The Hunter’s Awakening

by Bryce Evans

  “And you’re good with that?” she asked, narrowing her eyes.

  “Yes, ma’am. I want you to be happy. I want you to set your sights high and do whatever that is. I just want to be beside you.”

  A big smile flew across her face. “You’re serious. You would do that for me?”

  Cosmo scooted to the chair beside her and held both her hands. “Haven, you are my world and I want you happy. I own a nursery and love working with flowers. I also have a job with the Death Hunters. If you can take all that, I can take whatever you want to do. My question is, do you want me?”

  “Yes,” she spit out without any hesitation. That’s what he wanted to hear.

  “Then it’s settled. Now, do you want another chocolate milkshake?”

  With her mouth hanging open, Haven nodded.

  “Another chocolate milkshake, Simone.” Cosmo loved when he could surprise this woman. For the rest of his life, he would do whatever it took to make her happy.

  Chapter Eighteen

  “That’s him,” Mike whispered. When Blair started for him, he grabbed her arm. “You’re not going to hurt him, are you?”

  “Of course not,” Blair said, smiling. “We just want to talk to him.” She made her way to the old geezer.

  “Hello, sir.” Blair poured it on thick, smiling and batting her eyes. “I’m looking for my sister, maybe you have seen her. She said she got a ride with a nice man. She said you would tell me how to find her.”

  The older man narrowed his eyes at her, looking at her coat. “I’m sorry, you must have me mistaken with someone else. I don’t know your sister.”

  Blair grabbed his arm and dragged him behind the truck. This man would tell her what she wanted to know, or else. A group of truckers stood nearby. “Roy, you headed home?” one of the truckers called out. There were too many humans and she knew not to cause a scene.

  “My mistake. You just looked like the man she described.”

  “No worries.” Roy glanced down at his arm then walked over to the other men. Maybe she could follow him after he left. When he stopped, she would make him tell her everything she wanted.

  That girl, she would pay for this delay. The bitch would burn for it. Nobody would stop her this time. Dear old daddy was just as mad. More like betrayed.

  Blair turned and started for her car. When she turned back to wave bye to Mike, she found the old fart staring at her. She just waved and smiled. See you soon, old man. See you soon.

  Chapter Nineteen

  “Cosmo just got a call from Roy. He said that a girl was at the truck stop looking for Haven. No doubt in the man’s mind it was a witch,” Lennox said to Arden and Ben on the phone. Lennox and Cosmo were inside his nursery. They had just finished putting up the cameras when Roy called.

  “Roy doesn’t know the difference in a witch and a mage, but he knew she wasn’t a friend. It won’t take them long to figure out where she is. They will find out where Roy lives and try to get it out of him. Call him Cosmo, and tell him to bring his truck to the nursey, and to call his wife, and tell her to come here to Dixon land. We don’t want any humans getting hurt. They will be safe at the house until we can eliminate the threat. See you in thirty.”

  Cosmo listened as Lennox hung the phone up. He couldn’t help but to want to stay close to Haven. He constantly walked to the store and stared at her through the window. He made sure he could see her at all times. She was laughing at something Jade had said, learning about the store, and by the look on her face, she loved it. He could sit and gaze at her all day, but he had work to do and that was to protect his mate.

  “They will meet us here in thirty minutes. Look, we need to meet out back or something. I don’t want Haven to panic. When she learns of this, she’s going to freak out. I know it.”

  “Maybe not. I think she knows it’s just a matter of time. I don’t want to lie to her, man. She needs to know what she’s facing. She will probably know who it is and can tell us what we are looking at,” Lennox said.

  “I just wish we had more time,” Cosmo said. They both stared in the window and when she saw them, she smiled and waved. “We have to end this. Kill them all, Alpha. We have to kill them all or they will regroup and keep coming back.”

  “I know, but she has the right to know what we do. No matter what, she needs to be prepared,” Lennox said, motioning for Jade and Haven to come outside. Their town only had a few people milling around in the stores. It was Monday, and Mondays were slow. They stationed themselves near the side of the store where he could see all corners. This way, they could see anyone walking up.

