The Enchanted Crossroads

by Dora Blume

  “He’s an upper level enforcer. He’s probably the one draining Shar.”

  “How do you know that?” I asked,

  “The tattoo on his arm. A shield means he works directly under the God.”

  Brady continued to meet the guys sword with his own and the clash of metal reverberated around the room as they fought. It was amazing to watch their swift strikes.

  A whimper came from the floor to the left. Mariah was curled into the fetal position on the ground. Alex took a defensive position in front of her. He clenched his fists and was facing off with another muscular man. This Morrigan had a tattoo of a dagger on his upper right arm. His muscles flexed as he looked ready to face off with Alex.

  Leif flung the man who was about to hit Alex. He hit the wall with a loud thump. I conjured a fireball in my hand. Brady glanced my way and nodded infinitesimally. He pushed off the Morrigan, and I threw the fireball. It hit him in the side. He screamed out and dropped his sword. His hand gripped his burned arm.

  He turned and glared at me. “You’re going to pay for that, bitch.” He took several steps toward me before Brady jammed his sword through the guys abdomen. He gasped as I heard the blade slice through as Brady pulled it back out of his body. The Morrigan dropped his hands to cover the blood spilling down his center. “I will drain you. If it’s the last thing I do.” He held his hand out in front of him. I felt a pull from my body, but I couldn’t distinguish where it was coming from. I dropped to my knees as I felt the pulse of my own energy waning. Suddenly, I heard a loud crash as the Morrigan who had been focused on me flew into the kitchen table and crashed against the counter.

  Leif had his hand out in front of him. There was a fire in his eyes as the Morrigan’s body rose into the air and flew back into the cabinets. The loud crash startled me out of my reverie. Brady drew his sword and strode into the kitchen. He jammed his sword through the Morrignan’s side as he stayed pinned against the wall.

  “I got him.” Brady looked back to Leif, blood dripping from his sword.

  “Are you sure. A minute ago he was draining Kaira.” There was a fierce determination in his voice. His eyes met mine and softened.

  “I’m fine.” I reached my hand up to stroke his face. He nodded, and I watched the Morrigan slump to the floor.

  I turned back to the room. Alexis had taken care of the other man. He was laying on the ground, unconscious. She had turned her attention to the Morrigan who was regaining his feet behind Alex. She flew a blast of energy into him as he was positioned behind Alex with a dagger. Alex was bent next to Mariah. He hadn’t even heard the man take a position behind him, ready to stab him. When he heard the gasp, he turned, his eyes wide. I let out the breath I hadn’t realized I was holding.

  “Keep your head in the game, Alex.” Alexis called. “You’d be no use to Mariah if you were stabbed too.” She flung another blast of energy into the Morrigan. I heard a gush of air leave his mouth before he was unconscious.

  For the moment, all of the Morrigans were down. I focused my attention back on Shar. She was still unconscious in the chair behind Alexis. I hurried over to her. Her head was slumped to the side. I ran my hand down her face. “Shar, honey, can you hear me.” There was no response. I focused my energy on getting her free from the chair. I untied her right wrist as quick as I could. I fumbled with the rope around her ankles, but was able to get her free. Leif knelt on the other side of Shar. He untied her left arm. I smiled at him, and he nodded in understanding. I needed him to be there. Somehow, he understood without me saying anything. I wondered if it was our connection that brought our understanding to a whole new level. A moment ago, he knew I was in trouble. He saved me in an instant.

  Alexis came up behind us. “Is she okay?” she asked.

  “I don’t know.” I said, turning my head to look up at Alexis.

  Haskell leaned against the door jamb. “I took care of the shitebag in the hallway. We only have two more vials and four more Morrigans. Any idea how we’re getting rid of the other two?”

  “I believe I can take care of the other two.” Alexis said. She stood over the guy she had been fighting. She held her hands over him and I watched in awe as energy passed from her to the Morrigan until there was a loud pop and he was gone.

  Haskell handed me my purse. “Here, anything else I can do for you? Maybe a back massage? How about I run out and make you some tea?” He crossed his arms over his chest and glared at me.

