by Bryce Evans
“What’s so funny, vampire?”
“Well, let’s just say I wouldn’t want to be you when Afton gets a hold of you. He is going to tear you limb from limb.” That pissed Dalley off, so she reached back with all her might and hit Selena over and over with the whip.
When Afton reached the bottom of the stairs and saw Dalley with the whip hitting Selena, the rage that had built up over the past couple of days came forth. Afton shifted before he hit the bottom step. He hit Dalley, knocking the whip out of her hand. Before Dalley could scream, Afton had ripped her arm off and was working her other arm.
He looked up at Dalley’s face when she screamed, “The Master will get all of you.”
Before she could chant a spell, Afton grabbed her neck, pulling her neck apart from her body. There wasn’t much left of Dalley Cord after the Supreme Alpha was done. Afton was in such a rage that Selena would be the only one able to calm him down. Adrianna and Samson had got to Selena, releasing the magical rope that bound her arms. She went to her knees in front of Afton who was pacing back and forth.
Selena calmly spoke to Afton, “Mate, it’s me, come back to me. I need you, Afton.”
The air changed in front of Selena and Afton was on his knees covered in blood. Selena reached for him.
“I’m covered in blood, luv.”
“I don’t care, come here.”
Afton grabbed Selena and hugged her, kissing her face and lips. Selena didn’t care that she was getting blood all over her. She wanted her mate.
“We need to leave now, before someone returns. I don’t have the energy to fight right now if more come,” Adrianna said as she was leaning against Samson.
Declan and Damen were upstairs watching. Cade walked downstairs carrying a wet towel, handing it to Selena. Afton picked Selena up and carried her up the stairs. They left as quickly as they had come.
On the way back, Selena told them who the Master was. She cried because it was her brother, Magnus McPherson. She thought he was dead, killed in a car crash fifteen years ago.
She explained that Magnus wanted to control the world. “He wanted to make us his slaves. He wanted to capture Adrianna so he could control everyone else. He is mad,” Selena whispered.
“Why, Selena?” Adrianna asked.
“He blamed the humans for killing his mate. A man breaking into her house killed her. She scared the man and he shot her. They caught him days later. The trial wasn’t long, but instead of the death penalty, the man got life. He says justice is weak with the humans. He blames them for not killing the man.” Selena took a deep breath. “He plans on taking the humans and making them his puppets. He plans to kill all of the people on the jury. Then he is going to kill the man who killed his mate. I told him that it wouldn’t bring her back, but Magnus wouldn’t listen. He doesn’t care. He is too far-gone to the dark side. He is using black magic and it has taken control of his soul. He drained most of my powers, taking it for himself for capturing you, Adrianna. He promised that you would be his new mate.”
Cade and Samson growled. “Over our dead bodies,” Samson bellowed. Cade concurred with Samson.
“You don’t understand, Samson. My brother has a gift that he is now choosing to use for the dark side. His hate and taste for revenge is some of the most powerful tools in his arsenal. He is very powerful and now he has a lot of my powers. I can’t get them back unless he is dead. My brother has gone mad. He is no longer in control of his soul. We have to stop him. If he succeeds, it will tip the balance of our world toward the dark side and life as we know it will be gone.”
Afton hugged Selena tighter to his body. “Sleep now, Selena. You need to rest, my luv.”
The ride back to Adrianna’s house was quite. Everybody was in their own thoughts. Adrianna didn’t know if she was strong enough to stop Magnus. She was scared for the first time. She didn’t know if her power could keep everyone safe.
Selena was put to bed at Adrianna’s house. She would stay at home because she was too weak to fight. Adrianna sat by Selena sleeping while Afton went to take a shower.
Adrianna was staring out in a daze when Selena touched her hand. “Oh Selena, are you okay?”
“Yes luv, I will be fine in time. Adrianna, I have taught you everything I know, but I don’t know if it will be enough to win against Magnus. He has the dark side with him. He will yield so much power. I’m sorry that I can’t help you, Adrianna. I have failed you.”
