Staying in the shadows, I watched the small group of guys leaving the convenience store. They carried several small bags, chatting among themselves. When they had disappeared down the street, I stepped out the shadows and listened outside the door.
This is where they said the Xenar Coven was located. Xenar was a rogue coven that had refused to help the academy. Are they helping Nora? If the Xenar Coven can get me close enough to kill Nora then that’s all that mattered.
Opening the door, I headed toward the back of the nightclub. The techno music was loud and the base made the huge speakers on beat. Dark sultry lighting cast a romantic glow over the dance floor. There were large glass windows on each side of the dance floor. Custom tan shades blocked out most of the light and made the club very private.
There were two bars with one of them located in the middle of the floor in a half circle around the dance floor. On the right-hand side of the bar was a dark nook where a DJ stood mixing records on the turn tables. The smell of smoke and cigars made it hard to breath despite the air conditioning system. This place was packed, yet it didn’t make me fill claustrophobic.
I sat down in the last booth on the left, which had a good view of the front door and was close to the back hallway toward the restrooms. This place could be dangerous. It was hard to see if your enemies were here or not. If I didn’t have Nora to kill and dad’s body to bury, this might be a place to have a bit of fun. Too bad I don’t have time for fun.
A sliver of light filtered into the club as the front door swung open. Two girls walked in and people parted swiftly moving out of their way. One of the girls had a purple mohawk, and a silver chain running from her lip piercing to her nose piercing. Her eye shadow and lipstick were blue black against her fair alabaster skin. She appeared almost demonic, hard, and the opposite from the tall blonde girl at her side. The tall girl’s makeup was soft and floral, and her clothes were skimpy. The hot pink leather mini skirt was so short it didn’t cover much of her flesh and the white racerback top dipped low putting her cleavage on display.
These two females weren’t new to this club, and probably were regulars. They could get me into the Xenar Coven. If not, hanging with them would be fun. A waitress with red hair and smeared eyeliner down her cheeks headed toward me. She resembled a cornered raccoon.
“What can I get for you?” she asked. She chewed on a blue pen and her hand palmed a small notepad.
“A cola and a dozen lemon pepper wings.” My mouth watered at the thought of the wings. The knot in my belly was just one more sign that my body needed nourishment.
“I’ll put the order in now.” She grabbed the menu and strolled toward the kitchen.
The mohawk girl waltzed up and slid inside my booth facing me. “You should by me a drink.”
“Buy yourself a drink.” My eyes narrowed at her. These girls were used to getting what they wanted probably by bullying the weaker. What made her think I was weak?
She squirmed in the booth until she was fully seated. She had a grey lighter in her hand and a cigarette in her mouth. “You’re new here. You can’t blame a girl for trying.”
I leaned back. “What’s your name?”
“Megan Bowling. My friend at the bar is Darlene Watson.” She pointed to the tall blonde who was sipping on a tropical drink. A few minutes later, she had a beer in her hand and was heading this way.
“Chaniya.” I looked passed them to the waitress that brought my cola to the table. Smiling at her when she rushed off, I took several gulps of my cold drink.
“This place seems ok but why is it so packed tonight?”
“Most people here are hoping they will get recruited by the Xenar Coven, and others just want to belong to something,” said Megan.
“Why are you here?” I studied her face. Megan was the strong willed one and a leader. Darlene was kind of mousy and seemed to be a follower.
It would be easy to divide and conqueror these two if I needed to. The waitress brought my lemon pepper wings and I nodded toward the plate offering them some food. Megan shook her head but giggled when Darlene quickly grabbed a wing.
“We belong to Xenar Coven. What about you? You strike me as one of those do gooders at the academy”
I snorted. “Nope I’m a loner. It was just me and my boyfriend but that suddenly ended.”
Megan took a sip of her drink. “Relationships don’t last long these days.”
Darlene snagged another wing. “Guys emotions are so fleeting. It’s funny that they say we are fickle.”
