Death's Shroud

by Robbie Cox

  Tell me about it. He sighed, wanting to reach out to smooth the hair out of the young girl’s eyes but afraid to touch her and make matters worse.

  Tricia returned, arms loaded with soaking towels. “Here, cover her with these. It might slow down the heat that’s devouring her.”

  “What happened?” Jayden asked, storming into the autopsy room. She stopped for only a second as she saw her sister on the table, but then rushed to her side. “Her skin is burning; it’s turning red.” She leaned down next to her sister’s ear. “Laci, get the hell out of there. Please don’t do this.” Tears flowed down Jayden’s cheeks, dripping onto Laci’s face. “I need you, big sis. We all need you. Don’t leave me like this.”

  Mark stepped back from the table, leaving the younger woman with her sister. Tansy entered the room, going immediately to Jayden’s side. Mark watched as the leader of the coven scanned Laci’s body, surveying the damage. “Turn on all the faucets you have,” Tansy demanded, moving to the other side of the table. She reached across Laci’s prone body and shook Jayden. “Stop. Focus. We can buy her some time, perhaps. We need to cool her off.”

  Mark and Tricia went to each of the sinks, turning on the cold water full force. When he turned around, Tansy stood there, arms outstretched as she closed her eyes and began chanting words he didn’t understand. Jayden only hesitated a moment before she followed suit, matching Tansy’s chant. Dropping his gaze to the witch on the table, he watched as the air kicked up from the air conditioning, scattering the water to make it even colder, and then brushing over Laci’s still form. The water didn’t touch the girl which he thought was smart, as it would probably just boil her flesh, but it seemed like it had a cooling effect on the girl. Would it be enough, though?

  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

  The air around Laci grew hotter, her body burning up. She could no longer hear Tharon taunting her or smashing the shields with his magic. She couldn’t even open her eyes to see if her circles still held. She could only lie on the floor and burn. She heard her father say how proud he was of her, saw her mother welcome her back home, saw her sister picking on her as they stretched out in her bed. Laci wondered where her next journey would take her. Hopefully not among witches or the faerie or demons.

  She felt her body weaken even more, tried lifting her arms, but the effort was too much. She took a breath of scorching air and regretted it, finally just collapsing completely on the floor. They would be safe. Everyone would be safe.

  Something nudged her, pushing at her cheek. Tharon had escaped. It had all been for nothing.

  The nudge happened again, but this time it was on her other cheek. Then back to her other cheek once more. Why was he touching her? Why didn’t he just leave her alone and escape? She felt something grip her shirt, attempting to pull her up into a sitting position. Forcing her eyes open, she stared into the dark orbs of one of the hellhounds as he had a clump of her shirt in his mouth, pulling at her. She glanced around, noticing the other hellhound behind her, trying to push her into a sitting position. What?

  Reaching out, each movement a scream of pain, she gripped the mastiff’s fur in her fist and pulled herself the rest of the way up. Glancing around, she noticed Tharon still battling at the shields. He had collapsed the second, but still had two more to go. He would never make it.

  The hellhound behind her nudged her harder, growling this time. She didn’t need to be told twice. Clutching to the first dog, she allowed them to drag her to her feet, one on each side of her. Using them as crutches, she allowed them to carry her out of Emma’s mind, Tharon roaring his rage behind them. She left the fiery remains of the corpse, entering the simmering darkness of her own consciousness. Only it wasn’t dark like before. Instead, she entered a room full of golden light.

  “Hello, Laci Valentine,” a woman said, her voice almost musical. “You’re safe now.” The woman, a tall lady with long hair the color of the morning sun, walked over and stroked the two hellhounds. “Good boys,” she praised.

  A chair appeared under Laci, and she felt the strength returning to her body. “Where am I?”

  The woman sat in front of her. When the other chair appeared, Laci had no idea. “I am Hekate, Goddess of the Underworld. I thought it was time we met.”

  “Tharon?” It still hurt to talk, her insides still feeling as if they were on fire.