“Oh Selena, you haven’t failed me. Now it’s time to trust me. Don’t count the lights out yet. I still have a few things up my sleeve.” Adrianna smiled and kissed Selena’s hand. Afton walked back into the room. “Okay, you rest now,” Adrianna stated as she got up and walked to the door. She pulled the door open but didn’t turn around.
“Selena? I love you, Mom.” Adrianna walked out the door.
Selena burst out crying with Afton consoling her. Adrianna had called her mom. Nothing was sweeter to hear from Adrianna. She couldn’t have kids so she had raised Adrianna and felt that she was her daughter.
Adrianna went into her bedroom to take a shower and get ready for the party. She needed something that would look good, but something she could maneuver in. She would wear her coat so she could easily conceal her sword. Cade and Samson came into the bedroom when she was putting on her clothes.
“We need to talk. Sit down, baby,” Cade said. “Listen, I know you are the Trinity, but you can die and we won’t allow that to happen. You must promise us that you will not go anywhere without us. Together, we are a powerful group, but when we are separated, we could lose you or one of us. You heard what Lilly said. I was off fighting somewhere else and Cade was off fighting two vampires. You were all alone, baby. We have to change the outcome of this. We have to stay together.” Cade and Samson looked at Adrianna with lust filled eyes.
“I will always be with you, but I see that look in your eyes, boys, and we don’t have time for that,” Adrianna giggled as she tried to get up from the bed.
Samson pushed her back down, hugging her tightly. Cade put his arms around all of them, hugging them both. “Remember, together, the three Musketeers, all for one and one for all.” They all laughed at Cade’s comment, but it was true, together they would win. Adrianna thought about that while she sat holding her mates.
As Cade was leaving the bedroom, he noticed Mace walking out of the bedroom where Selena was resting. He had a determined look on his face. Mace looked at Cade, but no words passed between them. Cade knew. Mace was worried they would all die.
Everybody came to living room. Afton was going to the dance because if he didn’t it would look suspicious. Percy was left at the compound where they found Selena, making sure nobody returned there. When Adrianna looked around her, she saw how everybody was touching each other, holding hands, as a family should. She said an extra prayer that she could protect her loved ones as they went into this battle.
“Guys, whatever the outcome, don’t let Magnus take me. Don’t allow him to use my powers. Promise me you will take me out before that happens. Because if he gets me, he will not hesitate to take possession of my mind and use me against all of you,” she stated to the group, looking her mates in the eyes. “Promise Me!”
“I can’t, angel,” Samson whispered.
“I can’t, my love,” Cade said as he hugged her. “We can’t hurt you.”
“Well, the rest of you then.” Adrianna laughed. They all laughed but knew that Adrianna wasn’t joking.
They drove to the party in silence.
The whole town was at McDonald’s Pub. The parking lot was filled to capacity. Everybody cheered when Adrianna walked in. There were signs hanging all over the wall welcoming Adrianna home. People were dancing and eating from the buffet line when the Protectors walked in behind Adrianna. Afton and her mates stood close to Adrianna not letting her out of their sight.
Adrianna almost let herself feel relaxed but she knew something was going to happen. She needed to stay focused. Jamenson,
Aunt Jessie, and Uncle Mel were there to greet her. They hugged and kissed her, welcoming her home. They had put out a huge spread, the pack always did. Adrianna made her rounds talking to pack members she hadn’t seen in a long time. They talked about how she looked like her mother and how much they missed them. Nobody had anything bad to say about Mace. They bragged on how he was a great Alpha like their dad. Uncle Mel asked Adrianna to dance. Cade and Samson didn’t like the idea because there were so many people on the dance floor, but she told them it would be okay since it was her Uncle Mel.
Adrianna was spun around the dance floor with her Uncle Mel. They were laughing when he jerked her to the side entrance, pushing her out the door before anybody saw what was happening. Once outside, Magnus grabbed Adrianna. He cast the spell rending her unable to move. He picked her up and carried her to the SUV that was waiting.
Samson and Cade were standing by Afton when Samson looked out on the dance floor looking for Adrianna. “Where is she?” Samson demanded.
