Bishop

by Gabelman, Teresa

  “Play nice, children,” Bonnie said, then let her eyes take in where they were. They stood in a yard outside a huge building that looked almost exactly like the Warrior compound. There was a wall around it with a gate, almost identical. Very odd. There were enough differences for her to see that, in fact, it wasn’t the compound. “I see Orjyll still isn’t very original.”

  “Noticed that, did you?” Wyrick said after giving Raven a nasty glare. “Orjyll liked the layout of the VC Warrior compound.”

  Bonnie rolled her eyes and knew Wyrick didn’t appreciate it. Good. The more she could irritate him, the more his focus was off Raven. “So, are we going to stand out here all night or you going to collect that bounty? Maybe start your own little compound, follow in your hero’s footsteps. That is if you live long enough. Sloan Murphy is really looking forward to seeing you again.”

  “You’re a real smartass, aren’t you?” Wyrick sneered as he led them toward the front of the building.

  “So I’ve been told,” Bonnie said, then got Raven’s attention by eyeing her necklace. Raven slowly grabbed it and moved it around so whoever was watching could get a good layout of the place. When they stopped at a door, Wyrick knocked loudly. “Ah, Daddy didn’t give you a key?”

  Wyrick turned so fast Bonnie wasn’t ready for the backhand across her face. “I’ve had enough of your mouth.” Wyrick blocked Raven’s punch, pushing her back, his glare full of hatred. “I’m going to have fun watching them kill you.”

  “What, you too much of a pussy to do the job?” Raven snapped at him, but Bonnie reached out, holding her back.

  Bonnie spit out blood, keeping herself as calm as she could. She needed to get inside, have Orjyll in front of her before she let loose the power that was just bubbling at the surface. Bonnie knew for a fact Wyrick had no idea she now possessed her mother’s power, and she really hoped Orjyll thought the same. “You will regret laying a hand on me.”

  “I seriously doubt that,” Wyrick spat as the door opened. He stepped aside as Raven went in first, then Bonnie, followed by Wyrick.

  Walking around them, Wyrick led them into a large room. Bonnie’s eyes took in the extravagant, bold colors of silk and velvet that adorned the long windows. It looked like…. Hell, she couldn’t even think of what it looked like. A mess for sure, but definitely Orjyll’s style. Gaudy as hell.

  “Make sure they stay here,” Wyrick told two men who were shooting pool. They put their pool sticks down, then stood, arms crossed as they stared at the women while Wyrick disappeared into another room shutting the door.

  “Okay, no offense, but your dad is a fucking loon,” Raven said as she looked around. “And has a thing for the Warriors it seems. Holy shit, if I didn’t know better, I’d think we were at the compound, minus the velvet and silk.”

  “Wait till you meet saggy ass.” Bonnie smirked. “This is nothing.”

  “Quiet!” one of the men ordered.

  “Fuck you,” Bonnie and Raven said at the same time.

  Suddenly, the room filled with both men and women surrounding them. “Oh, Daddy dearest must be ready to make an appearance,” Bonnie said, with so much disdain the two men glanced at each other.

  “Hey, change me back,” Raven said, holding up a strand of her hair. “It’s really hard to be a badass bitch with gray hair.”

  “Eh, not true. I’ve known some real badass gray-haired women.” Bonnie glanced at her but did as she was asked and changed Raven back to her original self.

  Looking around at everyone as if bored, she began tapping her foot. Everyone was staring at them. Guess it was time to get her shit started. She was hoping for backup, but it looked as if Kira wasn’t able to trace the path. Dammit. She knew Raven could telepathically let them know where they were, but only if they knew exactly where that was.

  “So, guess most of you know, I’m Bonnie.” She turned around, eyeing every single one of them. “Grail. With the bounty.”

  No one said a word; they just stared at her. Yeah, this was how it went. They were loyal to dickhead. Not one of them would disobey him. She knew the routine well.

  “Not a very talkative group,” Raven said at her back. “They all witches and warlocks? I don’t feel demons.”

  “Demons come and go. They don’t always play by his rules.” Bonnie grinned, giving one of the warlocks a wink. “Unlike these pussies.”

  “Got a mouth on you, don’t you?” the warlock said with narrowed eyes, trying to intimidate.

