A Times Journey Box Set (A Times Journey Novel Book 4)

by Bethany Shaw

  Sitting next to her, Zak placed a hand on her back. She glanced around the large sitting room, finding Jamie’s gaze first. The other witch sat beside Oliver on a matching love seat.

  “Yeah,” Jamie said. “I didn’t realize what she was doing until it was too late. It was her choice, though. No one made her do it.”

  At least her friend had made the decision herself, even if her hand was forced slightly by circumstances.

  “Can I see her?” Cadence asked with a sigh. Maddie had sacrificed herself before anyone had the chance to save her. She couldn’t imagine what her friend was going through. Part of her wondered if Melanie and Harrison had come up with an idea to save her. The other part didn’t want to know. It didn’t matter now and would only bring heartache.

  “I don’t think that’s a good idea. She is a newly turned vampire with strong impulses,” Eli said. “We’ve been working diligently with her. Besides, we sent her away with Harrison and Melanie in case someone from the coven came looking for her here.”

  Cadence nodded and looked at her hands. She didn’t know what she’d been expecting, but this wasn’t it.

  “This development will make getting Mr. Hopewell back difficult. Maddie is of no use to them in her current state,” Jamie said.

  “I’m sure we can figure something out.” Eli looked around the room. “The coven doesn’t know about Maddie’s condition.”

  “I’d hardly call vampirism a condition,” Zak said.

  Cadence raked a hand through her hair. “I’m sure there’s something we can do. We can’t let the coven torture or kill my father.” She huffed and plopped back into the cushions behind her. Dizziness washed over her, and she closed her eyes. She’d stupidly thought things would get easier when they got home. She couldn’t have been more wrong.

  “Perhaps we would all think clearer after some rest.” Zak turned his gaze to Cadence.

  She stiffened and blinked her eyes open. “I’m fine.”

  “You look like you’ve been through quite the ordeal, Cadence. Some rest would be good, especially considering the blood loss you sustained,” Eli said, his voice remaining even.

  She rolled her eyes, but her fingers crept to her neck where the dried blood lingered. How much had Malcolm taken? Her body was sluggish, her eyes heavy.

  “It’s been a long night,” Jamie said. “Why don’t you two get some rest? I’ll keep working on some ideas.”

  “Jamie, you’ve got to be just as tired as me,” Cadence said in an attempt to argue.

  “Possibly, but it looks like you lost a lot of blood,” Jamie said, motioning to Cadence’s neck.

  Cadence rubbed at her throat. The skin was coated with dried blood, but she didn’t feel any puncture wounds. Zak’s blood – their bond – must have healed her. Even if she was physically better, she had no idea if vampire blood would make up for the amount of blood she’d lost.

  “Come on, sweetheart. I’ll show you to a room where you can clean up and get some rest.” Zak grasped her hand and hauled her to her feet.

  “But—”

  “If there are any new developments we’ll let you know,” Eli said.

  She opened her mouth to protest, then thought better of it. Her body ached, and exhaustion rolled over her. She trusted Eli, Zak, and Oliver as much as she did Jamie. If something did come up, they’d let her know.

  ***

  Cadence quickly dried off and put on the skimpy boy shorts and tank top that Zak had laid out for her on the bathroom counter. The shower had taken longer than she had expected. Cleaning the dried blood from her body and hair had been a task.

  Zak had disappeared after retrieving some clothes for her, and she had no idea where he’d gone. She yawned. If he wasn’t in bed, she would fall into it and sleep without him. Exhaustion had worn on her. The events and the amount of blood loss were taking their toll. The bed was practically calling her name.

  Once she'd brushed her hair, she stepped out into the massive guest bedroom. A squeak of surprise escaped her lips. Someone was in her room, waiting for her.

  Trent turned around and smiled. "Hey."

  "Hi."

  His frown dipped into a scowl as he surveyed the room. “Why are you in here?”

  Cadence looked around the room. A king-size bed sat against the far wall, mahogany furniture at the opposite one. “What do you mean?”

  “Why are you in Zak’s room?” Trent asked, a growl vibrating low in his throat.

