My thoughts were interrupted by a scream and I paused as I stepped back onto a marked trail. Another muffled scream had me looking at Kai. I nodded, following his lead. As we came close I smelled the acrid scent of sulfur. It meant only one thing to me. Whoever was in front of us was evil.
He had her pinned to the ground, on her stomach as his hips thrust into her. Her moans were pitiful as she cried and I could feel my rage build. Death would be too easy for this bastard.
Kai growled, hackles raised, knowing a kill was in our future. The man was so consumed by his mindless thrusting he never heard us. The wind rustled, electricity racing over my skin as the magic responded to my emotions.
Kai’s growling became more menacing, raising the hair on my head at the implied threat. The man jerked around, finally sensing the danger he was in far too late.
I could only imagine the sight he saw, my eyes glowing a vibrant blue, Kai standing massive next to me. The sight of Kai alone should have sent him running. He was over six feet long, two hundred pounds of lean muscle, and bigger than your average wolf.
“Run,” I whispered, a violent smile curling my lips. He shuddered, pulling himself up and stumbling away, his feet forcing him into a run. I looked down at Kai, and as he met my eyes I nodded. Kai took off after him, keeping pace since the bastard had been kind enough to run deeper into the woods. He’d keep him occupied while I dealt with the woman who’d been violated.
She whimpered as I touched her shoulder, blood pooled between her legs and I could see she’d fought back. Scratches were on her hands, arms, and face as well as bruises. I helped her sit up before she vomited violently on the ground next to her.
“Knit the skin, fade the bruises, and put back what was torn apart.” I chanted the words softly, seeing the glow of my own eyes reflected back in hers. I watched her body heal in front of me, surprise showing in her eyes. Her fear and disgust pummeled me, connected to her as I was. Anger and humiliation fought for dominance as she recalled the last few minutes, her body violated as she was held powerless to stop it. I couldn’t go back and change the past, but I could ease the memory.
“Do you want to forget?” Her tear stricken eyes gazed at me with a fragile hope. She nodded mutely, tears still seeping down her dirty face. I focused, remembering the chant Nancy had taught me for blurring bad memories. It was a spell I’d thought about using many times on myself, but had never been able to bring myself to. Bad memories of my family were still better than none.
“Release this memory, make it but a dream, blur the edges, take away the sting.”
Her eyes lost their focus and I helped her stand, adjusting her clothes as we stood there. I walked her away from the spot she’d been attacked, pulling her around to look at me again.
“You fell and I saw. I helped you up. You should go home though.” She nodded, her face clearing as the spell did its magic.
“It was nice to meet you.” I smiled and she smiled back automatically before turning and jogging back down the path to safety and civilization. My eyes narrowed as I moved in the opposite direction. I took a deep breath, the scent of sulfur guiding me. Someone was going to die tonight.
Chapter Five
“Okay, do you think you can manage not to run away to the woods this weekend? Can you?” Scott glared at me, still irritated by my abrupt disappearance over the weekend.
“I’ll be here.” I soothed him, reaching around to grab my coffee mug. “Work was a tad overwhelming and I needed to decompress. I know we have the client cocktail party this weekend and I’ll be there.”
He relaxed at my reassurance, as I knew he would. He’d been livid when I’d finally arrived home Sunday night. It wasn’t the first time I’d taken off for a weekend, but it was the first time I hadn’t bothered to mention I was going. He’d been close to calling the cops, waiting to see if I showed up Sunday night before doing it. He’d rather not embarrass himself if it wasn’t necessary.
As I stepped away, he grabbed my arm, his touch gentle as he looked at me. A rare look of concern was on his face.
“I do worry about you. I’m aware you can take care of yourself and of course you have the wolf.” He attempted to disguise his dislike of Kai, but it was a lost battle long ago. “You heard a hiker was killed by wild dogs in the woods last weekend. I don’t want that to be you. At least tell me before you take off. Okay?”
