“What are they drinking?” Jax asked, his eyes glowing hot in the firelight.
“I’m sorry, but we cannot tell you that,” Wyrick replied without looking at Jax. Instead, he tossed something in the fire, making it sparkle different colors.
“Then she isn’t—”
“Jax, it’s fine.” Caroline looked up at him. “I’ll be fine.”
“I can’t believe you’re going to let your mate drink this without question.” Jax turned to glare at Sloan.
“I trust Wyrick. I’ve known him for longer than I’ve known some of you, but I have questioned him. Just because magic can’t be seen doesn’t mean it doesn’t work.” Sloan had his arm wrapped around Becky. “I want her safe, and if this is the way to do it, then it will be done.”
“Plus, Becky has a mind of her own,” Becky added with a little attitude. “She can even make decisions on her own. It’s pretty amazing.”
A few of the Warriors snickered, then cleared their throats when Jax glared at them.
Steve watched Mira glance his way, but her eyes were on Drew. “To show you that our magic is not harmful, I will give my own baby the first sip.”
There were mumblings, but no one said anything. Steve looked over at Slade, who didn’t look happy at all, while Jill looked excited to be drinking a magical potion. She glanced over at him with a big smile and wiggled her eyebrows. Steve chuckled and rolled his eyes. She was nuts.
Wyrick, Kira, and Mira went toward the fire, each adorned with their black capes. Mira glanced once more toward Steve, as if searching for strength, before flipping the hood over her head, shielding her from sight.
“Hear us, earth, fire, air, and water. Hear our call!” Wyrick’s voice boomed as he held a cup over the fire, then added something to it. Everyone gasped as Kira reached through the leaping fire to take the cup from his hand.
“Protect from evil and harm to come!” Kira’s voice sounded lyrical but was strong and true as she drizzled something into the cup.
It took everything Steve had to keep himself from stopping Mira from reaching through the fire. Flames licked at her skin, and he cringed.
“We strive to be touched by your powerful protection.” Mira’s hand rose as she also dropped something into the cup. She kept her hand and cup in the fire as Wyrick and Kira each did the same.
“Protect now from evil infection!” they all chanted as one. The fire flamed high as if reaching for the sky, their arms completely engulfed. A few gasps and curses filled the air, but one thing was for sure. Each warrior watched in awe.
It took everything Steve had not to grab Mira and do the stop, drop, and roll technique on her. What the fuck? He cringed as he watched her arm being swallowed by the flames.
As soon as the fire died down, the cup was released by all other than Mira. She actually took the first drink, then passed it to Wyrick, who drank, and then passed it to Kira. It made its way back to Mira. She then walked to Steve. She dipped her finger in the liquid and then placed it against Drew’s mouth. Drew took her mother’s finger and sucked eagerly. Mira repeated this twice more before lifting the cup to Steve. Their eyes met, and he had total trust in her, so without hesitation, he took a drink.
And so it went until each and every person, other than the full-breed Warriors, drank from the cup. She stopped in front of Daniel but didn’t kneel down. Steve knew she wasn’t sure she had permission so would refuse to overstep. She looked down when she felt a tugging on her cape. She knelt to stare into the eyes of this young boy.
“It’s okay.” He looked at the cup. “I trust you.”
Steve could see her eyes had filled with tears as she glanced up at Duncan, who was frowning but gave her a nod. “You’re a brave one,” she whispered as she tipped the cup to his lips.
“I know. Just like my dad,” he said after he swallowed. When she smiled and started to stand, he stopped her. “What about Sager? I was the last one so no one has to drink after her, but I do all the time. She’s not germy.”
Steve grinned as he watched her tip the cup so Sager could sniff. The dog’s tongue came out, lapping the liquid.
“Good girl, Sager.” Daniel patted the dog’s back. “Now we are all good.”
Mira walked back to the dwindling fire and once again placed the cup above it. As she began to chant, Wyrick joined in, as did Kira. When the flames grew, as if on its own accord, Mira released the cup and it floated above the flames. Their chanting became vibrant and quick. The flames reacted, licking at air, dancing in the breeze as the cup drifted higher until on the last tempo, the three became silent and the cup and fire disappeared in a whoosh.