Megan smirked. “Take the wings to go and come back with us. You would like Xenar Coven. We welcome anyone that isn’t with the academy.”
8
Cossima
I watched my sister walk out of my life. This day sucked. It wouldn’t do my mental health any good to still be standing here when Luc comes back. I’m in denial that dad is dead but I know Chaniya wouldn’t lie, not about that. I’m an idiot for thinking this would be a good time to become closer, because our fragile bond had just been blown to bits. I lost my father and my sister.
The hallways were packed and I walked through it aimlessly. When I stood in front of my door, a tap on my shoulder blade made me jerk back. Zarin stood there with an odd expression on his face.
He held a bottle water in his hand, and he pushed it toward me. “Drink this.”
Twisting the cap off, I gulped half of the water before pulling it away from my mouth. Opening my door, I strolled inside.
“Thanks.” I held up the water bottle and sat on the bed.
He leaned against the door. “Liam has called a meeting. I told them I would come get you, since they had called your phone, and didn’t get an answer.”
I ran my hands through my hair. “I don’t think I can sit through another meeting now.”
Chaniya was right. If we had gone back when she asked, we could’ve protected dad from Nora, but instead we left him at home drunk and defenseless.
My throat felt raw. “I’m leaving.” I turned away from him. “I need to say my goodbyes to my father and bury him.” I’m not sure how things got so messed up but nothing had gone right. Closing my eyes, I forced my breath out in a slow steady breath.
I will come back if Nora was still a problem because now, I dream of her blood. I’m needed here. Valcrum told me too and I am obedient and faithful.
Zarin crossed over to me. “I’m sorry about your sister but we must go to Liam’s office. We can talk after that.”
Chaniya found out that Nora killed our father. I must bury him. “His body won’t keep.”
He frowned. “They are waiting on us.”
Throwing up my hands, I followed him out my room and down the hallway. Zarin opened Liam’s office door and held it open for me, and I walked inside. Cade stood next to Atianna, and Maximus was standing next to Claire. Everyone’s face looked like I felt. The atmosphere was somber and heavy. Luc stood against the wall half of his face covered in the shadows. I couldn’t meet his gaze. A light scent of pinecone couldn’t ease the ache in my heart.
I dropped down in an empty chair. My heart ached and I clasped my hands in my lap. Zarin brought a chair next to mine and slung one arm on the back of my chair. The warmth of his arm low on my back caused butterflies to soar in my belly, and the hair on my nape to stand. His salty ocean scent was intoxicating.
Liam cleared his throat. He walked around his desk, then stared at me. “I’m glad that we are all here, I can share what we have learned.”
“Our last mission to stop Nora from obtaining the DNA sample of the mutagens was not successful. We know that she was working with the Xenar Coven but backstabbed them to forge an alliance with the demons,” said Liam.
Claire shrieked. “Olga Lopez is the high priest of the Xenar Coven. And she doesn’t take betrayal lightly.”
Maximus laughed. “Olga is an old bitter witch who feels the world hasn’t given her her due. I’m not comfortable in trusting anything that she says.”
&nbs
p; I leaned forward. This doesn’t sound so bad. The Xenar Coven should help us take care of Nora.
Cade paced in front of Liam’s desk. “Olga hates Liam, so she will never help us.”
I chanced a quick look at Liam who appeared almost bored.
“Olga has refused to help us defeat Nora and the demons, but she did mention that John Barel, a warlock, is powerful enough to assist us,” said Liam.
John Barel is here on Earth. The warlock was a legend in the Realm of Ashburn. If we could get him on our side, then we have a good chance to destroy Nora once and for all.
Zarin stood. “Where can we find John?”
He turned and glanced back at Luc.
Cade glanced at Liam. “John has an ailing mother, named Margaret that lives in the northern mountains here. He always visits her on Fridays,” said Cade.
Luc walked up toward Cade and stopped a foot away from him. “Is there another reason why we need to find John?”
