The Keepers: Declan

by Rae Rivers

  Kate quelled her hesitation and held out her hand. “Done.”

  His fingers closed around hers, firm, warm, sparking memories of feeling his hands all over her. An unwelcome excitement flushed through her and she tried to pull away.

  Instead of releasing her, he tightened his grip and slid an arm around her waist.

  “Let me go,” she snapped, shoving a hand against his chest, needing the distance between them. God, any moment now and he’d recognise her. She twisted, he turned, and she struggled. When she tried to shove him away, they stumbled and ended up in a heap on the floor.

  Kate struggled to breathe with his weight on top of her. How the hell had she landed beneath him? Dammit! “Manhandling me is not part of the deal, warrior boy.”

  “Call me that again and manhandling will be the least of your worries.” He pinned her wrists on either side of her face, and she averted her eyes from his intense blue gaze, grateful for the darkness and the hoodie that concealed her secret – one that was about to crumble at any moment. She’d drugged him that night so his memories would be cloudy, but the proximity was dangerous. His tousled black hair and sculpted face were enough to send any woman’s heart racing. Even hers. Even now.

  The scent of him aroused sinful memories and she sucked in air. Shoving away the night she’d lost her grip on reality, she tried to buck him off her. “Get off me!”

  “I won’t hurt you, wildcat. Calm down.”

  “If you mean me no harm then let me go.”

  “I will, but for now, I simply want some answers.”

  “That wasn’t our deal.”

  “I’m the one on top, so I get to call the shots.”

  “I figure you just love being on top.”

  His smile was pure naughtiness. “Care to find out?”

  “I’ll be more woman than you can handle.”

  He leaned forward, his lips hovering above hers, electricity pulsing between them. “I dare you to say that again,” he challenged, his undertone way too suggestive – and, in spite of herself, Kate’s eyes raised to meet his.

  She saw the moment it changed, the flash of recognition that wiped away his smile. His gaze narrowed to a deep intensity that made her want to wriggle. His frown deepening, he reached up to pull back her hood.

  Oh, God. She slapped his hand away. “In your dreams, Bennett. Now get off me!” she snapped, using all her strength to push him away.

  As she scrambled to her feet and backed away, he stood, confusion clouding his expression. “Why … why don’t you start by telling me your name?”

  “You win our bet and I’ll give it to you.”

  “Fair enough. Ready?”

  “On the count of three.”

  “Fine. One –”

  Using a newfound speed that still surprised her, Kate grabbed a nearby lamp and slammed it against his head before bolting for the daggers. With a curse, he lunged for her but she reacted with a brutal kick that sent him crashing against the wall behind him. Wood splintered and glass shattered, drowning out his outrage.

  “Who are you?” he demanded, jumping to his feet, this time eyeing her with more caution.

  She groped for the rucksack on the floor, grateful for the surge of strength that had recently joined her magical powers. “I bet it’s not every day a woman kicks your ass.”

  “Only when she’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing.”

  “I just want the daggers.” More now than ever.

  “Like hell.”

  Archer, the oldest Bennett brother, came skidding to a halt in the doorway.

  Kate grabbed a nearby vase and crashed it across Declan’s shoulders. Glass exploded everywhere but this time he anticipated her move and collided with her, the impact leaving her breathless. Rolling on the floor in a struggle of fists and grunts, they fought each other, but Declan was stronger, faster and more experienced. Kate’s lush brown hair worked itself free from her hood, just as Declan got the upper hand, pinning her to the ground.

  “Who are you and what the hell do you want?” he growled.

  “Get off me!”

  Light flooded the room, destroying any last hope of anonymity. The flash of unguarded surprise that registered across Declan’s expression was immediately masked by fury. “Kate?” he growled, narrowed eyes searing into her.

  Archer darted forward, another Bennett brother with too much muscle, strength, and attitude for her liking. “You’re a woman?”

  Taking advantage of their surprise, Kate broke free and shoved Declan with such strength that he collided with the coffee table behind him. She sprang to her feet, swung around, and lunged for the last dagger.

