“I am sorry you feel this way, Elle,” Laney spoke. “But, I am sorry you are wrong. Dead wrong. You do not frighten us. We hold power and have dark magic on our side. My gift of magic expands generations of covens who rely on and use the wind and weather around us. You are merely an animal that has an incredible power that we will take from you. I do, however, want to share with you something,” she insisted, in a terrifying and pleasant voice. It was a disastrous combination that gave me the sudden creeps.
“Laney, you may call on powers from dark magic, but I call on powers, too. The nature that surrounds us is part of my heart and soul. I rely on the woods for my own source of power and protection. And, that is why I have to stop you. To stop you from destroying the world around me that I love and depend on. Even if you kill me today, I will never allow you to take my powers for your own evil pleasure. I will haunt you forever to prevent you from hurting any more people,” I screamed, my own rage building and exploding.
Laughing again, Laney sounded dreadfully vile. “As much as I am enjoying our conversations, I must say that I am growing tired. I have my own plans to attend to so you can tell your little animal and Vampires friends they can come out of hiding now. Oh, and my cousins, too. I know they have been working with you too. We need to just get this started so I can end you now,” Laney finished.
Taking a step forward, Loraine glanced into the direction of where the Witches were hiding. “My daughter and granddaughters have turned their backs on me. I am their family and instead of following my wishes, they have disgraced my family. Today, this all ends,” she finished, keeping her eyes focused on the women who she had hurt. It was clear at that moment that Loraine was delusional. She was telling her family they had turned their back on her, when in reality, she had turned her back on them. They tried to tell her what she was doing was wrong, but Loraine wanted nothing to do with that. She allowed evil to take over her.
Lifting her hands high into the air, Laney began to chant words that I had never heard before. I turned to my dad as the hard rain began to fall from the sky. Each drop felt like a bullet being fired from a gun.
“Dad, what do we do now?” I asked, my voice growing frantic.
I could see movement in the woods as the Vampires, Witches, and members of the pack were growing restless, as they knew we all needed to act fast.
As Laney chanted, I felt a tightening sensation pour over me. My body felt like it was being squeezed, and all of the air was rushing out of my body.
“Elle,” Asher yelled, as he came running toward me from the woods.
Reaching his hand down to me, my dad began screaming my name. Only, I couldn’t hear anything he was saying over the roar of the winds. The ground below me began to shake, and I fell to the ground as I struggled to grasp for air.
Asher’s arms reached out to me as I looked up just in time to see a raging tornado tearing through the trees of the forest just in front of us.
Words escaped me and all I could do was point behind them as the tornado raced toward us. Turning, my dad was the first to see the funnel coming straight to us. Laney just stood, surrounded by a protective barrier she had created to protect herself and Loraine from the storm around them.
She was still chanting and drawing the storm to us as we all frantically rushed around looking for any place we could flee for safety. Unfortunately, we were out in the open and there was nowhere to hide from their wrath.
Asher and my dad reached down and helped me up as the wind desperately tried to pull us apart.
“We need to attack now before she gathers any more energy and power,” my dad called over the roar of the winds.
Suddenly, the wolves, Vampires, and Witches all bounded out of the forests and rushed our way as they heard the command to begin the battle. I watched in awe as they all ran with such agility and speed, their faces contorted to show a desperate motivation to end these Witches and their evil reign. The love that I felt in that moment was so strong, I prayed it would outweigh the sinful evil that was surrounding us from the rogue Witches and their spells.
I watched as Jim and two other members of the pack growled and flashed their fangs as they bound toward the force field Laney had created to surround her and Loraine. As they hit the invisible barrier, they bounced off the shield like they had just hit a trampoline. They fell hard onto the ground below, but only for an instant. Recovering, they all jumped up again and began scratching and clawing at the barrier, creating red and orange sparks from their violent attempts to get to Laney.