Liam nodded. “He is familiar with the Arko’s legacy, and he can help them,” said Liam.
Luc swore under his breath. “We need to delay this meeting a few days until we find Chaniya.” He looked at Zane, then at me before turning his attention to Liam.
My heart sank. Chaniya was out there all alone and emotionally broken. It was not safe to be alone in a new place where you don’t know your enemies from your friends. She was hurting and not thinking clearly. I don’t blame her. I can’t imagine the emotional wound that now exists for her since she has been raped for a second time.
This time the burden is on my shoulders. I should’ve checked on her and made sure she was truly sick. I allowed a guy to dictate my actions and now Cosima’s life will never be the same.
“We can’t delay this a moment longer. If Nora gets her hands on the DNA, she could become more powerful than we could imagine. She must be stopped,” said Liam.
“Tonight, you will meet with John and convince him to assist us with destroying Nora and the demons. You leave in twenty minutes,” said Liam.
We reached the northern mountains. It was one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen. I’m not nervous this time. I have nothing to lose, except my life, and I’m too numb to worry about that. This isn’t the place to have an epic battle so I’m hoping that we find this John Barel and get out of here.
John’s mother must be crazy to live up here alone. The home was perched on top of the mountain surrounded by nothing but huge mountain views. It seems like a strong wind would blow you out of the house and down the mountain to your death.
Maximus put up his fingers and two of his men took up positions near the house. The other two men took a position on either side of the mountain to protect us against a sneak attack.
Zarin placed his hand on the small of my back as he leaned close to my ear. “Don’t worry. I won’t let you fall off the mountain.”
I snorted. “Let’s get this over with.”
Tall places are not my favorite place to be. It’s something about the altitude and height that makes my stomach drop to my big toe and my bowels loosen.
Zarin handed me a cold bottle of water. “Drink this. It will help you.”
“Thanks.” I’m not sure arguing with Zarin is smart. He is very stubborn, but I know he’s trying to help me.
Claire knocked on the front door. After a few minutes, the front door opened. An older woman wearing a long teal shirt with tassels steps aside. “What can I do for you?”
She has the door ajar. A whiff of homemade cherry pie drifts out and it smells divine. The aroma was worth the hard trek up here.
“Are you Margaret Barel?” asked Maximus. He moved Claire behind his broad back.
Claire pounded on Maximus’s back but the older lady probably didn’t notice Claire pounding on his back.
“Yes.”
“We’ve come a long way to meet with your son, John, can we come inside?” asked Maximus.
She stepped aside allowing us inside. Maximus signaled for the four men to stay outside and protect us, and he stepped inside. I released a breath I was unaware I was holding. Zarin waited until I was inside before stepping inside and closing the door.
Margaret motioned for us to sit at a long oakwood table. We all sat down except Zarin. He stayed close to the front door near a window. Maximus took the seat near the door. Claire rushed into the kitchen to assist her with the cherry pie.
“Margaret when do you expect John to arrive?” asked Cade.
She came out of the kitchen with a homemade cherry pie, followed by Claire who had several plates. “He should be here any moment now. I’ve made two of my homemade cherry pies, which is his favorite.”
My mouth waters as Margaret hands me a plate with a generous slice of cherry pie. She sets a plate aside for Zarin.
The information we have on Margaret, says she ninety-five years old and she has been fighting lung cancer. She moved faster than some of the students at the academy. Her skin was wrinkled but appeared smoothed as she sat down in the empty chair next to Cade.
Cade placed his hand on hers. “How are you feeling today? Is there anything we can help you with while we wait for him?”
She smiled. “No,hnj thank you.”
A knock at the door made me drop my fork. I stand up but Zarin puts up his hand. He positioned himself behind the door.
Margaret opened the door. “John. I’m so happy to see you.”
She stepped aside to allow him inside.
“Mom. Are you well?” He shut the door.
