Legacy of Magic

by Denise Carbo

  “Witches and essentially yes.”

  Cory paced the length of her car and back. A band of witches were out to steal her power, most likely killing her in the process, or making her wish she was dead. There was a slight chance she could convince them she wanted to join them instead, but then someone else would die in her place. Someone who apparently was okay with her dying though, right?

  “What did you mean by serving? What precisely does that entail?”

  “Performing magic rituals, seeking and bringing witches to him, and in your case getting pregnant by him and bearing a little witch to inherit your power and be raised and controlled by him.”

  Bile rose in her throat. Stopping to glare at him, Cory clenched her fists. “Excuse me?”

  A tiny dimple appeared at the corner of his mouth. “Look Coralea, I told you, you wouldn’t like the options. You are a full-grown woman. He will only see two purposes for you. Take your power or use you to bear a child who will inherit your power whom he can control. Killing you after you do, of course.”

  Nausea churned in her stomach. Bear a child with an evil madman so it could be raised to do more evil? Not going to happen. That left only one option, learn to fight in a little less than two months’ time. Was it even possible? What choice did she have? If Sebastian was to be believed, none.

  “Is it possible to teach me in such a short time?”

  “There is no other option for you, so it better be possible. You have to learn.”

  “Who will I have to fight, and what will it accomplish? Won’t it just be a delay, or is that the point? Delaying until the next solar eclipse? Allowing me to get stronger?”

  “No, the goal is to kill him once and for all. He’s weakened right now. Which is why he needs your power so badly. It may be our only opportunity. He hasn’t fed since the total eclipse in Russia in 2008, and the one he took wasn’t strong.”

  Cory recoiled. “Fed?”

  “I told you, he needs the powers he steals during the total solar eclipse to survive.”

  “Like a power vampire?”

  “Yes, he’s over three centuries old.”

  She opened her mouth, and then shut it. She looked down at her arms and reached over to pinch herself hard on the bicep.

  “What are you doing?”

  She clenched her teeth and pinch harder. “This is a nightmare, and I want to wake up.”

  Sebastian sighed. “Welcome to my world. The only way to wake up and free yourself is learning to fight, like I’ve told you repeatedly. Now stop behaving like a child, and let’s get started. I can always go back to the original plan and deliver you to him. Don’t make me regret giving you a chance.”

  Cory glared at him through narrowed eyes. “Don’t make it sound like your motives are altruistic. You want my help to end your life of servitude, as you put it.”

  “Just so, but I will save my own hide first. So, if you don’t step up to the plate and stop dithering, I have a backup plan.”

  “Duly noted, I can’t trust you. Thanks for the warning.”

  “You can trust me to train you, as long as you put in the effort and focus required.”

  “How many witches are in your little group, and how many will I have to fight? Will you be one of them?”

  “It’s called a coven. He’s been building one he has complete control over. He can’t wield each power himself, so he makes sure he controls those who do. A full coven is made up of twelve, three from each element of power. He was in a rage once and let it slip that he destroyed his original coven. I don’t know all the details. I do know he’s been hunting the descendants of that original coven. You, being the latest. There are currently five members, including him and myself. He has a tendency to lose his temper and kill members who don’t perform exactly how he dictates. Others he sacrificed over the years to sustain himself.”

  A shudder rippled through her. “You didn’t answer how many I would have to fight or whether you would be one of them.”

  “It depends. If I’m able to sway others to our side, then there will be less.”

  Cory closed her eyes briefly. He wasn’t answering her question completely, but then maybe his avoidance was the answer. He’d already told her he would save himself first. She would learn from him, but never trust him. He could betray her at any moment. She had experienced betrayal. She hoped she had learned from her mistakes. She would be ready and prepared. What else could she do?

  “Why do you serve him, and who is he? The more knowledge I have the more I will be prepared.”

  An uneasy silence stretched between them. She started to think he wouldn’t answer her.

  “He threatens someone I’ve sworn to protect. Who he is, is the same one who pursued your ancestor across the ocean after destroying their coven. He’s been searching for your line and power for centuries. He’s my father.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  “We can get fake passports and disappear. I have savings, always wanted to travel, but never got around to it. You leave now, and I’ll have everything ready by the time you get here.”

  Tears welled in her eyes, and she took a deep breath. “Mel, you’re the best friend ever, but running isn’t the answer. If Sebastian is to be believed, and about this I do, then they would find me. Now that my powers have been unlocked, and until I learn how to control it, I’m like a beacon to those with power. I’d be delaying the inevitable and putting your life in danger. Not going to happen. In fact, I probably shouldn’t talk to you about any of this anymore and you definitely need to stop researching it. They could track you somehow.”

  “Bullshit.”

  Cory sat down on her bed and leaned back against the pillows, closing her eyes. What the hell was she going to do?

  “I’m not an idiot, Cory. No one is tracking the research I’m doing. I know how to cover my tracks. Being a paranoid, conspiracy theory junkie comes in handy in this type of situation. You try to cut me out and I’m going to move in with you. I’ll be stuck to you like super glue. I appreciate the consideration for my safety, but there’s no way in hell I’m letting you travel this road alone. Got it?”