Steve didn’t have a clue if the ceremony was over so he remained where he was and watched, along with everyone else. All three stood around the smoldering fire, each with their heads bowed, enveloped in their capes. A flurry of shooting stars shot across the yard, lighting up the area. Steve had never seen anything like it. Wyrick then approached each person who’d drunk from the cup, handing them a crystal, while Kira and Mira stayed in their bowed position. As Wyrick walked back to the circle, a bright streak of lightning slashed across the sky, followed by a loud crack of thunder. Rain came down in buckets, soaking everyone, but no one left. No one knew if they should.
As one, they raised their heads, their hands lifting to the sky. The fire burst to life and shot into the air as the rain poured. Steve did his best to keep Drew dry, but it was almost impossible. And as soon as it happened, it all stopped.
Mira lifted the cape from her head, her eyes finding his immediately. Steve gave her a reassuring wink before looking down to see Drew had slept through all the thunder and rain.
“Remember, keep the crystal on your body at all times.” Wyrick removed his cape. “It looks like whoever Orjyll has working with him is very powerful, but together, we are much more so.”
“What do you mean?” Sloan, who had been standing back watching, stepped forward.
“The lightning I’m sure was meant to hit someone here.” His eyes went to Steve. “And the rain was meant to stop the end of our ceremony. That was not our doing.”
The Warriors became restless as they looked around, pulling their mates closer.
“But what that did prove is your protection works,” Kira said, glancing around. “No one was hit. The crystal only protects you, not things around you.”
“What the hell does that mean?” Jared frowned.
“It means, a spell cannot be cast on you, but a spell can be placed on objects around you. Just be aware of your surroundings.”
Not one person said a word as they all filed back inside one by one. Daniel paused and looked up at Mira.
“Keep her close.” He nodded toward Drew. “One day she will be important to me, and she cannot be harmed, but something wicked comes her way.”
Steve watched Daniel skip away, with Sager beside him. Holy shit that kid was something, and Steve seriously doubted they’d even touched the surface of understanding how special he truly was. Steve glanced at Mira, who was watching Daniel in shock. Then she gazed at Drew.
“Nothing will ever harm you,” Steve swore before wrapping his arm around Mira and following everyone inside. No one would ever harm either one of them. Ever.
Chapter 30
Things seemed to have gone back to normal. Well, as normal as things were at the VC Warrior compound. Not only were they dealing with their normal shit, but they were also now searching nonstop for the man responsible for most of their recent issues. Steve and Mira were waiting for another pediatric doctor to show since the one two days ago canceled. Steve glanced at his watch. He was due at the warehouse in less than an hour.
“Steve, you don’t have to stay.” Mira was on the bed playing with Drew. “I promise to tell you all about it. This is just a checkup. Slade will be here, but he just wants a specialist to make sure everything is okay.”
“But I want to stay.” Steve frowned, looking at his watch again. Someone knocked on the door an
d Steve went to answer it. “Sweet, maybe I won’t miss it.”
He opened the door, and Slade stood there, alone. “He had an emergency and had to cancel.”
“You have got to be shitting me?” Steve frowned, letting Slade in.
“They’re doctors, Steve. Not many make house calls, and I’m sure they’re busy.” Mira sat up on the bed. “Is there a doctor we can make an appointment with?”
Slade and Steve glanced at each other. “I don’t really want to do that. Too predictable and easy to know our steps.”
“Makes sense.” Mira grinned. “Guess that’s why you guys are the Warriors.”
“So, how is the little girl?” Slade walked over and picked her up. “Wow, she’s definitely gaining weight.”
“Did you just call my girl big?” Steve gave Slade a fake glare.
Slade chuckled as he checked Drew over. “You know, you could probably wait, but she is looking a little jaundiced to me.”
“What the hell is that?” Steve frowned, his stomach dropping.