  “Hey, I wasn’t the one who sent you to the car.” I took out the vials. I handed one over to Leif. I walked to the guy laying on the ground by Alex. I looked to Alex, “Do you have a knife?”

  He gave me a quizzical look before reaching behind him and grabbing a dagger. He handed it over to me. “Here, I need to get her to a Sage.” he said.

  “I believe that’s why I’m here.” Haskell strode over to Mariah who was unconscious on the floor. He held his hands over her, and I glimpsed a white light coming from his palms. It glowed as he moved his hands above Mariah’s limp form. I went back to vanquishing the other guy. I lifted his hand and pricked his finger with the dagger. I dropped the blood into the open vial. I closed it and shook it. Then I threw it next to the Morrigan. In an instant, the guy was gone. I really liked this vanquishing potion. Watching the bad guys disappear was surprisingly satisfying.

  I heard a ragged breath behind me. Mariah’s eyes were open wide, and she was looking between Haskell and Alex. “What happened?”

  “I believe you were knocked out, love.” Haskell gave her his award winning smile. “I saved your life.” He fluttered his lashes, and I couldn’t help but let out a laugh. He glared at me.

  “Mariah, are you okay?” Alex took her hand in his.

  “I think so.” she said. She bent her other hand behind her to sit up. “Thanks for saving me.” She turned her attention back to Haskell.

  “Don’t mention it, love. I’m happy to be of service rescuing a beautiful lass like yourself.”

  “You’re really going to act like you swooped in and saved everyone?” I chuckled. “You showed up after all the fighting was over. You can’t take credit just because your gift is to heal. Alex was the one fighting to protect her.” I shook my head. “Can you help Shar?” I asked.

  “I don’t know if I want to help your friend, not with that bloody attitude of yours. Is she anything like you?” Haskell stood and walked over to Shar who was still slumped in the chair.

  I wiggled my eyebrows at him. “She’s worse.” I smiled.

  “That ain’t no lie.” Leif muttered as he came up behind us. “All the Morrigans are taken care of. We should probably get the hell out of here before they realize their operation here is done. I don’t really want to do any more fighting today.” He took my hand in his.

  “Can we carry her out and Haskell can heal her back at the house?”

  “Oh Jesus, I can have her back on her feet in a few moments. Can you two wait two seconds before rushing out of here?” Haskell held his hands over Shar’s body. The white light emanated from his hands and over Shar’s body. After a few moments, she gasped. Her eyes flew open. I watched as her eyes darted around the room. When they rested on me, she relaxed.

  “Oh Shar, are you okay?” I asked.

  “Yeah, but we need to get you the hell out of here. This was all set up as a trap to get to you. What the hell are you doing here, anyhow?” she asked.

  “Saving you.” I shrugged. “Apparently, I wasn’t supposed to do that.”

  “No, now come on we need to go.” She rose from the chair, grabbing my arm as she bolted for the door.

  “Wait, Leif.” I called as she continued to pull me out of the building. “Shar, stop we have a car across the street. Just calm down. We already took out five of the guys who were holding you. Who else could there be?” I asked.

  “Morrigan himself has been keeping an eye on the apartment. He’s been waiting for you to come. He knew you would come and save me. It’s how he planned to get you.”
Her eyes were filled with panic as she stopped on the bottom floor, just before the door. Leif and Haskell caught up to us. She turned to face them. “You knew this was a trap, and you brought her here anyway?” She gave Leif and accusatory glare.

  “She was pretty determined to get to you.” Leif shrugged.

  “Well, you don’t know this but Morrigan has been waiting for her to show up here. He was planning on coming himself as soon as she showed. I don’t know how long she’s been here, but I’m betting it’s already been too long. We need to get the hell out of here, right now.” Her grip on my arm tightened.

  “Wait, the God, Morrigan. He can’t come here himself. He will just send more of his minions. He can’t step foot on Earth. It’s why he created his damn army in the first place.” Haskell gave Shar a skeptical look.

  “Well, I don’t know how he is going to do it. I didn’t get all the details from the asshats you just took out, but I know he’s figured out how. We need to go.” She looked anxiously from Leif to the street.

