. I want to live it as long as possible.
Fearghas appears in front of me, and I jump. “Shit, Fearghas, I’m never going to get used to that.”
He grins and plops down on the couch beside me. “What are you reading?”
“A book. Ever seen one?”
“A book!” he exclaims as he pulls it out of my lap. “That’s what this is!”
Laughing, I steal it back.
“Don’t you want to go out, do something fun?” he asks, batting long, dark eyelashes.
“Like see Eira again?” I wiggle my eyebrows, and his grin spreads. The last three weeks since Rainey and Elijah went on their prolonged vacation, he’s dragged me to Eira’s club for dinner. And each night, she’s come to sit at our table while he practically drools over his food.
“You have to tell her that you’re interested,” I say, setting the book aside. “This whole thing is getting a little too stalkery for my taste.”
“It’s not like you have much else to do,” he claims.
“I do have something else to do.” Getting to my feet, I head for the kitchen of Bronywyn’s mountain cabin. After Lucy McClough, a woman I’ve known nearly my entire life, who is also a member of the Immortal Council showed up at Tarnley’s, I knew it wasn’t safe to stay. So Fearghas brought me here, and Bronywyn reinforced the wards, making it impossible for anyone to get into the house unless explicitly invited. Well, unless you’re a fae and immune to pretty much all magic.
Fearghas basically just shows up whenever the hell he wants.
“Being a bookworm is not a thing to do. It’s a way of life. And to be honest, Delaney, I’m disappointed in your disinterest to have fun.”
I laugh and stick the container in the sink as I fill a glass with water. Taking a drink, I close my eyes and savor. You don’t realize how much you’ll miss something until it’s gone. And damn, I missed fresh water.
Being a bird had its upsides. Sure, being able to fly was pretty damn awesome. But having to drink from a birdbath? A pond? A puddle? I don’t know that I’ll ever get the taste of asphalt out of my mouth. “I’m so sorry to have let you down.”
“You can make it up to me. Put on a dress, and let’s go dancing.”
“I will not be used in your ill-fated attempt to make a siren jealous. I value my life, thank you very much.”
Fearghas scoffs just as someone knocks on the door. I head for the front as he follows, complaining the entire way.
Pulling the door open, I expect to see Tarnley or Bronywyn, but when my eyes take in the sandy-haired shifter half-naked on the porch, his muscled chest covered with blood, it sucks the air from my lungs.
Pained cognac eyes meet mine, the grief in them makes my knees buckle and I nearly stumble forward, right into the shifter I’ve loved for years but was never allowed to have. “Cole?”
Curse Of The Witch is coming soon! Click here to pre-order! As always, if I hit my goal early, I’ll move the release date up!
Delaney thought death was where her story ended…turns out, it was just the beginning.
Click here to pre-order
Be on the lookout for the next book in the Vampire Huntress Chronicles!
Delaney thought death was where her story ended…turns out, it was just the beginning.
Also By Jessica Wayne
Vampire Huntress Chronicles
She’s spent her entire life eradicating the immortals. Now, she finds herself protecting one.
Blood Hunt
Blood Captive
Blood Cure
Curse Of The Witch
Blood Of The Witch
Rise Of The Witch
Cambrexian Realm : The Complete Series
The realm’s deadliest assassin has met her match.
The Last Ward: FREE READ
Warrior Of Magick
Guardian Of Magick
Shades Of Magick
The Tethered Saga: The Complete Series
A two hundred year old curse and love that spans centuries.
Tethered Souls
Collateral Damage
The Prophecy Series: The Complete Series
Ana has spent her entire life at the clutches of her enemy. Now, it’s time for war.
Phoenix
Fighter
Sorceress
The Gypsy’s Curse: The Complete Series
An ancient curse. A headstrong detective. A gypsy seer cursed with visions of death. And a bloodthirsty druid determined to kill them all.
Visions Of Death
Visions Of Vengeance
Visions Of Triumph
For more information, visit www.jessicawayne.com
About the Author
Photo Credit Mandi Rose Photography
Jessica Wayne is the bestselling author of over twenty fantasy and contemporary romance novels. The latter of which she writes as J.W. Ashley. During the day, she slays laundry and dishes as a homeschooling stay at home mom of three, and at night her worlds come to life on paper.
She runs on coffee and wine (as well as the occasional whiskey!) and if you ever catch her wearing matchin
g socks, it’s probably because she grabbed them in the dark.
She is a believer of dragons, unicorns, and the power of love, so each of her stories contain one of those elements (and in some cases all three).
Jessica lives in Texas with her husband, kids, their two German Shepherds who think they’re both cats, and a fluffy orange cat named Leo who thinks he’s a dog.
You can usually find her in her Facebook group, The Wayne-O’s, or keep in touch by subscribing to her newsletter where she shares updates as well as shenanigans she finds herself in.
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Contemporary Romance by J.W. Ashley
The Corrupted Trilogy
They’re being hunted and the only way to come out of it alive, is to put their badges aside.
Rescuing Norah
Shielding Jemma
Targeting Celeste
Olive You: Six best friends and their hunt for true love (or something like it anyway).
Long Road Home: Coming home was always part of the plan. He was not.
Home For Summer: He thinks she’s a spoiled brat. She thinks he’s a stick in the mud. Turns out, they’re both wrong.
The Lumberjack Effect: Facing your past is always the hardest part of moving forward. Especially when you’ve kept a secret for five years.
The Whiskey Effect: Rule #1: Never get tied down. Leo smashed through that like it was a pane of sugar glass and he’s an action star whose mission is to take me down…repeatedly.
Blood Cure: A Paranormal Vampire Romance (Vampire Huntress Chronicles Book 3) Page 26