  “Gone, I assure you. You succeeded. A smart plan, by the way. Quick thinking. Dangerous, reckless, but still smart. Let’s not do something like this again, shall we? I have plans for you.”

  “I’m alive?” She still wasn’t sure what happened or how the hellhounds managed to reach her in time.

  “Very much so,” Hekate assured her. “Although, you will need time to heal. I am sure your coven will help you with that. You need them if you’re to accomplish what I need you to accomplish. They actually helped cool you off enough to buy you time for the hellhounds to reach you.”

  “It wasn’t too hot for them?” Laci looked over at the massive dogs curled up at Hekate’s feet.

  “They’re hellhounds, dear. They are used to flames.”

  Laci feared to take another breath, but still sucked in some air, feeling the pain tighten her muscles. “What is it you expect from me?” She accepted she would never be through with magic, no matter how hard she tried.

  “We’ll discuss that another time,” Hekate said. “Right now, I think you have some people extremely worried about you. For now, rest, allow your body to heal, and practice your magic. You’ll need it in the future.” The image of Hekate started to fade, but just before she disappeared from sight altogether, she said, “And please, tell your mother the hellhounds don’t eat human food. They will be fine; she need not worry.” And then she disappeared.

  Laci stared at the empty spot for a moment, Hekate’s words echoing in her mind. Practice your magic. You’ll need it in the future. Laci sighed and then opened her eyes.

  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

  “She’s awake!” Jayden screamed, throwing her arms around her sister, tears dripping over Laci’s face.

  “Don’t touch me!” Laci screamed as pain ripped through her. She sucked in some air, but her sister only pulled away slightly. Laci took another deep breath. “Sorry. I still feel like I’m on fire.” She remained prone on the metal table, her body smoking from the flames still.

  Tansy, Mark, and Tricia stood on one side, Jayden on the other. A second later a relieved Nazareth rushed through the door. He smiled over at her as he slowed his pace to the table. “I knew you could do it,” he said as he reached into his coat pocket for his flask. “He is gone, right?” He waited for Laci to answer before he took a sip.

  “He’s gone,” she assured them. “It’s over.”

  Nazareth lifted his flask in a toast and took a long swallow.

  “Don’t you ever do anything like that again,” Jayden scolded. “I swear, as soon as your body stops hurting, I’m going to smack the hell out of you.”

  “We need to get you to a hospital,” Tansy said, concern still furrowing her brow. “You suffered just as bad as if you were in that fire.”

  “I’ll be fine,” Laci said. “I just want to go home and rest. I was told the coven could heal me.”

  “Who told you that?” Tansy asked, head tilted to the side in confusion.

  Nazareth smiled, one eyebrow cocked. “You met Hekate, didn’t you?”

  Laci nodded, then stopped as pain screamed down her neck. “I did. The hellhounds pulled me out at the last minute.” She took another breath as she stared at the ceiling. “Seems I’m not walking away as I planned.”

  Tansy smiled down at her. “I’m sorry, but I’m also glad. I missed you.”

  Jayden just smiled as she bounced a little on her feet.

  “How the hell am I going to explain all of this?” Tricia said, arms over her chest as she glanced around her autopsy room. “I saw it all happen, and I still don’t understand it. There’s no way anyone will believe me.”

  Mark chuck
led as he shrugged. “The same way I do, very creatively.” He reached out, wrapping his arm around the medical examiner’s shoulders. “Come on. I’ll help you write up the report.” He glanced down at Laci. “I’m glad you’re safe. I’ll check in on you later.”

  Laci just nodded as she watched them walk away. She turned back to Nazareth. “I’m glad you knew what to do.Thank you.”

  He took another swig of his whiskey, smiling over at her as he lowered the flask. “Come on, let’s get you home. You deserve some rest.”

  “Agreed,” Tansy said.

  Laci nodded as she glanced over at her sister. “Let’s not tell Mom about this, all right?”