Asher, my dad, and I began racing toward them. As I ran, I felt my body shift into my wolf, the true Shifter I should be in this moment. Asher glanced my way and smiled before his face fell and he stopped abruptly, reaching his arms out to me. Before I could stop and react, I was picked up by the raging tornado’s winds and tossed almost fifty-feet away from everyone.
My body crashed against the hard ground, and I felt an excruciating pain radiate through my body. Everything around me became a blur as my eyes struggled to remain open. Confusion set in as I attempted to understand what had just happened to me.
“Don’t move,” a familiar voice whispered to me.
I tried to turn my head in the direction of the voice, but my body ached too much to move. “Maddox?” I asked, fearing maybe I was dead or unconscious and dreaming of his voice.
I felt a hand gently move my brown hair away from my face, revealing Maddox’s concerned face looking down at me. He smiled as he struggled to compose himself.
“Yeah, Elle. It’s me,” he said.
I could hear screams and loud noises all around me, but the only thing my mind was able to focus on was the fact that Maddox was really here with me now. I had thought that he had abandoned me. That he didn’t love or care enough about me to show up for this battle. My heart began to beat again, and I felt a strength that I had thought had died, emerge within me.
Without warning, I surprised not only myself, but Maddox as well, as I sat up and grabbed his hand.
“Maddox, I need you here,” I admitted, as I looked deep into his eyes.
“I know, and I am so sorry I wasn’t here for the beginning. But, I’m here now and we are going to end this today. You didn’t’ really think I would let you do this alone?” Maddox asked.
“I honestly didn’t know,” I admitted, as I squeezed his hand.
“I’m sorry I gave you any reason to doubt me. I love you, Elle,” Maddox stated with finality.
Nodding, I allowed him to help me stand. “I’m ok now that you’re here. Let’s go get those Witches.”
As my eyes began to focus on the terror around me, I spotted Asher and the Vampires Council running toward the force field and allowing their strong, marble-like bodies to hit the barrier. I watched in awe as cracks started to form around the Witches, their protection breaking with each hard thrust from the Vampires. The Shifters were circling the Witches, watching and waiting as the Vampires destroyed the shield that separated the Shifters from destroying the Witches.
Hearing another set of voices chanting, I spotted the other Witches holding hands, eyes closed, and casting their own spell as they were trying to calm the tornado that was still spiraling out of control all around us.
It looked as though the wild and violent tornado was being pushed back as it fought to make its way to us. The other Witches were trying to push the tornado away from the open field and back toward the forest, but the storm was too powerful and was fighting back.
Maddox and I began to race toward the battle taking place, and I saw Asher and my dad turn to see us coming. Both of them had surprised, yet relieved expressions, as they spotted Maddox running with me.
As I began to slow when we reached my dad who was pacing around the circle of Vampires, Maddox only increased his speed. Before I could even register what he was about to do, he lunged toward the force shield and crashed his body into the barrier. A loud crash was heard, almost piercing through my ears as I watched bright red and
silver flashes explode all around me as Maddox broke through the circle created by the Witches. Looks of disgust and unpleasant surprise registered on the Witches faces as they realized their spell had been broken by Maddox and the Vampires.
Maddox landed behind the Witches. Pausing, he turned his head and sneered as he took one paw and slammed it onto the dirt below him. With his fangs flashing, Maddox let out a loud howl.
“You are done terrorizing Elle and Shady Oaks,” Maddox yelled toward the Witches. You want a war? We are here to give you a war,” he called again, as he began to race back toward the Witches.
Following his lead, the rest of the pack raced toward the Witches with claws extended and fangs ready to bite down on the Witches. The Vampires raced all around the Witches, confusing them and giving the Shifters easy access to grab the Witches.
A revolting scream echoed out of Laney’s mouth as she jumped up into the air and began to levitate above the Shifters and Vampires below her. She threw her hands out in front of her and began to create a storm of lightning, pushing the tornado back toward us again. Far below her, her cousins and aunt were still chanting, trying to fight the storm she had created with their own elements of nature. The weather and world around us were having their own battle of forces and it was causing the air to grow heavy and difficult to breathe.