  “What’s up?” Jade asked followed by Haven.

  Cosmo watched his mate closely. He hated that she would have to deal with this so soon. He wanted more time with her before they found her. More time to get her prepared. “Roy called and said a witch came around the truck stop asking for you.”

  Haven swallowed hard but didn’t show much emotion. If he hadn’t been staring so intensely, he would have missed the ticking in her jaw. Good, she was angry. She would need that rage because the vision that the old woman had about his mate now sat at the forefront of his brain. He couldn’t let anything happen to her. If that meant he would protect her night and day then that’s what would happen.

  “Did he say what she looked like?” Haven asked.

  “No, just that she was definitely a witch and gave him the creeps with her freaky smile.”

  Haven swallowed again and croaked out, “That’s Blair.”

  “The one you said attacked you and brunt your arm?” Cosmo said, growling.

  Nodding, Haven answered, “Yes. She is the one you need to watch. She’s a very powerful mage. That’s why my fath…Laris has her in the coven. He knows she’s psycho, but her magic is strong, and he needs her. He says with her the coven is much stronger.”

  “Then she is the one we take out first,” Lennox said.

  “If she thinks she’s going to find me, she will come alone. She won’t even know what—”

  “Absolutely not! We’re not using you as bait. No way. She almost killed you before, Haven.” Cosmo stood, shaking his head.

  Stopping him with her hand, Haven pulled him down to his chair. “I won’t be alone. You will be there, and Lennox will be there. Scarlett and Quinn. But we have to make her believe she will find me. If someone pointed out that I would be at a certain place, then it would work. You could take her out, but I promise you, she won’t be an easy target. If she suspects anything, she will call the coven in. We have to make it look real.”

  “I hate to say this because you’re my sister, but it’s a good plan. We contain her in a certain area where her magic can’t hurt any humans. And my baby sister is well protected.”

  “I don’t like it,” Cosmo said, shaking his head. “I don’t like it at all.”

  “Cosmo, this is the only way to take out one of the coven members. I’m telling you, this is something you have never dealt with. These mages are very well organized and versed in what shifters will do. Including the Death Hunters. We don’t have much time. She will follow Roy and I can’t let anything happen to him. It would kill me if he was hurt because of me. Please, trust me. She doesn’t know I’m a shifter. She will never expect that and to be honest, I’m tired of running. I’m ready to be here at home, safe. I don’t want to look over my shoulder all the time.”

  “I know you are and so am I, but I don’t want her to get lucky and do something that’s going to get you hurt.”

  “You have to trust me, now. Know that I will handle Blair and keep her busy until Scarlett and Quinn can take her down. We have to try. How long will it take for Roy to get back?”

  “I would say he is two hours out,” Cosmo said hesitantly.

  “Let’s talk to Scarlett,” Haven said. She held her hand out to him and he hated to agree with the plan, but it did sound good.

  Cosmo took her hand. They contacted Scarlett then called Arden and Ben and put them on speakerphone. He e
xplained the plan and asked about the barn where he used to train Jade. It would be far enough out of town and they would be able to hide without Blair seeing them.

  Thoughts of what the crazy female mage told him plagued Cosmo’s mind. He heard what Scarlett said and he believed her. But he couldn’t stop thinking what if this time Natalie told the truth?

  Haven, her mate, and brother leaned against the truck at the old barn where they planned to lure Blair. She hated that death would come to this place. It was beautiful here.

  “Haven,” Scarlett said, getting her attention, “if she’s as powerful as you say then you need to be careful. From everything you described, I think Blair is a fire mage and she will be able to strike you from a distance. The only way I think this will work is for you to stay as far from her as you can. We will do counter spells to quench her enchantments then Lennox can take her out. He will have no remorse and that’s what she needs for everything she has done. There are no rehabilitating mages like that. The evil has corrupted her and won’t let her go. She has to die. Do you have a problem with that? If so, I need to know that you’re not going to panic.”