  “Alright, head across to the red car. Haskell you drive. I’ll stick by Kaira.” He turned to me. “Quaerere alium,” Leif whispered. My eyes watched him as he stared at me. He took my hand away from Shar. “I’ll protect her.”

  Shar was nodding. “Nicely done.” she said.

  “What? What’s going on?” I asked.

  “I changed your appearance.” Leif said. “Let’s go. If we’re on the street, they’ll be less likely to attack.” He gripped my hand and turned toward the door. Haskell and Shar went out first. They stopped and looked before crossing to the car. We followed, hand in hand behind them.

  “They would really try to take me on the street?” I asked.

  “Morrigan will try to get you anyway he can.” Shar muttered. “You are very important to him. It’s the reason Hecate assigned you a Verity instead of a Sage. You needed an offensive guardian. You have a Sage, too. You just don’t know about him.”

  “Wait, what? I have a Sage assigned to me?” We’d made it to the car and Leif held the door open for me. I slid into the seat and scooted all the way over. Leif slid in next to me. He took my hand and kissed it. He smiled as he stared at me with a look I knew all too well. I shook my head. “We’re not out of the woods, yet. Don’t be giving me that look.”

  His eyebrow rose. “What look? I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He shifted to look forward as Shar slipped into the car.

  “Sebastian is your Sage. He lives in one of the apartments below ours. He was only supposed to make himself known if you needed him. So far, you haven’t, or at least he didn’t know you were aware of being a Mage. He’s been lying low since there have been so many Morrigans around our building. He would have come if you were injured. I will introduce you to him, soon. He’ll be glued to your side once you make your Mage status official with Hecate. You still have to make your choice.” Her eyes met mine. I’m not sure if she was telling me this so that I could go back to my life. She narrowed one eye at me before turning back in her seat. Haskell sped down the streets back to Leif’s house.

  “We won’t be followed will we?” Haskell asked.

  “He shouldn’t be able to follow us. Besides, Kaira doesn’t exactly look like herself right now. Hopefully the spell worked and Morrigan didn’t even spot us leaving.” Shar said.

  “And what if he figured it out? I did walk in with all of you earlier. I doubt Morrigan, a God, is quite that dumb.” I squeezed Leif’s hand.

  “Then, you’ll be protected in my fortress.” Leif bent his head to kiss me. My worry evaporated when his lips touched mine in a gentle kiss.

  “Wait, did I miss something? Are you two bonded?” She turned all the way around to look at us.

  “You mean you can’t tell, all knowing Verity.” Haskell pipped in.

  “Shut it, Sage.” She snapped.

  “Only if you do.” Haskell shot back.

  “Answer me.” She said looking between us.

  “Yes, we’re bonded.” Leif’s voice was both proud and weary as he met Shar’s steady gaze.

  “Did she know what the hell she was getting into when that happened, or did you two just decide you couldn’t resist having sex and now your bonded for life?” Her eyes were focused on Leif when she spoke.

  “I knew what I was getting into.” I said. When Shar’s eyes focused back on mine, she relaxed a little.

  “Did you really know, all of it? You can’t be with anyone else. You can honestly say you were ready to make that decision, over a man you met just a few days ago?” Her tone was sharp. She stared daggers at Leif. “And you just couldn’t keep it in your pants to give her more time. She barely knows you and now you’re bonded for life. What the hell were you thinking?”

  “I was thinking I loved her.” Leif’s voice was fierce as he spoke.

  “Oh really? You think you love her after only spending a few days together.” She rolled her eyes. “This is going to be one hell of a show when you both start to learn who you really are.”

  “You jealous, love?” Haskell shot a glance at Shar.

  “Hell no, I’m just worried that neither of them knew the repercussions of the decision they made. It’s for life. Is there anyone on this planet you want to bond to for life, screw boy?” I watched as Shar’s nails raked up her thigh. Haskell was watching her hand too and nearly hit the car stopped in front of us.

  “Bloody hell, you’re going to make me crash.” He tightened his grip on the wheel.