  Archer was there in an instant. As he reached out, she whirled around, plunging the dagger into his shoulder. He gaped at her, green eyes rounded in surprise. She gasped, horror ripping through her at what she’d done.

  Oh, God.

  “What the hell’s going on here?” The youngest brother and their witch rushed into the room.

  Kate felt a cocktail of energy brewing inside her, a whirl of sensations she struggled to control.

  Before anyone could react, the room started to tremble, everything rattling and screeching in an eerie display of witching powers.

  Powers magnified in a way Kate had never experienced before.

  Cupboard doors burst open, glass shattered, books flew across the room, and light bulbs exploded.

  Overwhelmed, she gulped air and reached for control, steadying the flow of energy.

  And just like that, everything fell silent.

  Sienna and her Keepers squinted through the dark at the chaos she’d created, and Kate took that brief, golden moment to grab the rucksack containing two of the three daggers. Mind racing, heart pounding, she scanned for the nearest exit.

  And bolted.

  CHAPTER THREE

  Three days later

  New Orleans, USA

  With a coffee clasped in cold hands, Kate made her way through the cobblestone streets of the French Quarter in New Orleans. A city of night owls meant that early morning walks were peaceful, most of the tourists still asleep. Restaurants, antique shops, art galleries, coffee shops and boutiques lined the streets. It wouldn’t be long before the tourists and locals were back for another whirl of celebrations.

  It was good to be back. The last time she’d been here was three months ago when she’d met Declan for a mind-blowing night that had almost derailed her plans. For Declan, she’d been a distraction from the tortured memories of his sister’s death. Someone who’d shared his need to push away the real world and indulge in decadent pastimes.

  For Kate, he’d been her target, her goal, and she’d almost lost sight of that during their brief time together. It had been so easy to lose herself and enjoy some fun. That night, Declan had wiped away the nagging worry that bore in her gut constantly, reminding her that she was marked. He’d given her a glimpse of what it felt like to have someone strong and powerful as her ally.

  Only, they could never be allies. Not after she’d snuck out of his room after midnight, taking his enchanted key with her. How much he remembered of their night together was anyone’s guess, given the endless shots of whiskey.

  And the herbs.

  But she remembered.

  With his boyish charm, cheeky smile, and blue eyes that frequently danced with mischief, the man had made her quiver all over.

  A shiver ran down her spine which had nothing to do with the cool morning air. The image of his furious expression came to mind, sparking an inward cringe. He’d recognised her - knew she’d crossed him; stolen from him. Twice.

  And something told her he wasn’t about to let this go.

  He’d set chase with a vengeance. She’d eventually shrugged him off but couldn’t resist the constant urge to check over her shoulder.

  Kate sipped her coffee and grimaced at the harsh taste, her stomach flipping. Ignoring the adrenaline-fuelled queasiness that was becoming her constant companion, she tossed the empty
container in a nearby bin and glanced around to ensure no one was tailing her – an action that had become second nature. She crossed the street and headed to the store on the corner.

  Magic and Mirrors was small and enchanting. It belonged to Hazel, an old friend of her mother’s who’d befriended Kate shortly after her death. Their grief over the loss of a woman they’d both loved gave them companionship. Hazel had become a surrogate mother, taking care of the smallest details at a time when all Kate knew was heartache and fear. In the months following the accident, Hazel had encouraged frequent visits to New Orleans. Needing space from home and its painful memories, Kate had accepted – and without her mother’s influence, their friendship had blossomed.

  Her stomach rolled, as it always did with memories of her mother.

  A woman whose entire life had been dominated by the fear of magic, shunning the supernatural world. She had forbidden all use of magic, only encouraging Kate’s ability to negate magic.

  And only because it was a means of self-defence.

  Kate paused in the doorway of the store and slowly exhaled away the memories and guilt that nipped at her heels.

  The bell shrilled as the door swung open to reveal an older woman with striking black hair and long nails painted a morbid maroon. A wide smile softened her expression when she spotted Kate.