Immediately Cade and Samson went on alert looking for Adrianna. They started pushing people to the side looking feverishly for her.
Afton went to the podium, picking up the microphone. “Turn the music off,” his voice commanded and the music went off. “Where is Adrianna?” It was quite as a mouse inside the Pub. “Check outside.”
Samson went outside and saw Mel standing next to the building. He was just standing there, looking off into the parking lot. Cade and Afton came outside when Samson ran to Mel.
“Where is she? Where is she?” Samson shook Mel.
“He has been glamour, look at him,” Cade bellowed.
Samson grabbed his face, making Mel look him in the eyes. “Mel, snap out of it. Now!”
Mel blinked a few times as if he had just woken up. “Mel, where is Adrianna?”
“He took her. I’m sorry, I couldn’t stop my actions. He said something about Seige Field. Please forgive me?”
Afton yelled ‘Phase two’ and everyone sprang into action. Declan ran back inside and told the Elders to implement Phase two of the plan. They told everybody to line up and get ready to evacuate. Declan ran behind the bar area and pulled the latch, opening the door on the bottom of the floor. Mace’s parents had added an underground tunnel when the Pub was built. Nobody except Mace’s parents knew that underneath the Pub were tunnels from the Underground Railroad. They were all over town. Two Protectors stayed behind, getting people in the tunnels and to safety. Cale’s grandfather built the town and the tunnels since he was a part of the Underground movement. He never owned slaves on paper, but he employed them and got them to safety. Those that stayed with him were granted the change for their service. Pinky and Abraham McDonald were still part of the pack and were consider Elders.
Adrianna acted like she was still asleep, lying on the ground, giving her family enough time to get to Seige Field. She had already put a spell on herself, knowing that Magnus would cast the spell trying to render her movements. He needed her asleep so he could take her powers. Adrianna heard someone approaching. She laid there listening to the conversation. It was Magnus talking to another man.
“Is the bomb ready?” Magnus asked.
“Yes, Master.”
“Then blow it.” Magnus demanded.
Adrianna heard a big boom; it was so powerful the ground shook. She knew that it was McDonald’s Pub. The Pub was gone. She prayed that everybody got out in time.
“Is everyone in place?”
“Yes Master, they are waiting for the others to arrive.”
“Well then, let’s start the show. They have arrived.” Magnus bent down and picked Adrianna up, holding her close to his body.
Afton, Cade, Samson, Damen, Jamenson, and all their Protectors and Guards ran out of the woods toward the field. They had parked at Adrianna’s house according to plan. When they came out of the woods into the clearing, they spread out. Magnus raised his hand to Adrianna’s neck, stopping her family from coming closer. Cade looked behind him. He heard movement coming from the woods. Josh Pevington came into the clearing along with thirty of his Protectors. Felix Ross was also with them. There were ten witches and warlocks with him.
Cade smiled at Josh. “About time my friend.”
“I never will turn down a fight. Plus, I owe you one. I met my mate. Liv Cord is my mate, so I needed to protect her pack as she called you and Mace,” Josh said as he looked over at Magnus.
“Thank you, Josh.” Mace stepped out of the woods behind Cade and Josh.
“Well, I guess you could call this a Mexican standoff, except that nut isn’t Mexican,” Josh said.
Adrianna’s family waited for Adrianna to make her move.
“Welcome, my pets. I see you have been busy getting more support. However, it was uncalled for. I have all the cards in my pocket. You see, I have the Trinity. She will be my mate soon and I will control her powers. Ah, Felix, it’s so nice to see you again. I will need your services very soon.”
“Magnus, I wish I could say the same about you, but I think I will keep my magic,” Felix yelled.
“Oh what a pity, I thought for sure you would come over to the dark side. You told me that it would consume my soul. Well it has, and it is great.” Felix could see Magnus’s eyes and he was crazy. “I have more power than any of you. This beautiful lady will soon be my mate, so sorry boys, she is mine.” Magnus laughed.
Mitch Founder, the wolf who escaped through the window at the Oakland Hills Resort, walked up beside Magnus. He smiled at Mace thinking he held all the cards.
