by Martha Woods
* * *
“We’re close, but I think we should get a hotel room before we go confront her,” Farah said and pulled into the parking lot of a ritzy hotel.
“Whatever you want. I’m along for the ride,” Cayden said and climbed from the car when it stopped.
Farah exited the car and locked the door before hurrying into the lobby to get a room. She hadn’t thought ahead enough to call and make a reservation. Luckily, when she asked, they were told there was a vacancy. After paying for the room and receiving their room cards, they hurried back outside and parked the car at the other end of the hotel, closer to their room. Once inside, they each took a few minutes to freshen up before deciding on a game plan.
As Michael made suggestions, Farah checked her GPS on her phone. The witch was only a block away.
“I think we use this opportunity and approach her now. Taking her by surprise might spook her, but she won’t have time to concoct a story.”
“I agree. It’ll make her nervous, and she’s bound to give us information.”
“Or, it’ll frighten her, and she’ll run,” Farah said and closed the app on her phone.
“True, but I think it’s worth the risk.” Cayden sat on the edge of the bed and lifted his foot, pulling his pants up to check the gun he had holstered to his ankle.
“What are you doing? You realize a gun is not good against a witch, right?” Farah laughed.
“True enough, but I always wear it. Besides, I think these will work.” He pulled two knives from his body holster beneath his coat and showed them to Farah. The small daggers had strange carvings on them.
“If you say so. We should get going.” She grabbed the room key from the dresser and shoved it into her back pocket. She wouldn’t risk carrying anything with her in case a pursuit took place. She didn’t anticipate having to chase the other witch, but based on her past actions, Farah wasn’t taking the risk. She opened the door and motioned Cayden to exit. Once he was in the hall, she followed and closed the door.
She and Cayden made the short walk and stopped in front of a hospital. “This is odd. I wonder if she’s a patient or works here,” she said aloud, not expecting an answer. When Cayden shrugged his shoulders, she motioned for him to follow.
The spell cast on the GPS led them to the hospital, but it wouldn’t show where she was exactly, however, she followed the magic essence through the front doors and up three flights of stairs. When they stepped out of the stairwell, she was surprised to find they were on the maternity floor. However, she shrugged it off and continued following the magic trail. When it filtered out in front of the nursery, she raised her eyebrows. As she looked inside, she noticed one nurse on duty. Farah tapped the glass.
“Take a seat down there. If I need you, I’ll let you know.”
When the nurse looked up, her eyes widened. She knew what Farah is. She didn’t care, and she motioned for the nurse to come into the hallway. The woman placed the baby into a crib and met her outside.
“I know you recognize what I am, so I won’t bother to pretend. I’m here because you are responsible for a spell that was used on a shifter’s drink to make it appear she had cancer.” Farah paused to assess the woman’s reaction. When she received none, she continued. “Why?”
“The alpha of the pack approached me and asked if there was something I could do to kill his mate by making it look natural. He said he needed his eldest son to return and take over as alpha, and the only way to ensure he would was to make him think his mom was sick and dying. I’ll be honest, I was raised to hate shifters, so I didn’t hesitate in taking the opportunity to kill one.”
“How did you cast the spell? I can tell you aren’t terribly strong, and this would require someone much stronger than you.”
“I used a potion made by the other witches in my coven. It was fairly easy to obtain.”
Her words rang true to Farah. It would explain why she’d been able to cast it, but it also told her that her coven was more evil than she realized.
“Did it work? Did the shifter die?” she asked, worry was written on her face.
“It did work to begin with, but I killed the entire coven, so the magic ceased when those who created the potion died.”
The woman’s eyes widen and her lip trembled.
Interesting. She didn’t know her coven was dead. And Farah debated if the woman before her should join the others. However, she decided she’d give a warning.
“If you want to know how I did it, you can meet me at my hotel.” Farah recited the name of the hotel. “I’ll only be there until tomorrow.”
The woman nodded and hurried back into the nursery.
Farah motioned for Cayden. When he was beside her, she explained the conversation to him. “She’ll meet us because she knows an entire coven was killed by one witch. Her curiosity will win.”
“I hope you’re right.”
They took the stairs back down, and once they’re outside, Farah said, “I am right, but now, we need to decide what we’re going to do with her when she arrives? Do I warn her? Or should I end her, too?”
“I’m on board either way.” Cayden shoved his hands into his pocket and fell in step beside Farah.
“I think I’m going to cast another spell and if the witch runs instead of meeting us, we’ll be able to follow her.
“That works, but now we have nothing to do but wait. I was kind of hoping there’d be an altercation or something.”
“That’s all you men think about, isn’t it?” Farah laughed.
Once they were back at their hotel and in their room, she cast the same spell on her GPS as she had before. When it was through, she glanced at the screen and was relieved to see the witch was moving in their direction.
“I think she’s on her way to see us.” Farah turned to Cayden and showed him her phone. “We need to go to the lobby.”
They hurried from the room and made their way to the lobby. Once they settled in, Farah’s eyes locked onto the entrance. When she saw the witch, she stood.