  “Zak’s...” she trailed off as realization dawned on her. Zak had brought her to his room. Oh!

  “I’m surprised you aren’t in a guest room. I can understand if you don’t want to share with me.” He looked down at his feet.

  Cadence inhaled a deep breath. "Trent, something happened between me and Zak. I fell in love with him.”

  Trent sped toward her, gripping her shoulders tightly and giving her a rough shake. "Do you have any idea how ridiculous you sound right now?”

  Cadence wriggled out of his grasp, stumbling to the bed. His shaking hadn’t hurt her, but it had made her dizzy. The blood loss was really catching up to her.

  Trent shook his head and rubbed his hand down his face. "You've just spent too much time with him. For the past year it's been just the two of you. You're confused, and he's taken advantage of you.”

  She gripped the bedframe for support. "I don't expect you to understand—"

  "Good! Because I don't," Trent interrupted. He took a few deep breaths. "I'm sorry, this isn't your fault. You have Stockholm syndrome or something, he's done something to you."

  "I know you'd like to think that, but what I feel for him is real. The emotions I have are deeper than anything else I’ve ever felt."

  “What about me?” he asked, his eyes blurring with tears.

  She didn’t want to hurt Trent, but she needed him to know the truth.

  "I am so sorry, Trent. I never wanted to hurt you. I love him, and nothing is going to change that. I understand if you’re angry and even if you hate me, but I hope one day we can get past this and maybe be friends again." Her heart clenched as Trent’s face twisted into a scowl. He’d been good to her, one of the first in the coven to make her feel at home.

  Trent held up a hand. “Stop, Cadence. Just stop.” He rubbed his eyes and took a step back until he stood in the doorway. “I could understand you moving on, hell, I even expected it would happen after my change, but I never thought it’d be with the monster who murdered me and turned me into a vampire against my will.”

  A twinge of guilt raced through her. No, she hadn’t forgotten what Zak had done to Trent, but she had shoved it to the back of her mind. Even so, it didn’t change what she felt for Zak. He wasn’t the same man that had done those things to Trent. But now wasn’t the time to convince Trent of that.

  “I’m truly sorry, Trent,” she said, her voice dropping to a whisper.

  “Yeah, so am I,” he said as he walked out of the room.

  She sighed and sank onto the plush mattress, letting herself fall back into the pillows. Her eyes fluttered shut as tears began to well in them, but before they could fall, she drifted to sleep.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Cadence snuggled closer to Zak, enjoying the warmth emitting from his body. She had no idea when he’d crawled into bed with her, but she was glad he was here. His arm slithered around her, pulling her closer, and she smiled against his bare chest.

  “Good morning,” he said as he lifted up to kiss the top of her head.

  “Morning.” She opened her eyes and blinked against the offensive light of the sun filtering in between the curtains, then bolted up. “What time is it?” They only had twenty-four hours to get her dad back. How long had she been sleeping?

  “Hey, it’s not late. It’s only 6am.” Zak adjusted himself under the blankets so he was sitting too.

  Cadence ran a hand through her hair. “Good. Do you know if Jamie thought of anything?”

  Zak met her eyes before his hand went to
her neck. His fingers grazed over the spot Malcolm had bitten. “This looks better.”

  She already knew she’d healed. “You didn’t answer my question.”

  “There is a plan, but you’re not going to like it.”

  “What is it? Did they already have one last night? Is that why they insisted I go to bed?” she asked as the thought occurred to her.

  Zak sighed but nodded. “They told me about it while you showered. It’s a good thing you got some rest.”

  “What? Why?” She gripped the blanket so hard her hands shook.

  “We can’t give them Maddie, obviously. The moment we do, they’ll realize she is of no use to them. I’m not entirely convinced my mother won’t figure out some way to use her against us anyway. We are going to attack. The entire clan leaves at sundown.”

  Cadence let out a breath and closed her eyes. “Zak...” She didn’t even know how to finish her thought.

  “So much has happened, Cadence. I’m not sure if there’s another way around it, to be honest.”

  Cadence bit her lip before covering her face with her hands. Jamie’s great-grandmother’s warning whispered in her mind, and she shuddered. “Jamie’s great-grandmother told me I’d destroy the coven. I told her she was wrong.”