Selena was waiting in the woods, she was being held up by Jacob. She knew Adrianna would need her soon.
Magnus pulled Adrianna’s body up, holding her closer so her feet were on the ground.
“Well now, let’s get this party started.” Magnus chanted and Adrianna was standing. She appeared to be asleep standing up. Magnus backed up a few steps, holding his hands up toward the sky chanting. The wind was blowing, thunder, and lightening could be seen and heard. Magnus thought that Adrianna was under his spell and never looked down at her.
Adrianna’s head came up and she threw her hands out, blasting Magnus backwards. The fight was on. Adrianna’s family dropped to the ground when the first shots were fired from the trees. Mace had got some of the pack together who could shoot and gave them silver bullets. The men that had shifted were charging Adrianna’s family when they were blasted with silver bullets. More werewolves and vampires came running from the woods. Mace didn’t have enough time to make more bullets, so now it was combat time.
Mitch Founder ran up to Mace, pointing his gun at him pulling the trigger. The bullet hit Mace in the chest, knocking him backwards but not killing him. Mitch looked shocked, he had a silver bullet in his gun, and it should have killed Mace.
Mace jumped up and pulled his gun from his waist yelling, “Bullet proof vest, you fuckin’ idiot. Bet you don’t have one.” Mace pulled the trigger watching the Rogue wolf fall to the ground dead.
Two vampires ran up to Cade with swords in their hands when Cade pulled a sword from his back. Samson ran up beside Cade, pulling his sword out.
Cade yelled, “Together, mate.” Cade and Samson killed the vampires, cutting their heads off.
Adrianna and Magnus were in full magical battle, each throwing spells at each other. Jacob picked Selena up and ran with her toward Adrianna. Selena dropped to the ground, dragging Jacob with her. She put her hands on Adrianna’s legs, chanting. She was lending what little powers she had left to Adrianna. Mace ran over to Adrianna placing both of his hands on Adrianna’s back, lending her his powers. Cade and Samson ran toward their mate, placing their hands on Adrianna, giving her their strength. Felix and the ten witches and warlocks formed a circle around the group, lending their magic to Adrianna.
Magnus was screaming from the pain Adrianna was blasting him with. Magnus had so much power that he was pushing the blasts back when Joshua Cahill appeared beside Adrianna, placing his hands on her giving her mor
e power.
Adrianna screamed, “Now, my friends, now!”
The ground started shaking when the roots rushed out of the ground, grabbing Magnus, ripping him apart. When his body fell, it looked as if the ground had opened up and swallowed him, then spiting him back out. Blood and body parts were laying everywhere.
Adrianna fell; Cade caught her before she hit the ground. Everybody stood staring at the field not believing what they had seen. The Trinity could control the trees.
Afton ran to Selena who was lying on the ground gasping for air. She had used what little powers she had left. Afton picked up his mate, carrying her back to the house. Cade picked Adrianna up telling her to wake up. Felix and his group stood watching Cade and Adrianna. Samson was pulling the hair away from her face, caressing it, pleading for her to wake up.
Felix walked up to Samson and Cade. “Get her to the house. She used all of her energy to fight Magnus. She has been drained; she needs rest to regain her strength.”
Cade picked Adrianna up walking toward the house. Samson followed, holding her hand, needing to feel his mate to make sure she was all right.
Two days later, Adrianna lay motionless in the bed. Samson and Cade stayed by her side, never leaving. Felix walked into the bedroom carrying a tray of mugs filled with coffee.
“Why hasn’t she woken up?” Samson bellowed, frustrated that Adrianna hadn’t even moved.
“Give her time, Samson. She expelled all her energy plus all of ours. That took a lot to do that. I don’t know of anybody else who can do that. She will wake when it is time. Now drink the coffee if you both are determined to stay awake.”
Cade and Samson never left the room. They looked like hell. They hadn’t even taken a shower in case Adrianna woke up. They had to be near her. Mace told them to take a shower at least or their mate would probably drop dead of the smell. That didn’t go over well with her mates.