The witch approached her and blurted out, “I left the coven right after I gave that woman the potion. I decided then I don’t want to practice in an evil manner. I love life and want to help people. My conscience got the better of me, but I didn’t know how to go back and undo what I did. But I can tell you I overheard the alpha on a phone call. I think he is working with more than one coven. If I were you, I’d be prepared for anything.”
Farah nodded. “Interesting.”
“How did you know I was part of a certain coven?”
“I was born to lead that coven.”
The witch’s eyes widened. “Can you forget I exist? I just want to live my life away from other witches and in peace.”
“I won’t say anything, but if I ever hear you’re using magic for evil, I’ll end you the same way I killed the others.”
The witch nodded before she turned on her heels and fled from the hotel.
Farah watched after her. She didn’t have to worry about that one, but she’d keep an eye on her…just in case.
* * *
Today, with the help of the witches, I learned the future alpha would mate a woman who would appear as a human. My own son is destined for this woman, and she will be one who possesses magic as a witch and the ability to shift—a hybrid of sorts. She will be feared throughout the supernatural community, and her power will be beyond anything comprehensible…something no one will have ever seen.
I plan to market her and use her to my advantage. However, for this to work, Liam must return to the pack and assume his role as alpha. If he doesn’t, then the mega supernatural won’t happen. Her abilities will come to be after she mates with the alpha. Yes, Liam may be the alpha in title, but I’ll still rule the pack. These wolves…these dogs…fear me, and it doesn’t matter who their alpha is. They’ll still follow my orders.
In order to ensure Liam’s return, I’ve sought the help of a witch. She is to cast a spell on my mate…one that will
eventually end her life but make it appear natural. A sick mother will be the only thing to lure Liam back with. The bond the two of them share is sickening, and if it weren’t for this prophecy, I’d have killed the pup already. He turned his back on his family, and each time he comes to visit, he flaunts his money. He even bought my bitch a diamond necklace I told her she couldn’t have. Well, he’ll pay, he just doesn’t know it yet.
In the meantime, I must continue to play this role of a somewhat caring father. It sickens me, but it’s for the greater good. Once I have my hands on his mate, I’ll be the ruler of all supernaturals. The world won’t know what hit them.
“Holy fuck!” He ran his fingers through his hair. If this was true, then his wife—his mate—was a supernatural and was in no danger of losing their child. However, if this prophecy was true, it said she’d be feared by all. He couldn’t see that. Sky was a gentle soul and would never harm another. He continued reading.
The other coven I’m working with has assured me they can come up with a spell that will capture her powers and allow me to use them. I don’t know how the voodoo shit works, but they’d better make it happen. The only risky part in this process is I could lose my ability to shift. To be honest, I don’t care about my wolf. The idea of being filled with something so powerful is worth the risk.
Liam slammed the book closed. His dad was a sick-minded man, but he didn’t know how deranged he was until he read those entries. Liam closed his eyes and ran his hands through his hair, thinking about what his father had written. Sky’s fast-progressing pregnancy was explained by this prophecy, and for that he was thankful. Yet, he knew he needed to seek out this other coven his dad was working with. If they formulated a spell that could capture Sky’s powers, whatever they may be, then she was in danger still.
Liam placed the journal back in the safe and returned the metal box to the ceiling. He had nowhere to keep it at the moment, and he didn’t want this information getting out until he had a chance to gather some answers. It was time for him to go home and talk to Sky again. It would help if they could trace her heritage. If there truly was no supernatural blood in her family, then it proved the prophecy wrong.
Outside the cabin, Liam shift, bones stretching and cracking. He pushed the wolf to his limits. He needed to talk to Sky.
When the wolf approached the front door, he shifted back to his human form and raced inside and up the stairs. Once inside the master bedroom, he threw on some lounge pants and a T-shirt and hurried back down to check on Sky. Outside her door, he tapped his knuckles against the wood softly.
“Come in,” Sky called from inside.
Liam swung the door open and smiled at the sight of his bride. “How’re you feeling?”
“I feel great. I think I’ve watched all the Golden Girls episodes I can for now.”
Liam sat down on the bed beside her. “Sky, are you sure your parents or grandparents weren’t supernatural beings?”
“I’m sure. Why are you asking?”
“Thankfully, your pregnancy is going well, and I hope it continues down this same path. But if you do carry to term and the baby lives, then it tells us you are a supernatural of sorts.”
“Really, Liam? I’ve never shown any signs of being a shifter, and I can’t do any type of magic. I’m positive. I’m not a supernatural.” She sat up and leaned her head on his shoulder.
“Okay. I had to ask again. I guess I need the assurance.”
“It’s understandable, but I promise, if I feel ill, you’ll be the first person to know.”
“Alright. I have a few things I need to finish up for work, but I’ll be back soon with food. Vegetable soup?”
“Yes, with lots of beef.”
Liam laughed. “Yes, ma’am.”
He kissed the top of her head and stood from the bed. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.” She blew him a kiss.