  “Shit, you should hear me.” Raven played along with Bonnie’s “no care” attitude. Okay, actually, she wasn’t playing along; that was Raven’s attitude.

  Bonnie looked over her shoulder at the door, then back at the warlock. “What’s wrong?” she goaded. “Not important enough to be inside the big boy room?”

  “Don’t, Simon,” a witch beside him said when he took a step toward Bonnie. “She’s just trying to get to us. Wait. We’ll have our turn soon enough.”

  “Looking forward to that.” Bonnie gave her a smile and a nod. “Okay, I’m tired of waiting for asshole to make his grand entrance.”

  Bonnie headed for the door she knew Orjyll was behind, and just as expected, everyone moved at once. Raven cursed, getting into a stance ready for anything.

  “I’m going to give you all a warning.” Bonnie looked around at them. “I am going into that room, and if you try to stop me, that will be the biggest mistake of your sucky cult-like life.”

  With Raven, she headed toward the door, and sure enough, everyone rushed them. With lightning speed, Bonnie stuck out her arm and spun in a circle. Every single person flew off their feet, other than herself and Raven. She was surprised they didn’t try to use magic. Interesting.

  “I warned you,” Bonnie said just as the door opened.

  “Daughter!” Orjyll’s voice sent shivers of hatred through her body. “Now, is that any way to act when I’ve invited you into my home.”

  Preparing herself mentally to face her father, she turned and frowned. He stood there in a multicolored… hell, she didn’t know what to call it… cape maybe? It looked like velvet curtains with the rod still on it. He has lost his mind and fashion sense for sure.

  All she could think to say was “What in the hell are you wearing?”

  Just then, the warlock who had been running his mouth earlier rushed her from the side. She thrust her hand out, stopping him in midrun, then used her power to send him sailing out the silk-covered window. She didn’t even look his way, but instead, continued to stare at Orjyll, and she liked what she saw in the depth of his eyes. Confusion mixed with a little bit of fear. He never did like anyone more powerful than him.

  “Someone’s been working on their magic,” Bonnie said as a large smile spread across her face. She couldn’t wait to tell him whose powers she now had. Yeah, it was a night for reveals. “Have you?”

  Chapter 34

  Bishop, along with Ryker, Viktor, Charger, Ronan, and Kira found themselves inside a room full of people just as a man rushed toward Bonnie. Before he could get his bearings, the asshole was flying through the air and out the window.

  “Ryker!” Orjyll said, then clapped. “And Kira. Oh my, this is definitely my day. Now, if Mira and Drew come, we can be one big family.”

  “Is he delusional?” Raven said, but Bonnie didn’t answer as she was staring at a very angry Bishop.

  Yeah, that’s right. He said with his eyes, “I’m fucking pissed.” But then he saw her face; it was red, bruised, and it looked like her lip was split in the corner. “Did someone hit you?” His voice was menacing as he stared at her.

  “Wyrick,” Bonnie answered without hesitation. “I’m sure Sloan will give you a shot or two before he kills him.”

  Bishop’s eyes went straight to Wyrick. “You’re a dead man.” He pointed at him, just to make sure Wyrick knew he was threatening him.

  Hearing stomping coming up behind him, Bishop turned to see the guy who had flown through the window running bac
k inside. He was furious, and the fury was directed toward Bonnie. He never made it even close. Bishop punched out, hitting the guy in the temple, sending him straight to the ground. Cranking his neck back and forth, he looked back at Bonnie.

  “Thanks, babe.” She smiled at him with a nod. “Hey, no hard feelings, right?”

  “No problem. And we will discuss this later,” Bishop said, then motioned toward Orjyll. “Continue.”

  “I see you’ve made some friends,” Orjyll said, not sounding so confident. “Why don’t you introduce me.”

  “Two witch hunters, VC Warriors, and Dark Guardians is about all you need to know, but honestly, I’m the one you really need to worry about,” Bonnie said, making Bishop grin.

  Even as pissed off as he was, he was proud of her. Yeah, she went back on her word, but they would settle that soon enough. He was just relieved he found her, and she was okay. Now he had her back, and he’d kill any motherfucker who tried to harm her.

  Suddenly, there was all kinds of commotion as the rest of the Warriors arrived. The room was full to capacity.