Zarin moved swiftly to grab John from behind, but John didn’t even turn he just held up his hand and Zarin was paralyzed in place.
John’s hazel eyes narrowed. “Who are you? What are you doing in my mother’s house?”
“We were waiting for you. We mean you no harm we need to speak with you,” said Cade. He held up his hands and waited near the table. Maximus was standing in front of Claire like a huge protective shield.
John lowered his hand and the hold that he had on Zarin dissipated.
Zarin flexed his muscles. “Dang warlocks.” He came and sat next to me.
John wrapped his arm around his mother’s waist and escorted her to the oak table.
When he pulled out her chair, he glanced at Claire. “Claire what are you doing here?” asked John.
“We need your help. Nora has forged an alliance with the demons, and she is trying to get her hands on a sample of mutagen DNA.”
John jerked up from scooting his mother in her chair. “That is insane. I know that she hungers for more power, but that is insane.” He glanced at Maximus and smiled. When Maximus growled low he turned away and sat in a chair near his mother.
“You sure know how to pick them Claire,” said John.
Maximus’s eyes narrow at John. His fists are balled at his side and he takes a step forward but stops when Cade shakes his head.
“Son, you should help them. They need your help.” Margaret pushed a saucer to him with a piece of cherry pie.
“Will you stand with us and fight?” said Cade.
John looked at Claire. “I can’t get involved in this war between you angels and the demons. Claire, I have always given you everything you’ve asked of me, but I can’t.”
Claire’s cheeks turned pink but she stopped Maximus when he tried to pass her to get to John.
John shook his head. “I have to think of my mother. If I die, then she is on her own.”
Boom. Boom. There are loud shouts coming from outside. John jumped up and moved his mother from her chair. The nearby window burst and Maximus jumped out. His roar echoing over the gun fire. Zarin lept over the table and jumped out the window after Maximus.
“Mom. No, Valcrum,e please no.” John patted Margaret’s cheek blood pouring from the bullet hole in her forehead.
A cry of anguish tore from John’s throat. His hazel eyes turned green and he waved his hands at the side of the house, and the structure crumbled. John walked outside.
Waving my hands, I moved nearby trees hitting the mages. My anger coursed through my veins as I launched another root to wrap around a nearby mage. Closing my fingers until the mages’ eyes bulged and his body went limp.
These witches and mages are not from our coven Nora is not here. The mages and witches had a dragon tattoo on the inside of their wrist. Scared fingers rake through my hair tugging my head back and I’m forced to my knees. Reaching inside my boot, I grab my knife and shove it in the mage’s gut.
The rest of the mages’ form a semi-circle around us as our backs face the edge of the mountain. A blonde haired older woman flies down from the tree. She has a long scar from her eyebrow down to her cheek on the right-hand side.
“Dang. Must Olga show up,” grumbled Claire. She flung her hair over her shoulder and after chanting quickly she launched a wave of fire at the mages around us setting them on fire.
Olga laughed. “You had such potential. It’s a pity you did not join Xenar Coven when you had a choice.”
Claire’s hair whips in the breeze. “You are a disgrace.” She launches a fireball at Olga. The fireball just fell off Olga.
“Your rule ends now, and you die,” said Olga. She lifted her hand…
Grasping my bow and arrow, I sent the arrow flying at Olga. She grabbed it and broke it in half on her knee before tossing it to the ground. She doesn’t look scared that she’s standing alone while her mages and witches are laying dead on the ground.
John was fighting the masses of mages and witches that descended from the trees behind Olga. He glanced at us then back at the mages that continue to come.
Chaniya flanked by two other witches jump down from the trees. Her eyes widen when she saw me.
Olga waves her hands and a strong gush of wind sends us over the side of the mountain. I screamed as we go over the mountain. Zarin yanked me in his arm turning so he is facing the ground. My teeth sank into his shoulder as I close my eyes. My mind reached out to Valcrum, if for the last time.
Unwanted Witch Page 5