  Zak took her hand into his. “No one’s asking you to destroy the coven, Cadence. We do need to stop the members that are dangerous. Liana, Katherine, and some of the other elder witches have gone against the balance and order of magic. They can’t be allowed to continue. It’s unsafe for every living thing on this Earth if they do.”

  He had a point. “Still, people are going to die. Good people, on both sides.”

  “I don’t think there is really anyway to avoid that,” he said, pulling her to him so he could cradle her in his arms.

  They both tensed as someone knocked on the door. It glided open before they could respond.

  "Hey, Zak..." Grace stopped abruptly; her eyes flicking from Zak to Cadence then back to her brother.

  "What do you want?" Zak asked.

  "I didn't realize you had...company," Grace said, her silvery eyes falling on Cadence. She crinkled her nose before looking away. Great first impression, Cadence!

  "What is it, Grace?" He climbed out of bed and grabbed a shirt from his dresser, tossing it on.

  Cadence stayed in her spot, shifting her eyes between the siblings.

  "Jamie has finished drawing up a blueprint of the coven’s mansion. Eli would like everyone downstairs to go over the fine details of the plan. I was on my way to find Cadence next, but it appears you’ve saved me a trip.” She huffed and rolled her eyes. “Put some clothes on and be downstairs. Melanie’s made quite the breakfast, though, I don’t know why she bothered.”

  Cadence perked up at the mention of the pair. “Melanie and Harrison are back?”

  “Yes. I’ve never seen a vampire enjoy food as much as she does. You and your other witch friend will have quite the feast.” Grace narrowed her eyes at Cadence before exiting the room.

  “I don’t think she likes me.” Cadence threw the covers back and hopped out of bed.

  “Gracie doesn’t like anyone. She has good reason to distrust people. After the incident with Eliza and Eli, Malcolm found us, and he captured Gracie. That’s part of why Eli and I were distant for so long. We all blamed him for it. It’s probably best if we don’t speak of it again. It’s still a sore subject for Grace. She’ll warm up to you eventually, but it will take time.” Zak went to his dresser and pulled out a pair of jeans.

  Cadence swallowed. She had questions, but wasn’t going to pry. “I don’t suppose you have any clothes for me in there, do you?” she asked, shifting on her feet. She didn’t mind wearing men’s clothes when she had to, but now that she was home, it’d be nice to wear stuff that actually fit her.

  “I’ll run across the hall and get you something to wear,” he said as he stepped closer and ran a finger down her bare arm. “Though I wouldn’t mind if you stayed in that all day.”

  “If it was just you and me that’d be one thing, but I’m not ready for your family to see me like this quite yet,” she said with a laugh.

  “I’ll be right back.”

  She nodded as he left. It was time to go downstairs, face everyone, and end this conflict once and for all.

  ***

  Zak led Cadence down the staircase and toward the kitchen. The smell of bacon, eggs, and sausage wafted out from the closed door. He didn’t understand Melanie’s need to cook, but he would admit he had a newfound desire for food because of her.

  “I can tell Melanie’s in there,” Cadence said with a groan as she clutched her belly. “I’m starving.”

  “It smells like she’s made enough to feed an army,” he said as he led her down the hall to the kitchen. He pushed the door open with his hip, instantly meeting his youngest brother’s eyes. “Harrison.”

  “Zak, Cadence,” Harrison said, beaming. He opened his arms, hugging Zak and then Cadence. “I’m glad to see you safe and sound. We would have come last night, but Eli thought it best we didn’t.”

  “It’s fine,” Zak said, turning to Melanie. “The pair of you look well.”

  “We’ve done well for ourselves,” Harrison said as he put a hand on Melanie’s shoulder.

  “I made your favorite, Cadence.” Melanie picked up a plate stuffed with food and turned to them. “Bacon, eggs, and waffles.”

  Cadence’s eyes lit up. “Thank you. I’m so glad you two are here and safe.” She took the plate and grabbed a piece of bacon to nibble on.

  Melanie grinned and patted Cadence’s arm. “We have all the time in the world to catch up now.”