  “Good gracious. You’re back!” Her words came out in a gush of air and she pulled Kate into her arms before waving her inside. “Come out of the cold.”

  Hazel stepped outside, casting a suspicious glance along the street before following Kate inside.

  The faint aroma of herbs filled the store. Several shelves containing roots and herbs lined the back wall. A jewellery case stood in the centre of the room, displaying silver pieces. Strewn across the floor in neat piles were tattered books that hinted at age and wisdom.

  “Did you find the daggers?” Hazel asked, eyes wide with hope.

  “Not all of them.”

  Surprise tugged at her smile and her shoulders fell. “That’s not good. Come, I’ll make some tea and you can tell me what happened.”

  Kate followed her to the small kitchen at the back of the store and held back in the doorway as Hazel assembled a tray. It was a familiar dance for them, a platform for hours of chats. “Has the store been busy?”

  “Not recently, but maybe this weekend. I’m considering casting an enticement spell to draw people in. I need to clear out some stock.”

  It hadn’t taken Kate long to figure out that Hazel was a witch. They’d first met at her mother’s funeral, which had been a quiet affair. Although the details of that day were sketchy, Kate remembered her kindness and had been pleased to bump into her again in New Orleans. She’d been on a buying spree there for her mother’s clothing boutique back home in Southport, North Carolina. Since then, she’d ended up spending more and more time in New Orleans.

  Hazel carried the tray to the small wooden table at the window and sat in one of the mismatched chairs. “Tell me about Rapid Falls. Did you see the Keepers? I’ve heard they’re rather smitten with the Beckham witch.”

  “Apparently, only the older brother, Archer.”

  “Lucky girl to have a trio of male glory at her defence.”

  “She’s a powerful witch, Hazel. There’s nothing lucky about that.”

  Hazel’s grin faded. “Maybe. For some, a magical heritage is a blessing and for others like your mother, it’s a curse. Depends on whether you embrace it.”

  “I wonder if our lives would have been different if my mother had a Keeper to watch over her?”

  “Accepting a Keeper would have meant accepting the world she was born into. She was dead set against anything magical.”

  An understatement. They’d spent years, isolated, steering clear of anyone with supernatural abilities. It was only Hazel who had broken through Kate’s defensive wall and their friendship had been like a breath of much-needed air.

  “Witches have Keepers for a reason,” Kate muttered. “Maybe if she hadn’t been so stubborn, she’d still be alive.”

  “Not all witches need Keepers. Witches like me who dabble in simple magic don’t need protection as much as the elemental witches. Their powers bring added responsibilities and danger. And it’s only rare witches like Sienna who have more than one Keeper.”

  “She didn’t seem so scary in the flesh.”

  “As long as you stay on her good side. She and her Keepers maintain the balance of nature and keep the existence of our kind a secret. They’re highly respected for fending off the Brogan brothers.” She motioned to the tea pot. “You were brave to try and steal the daggers.”

  “I had no choice. I need their protection.”

  Kate poured the tea and explained what had happened at the Bennett Estate.

  “Where are the daggers?” Hazel asked.

  “I hid them on the Bennett estate.”

  Hazel’s eyes rounded as she choked back her tea. “You don’t have them?”

  “It was too risky. Declan Bennett chased after me.”

  “So you simply left them behind?”

  “They’re safe for now.”

  “And your mother’s Grimoire and scroll?”

  Kate couldn’t bring herself to admit she’d lost the scroll she’d found in her mother’s Grimoire. Although the ancient scribbles and symbols held no meaning to her, the fact that her mother had included it with her final letter to Kate had hinted at its importance. And now she’d lost it. “Both are with the daggers. I’ll go back for them after the party.”

  As she’d have to return to the Bennett estate to reclaim the third dagger, leaving everything behind in exchange for a lighter travel had seemed like a good idea.