  “I won’t and yes, I agree. She is past the point of no return. I know how evil she is. She is cunning, so be careful and expect her to do the unexpected. They train for this type of scenario. The only way I see this working is that she won’t be expecting me to have reinforcements.”

  “I believe you are capable of handling this and whatever comes at you. Oh my, you have changed since your beast awakened.”

  Haven stood up straight. “What do you mean?”

  “She’s given you more confidence.”

  Haven watched as the mage tilted her head. “I think it’s always been there, but the beast has helped. Here you are, taking charge of this plan, putting yourself in danger. Why is that?”

  “Because I got everyone into this, and I don’t want anyone getting hurt. Blair is after me. She has a score to settle.”

  “Maybe you have one to settle with her. Did you ever think of that?” Scarlett said, smiling.

  She took her mate’s hand. He put his arm around her and pulled her body next to his. He inhaled her scent and she couldn’t help but tuck her head into his chest and inhale. Boy, he smelled good. Good enough to eat. Where did that come from? And that’s when she realized her bear was very aware of their mate. She was worried too and wanted to keep him safe. But what if Blair got lucky like Cosmo said. Her heart pounded hard. Haven swallowed the bile at the thoughts of something happening to any of her family.

  Cosmo whispered into her ear, “Listen, the moment you feel like she is going to do something, you run and get out of the line of fire. Shift and run like the wind, Haven. Your bear will keep you safe. Maybe it will catch her off guard and Scarlett and Quinn can keep her occupied until we can kill her. I know you’re not used to me talking like that, but that’s what I do. She is a killer, don’t forget that. And I’m not losing you either.”

  “This is something I know firsthand, Cosmo. I know exactly what Blair is, and don’t worry. I will run like the wind. I’m not crazy,” Haven said, but she was worried. The what-if game played on rerun in her head.

  “I guess you do, baby.” They sat and held each other for a few minutes until Lennox came up to the window.

  “Ready?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Haven, I know Cosmo has gone over what to do, but I will say it again. Run.”

  “I will.” She hoped the plan worked. She sure as heck didn’t want to be killed. That would be her luck.

  Chapter Twenty

  “Where is that crazy bitch?” Laris stomped between the bed and bathroom in the motel suite. “How did she just disappear?” His fingers gripped his hair and pulled, the pain relieving some of his anger.

  His second-in-command raised a brow. “Chill, Laris. You told her to find Haven. . .”

  Chill? The asswipe told him to chill. He flung his hand through the air, sending Darden crashing into the wall. Dust and pieces of drywall fell on the man’s head as he slid to the floor. Laris pressed his nose to his subordinate’s face. “Are you questioning my authority?”

  “No, master,” Darden said, shaking his head.

  “Do the spell to find Blair. Find her, now.”

  Darden didn’t ask any more questions, neither did the other members of the coven. They all filed out of the room, taking a bag with Blair’s belongings with them. They had planned to check out today and travel to the next town. New Hope was the place they were headed, and he wasn’t looking forward to it. The Death Hunters had residences in the small town. There were too many shifters and they would stick out like a red thumb.

  “She’s where?” Laris asked, again.

  “The car is in New Hope. I’m pulling up Google maps to find the exact location.”

  “I’m going to kill her,” Laris said, shoving his fist into the wall.

  “You may not have to, if the Death Hunters find her first.”

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Ben Crenshaw held an iPad for everyone to see what was going on at the nursery. The group gathered around the barn, waiting. They watched and listened as Roy pulled into the nursery. People moseyed around, even some of Ben’s clan, stood looking at the flowers. Everyone had to put their acting skills to work. This had to work. It had to.

  “Look at the car sitting at the furniture store, Haven.”

  She couldn’t stop staring at the screen. The camera zoomed in as Blair got out of the car. She wasn’t watching Roy. She watched everyone else. That’s what they did. They saw everything.

  “Haven…Haven, are you okay?” Cosmo asked, holding her hand. Shifters crowded around the tablet, all watching Blair.