  “Looks like we have an old-fashioned stand-off,” Sid said as he looked around, then his gaze went to Orjyll. “What in the fuck are you wearing, old man?”

  “Did you ever see that Carol Burnett show when she played…. Fuck, what was her name?” Jared snapped his fingers as if trying to remember.

  Bishop’s eyes scanned the room, and he saw a lot of confusion. Shit, he understood. There were times his fellow Warriors confused the fuck out of him too. In the worst of times, they cut up, but he’d quickly learned that was their game plan—to confuse and conquer while having a laugh or two. “Scarlet O’Hara, Gone with the Wind.”

  “Yeah, that was hi-lar-ious,” Jared said, then frowned when one guy headed toward him. “Buddy, you’re fucking up.”

  “Jenson. Stay,” Orjyll ordered, and the guy stopped immediately.

  “Wow.” Jared cocked his eyebrow, looking from Orjyll to the guy. “Jenson. Sit.”

  A few chuckles rumbled from the Warriors, Bishop’s one of them. He knew Viktor was thinking the same thing as him. Why weren’t these people trying to use magic? He took a quick glance at the guy on the floor, who was either dead or just knocked out. He didn’t really give a shit either way.

  “Enough!” Orjyll shouted, his face a mask of anger. “How dare you come here and insult me.”

  “We dare because of you wearing shit like that.” Sid eyed him in disgust. “That, whatever it is, insults me.”

  Sloan stepped forward, past Bishop to stand next to Bonnie. “We didn’t come here to insult you.” Sloan’s voice was calm, almost too calm. “We came here to kill you.”

  Bishop watched Wyrick closely. He could see the fear in his eyes as he did everything he could not to look directly at Sloan.

  “Starting with you.” Sloan pointed right at Wyrick.

  “My house. My rules.” Orjyll sneered at them all. He flung his curtain cape back and waved his arms.

  “Be ready,” Viktor hissed, but Bishop was keeping his eye on Bonnie. Her body began to shake slightly. Suddenly, chains began to drop from the ceiling.

  Bonnie chanted something in a loud voice, and the chains dropped harmlessly to the ground. “You really need to come up with some new tricks, dickhead. Predictable since you’ve already done this one,” Bonnie said, then took a step forward. Bishop also stepped forward as did everyone else. “Where is Vanessa’s boy?”

  A woman next to Orjyll stepped up in front of him. “Dead or alive?”

  “Roberta seems to want the bounty.” Orjyll’s smile was pure evil.

  “Alive, since I’m breathing,” Bonnie answered her. A snort followed. “Seriously, Daddy-o, you need to find smarter bitches.”

  “I wasn’t talking to you.” The woman’s hand shot out, sending a lightning bolt toward Bonnie, who easily deflected it.

  “Damn, that reminded me of Wonder Woman,” Jared said, impressed.

  “Dude, you are watching way too much television,” Sid replied, just as the woman tried to hit Bonnie again.

  Before anyone knew what was happening, the bolt was deflected, and the woman was wrapped in a rope, her hands by her sides. “How was that, Ronan?” Bonnie asked Ronan, who tipped his hat at her.

  “Couldn’t have done better myself,” Ronan said, but his voice was low and slow in his cowboy twang.

  “You want that bounty, bitch, you’re going to have to try harder than that.” Bonnie said flippantly, but with a underlying dare.

  “Okay, I’m getting fucking bored.” Damon’s voice rumbled through the room.

  The Warriors all seconded Damon’s statement, but Bishop knew it wasn’t this easy. Something was getting ready to happen and it was going to be a shit show. He had been in many situations like this before to know with witches, everything was unpredictable.

  * * *

  They were getting to him. Bonnie knew that better than she knew her own name. It was exactly what she wanted and needed. Wyrick had undone her magical rope on the woman, who was staring daggers at her. She needed to get Wyrick out of the picture, and fast. He was absolutely the most powerful. Something odd was also going on, but she couldn’t put her finger on it yet.

  “Do you really think you are going to win?” Orjyll took a step toward Bonnie, his hatred for her finally showing. “You are nothing. Always have been nothing. Tell me, daughter—”

  “Don’t call me that,” Bonnie hissed, her eyes narrowing.