I smiled at him gently, touching his cheek. “Of course. You’re absolutely right. It was unfair of me to leave without a word and I promise it won’t happen again.” I stepped back out of range of his touch. “Now, we better go or we’ll be late.”
When we arrived at work, I headed straight to my office. It was really nothing more than a converted janitor closet, but one of Evan Marshall’s stipulations when agreeing to invest with me was that he had a private place to conduct his business. So I was given a broom closet, and kept a broom propped up in the corner as a private joke.
As I swung the door open, I almost hit the gentleman sitting in the chair across from my desk.
“And what do I owe the pleasure of this impromptu visit?”
Evan smiled at me, his eyes twinkling.
“Do I need a reason to see my favorite banker?”
I chuckled, bumping the door shut with my hip as I balanced my coffee in one hand and reached over with my other.
“Not at all. In fact it’s quite lovely to see you. It’s been a rather dreary week.”
A deep laugh rumbled out of him, the sound reminiscent of thunder before a summer storm. “I do enjoy your way with words, Kincaid. You’ll go far in the business world.”
“I hope so.” I replied smiling, happy to see Evan in my office. Over the past few months he’d become a good friend to me, one I enjoyed seeing. “Does this mean you’ll be attending the company cocktail party this weekend? Be a feather in my cap, perhaps?”
“For you I would, but I’m afraid I have other plans this weekend.” I raised an inquiring eyebrow and he responded cryptically. “Family obligations.” It was the first time I’d heard him mention family and it piqued my curiosity.
“Family?” My questioning him was in direct contrast to his body language. His crossed arms and closed expression told me he didn’t wish to discuss family, but I pushed anyway, my curiosity getting the better of me for the moment.
He smiled faintly, seeming amused by my persistence for an answer instead of upset. “Yes, family. I have one, I assume you do as well?” He’d turned the tables on me, and I leaned back debating my answer. It was rare I spoke of my past, but I knew this would be a two way street and I wanted to know more about Evan Marshall. He’d shown up in my life unexpectedly, and helped me earn the respect of my colleagues. His presence in my life gave me an odd sort of comfort, and his insistence on calling me Kincaid had brought me unexpected pleasure. Over the years I’d grown used to being called Katie and Guinea, but I missed my real name. I missed the person who would have become Kincaid if…I shut the thought down before it went further.
I took a deep breath ready to give him my standard answer, but instead the truth spilled out.
“I have two sisters. They’re all I have left.” I paused before continuing on. I might as well finish it. “It’s been a very long time since I’ve seen them, but that will change soon.”
He didn’t push me, further pushing him into my good graces. He nodded, a contemplative expression on his face. “My son. That’s who I’m going to see. We’ve had a rocky relationship in the past. I want to see if it can be put right before it’s too late.”
“Too late?” My expression must have shown my concern for him. I didn’t want to think of anything happening to Evan. He waved a hand at me.
“I’m as healthy as a horse. It’s my son that’s on a path that concerns me. Sometimes you can go too far and there is no returning from the decision.”
“You want to see if you can stop him?” I couldn’t help but wonder what Evan’s son could be doing that was so bad. His fa
ther was a good man. I had no doubt of that. Never once had I caught a hint of evil around him.
His mouth turned down, and for a second I saw a hopeless look on his face. “Stop him…if only I could. Reason with him, perhaps.” His face cleared and he gave me his trademark smile. “I have to try. You’ve shown me that. We all have a responsibility.”
I was a bit puzzled by what I could have done, but before I could ask my door crashed open. Scott stood there, breathing heavily, as Evan and I looked at him in shock.
“Is something wrong?” I asked, concerned at his obvious breathlessness. As he stood there looking at us I could see the chagrin cross his face. “Scott,” I said sharply. “What is going on?”
“I do believe your fiancé anticipated finding someone else here beside myself.” Evan drawled, a laconic smirk on his lips. Scott flushed, giving credence to Evan’s suspicion and I frowned. Scott had been behaving erratically the last few weeks, even before he proposed which had come as a surprise to me. I knew I’d need to get to the bottom of it, but the thought of my sister’s arrival had taken precedence. And then the stranger at the gas station.