  Cory snorted. She’d do it too. Staring at the ceiling, she tried to think what the right thing to do was.

  “I mean it, Cory.”

  “I know you do, but I couldn’t handle it if something happened to you because of me.”

  “How do you think I’d feel if something happened to you and I did nothing to prevent it? I need to try to help you. It’s what people who care about each other do. Besides, two heads are better than one. Now, discussion is over. You’re not persuading me to back off. We need to focus on getting you strong and ready for this battle. I’m going to find out all I can about Sebastian and his demonic family, and you’re going to learn from him while staying on your guard at all times. Don’t trust him Cory.”

  “Witches, not demons.”

  “Yeah well, witchy family doesn’t sound evil enough.”

  Cory chuckled. “I love you, Mel. Thank you.”

  “Love you too. Promise me you won’t keep anything from me. I don’t want to worry about any secrets.”

  She battled with herself over the decision. Selfishly, she wanted to share this nightmare with someone she trusted. Wanted to be able to talk to someone and not feel like she was alone, or insane. But, she truly could never forgive herself if something happened to Melanie because of her. She should’ve lied when Melanie called her frantic over the text messages she had received. Instead, the truth about Sebastian and his so-called mission and proposal had tumbled from her lips in an avalanche of disbelief and terror. Now, her best friend was dragged even deeper into this mess with her.

  “Cory?”

  “Of course.” She had to protect her. In a few days, she would come up with a believable story why it was all resolved and there was nothing more to worry about.

  “The words, Cory, I want the words, and I’ll know if you’re lying. You suck at it.”

 
“Damn it, Mel.” Cory rolled her eyes. She did suck at it. Another reason she could never pretend to go along with Sebastian’s family, they’d be on to her in a heartbeat the first time she had to lie.

  “Still waiting.”

  “I promise, okay?” She would have to figure out a way to keep Melanie safe while keeping her in the loop.

  “Good. Worrying about secrets between us would just take crucial energy and time away from what we need to be focused on. I don’t want to second guess what you aren’t telling me and then have to manipulate you into telling me.”

  “So, you admit you’re a manipulator?”

  “Please, like that was ever a secret.”

  Cory swung her legs off the bed and stood up. “Your turn to promise. Promise me you will take every precaution and no chances. I don’t want you endangered by my mess.”

  “Easy promise to make. There’s no need for you to spend an instant worrying about that. I am always super careful, and now I’ll make sure to be doubly so, okay?”

  “Okay.”

  “So, no more secrets, right?”

  “I already promised, Mel.” She bit her lip. “Although, there is one thing I haven’t told you.”

  “Spill.”

  “I had sex with Finn.”

  ****

  The cold air from the fridge provided a short reprieve from the hot summer temperature. Aunt Addy’s house had never been updated with central air conditioning. There were window units in the bedrooms, but the common areas grew uncomfortable on days like today. Her heated skin was sticky from the humidity despite the shower she had just taken.

  Cory had dressed in shorts and a tank top anticipating working outside on her aunt’s gardens to help gather her thoughts and come up with a solid plan to deal with the surreal life she found herself in, but it was just too hot and humid.

  The knock at the back door made her jump and jarred her from her musings. Shutting the refrigerator, she pivoted on her toes and stared at the window panes of the door. Trepidation caused her to hesitate, but logic dictated what threatened her wasn’t likely to come calling at her aunt’s back door. That and the fact she could see Finn’s familiar form.

  What on earth was she going to say to him? She hadn’t seen or spoken to him since Sunday night, or technically Monday morning. She hadn’t had a chance to really think about their next meeting.

  Deciding to open the door and find out what he wanted instead of trying to guess, she marched to the door and swung it open, pasting a smile on her face. He probably wanted to speak to her aunt about something anyway.

  “I was beginning to think you weren’t going to open the door.”

  Of course, if she could see him through the door, he could see her too. The light from the fridge probably made it even easier.

  “Thought never crossed my mind.” Wonder why? It should have. She should be avoiding him and any other distraction like the plague. She was in a literal life and death situation. Getting any further involved with Finn had to be a terminally bad idea. She needed to put on the brakes. “I was simply lost in thought for a moment.” She stepped back. “Come in. It’s not much cooler inside, but I’d like to keep as much of the hot air out as possible.”

  Finn sauntered past her and leaned against the counter with his arms folded across his chest and ankles crossed. She couldn’t help but smile. Even in this heat he wore jeans.

  “Where’s Addy?”

  She was right, he was here for her aunt after all. Her shoulders deflated a bit. Probably for the best, she had enough on her plate. “Aunt Addy won’t be home until late this afternoon. Do you want me to pass on a message?”

  His leisurely gaze travelled over her. A tingle of awareness danced down her spine. She swallowed and crossed her arms. She needed to keep a distance between them. The other night was a one-time thing.

  “No, I’m not here for her.”

  Oh. Butterflies took flight in her stomach.

  “I spoke to Addy yesterday, and she mentioned you had the day off today. Thought you might like to take a ride with me. I have to stop by a friend’s house and take a look at his car. His wife is a gardener. She has quite the spread. I thought you might enjoy seeing it.”