“Jaundice is a yellowish discoloration of the skin and can affect the mucous membranes and the whites of the eyes. It’s caused by elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood.” Slade lifted her little eyelid.
“I thought she had a little yellow tint to her, but it’s hard to tell in this light, and I haven’t really been outside with her a lot.” Worry edged Mira’s tone.
Steve didn’t know what the fuck Slade just said, but he knew he didn’t want Drew Boo to be yellow. “What do we do?” Steve observed Drew closely. Then his eyes shot up to Slade. “She isn’t going to look like a Minion, is she?”
“What in the hell is a Minion?” Slade asked, confusion clear on his face.
“Man, you sure need to watch television.” Steve snorted, but still had that worried look on his face.
Mira slapped Steve on the arm. “No, she is not going to look like a Minion.”
Slade laid her back down and grabbed his phone. He headed out the room leaving the door open.
“I really hate when he does that.” Steve glared at the empty door, then down at Drew. “She doesn’t look yellow to me. She look yellow to you?”
Before Mira could answer, Slade walked back in, sticking his phone in his back pocket. “Can you have her at the hospital at five today? I’ll go with you, but the pediatrician on call there can see her and test her for jaundice after his rounds. This way there is no appointment set.”
“Sure. Definitely.” Steve nodded, more worried now. “Is she going to be okay?”
Slade glanced from Drew to Steve and smiled. “She’ll be fine. Just a precaution, and if she is jaundice, it’s pretty simple to take care of especially if it’s mild, which for her it will be.”
“Thanks.” Mira picked up Drew, then chuckled at Steve’s worried expression. “Steve, she’s going to be fine.”
“I’ll meet you at about four thirty.” Slade exited the room, shutting the door behind him.
Glancing at his watch, Steve frowned, wondering if he should just call off and not go to the warehouse.
“No.” Mira pointed to the door. “You go and do what you need to do. Drew and I will be ready when you get back.”
“You sure?” Steve wasn’t sure, but he knew he’d get his ass chewed if he called off.
“Absolutely.” Mira yawned, then laughed when Drew did the same. “I think me and little Drew need a nap anyway.”
Steve stepped closer and kissed her, then kissed Drew on top of the head. “Okay, get some rest. Call me if you need anything.”
“We’ll be just fine,” Mira replied as she crawled up on the bed.
Steve opened the door, but turned to look once more at Mira and Drew cuddled on the bed. Mira peeked up over Drew, her eyes sleepy.
“I love you.”
“And I will never get sick of hearing you say that.” Steve gave her a smile. “I love you, too.” He closed the door and wondered how he became the luckiest son of a bitch in the world.
******
Ronan sat at the kitchen table eating while Jared and Tessa sat across from him, obviously not interested in the food since they were making up. It seemed Jared had jumped on track with Tessa training and had become her own personal trainer. It was quite sickening.
“Don’t make me pull out the rules.” Sid smacked Jared with a spoon as he placed a platter of fried chicken on the table. “Do that shit somewhere else.”
“Fuck you, Sid.” Jared gave Tessa one more kiss before grabbing a chicken leg.
The kitchen began to fill up as the aroma of fried chicken drifted through the compound. Kira walked in taking a big whiff. “Oh my God, that smells amazing.” She grabbed the plate Sid handed her. “You got a brother out there somewhere who cooks like you?”
“Nope, I’m the one and only.” Sid grinned with his chest puffed out.
“And he’s taken.” Lana smacked him on the ass as she passed.
“You lucky girl.” Kira winked at Lana as she filled her plate, then headed toward the platter of chicken directly in front of Ronan.
Ronan wanted to get up and punch Sid in the face, but instead, he bit down hard on his chicken, catching the side of his tongue. “Shit!” Ronan hissed, covering his mouth.
“Damn, got your tongue?” Jared cringed. “I’d rather take a shot to the nuts. That fucking hurts like a bitch.”
Ronan nodded as he tasted blood, hoping he had a tongue left. He caught Kira looking at him with a smirk.
“I got something that would help that,” Kira said, her teeth tearing into a juicy bit of chicken.