  Leaving the Grimoire had been hard. Tattered and worn with age, the cover was marked with three interlinked circles, embossed with silver beads. Her mother’s book, one she’d rarely opened. A destiny she’d shunned. She was a witch who had given birth to a daughter with the ability to negate magic.

  A rare power that was hunted by both sides of the supernatural realm. Depending on who reached her first, the war between good and evil that had been in existence since time began might finally be unbalanced. Her power would be used to destroy the opposition.

  Or so her mother had believed.

  Because of this, she’d ingrained into Kate from an early age that they had to keep hidden, fly under the radar of anyone with supernatural abilities.

  As Southport was inhabited only by ordinary humans, steering clear of them had been easy. Their life had been a quiet but happy one, but although her mother’s fear of being discovered had lessened over the years, it had never disappeared entirely. She’d been convinced they’d come for them.

  And she hadn’t been wrong.

  Their attempt to escape a year ago had been anticipated by their hunters, and the chase brutal. The car accident that followed had claimed her mother.

  Gone, in a crash of shattering glass and screeching tyres.

  And through the chaos, the pain, and devastation, Kate had seen who’d come for her.

  Harper Avery.

  The only thing that had saved her was her ability to nullify his magic.

  Kate closed her eyes, Harper’s parting words ringing in her ears as though he’d just muttered them: “No matter where you hide, I will find you.”

  From that moment, her mother’s fears had become hers and she’d been running ever since.

  But everything had changed when she’d found a letter in her mother’s Grimoire. It was hastily scribbled, as if she’d run out of time, and the book had been shoved in her backpack the night they’d tried to escape.

  If you’re reading this it means I am no longer here to protect you when they come for you. And they will come, my dear Kate. You won’t be able to do this alone. Track down the three daggers, last known to be at the Bennett estate in Rapid Falls. They will offer you the protection you’ll need. By embracing your powers, you may finally be free. Be safe.
/>   The last year had been a blur, flitting between overwhelming bouts of grief, fear, rage and hatred.

  But no more.

  Revenge didn’t scratch the surface of what she wanted.

  The bell rattled as the front door burst open, spearing the tortured memories. In a whirl of subtle perfume and sleek blonde hair, a woman entered the store. Her back was to them but she was dressed in black, a matching mask dangling from one hand.

  Hazel placed her hand on Kate’s shoulder. “Are you sure you want to do this?”

  No. “I’m not planning an ambush, Hazel.” Harper was in town and throwing a masked party at his club. It was an opportunity she couldn’t resist.

  “I shouldn’t have told you he was here.”

  Kate gave Hazel’s hand a reassuring squeeze. “I’ll be fine. I’m just an observer tonight.”

  And what better way to do that than in disguise?

  Hazel sighed and stood. “Then it’s best you meet Jenna.”

  “You brought Jenna?” Kate inhaled, eyeing the tall young woman with more scrutiny. She’d been expecting some cocktail waitress from Harper’s club, not one of his kickass warriors. They’d never met before but Kate had seen Jenna around Harper enough times to know where her loyalties lay. And Jenna was no easy mark. “How did you –?”

  “An enticement spell.” With her back to Jenna, Hazel poured tea into a fresh mug, reached into her pocket for a small bag of herbs, and stirred in a pinch.

  “How on earth am I supposed to imitate her?”

  “You’ll be fine, Kate.”

  “She’s one of Harper’s warriors! Are you crazy?”

  “Don’t worry,” Hazel whispered back when she saw Kate’s dismayed expression. She stood, tea cup in hand. “She’ll get a good night’s sleep and won’t remember a thing. No harm will come to her. Or us. And you’ll be fine, just keep in the background.”

  “Which is why a waitress would’ve been easier!”

  “Ssh.” Hazel swatted her away. Turning to welcome their guest, Hazel pasted on her brightest smile. “Ah, you’re just in time for tea.”

  When Kate finally left several hours later, she was dressed in Jenna’s clothes, a mask in her pocket. The clingy material hugged her body and she tightened the belt around the jacket, snuggling into its warmth.