“If you don’t have a valid reason for being here, please go. And shut the door on your way out.” My words were sharp, but I was beyond irritated. I had never given Scott reason to question me, and this was ridiculous. The door snapped shut and I turned to Evan.
“My apologies for Scott.” I didn’t bother with an excuse because I had no idea what it would be anyway. He waved a hand at me.
“I remember jealousy. Young passion.” His words startled a laugh out of me surprising him.
“I don’t have the feeling it’s jealously on Scott’s part.” My smile was rueful as I stated something I’d known for a long time. He was possessive of me, but it had little to do with jealousy. Often, I felt more like a doll he took out to display on occasion than a person he wanted to be with.
“That appeared to be jealousy to me.” He commented, gesturing to the door.
“More like selfish desire.” I replied, sitting back in my seat. It was a relief to talk to someone about my feelings. Scott had a tendency to disregard my words and I had very few friends. It was difficult for me to trust anyone, including Scott.
“Then why do you stay?” His question was simple, but my reasons were complicated. More complicated than I wanted to go into.
“The same reason I stay here.” I smiled as understanding dawned on him. “And what about you? Do you have a Mrs. Marshall?”
“I did. She died long ago. Not a day goes by I don’t miss her. That’s the kind of love you need, Kincaid. The kind that completes you. Protects you. That understands you. When you have it you know. Just don’t ever lose it.” The sadness on his face was difficult to see. I had no doubt he’d loved his wife deeply. The face of the man from the gas station flashed through my mind. Somehow I knew I’d see him again, but was I willing to take a chance on a love like that?
“If you have the chance you should always take it.”
I looked up in shock, it was as if he’d answered my thought. He smiled at my look. “Love is always worth the risk. Never doubt that for a second, Kincaid.” He stood up, as I sat there shaken. “I’ve taken enough of your time. Enjoy your cocktail party and I’ll see you next week.”
I nodded absently, only remembering as he was walking out the door to say, “Good luck with your son.”
“I’ll need it.” A quick smile and he was gone, leaving me to ponder the idea that he could read minds. It seemed a preposterous thought, but I’d seen stranger things.
That evening I stopped at the gas station, the same one I’d seen him at. It was ridiculous but I couldn’t help thinking he’d be there. I filled up my car which already had an almost full tank, and then went inside to buy a drink, my eyes searching every face. He wasn’t there, of course, and I called myself a fool. I was still frowning when I got home, and Kai nudged me.
“Park?” I asked, already knowing his answer. I didn’t wait for a response, instead going to change my clothes. Half an hour later we were jogging through the park on one of the trails. People gave us a wide berth, Kai’s size intimidating them. I appreciated the solitude.
“What if I never see him again?” The words burst from me and Kai gave me a sideways glance. It was definitely a ‘you need to chill’ look.
“Not how it works.” The words formed in my head and I glared.
“Then how does it work? Cause I just stalked a gas station on the off chance I’d see him. And that’s borderline insane.”
“Have faith. He’ll be there when you need him. That’s what mates do.”
“Mates.” I growled the word, and another jogger gave me a sidelong glance before speeding past me. “And what do you mean when I need him? He’s just gonna magically appear?”
“You seem surprised by the idea. Yet you’re talking to a wolf. Oh, and you have visions. What’s so different about a soulmate knowing when you need him? Love is not limited to those with magic.” At his words I stop running, bending over to catch my breath. He waited, looking at me with those all-knowing eyes and I felt ridiculous. I knew the story, I’d told the story to Kai. When I was younger I’d dreamed of the one created for me. He would come and rescue me from the Youth Village, and later as the dreams changed he would be the one to hold me after my family died. I’d dreamed of him for so long, needing him, but he’d never come. And now, when I knew my sister was close, here he was.