  Jayden made a dramatic show of examining Laci’s body. “Oh, she’s going to know the moment we walk through the door. And if you think I’m going to smack you, wait until she lays into you.”

  Laci groaned as she laid her head back on the table. She smiled as she glanced at the others. It was good to have her family back around her. Together, they could accomplish anything.

  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

  Ready to find out what happens with Kayla Lewell and the Daughters of Darkness? Check out the next book in The Cauldron Coven series, already out for pre-order!

  Daughters of Darkness

  The Cauldron Coven Book Two

  She lost everything, and now, she may just lose herself.

  Kayla Lewell hasn't been the same since the death of Alex Barrister, a death brought about by her own hands while possessed by a demon. She blamed herself, she blamed the Warrior of the Way, and she blamed the Cauldron Coven. Unable to handle her grief, she turned her back on them all and walked away.

  Tansy Paxton heard the whispers of the newest coven in Harbor City, a group darker than the others. She intended to keep her distance, focus on her own coven, but then bodies drained of blood start appearing. At first, she intends to leave it to the police, her coven having risked enough to save their town, but then she discovers Kayla is somehow involved with the Daughters of Darkness. Can Tansy save the young girl before she becomes the next sacrifice?

  One-click Daughters of Darkness now as the Cauldron Coven rushes to save one of their own.

  For up-to-date news on Robbie’s latest releases, book signing events in your area, and giveaways, follow Robbie’s newsletter - http://bit.ly/23CFhQQ

  Interested in knowing more about how Laci Valentine became involved with The Cauldron Coven? Great! Reaping the Harvest is available now in Kindle Unlimited!

  Read all the books in the Warrior of the Way series.

  Love a little paranormal thrown in with your witches? Yeah, me too. Read MAGIC’S MATE for more great action with witches and shifters of all kinds.

  Acknowledgments

  The more I wrote about the Cauldron Coven in my Warrior of the Way series, the more I wanted to know about the witches from The Murky Cauldron. Luckily, the girls—Charleen Cox, Teri Edney, and Sarah Mick—were quick to help me flesh some of the storyline out see an entire new series born. We spent hours on several different days digging into back stories, coming up with character quirks, and then realizing there was just too much story for one book alone. Therefore, Daughters of Darkness will follow our story and reveal how far down the wrong path Kayla Lewell travels. We’re excited about the next story, so buckle up, the ride is getting bumpy.

  I need to also thank these ladies because, as always, they keep me motivated and grounded. In a chaotic world, they are my peaceful haven, my sanctuary, my safe place. Without their guidance and encouragement, the book your holding, or any other for that matter, would never be written. I don’t just owe them a lot, I owe them everything. Thank you, ladies, from the depths of my heart.

  I need to thank my editor, Katie Weisenberger, because as always, I handed her chapters at the last minute, and as always, she took them and added her special polish. The stories are stronger thanks to her talents.

  There are several authors I have always been able to go with the odd question, and I would love to say thank you to them, as well: Violet Howe, Gracen Miller, Jennifer Wedmore, and Linzi Baxter. You can help me thank them, too, by going out and buying one of their books.

  And last but not least, I want to thank my readers group on Facebook, Robbie’s Rascals, for always encouraging, supporting, and overall making me laugh when the chaos of the world seems a little too much at times. This group is amazing, and I appreciate each and every one of you. Thank you.

  About the Author

  Author of the popular series, Destined Mates, Robbie Cox started writing to escape—escape his teachers, escape his fears, even to escape his insecurities and doubts. However, his stories of seduction and adventure, not only allowed him to hide in the lives of his characters, but also captivated those who wanted to escape with him. Now, he enjoys a full-time career as a storyteller and novelist, creating rich worlds of fantasy adventure, paranormal action, and steamy romance. He invites readers to run away with him- to escape, getting lost in the seduction of adventure.

  When not writing, Robbie is often found on his back porch enjoying a cigar, a scotch, and a good story. He derives pleasure from his large family and his crazy group of friends who provide the inspiration for his blog, The Mess that Is Me.