Liam left Skylar watching television, and he beelined to his office. He needed answers, and it was time to get them. Once inside his office, he closed the door and went to his computer. When he pulled up his contacts in his e-mail program, he scrolled through until he found the one he wanted. A private investigator he’d used in the past on some work-related business. However, this time it was personal.
He keyed the number into his cell phone and listened as the line rang.
“Good evening, Mr. Conway. How may I be of assistance?” Brett asked when he answered.
“Hi, Brett. I have a job for you, but this one is not for business. I need you to run a family history on my wife, Skylar Moore Conway. It needs to go back several hundred years, if possible. After that, I need you to find out more about her dad, Andrew Moore.”
“Yes, sir. Is there anything in particular I’m looking for?”
Liam shifted in his chair. He wished he could tell them man exactly what he needed, but unfortunately, he couldn’t. “I need everything you can find. Names, dates, name changes. Everything. This is the most important job I’ll ever have you do. I’ll double your normal fee, and if you need more, let me know. I’ll transfer the money once we’re off the phone.”
“I understand, sir. I won’t leave any stone unturned. And there’s no reason to double my fee.”
“Brett, don’t argue with me on this one. I think it’s worth it. Also, I know I don’t need to remind you to be as discreet as possible. I don’t want my wife to think I don’t trust her, but there’s something in her past that could come back to haunt her.”
“No reminder necessary.”
Liam spent the next couple of minutes giving Brett as much information as he could. When he finished, he ended the call and set his phone on the desk. He stood and strode to the floor-to-ceiling window and looked out upon the snow-covered lawn and forest. Fat flakes still fell from the sky, and it didn’t look like it would let up anytime soon. Luckily, when they had this house built, he’d paid extra to have large generators wired into the house. Should they lose power, they’d be able to run the generators.
As Liam stared into the evening sky, his mind kept drifting to Skylar and her bloodline. At first, he didn’t think anything of this. When she told him her parents were human, he accepted it. However, based on how well her pregnancy was going and what he found in his dad’s journal, his gut told him there was more to this. Unfortunately, until he had answers, he could not do anything but wait.
Liam released a breath he was unaware he held and turned from the window. In the meantime, he could make dinner and feed his wife and mom. At least the small task might take his mind of the greater picture for a few minutes.
Chapter 5
"I think we're getting close..." Hayley walked along the path, the air starting to feel more and more heavy. Michael trudged along behind her, unable to look at her for more than a few seconds without blushing. He found his gaze lowering, but shook his head.
"So... We're really not going to talk about it?"
"Not right now, no." Hayley sighed when he looked a little upset, "I'm sorry, that sounded shitty."
She stopped and turned around, letting him come to her, "It was fun, and I don't regret it. Do you?"
He snorted, "God no."
"Well, good." She smiled, "Look, things are just gonna be... a little weird for a bit. Know what I mean?"
"I guess." He shrugged, "I get it, I mean, I was raised to hate witches. Even though you're definitely a friend it still feels weird to... I mean it was awesome but..."
She chuckled, "It was, and it's a little strange right now, but we'll get past it. Right?"
He nodded without hesitation, "Yeah, no doubt about it."
She pulled him in for a quick hug, "You're a good guy Michael." They both shifted in each other’s arms, "Ok, yep. Touching still feels a bit strange."
"A good kind of strange or a bad kind of strange? I honestly can't tell."
She pulled back, "That is a question for later. Much later."
They walked forward, Hayley suddenly stopped and h
eld her hand up. "Wait. I think this is it."
She walked forward slowly, eyes closed and her hand held out in front of her. She felt the energy of the forest shifting and almost crackling around her, this was definitely the place.
Her hand touched the barrier and her eyes shot open, the power making the hairs on her arm stand on end. "We're here."
Michael jogged up next to her, looking with wide eyes at where her hand met the barrier, "Holy crap, that's incredible..."
The air was buzzing and the smell of ozone was heavy. The barrier flickered in and out, the area that was being touched distorting and rippling rapidly. "Can you get through?"
Her eyes were squeezed shut in concentration, "I'm trying, but this is tough...This isn't the work of an amateur."
She grit her teeth and pushed, but nothing happened. She sighed, turning around to Michael, "No use. Soon as I touched the barrier she likely knew we were here anyway." She walked over to a log, sitting down roughly, "May as well have a seat Michael, we're going to be here for a while."
He sat down next to her, idly tapping his hands on his thighs. Neither spoke, both tired from the long hike.
She took the chance to look around the forest, apart from the barrier, which she could only feel as part of her own magic, it looked perfectly natural. The trees swayed in the wind, birds flew in the sky, nature was undisturbed. She looked above, and she saw it. A crow, one that was still, one that definitely felt unnatural.
Ahh, so that's how you want to do this.
She stood, walking between Michael and the crow, stretching her arms ahead. She turned, seeing Michael staring at the exposed skin of her stomach. She rolled her eyes, clearing her throat. He looked back up at her, embarrassed at being caught.
"Play along." She mouthed at him, and though he didn't understand why, he didn't question it.
"We need to talk to her, I'm worried about Skylar."
He nodded, "Me too. I mean, pregnancies are supposed to take months, not weeks. What could that even mean?"