“I don’t need him now. I needed him then.” I started walking before my legs cramped. “He’s late to the party. Sinclair is coming. Together we’ll find Quinn and defeat this prophecy.” I shook my head. “I don’t need a mate. I think we’ve proven I can take care of myself.”
Kai stepped in front of me, forcing me to stop. “There are more ways to protect someone than physical. You wished he’d been there when you were sad and alone. But those moments made you who you are today. Don’t doubt he has a place in your life. The same as I do. If he’s here now, it’s because you need him now.”
His words resonated though me causing a small sliver of fear to work its way in. I’d faced a lot on my own, and now my sister was coming for me and the one destined to protect me had shown up. It made me wonder what exactly was in store for my future.
Chapter Six
The sisters had no idea how powerful they were, or that the one who coveted their power the greatest was of their own blood. He’d lost the opportunity to control them as the trinity. Their mother’s decision had protected them from his evil plan, but it didn’t stop him from plotting other methods. If he couldn’t have the trinity, perhaps he could still steal the magic imbued in their blood.
He couldn’t do it alone though. Finding others that sought power wasn’t difficult. Many had assisted him along the way as he worked to create the trinity, and were equally eager to possess the blood magic inside of the three sisters.
She was pissed. There was no question about it. The toe tapping was my first clue. The glaring at anything and everything was my second. The boyfriend sprawled on the ground was too drunk to care, and I was pretty sure that was the only thing saving him from her wrath.
“Something wrong?” I asked her, the words an echo of our first meeting. She spun around, her eyes meeting mine immediately. She let out a breath even as I inhaled. I wondered if it would always be this way. Her stealing my breath in the same instance I stole hers.
“I owe you a quarter.”
A low laugh escaped me and her expression changed. It softened, the anger draining from her as I chuckled. It was gratifying to see her relax in my presence. Her trust was instinctive and dangerous. My mouth tightened at what could happen if she trusted the wrong person. She was observant, her eyes catching the slight change in my expression and causing her to frown. I relaxed my jaw. There was no need for her to be concerned. I would always be here to protect her.
“I’ll remember that the next time I’m short a quarter.” She gave a small smile
at my answer and I felt on top of the world. Her smile owned me, it stole my breath at the same moment it gave me a reason to breathe.
“Need a hand?” My eyes cut to the boyfriend lying there. He was awake, but completely incoherent. It looked like they had been walking toward the street when he’d decided he wasn’t going any further, and flopped his ass down on the concrete. Her sigh drew my attention and I watched her pinch the bridge of her nose, her eyes closed. Frustrated was stating it mildly.
She waved a hand at him.
“I can’t move him.” She looked at me, and the shame on her face at the admission brought back memories of being unable to move my own drunk parent.
“Dad,” I tugged on his arm, but he was dead weight and I landed on my butt. Portia was sitting on the ground watching us, her arms wrapped around her legs for warmth. We were outside a bar in some tiny town. Dad had left us in the car while he went inside to follow up on a lead.
Four hours later, he’d finally stumbled out, but managed to collapse on the ground a few feet from our car. We’d scrambled out of the car, both cold and hungry, and went to him. I slapped his face a few times, but only got a groan for my efforts. I tried to push him upright, but he was heavy and at eight I wasn’t strong enough. I could see Portia shiver, the temperature had steadily dropped as the hours went by. I was afraid if I left him there he’d freeze to death. There weren’t many other cars in the parking lot, and no one was around.
I gestured to Portia to help me and together we managed to get him upright, but his weight was too much for us and he landed back on the ground. I beat my hands against him in frustration. It’d been a year since Mom died and he’d dragged us from our home, driven us around in an old car, hunting for little girls the same age as Portia and me. It didn’t make any sense, and half the time he’d get drunk in a bar and forget about us.
“Milo.” Her little voice was scared and I stopped, ashamed of myself. Her eyes were huge as she stared at me and I didn’t know who I hated more in that second, Dad or myself.
Found (The Trinity Sisters Book 2) Page 4