“Pass,” Ronan said, then took a long drink of water.
“Chicken.” She pointed her chicken at him, wiggling her eyebrows.
He laughed, caught off guard by her humor.
“Oh, wow. He laughs,” Kira teased, watching him closely. “You have quite a handsome smile, cowboy.”
“He really does.” Jared tilted his head, staring at Ronan. “Wouldn’t you say, Sid?”
“Leave him alone.” Tessa nudged Jared. “He does have quite a handsome smile. All rough and—”
“Tessa, I really don’t want to fight your man, so please refrain from talking about my good looks in front of him,” Ronan said seriously before another large grin played across his face as he looked at Jared.
“Smartass,” Jared grumbled, but hugged Tessa closer. “She knows where it’s at.”
Kira laughed. “You guys are really full of yourselves, aren’t you?”
“You have no idea.” Sloan walked in with Wyrick. “We got a hit on a lead. I’m going to need somebody to check it out.”
Sid took off his “I’m sexy and you know it” apron as Jared stood, with Ronan following. “Give us the deets, boss man.” Jared scraped his plate then placed it in the sink.
Katrina walked in, a small stream of blood on her face.
“What happened to your face?” Lana frowned, handing her a napkin.
Reaching up, Katrina touched her cheek, bringing her fingers away to see blood and frowned. “There are crows out by the garbage can. All lined up. I guess I startled them, but I let them know I was there. It was a little strange, as if they didn’t understand me. One flew at me, but I thought I knocked it away before it got me. I guess I didn’t.”
Kira stood so fast her chair fell over. “Crows? Are you sure?” Her eyes shot to Wyrick, then back to Katrina.
“Yeah, they’re crows.” Katrina wiped her face. “Why?”
“How many?” Kira walked toward her, and Ronan knew by the look on her face the number meant something, and it wasn’t good.
“Six.” Katrina thought about it. “Yeah, six.”
“Show me.” Kira grabbed Katrina’s arm, rushing her out of the kitchen.
Ronan followed close behind with everyone else. Wyrick was right beside him. “What does that mean?”
The group rushed outside and where the dumpster sat were six big black crows. Ronan started to follow Kira, but Wyrick stopped him
. “Wait.”
Ronan snapped his arm away and stopped a few steps behind Kira. The crows as one turned to look at Kira and began to caw loudly. In a quick fluid motion, they left their perch heading straight toward Kira. Ronan grabbed her and covered her with his body as Katrina jumped in front of them both and deflected them, sending them away in different directions.
Kira peeked up as Ronan let her go. “Death is nearby.”
“What?” Ronan watched her closely.
“When you witness six crows, death is nearby.” Wyrick looked toward the sky.
“Where’s my sister?” Kira said, but no one answered. “Where is my sister?” she screamed, her eyes wide with fright.
Chapter 31
Steve followed Slade as they headed back from the hospital. Everything checked out with Drew, and Steve couldn’t be happier. He and Mira liked the pediatrician and made him Drew’s primary doctor. He felt honored that she had asked his opinion before making the decision. He didn’t want to read too much into that, but he’d take what he could get. He wanted to help her make all the decisions where Drew was concerned, but he refused to be pushy, until he had no other choice.
Glancing over at Mira, who sat silently holding his hand, he brushed his thumb over her soft skin. “Thank you.”
“For what?” Mira smiled at him as she laid her head back against the seat.
“For letting me be a part of Drew’s life.” Steve’s eyes went to the road again to see Slade still in front of them.
“Steve, don’t thank me for that. I’m not letting you do anything. You are a part of Drew’s life and mine.” Mira squeezed his hand. “It’s I who should be thanking you. Bet when you jumped in that car you never dreamed you’d be—”
“Changing stinky diapers?” Steve finished her sentence with a snort.
“Yeah,” Mira answered with a laugh, turning to check on Drew. “I’m glad Pam had a car seat we could use. I never even thought of that. I’m so new to this. I hope I do a good job with her.”
Invisible Warrior (The Protectors Series) Book #11 Page 19