  “But you are my daughter. Nothing can ever change that,” Orjyll said, his words penetrating only slightly the wall she built around her heart where he was concerned. “But tell me, do your new friends know exactly who they are protecting? What you’ve done for me?”

  Bonnie stood straight, her shoulders back and chin held high. “I did what I had to do to survive,” Bonnie said evenly. “And the only regret I have during that time is not killing you then.”

  “You wound me.” Orjyll put his hand to his heart, a fake expression overcoming his face. It only lasted a minute before he laughed. “Sorry, I just can’t. Do you really think I care anything for you? I feel nothing. You are a piece of dirt under my shoe. You are just like your mother. Thinking you are better, when in fact, you are just like me. More so because my blood runs through your veins. You cannot ever defeat me because I will always be a part of you.”

  Bonnie bit the inside of her cheek as she let him spew his hate for her. It fueled her for what was to come. “Are you finished?” she asked, making sure her voice was void of emotion.

  “No, actually, I’m not,” Orjyll said before looking from her to the rest of the Warriors standing behind her. “Just know that what I’ve started will never end. Even if you somehow defeat me today, which is impossible, nothing will change. Someone is ready to step into my shoes and fulfill my destiny. But make no mistake, the end for you is coming. The army I have created is vast.”

  “Jesus, is he done yet?” This time it was Steve who broke the silence. “Where in the hell is this army you keep talking about?”

  “Oh, they are coming. Being trained just for you.” Orjyll hissed as he pointed at them all, his eyes wide with excitement. “You have no idea what is in store for the mighty Warriors.”

  Bonnie’s eyes caught movement behind Orjyll. She leaned slightly to see an old woman with her eyes rolled back in her sockets, showing only white, her mouth moving in a chant. Shit, all of Orjyll’s ranting was a distraction. She glanced at Ryker, then Kira.

  “Binding.” Bonnie hissed the warning to them. She tested her own magic and felt it strong and true. She glanced at Ryker, who shook his head at her. Dammit. She then looked to Kira, who stared at her in a panic. Before she could do anything, Kira stiffened, her body coming up off the ground as her toes dragged the floor going toward Orjyll. “No!” Bonnie stepped in front of Kira as she began to fall, but Ronan caught her.

  “Ah, Bonnie. Don’t ruin the fun.” Orjyll laughed as he tried to look around he
r at Kira. “I’m going to get your mother’s powers one way or another.”

  “Get her out of here,” Bonnie ordered, then turned toward Ryker, who gave her an “I’m going nowhere” look.

  “Stop them,” Orjyll demanded, and suddenly Ronan stopped as if running into an invisible barrier. “Come now, Warriors. You cannot possibly win against our magic now that your witches are powerless. Their magic is bound. Once again, you are on the losing side. Not only will I kill you, daughter, but I will kill Kira and take your mother’s powers. Then only two Grails will be alive. And it’s obvious from this display that will be easy.”

  Bonnie’s eyes narrowed as they looked first at Bishop, then the rest of the men. Turning slowly, she glanced at Sloan. “Wyrick is yours.”

  Sloan gave her a nod, then a slow smirk formed across his lips. She then looked toward Orjyll.

  “I’m going to give you one more chance to answer my question,” Bonnie said, her voice loud and clear. “Where is the boy?”

  “I have no use for that boy,” Orjyll said in disgust. “Pike was the one using the kid to control Vanessa. But since they killed him, I doubt you’ll ever find that brat.”

  “Good to know.” Bonnie needed confirmation that she knew what he said was true when Adam gave her a nod. She lifted her arm and snapped her fingers. The barrier surrounding Ronan and Kira was gone as Ronan walked out of the room.

  The old woman, aka hag, looked shocked as she shook her head. “That can’t be.”

  “Oh, but it can, hag.” Bonnie didn’t usually like to talk disrespectfully to the elderly, but this old bitch needed to go. She was full of darkness. It oozed out of her. Then she smiled at the woman when the hag tried to use her magic. “Problem?”

  “What are you?” The old woman stepped back, fear evident on her face.

  “It’s who are you,” Bonnie corrected her, then looked at Orjyll when she answered, “And I am my mother’s daughter.”

  “No.” Orjyll looked over her head where Kira disappeared, then back to her in shock.