Broken tree limbs and debris flew all around us as the wind from the tornado whipped through the forest and open field, destroying everything in its path. I felt a harsh smack as a jagged tree limb slashed my skin and caused crimson red blood to begin flowing out of my arm. I was cut, and as the pain registered, I tried to ignore it as I knew I needed to protect myself and everyone around me.
Strikes of lightning flashed beside me, and I jumped away from the burning grass as smoke filled the air around me.
“Elle,” Asher screamed out, as he watched me running from the wild streaks of lightning that were hitting the ground beside my feet.
I saw Asher leave the circle of Vampires as his body became clear for me to see. The other Vampires were running so fast in their circle, they were nothing but blurs of colors and sounds. As his midnight black hair flew in the wind, I focused on the piercing blue eyes that cried out to me. A streak of lightning struck just to the left of Asher,but it only seemed to enrage him and increase his speed. He was dodging the strikes as he raced toward me.
“Asher, I am fine. You need to get back with the Vampires,” I cried out.
He was safe in the circle with Vampires, their movements so fast for the Witches to keep up with. Out in the open, he was making himself an easy target like the rest of us. I couldn’t even fathom the idea of something bad happening to Asher. He was my life. My heart. My soul. He had to get to safety now.
Racing forward, I ran to Asher and met him halfway. Pulling him close to me, I grabbed onto his arms. “You have to get back with the other Vampires. You are not safe here with me,” I called, trying to turn and lead him back toward the Witches and Vampires.
Stopping me, Asher shook his head. “No. I am going to protect you.”
The wind from the tornado continued to race toward us, and I felt the ground shaking violently under me. Asher and I struggled to hold onto one another, but the shaking and the wind became too much and we both fell backward and away from the other. I screamed as I reached for Asher who was flown back toward the tree line of the forest.
Seeing me gasping for air, Maddox ran toward Laney and used his sharp claws to swat her in the face. As red blood began to drip from her cheek, she was momentarily distracted from her chanting and the winds began to die down. Maddox turned and jumped on Laney, knocking her to the ground as she reached for her face to feel the warm blood that was still spilling out of her. Malevolence protruded from her as she realized Maddox was attacking her. Loraine lifted her arms and tried to push wind at Maddox, but he wasn’t fazed by her attack. Holding Laney down, Maddox’s sharp fangs were mere inches from Laney’s neck. I could see her pulse beating through her thin flesh as Maddox hoovered over her. I waited, holding my breath, for Maddox to bite down and end Laney. It could all be over with just one bite. But, I wasn’t sure if Maddox was capable of killing.
I heard groans from Asher as he tried to get up from where he had landed with a loud thud in the forest. I was torn; which boy did I run to first? Both needed me, but I wasn’t sure which one to rush to the aid of first. Loving two strong-willed guys wasn’t easy and at this moment, I realized how difficult it truly was. I wasn’t sure I could survive if something happened to either one of them.
Without thinking, I turned and ran toward Asher. Maddox was holding down Laney for the moment, I felt he could end her as I went to Asher. Running, I smiled as I spotted Asher standing. Relief washed over me because I knew he wasn’t injured too bad. As I reached Asher, he pulled me close to him.
“Are you alright?” he asked, as he began to inspect me for any more injuries. His hand reached out and touched my cut, my blood now staining his fingers.
I watched Asher’s eyes widen and his nose tense as he took in the scent of my blood. For a brief second, I almost felt afraid of Asher. He was a Vampires and craved blood. Now, my blood was ready and available to him. His jaws clenched and he closed his eyes before opening them again with a flash.
“I’m fine,” I said, my body trembling from the terror of everything happening around me.
“Elle, don’t’ fear me. I will not hurt you. I can control myself around human blood, even yours,” he said, his voice tense and strong.
My shoulders sagged as I realized Asher could control himself and had been for years. So much was happening in this moment, I needed to keep my focus on the Witches.