  His series include, The Warrior of the Way, The Witches of Savannah, The Bull Creek Chronicles, The Rutherford Series, The Harper Twins, and the popular Fangirls series.

  Connect with Robbie online:

  Website ~ www.robbiecox.net

  Facebook ~ https://www.facebook.com/robbiecoxauthor

  Twitter ~ http://twitter.com/CoxRobbie

  Pinterest ~ http://pinterest.com/RobbieCoxAuthor

  Goodreads ~ http://www.goodreads.com/RobbieCox

  Instagram ~ http://instagram.com/robbiecoxauthor

  Bookbub ~ https://www.bookbub.com/authors/robbie-cox

  For up-to-date news on Robbie’s latest releases, book signing events in your area, and giveaways, follow Robbie’s newsletter - http://bit.ly/23CFhQQ

  You can also join Robbie’s reading group, Robbie’s Rascals, for more updates, extra giveaways, and even more fan involvement - http://bit.ly/1LdzaLb

  Other Books by Robbie Cox

  Warrior of the Way

  Reaping the Harvest

  Lore Master

  The Warrior’s Blade

  Summerlands

  The Rutherford Series

  Losing Faith

  Roll the Dice

  To Be Cherished

  Fangirls

  Nikki

  Lily

  Cassie

  Olivia

  Willow

  The Collection

  The Harper Twins

  Sibling Rivalry

  Taming Karla

  Always Aimee

  The Harper Twins

  Halloween Seduction

  Come Halloween

  Behind the Mask

  Halloween Seduction

  Life’s Moments

  Green is the Grass

  Waiting Room

  Second Light

  Saturday at the Inlet

  Life’s Moments

  Best of Both Worlds

  Ribbons & Bows

  Under the Wrapping

  The Best of Both Worlds

  The Witches of Savannah

  Enter the Witch

  Short Stories

  Circle of Justice

  The Bull Creek Chronicles

  Alpha Rising

  Panther Hunted

  Bear Necessities

  Destined Mates

  Magic’s Mate

  Mate’s Appeal

  Mate’s Touch

  My Lover’s Mate

  My Mate’s Wife

  Black Hollow

  It’s the Little Things

  To Trick the Devil

  April’s Fool

  Dark Moon Falls

  Logan

  Deacon

  Make sure you’ve read the first in the Destined Mates series ~

 
•.¸✿¸.• ♥ • ¯`v´¯) Magic’s Mate by Robbie Cox ¯`v´¯) •.¸✿¸.• ♥ •

  A broken heart led to her broken magic. Now, Adira Brennan, just wanting to escape Jensen's betrayal, accepts Agatha Rochester's request to go to Bull Creek in order to aid shifters in a battle against prejudice.

  Dimitri Everest couldn't believe his eyes. Or the timing. She appeared out of nowhere, just when he needed someone by his side to stand up against Bane and his coyotes. His panther, however, needed her for much, much more.

  Together, they stand against shifter prejudice in order to protect the humans of Bull Creek. That is, when the two of them can keep their hands off each other. While Adira heard about the mate bond, she never believed she'd be feeling its overwhelming pull. And what about her magic? How would she fix the shards that only sputtered from her fingertips in time to help Dimitri defeat Bane?

  Would the mate bond heal her broken magic? Could it heal her broken heart?

  books2read.com/u/3L0ZNe

  Losing Faith

  (The Rutherford Series Book One)

  "What's your fantasy?"

  An innocent enough question asked by Selby to his wife Faith, but it leads them down a journey that may or may not have dire consequences to their relationship. Wanting to please each other, they decide to open their marriage to other sexual adventures. All is well when they explore their sexual side together, but what if they played with others without the other one present? Sex isn't always just about sex. As they explore their desires, they discover how it affects not only their marriage, but the relationships around them-family, friends, even work relationships. The question is, will they survive?