  “Zakariah,” Eli said as he poked his head into the kitchen from another adjoining room. “We are waiting for you and Cadence in here.”

  Zak put his hand on Cadence’s back and guided her into the room, finding a chair for them. The sitting room was crowded. His family, Jamie, and a few of the older vampires were there. He sat down and pulled Cadence into his lap. The action earned him several stares, but no one said anything.

  Jamie cleared her throat. “Okay, um, we’ve decided to attack at dusk tonight. Here is a blueprint of the coven’s mansion.” She lifted a paper, exposing a drawing of a complete layout of the home. “My guess is Mr. Hopewell is somewhere in here. Would you agree, Cadence?”

  Cadence squinted as she set the bacon back on her plate. “Probably.”

  It figured they’d have him in the middle of the home where it would be nearly impossible to penetrate.

  “Why can’t we do another re-materialization spell?” Oliver asked as he leaned forward on the couch opposite them.

  “My dad’s not a witch,” Cadence said with a sigh.

  “I’ve looked into every spell I could find. There are none to extract him,” Jamie said. “Our best bet is to go in with force. Besides, I think we can all agree that Liana and the elder witches responsible for her resurrection should be dealt with swiftly.”

  A mumble of agreement filled the room.

  “Where do you suppose they will be?” Eli asked.

  Jamie sighed and turned to stare at her diagram. “I doubt they’ll leave themselves exposed. My guess is they’ll be with or near Mr. Hopewell. They’ll have lower-level, younger witches guarding the exterior. I’ve already begun working on a compound that will render them unconscious for several hours.”

  “Why not just kill them?” Alex, a vampire, asked.

  Jamie narrowed her eyes, fixing Alex with a glare. “Because they are victims in all this, too. I’m not here to help you eradicate my coven. I’m here to help take down the witches who have crossed the line. If anyone does anything to any of the other witches, they’ll answer to me.”

  Alex opened his mouth to say something, but Cadence’s soft voice spoke first. “And me.”

  Alex turned to look at her, meeting Zak’s eyes for a moment before appraising Cadence.

  “She might not look like much, but trust me,
she delivers a wicked punch. It’d be best if you stayed on her good side – and mine.” Anyone who attacked Cadence was against Zak. Even someone like Alex, who had been a member of the clan for centuries.

  Alex gave him a curt nod and then turned back to Jamie.

  Jamie shifted on her feet. “As I was saying, Liana and the other elder witches are our main targets. Everyone else should be spared.”

  Alex smiled as he looked to Zak and then Jamie. “Pardon the interruption again, but they aren’t going to care who they kill on our side. Why should we? What’s to stop them from slaughtering half the clan? They can take us down with a simple spell, sending us to our knees in unbearable agony. We have what, two witches to protect us?”

  Zak gritted his teeth. He didn’t like the direction Alex was taking things. “Cadence is one of the most powerful witches in the coven. I’d wager to say her powers rival my mother’s and the elder witches—combined.”

  “Zakariah is correct. I’ve seen firsthand what Cadence can do. It is remarkable,” Eli said before indicating Jamie. “Please continue.”

  “I have several vials of the sleeping potion ready to go and hope to make a few more before dusk. Once we’ve taken out those witches, there should be less for us to fight in hand-to-hand combat. Witches might be able to incapacitate some of you, but they won’t be able to take on the whole clan. Knock them out if you must, but don’t kill them. Our objective is to rescue Mr. Hopewell and take out the elder witches, which I believe will be here along with Malcolm.” She touched the spot on the blueprint that she’d indicated earlier.

  “I don’t understand why this involves all of us,” Alex persisted.

  Zak rolled his eyes. If Cadence wasn’t on his lap, he’d make sure the insolent vampire never spoke out of turn again. “The witches we intend to eliminate have one goal, Alex, and that is to rid the world of vampires. That includes you. It’s as much your problem as it is anyone else’s. I think we should also have Harrison and Melanie take Maddie to another location again. I don’t want the witch – er, vampire – here without protection. She could still be a liability.”

  “Agreed,” Eli said with a nod. He turned to Jamie. “Do you think you can manage another spell so they can slip away again undetected?”