Looking behind me, Asher swiftly picked me up and placed me behind him. As I struggled to look around him, I spotted Maddox racing toward us as Loraine flew through the air, a menacing glare on her face as she was headed straight to me.
Maddox leaped high into the air, his paws extended in front of him as he reached for Loraine. Just as he was about to grab her ankle, I watched as a bright streak of lightning flashed from Laney’s hands as she lay bleeding on the ground where I had last seen her. I watched in horror as the burning light hit Maddox on the back, his fur catching on fire and erupting into a golden blaze of fire. Letting out a painful cry, Maddox fell to the ground as he began to roll and struggle to put out the fire taking over his wolf body. Laney was covered in blood and cuts as she began to turn onto her stomach, extending her arms out in front of her as she crawled on the ground. Loraine still hovered above us, a wicked smile plastered on her face as she watched the fury below. As the Shifters began to pounce on her, their claws digging into her flesh, she continued to call to the winds and tornado as she refused to die without taking me down with her.
In that moment, I knew she wasn’t going to stop fighting until she killed me. Until she killed us all.
I could hear her flesh tearing and the wild screams all around me, but still, she continued on. I had to give her credit, she was resilient and determined.
Pushing Asher out of my way, I tried to run toward Maddox, but Asher wouldn’t let me go.
“Stop Elle,” Asher yelled at me, as he pushed me behind him again.
Shoving him aside, I clenched my teeth as I leaped into the air. “Asher, I have to help Maddox,” I called out again.
Sighing, I heard Asher growl as he chased behind me as I made my way to Maddox. Loraine flew over us, as she followed our trail. I wasn’t sure what she was up to, but I suddenly realized she wasn’t doing anything to help Laney who was still covered by the Shifters. The Vampires raced to us as everyone now spotted Maddox, who was now in a full blaze of fire.
Without warning, the sky opened up and rain began to fall from the sky. I knew it was from the Witches. They had called on the rain to help Maddox and I was thankful. The rain was working and as a deep gray swirl of smoke surrounded him, I saw Maddox collapse onto the ground. Unmoving.
Seeing his lifeless b
ody, I screamed out in horror. I was now surrounded by the Shifters, Vampires, and Witches. Now, together, we were a united front against Loraine and Laney.
Maddox’s dad knelt down next to his son, and I could see the pain register in on his face as he watched his son lying helpless on the ground. Maddox was injured, and I knew we needed to get him out of here and to safety soon.
“Maddox, please say something,” I begged, as I nudged him and felt my heart crumbling inside of my chest.
Asher knelt down next to me and even he had a look of worry. Even though they didn’t get along, I knew that Asher didn’t want anything to happen to Maddox. He knew how much Maddox meant to me.
I saw a flutter from Maddox’s eyes as one and then the other opened. Happiness flooded through me as I saw Maddox waking and I let out a breath I didn’t’ know I had been holding.
“Did you really think some crazy Witch was going to take me out?” Maddox asked, a slight smirk forming on his face.
I let out a laugh along with a few tears as I fell on top of Maddox and hugged him. Everyone around me leaned down and began to inspect Maddox. It was clear he was injured and until we could get him safely back to his house, we wouldn’t know exactly how bad. However, knowing he was ok gave me the strength to continue fighting the Witches.
Seeing what could have happened, everyone turned back to Loraine.
Stepping up, the Witches turned to their grandmother. “You have to stop this now. You are outnumbered, and Laney is dying. You used to be caring and saw the power of our coven. Now, it is as though you are under some spell…” Viviane’s voice trailed off as she stood tall and staring into the eyes of her grandmother. “You are under a spell,” she spoke, like she suddenly realized something she hadn’t considered before.
“No,” Laney croaked as her voice was fading like her dying body. We all turned to see Laney, who was barely alive as her mangled body still fought to move toward us as she crawled, clutching the grass in her bloody hands, toward us.
Evernight Page 13