  She should say no. End whatever was between them now before it progressed any farther.

  “I have air conditioning in the car.”

  A laugh burst from her, and she smiled and shook her head. She really shouldn’t, but she wanted to. Was it so wrong to want a few hours of reprieve from the crisis looming over her life?

  “Did I mention, Sally, his wife is a great cook and invited us to lunch?”

  Cory met his gaze, a negative answer on the tip of her tongue. It melted away. “Give me a few minutes to change.”

  She turned to go, but he snagged her hand before she took two steps.

  “Nope, no point in changing. It’s totally casual, and it’ll be hot outside looking at her gardens. You’ll want to be comfortable. Let’s go.”

  The warmth from his hand encased hers. He didn’t seem to be in a hurry to let it go. She shrugged slightly. “Okay but let me grab my purse upstairs.”

  “Don’t need it.” He snagged her phone off the table. “Here, that’s all you need.” He tugged on her hand and she followed him out the door, locking it behind her. She prayed she wasn’t making a mistake.

  Chapter Twenty

  The ivory length of her legs made his palms itch to caress them. Her white shorts and navy-blue tank top hugged her luscious curves. Finn divided his attention between the road and Cory sitting silently in the seat next to him staring out the window. Something was up. The tension radiating from her was like a neon sign since she opened the back door to the house. At first, he thought she intended to brush him off, and pretend the other night had never happened or that it was a mistake and not to be repeated. Which is why he rushed her out of the house before she could think about it too much and change her mind.

  He took the entrance ramp to the interstate and glanced at her again. She was lost in her own little world. Hadn’t asked any details about their destination. If he went the direct route and asked her straight out what was going on, she’d likely clam up and withdraw further. Cory Bishop was like a finely tuned Ferrari, beautiful on the outside with intricate mechanics underneath the hood. That was okay, temperamental, complicated, sports cars were his specialty.

  “I signed up for dog obedience training classes. Bat and I start next week.”

  “Oh, they’re going to train you too? What an excellent idea.”

  “Very funny, Princess, but I suppose it’s true in a way. They only work with both the owner and the dog. I thought I would just send Bat and they would train him, but apparently it doesn’t work that way.”

  “What mischief has Bat been getting into now?”

  Finn snorted. “Let’s see, he’s single handedly destroyed two dog beds, and has a personal vendetta against pillows.”

  Cory’s smile stretched wide as she chuckled. “He’s quite the handful, isn’t he? He’s so adorable though, you can’t help but forgive him.”

  “Yeah, he’s got that going for him at least.”

  “Tell me more about your friends we’re going to see.”

  “I met Sam in the Air Force. He was a career officer, while I only served a brief stint, but we hit it off and kept in touch. He’s retired now. His wife Sally is a retired school teacher.”

  “Was he your commanding officer?”

  “Yeah, he’s the reason I stayed as long as I did. Helped me to see it wasn’t for me though. Convinced me to follow my passion for cars.”

  Cory rested her head against the seat as she studied Finn’s handsome profile. He never talked about his family. He’d mentioned learning about cars from his uncle, but that was the extent.

  “What about your family? Do they live nearby?”

  He glanced at her briefly. “No, it’s just me. My Dad died when I was a kid. My mom passed while I was in the service.”
>
  “What about your uncle? The one you worked in the garage for?”

  “Uncle Benny, my mom’s brother, we went to live with him after my Dad died. He passed away before I joined the service.”

  “I’m sorry, Finn. That must have been a hard time for you. Losing your family like that. My mother can drive me crazy, but I can’t imagine losing her or my Dad.”

  “After my Dad died, my Mom never got over it. She sort of faded a little bit at a time. She never smiled anymore, nothing brought her any joy. Certainly not her scrawny kid who was always getting into one scrape after another. After another school suspension, she packed up all our stuff and moved us in with Uncle Benny. He was a widower too, no kids. He was strict, but fair. Told me I was going to earn my keep, and I did.”

  Finn shrugged. “Kept me too busy to get into trouble. Besides I discovered cars then, and they held more interest than anything else.” He glanced at her and smiled. “Well, except for girls. I got real interested in them too.”

  Cory chuckled and turned to look out the windshield. “I bet.”

  Finn exited the highway and drove through a large town with shopping plazas and busy streets. The area reminded her a bit of New Jersey. Strange, she no longer thought of it as home. Connecticut was home. She didn’t miss the hustle and bustle, or the convenience of the multitude of stores within a five-minute drive. Who would have imagined quiet country living was what she craved?

  “This is their place up ahead.”

  A gray Cape Cod style house with a covered front porch stood at the end of the cul-de-sac. Cory leaned forward and gasped. Gardens stretched from the front of the house and down the sides. Stonewalls edged the property with flowers blooming along the base of them.

  “I knew you’d like it.”

  He drove into the driveway and followed it to the back of the house, where a large barn like garage stood. Raised beds of vegetables grew in rows behind the house.

  A wide grin spread across her face. “I love it.”

  An older man with salt and pepper close-cropped hair stepped out of the garage, wiping his hands on a rag. Finn parked and got out of the car. “What have you done to my baby, Sam?”