  Shar laughed. “If we crash, that’s on you, screw boy. You should keep your eyes on the road and not on something you’re never going to have.” A wicked smile lit up her face. I was glad she was focused on something other than me. The truth was, I thought I was sure at the time, but she was right. Leif and I barely knew each other. I guess we’d be spending the rest of our lives learning about each other.

  “Never said I wanted it, sweetheart.” His tone was biting at the end.

  “Your mouth didn’t, but your eyes did.” She smiled and swiped her tongue across her bottom lip. Haskell’s hands gripped the steering wheel tighter.

  “Keep dreaming, love.” His eyes stayed focused in front of him, but after a moment I noticed him stealing glances over at Shar. I shook my head and leaned against Leif.

  “We’ll be fine, Shar. Our only focus now should be on finding my siblings and defeating the Morrigan. Everything else we’ll figure out as we go.” I closed my eyes and relaxed against Leif. His arm wrapped around me, pulling me closer. I wasn’t sure why I was suddenly so tired. The adrenaline rush from the fight was wearing off and I was suddenly exhausted.

  I heard Shar say, “What’s wrong with her?”

  “One of the Morrigan’s started draining her before I threw him off. I’m surprised she lasted as long as she did after that.” Leif’s hand rubbed my arm and I was out.

  CHAPTER 18

  “Mmm,” I groaned as I felt a warm body pressed against mine.

  A hand stroked back my hair. “Kaira, are you awake?” Leif asked. His cool hand was pressed against my cheek.

  “Yeah, how long was I out?” I asked. I figured we were still in the car.

  “Ten hours.” he answered.

  I flew up. “What? Why didn’t you wake me up sooner? Ten hours?” I looked back at Leif. I took a moment to appreciate his bare chest.

  “The best thing to do after you’ve been drained is to sleep it off.” Leif patted the bed where I had just been. “Now lay back down. I was enjoying having you next to me.”

  I obeyed and he wrapped me up in his arms and pressed my body to his. “So, Morrigan didn’t come after me?” I asked. I was still bewildered at how long I had slept. I never slept longer than eight hours.

  “No, we made it back without incident. I took you to bed, and I have no idea what Shar and Haskell have been up to. Probably fighting, or staying the hell away from each other. They don’t seem to get along too well. You were my priority. I wanted to make sure you were okay.” He res
ted his chin in the crook of my neck. I had to admit I liked being here, wrapped in his arms. I felt safe with him.

  “So, what next?” I asked.

  “We stay here. No one will get you as long as you’re with me.”

  “No, seriously.” I turned to look at him. “Haskell had a lead on a town my mom visited. Shouldn’t we go there to check it out. What if my brother or sister doesn’t even know there are Morrigans after them? We need to warn them all.” My voice held a bit of panic. Leif smiled.

  “You don’t have to worry. Hecate would have them protected just as she did you.” He cupped my cheek and kissed me. His tongue slid across my lower lip and I opened for him. He sucked and stroked his tongue along mine. I knew he was trying to make me forget about my worries, but it wasn’t going to be that easy. After a few minutes, I pulled away.

  “Leif, we need to find them. Hecate told me it was my destiny to find them all. Only together will we be able to take down Morrigan. Isn’t that what you want? I thought you were the one striving to end his reign so that no one would have to suffer as you had.” I searched his eyes as I spoke. I knew I had hit a bit low, talking about his own personal mission, but I needed his help.

  “I don’t want anything to happen to you. If you continue to go after your family, Morrigan will continue to target you. I can’t lose you, Kaira. I just can’t.” His voice broke, and he pulled me against him. I wrapped my arms around him and let him hold me close.

  “I know you don’t want to lose me. That’s why I need your help. We’re stronger together. When we were fighting, you had my back. I have yours. We will always be better together. You need to trust that I can fight. I mean, I can literally throw fire.” I ran my hand down the back of his neck.

  “That you can. You did a great job today. Well, except when the Morrigan drained you. I need to teach you more about the different Morrigans and what they can do. You need to keep away from a drainer. They can take your power. It wouldn’t have taken him long to incapacitate you.” He pulled back to look down at my face. He slid his finger down my cheek and gazed into my eyes. “I love you, Kaira.”