  Clearing her throat, she said, “Yes. That’s her.” She would know that mage anywhere. That crazy bitch who would kill her, given the chance.

  Roy had his phone dialed in, so they could hear the conversation and see if Blair took the bait. Her dear friend played the part like a pro. He was the star of the show. His voice never wavered as Blair made her way around the side of his truck.

  “She looks like a shifter. Very calm. Nobody would notice her until it’s too late,” Arden said.

  “Hey, Roy, I’m looking for Haven.” Simone said, cool as a cat. “She said she wanted all the overtime she could get. I’ve got to go home; the baby is sick. You think she would take my shift for me?”

  “Definitely. She said if anything came up to let her know. She’s down on Old Mill Road at the barnyard, using my old pick-up to bring back some compost. She left a few minutes ago. It’s only her so it will take longer.” Roy definitely spread it on thick. He was actually good at this. And Simone played it perfectly.

  “Where is Old Mill Road? I’ve never been there,” Simone asked.

  “Go straight on this road and when you get to the B&B, it’s about a mile past it. You can’t miss it on the right,” Roy said, opening the back of his semi.

  “Thanks, Roy. I’ve got to hurry. See ya.” Simone waved bye and got into her car. If Blair took the bait, she would follow Simone.

  Everyone remained glued to the monitor as the mage stayed hidden. They couldn’t actually see what she was doing hidden beside the truck, but she hadn’t left yet. Damn it. Please don’t let her hurt Roy. Please! Haven prayed the old man would be protected. Members of the Crenshaw clan walked over to talk to Roy.

  Blair finally moved away from the truck and slithered back to her car. Haven’s heart pounded so fast, she knew all the shifters could hear it. She could hear it. Take the bait. Take the bait. When the car started moving, Haven let go of the breath she held.

  “It’s okay. She fell for it. Calm your nerves,” Cosmo whispered.

  “Let’s get you into place. Remember the plan,” Lennox cautioned. She saw the worry on his face. She smiled and followed him to the side of the barn where a shovel laid against Roy’s old truck. And sure enough, a pile of stench glistened next to it on the ground. No doubt this was a com
post pile. It stank from the high heavens.

  She picked up the shovel to look real and she needed something to hold on to. Cosmo motioned to where she needed to run. She nodded and waited to hear Simone pull up. She hoped that the wonderful woman didn’t get hurt. She loved her sense of humor and she already thought of her as a friend.

  She put the shovel in the pile when she heard a car coming. Turning, she waved. For good measure, Simone got out of the car and went up to her and whispered, “Did she follow me?”

  “Yes,” and then the acting began again. “I really appreciate this. I’ve got to go. The baby is sick. Talk to you tomorrow.” Simone got in her car and pulled out. This was it. Blair would be here soon. She would have to pull up right here. Haven would let her get out of the car and then she would run like the hounds of hell were after her. Her heart fluttered, and she could tell her bear stood on alert. She had no clue what that meant.

  “Well, hello, stranger.” Haven felt her heart stop. How…how did she do that? Slowly she turned, and Blair was right behind her. She didn’t hear her pull up or scent anything. Fear coursed through her body as the vile smile of the person she hated the most stood in front of her.

  Haven looked around and before she could back up a step, Blair flew through the air and bounced on top of her. She hit the ground hard, knocking the breath out of her. Pinning her hands down, Blair reached back and slapped her hard in the face.

  “I’ve been waiting to do that for a long time.” Looking up at the sky, Blair laughed. “And now here we are, back in the woods, right where you belong. I think this is a fitting place for you to be buried.”

  Haven’s body shook hard. The old feelings of helplessness came screaming back.

  Poking her lip out, Blair smiled. “Oh, look at that face. You feel it, don’t you? Fear, knowing that nobody is here to help you. Dear old dad won’t even miss you at all. I will tell him that the old man dropped you off at the bus stop and you were headed north. He will give up hope and we can get back to what we are meant to do. Find the white bear.