The Pact Between Angels and Witches

by Kiesha Thomas

  “We came because we hate Derrick Mayor and as long as he is alive we aren’t safe. Celeste said you were strong enough to protect us,” said Jada.

  Warren placed a hand on Jada’s neck, and waited for her to look up at him. “Please come back with me. He’s no better than Derrick. We don’t need him,” said Warren.

  They must be like Celeste. I’m glad that she brought them, but she should have brought all of them. I needed all them to join my cause.

  “Why should I help you, Jada? What are you willing to do for me?”

  Jada walked out of Warren’s embrace.

  “Jada, don’t trust him.”

  She walked toward me. She stopped when she was a foot away from me and nodded slightly at Kyra, who had her arms crossed over her chest. “I want to live like a person, with dignity. I am not meant to live in a cage and be experimented on like a lab rat. I am willing to fight by your side and protect you and your family.”

  I glanced at the third person standing behind Celeste. The slightly thin frame suggested that this was a female. The brown and cream cloak covered her from head to toe. Her green eyes were the only thing you could see.

  “What about you? Are you leaving with Warren or are you staying with Jada?”

  “Jada will be leaving with me,” said Warren.

  Kyra pursed her lips. “I think Jada should find herself another boyfriend.”

  Warren made a face. “Gross. Jada is my sister.”

  Celeste smiled. “You already know of Warren Canes and Jada Canes. This, is Paris Fulner.”

  Celeste pulled the cloak from Paris’s body and it fell to the floor. Paris looked like a runway model. She was extremely tall with alabaster skin, splattered with freckles, and hazel eyes.

  Dylan’s sharp intake of breath was the only sound heard. The glass of water in his hand slipped free and the glass shattered. He bent to pick up the pieces. His cheeks became red as he walked into the kitchen. The sound of him dumping the glass in trash made me smile. Paris would be a great partner for Dylan.

  Celeste turned to me. “I brought them here because Derrick has gone into hiding but there will be a power struggle between Derrick and Nathaniel. The guy who saved Derrick was sick.”

  I hoped that Celeste knew where the others like her were. I needed an army, not three people. She may not be able to recruit them, but I could.

  Leaning against the wall, I studied them. “Where are the others like you guys?”

  Celeste turned her lips down, as if she had tasted poison. “Some of the cowards that have been used by Derrick remained loyal to him. The others have scattered, trying to live in plain sight.”

  Kyra’s lips thinned. “My children won’t be safe until Derrick and Nathaniel are dead.”

  Celeste nodded. “I have a contact named Marty Dade, who is keeping me in the loop. Derrick is planning to steal the power from Nathaniel and rule the world.”

  I resisted the urge to look at my son, in his crib, as a possessiveness swept over me. “Find him. Find them. Now.”

  Celeste walked to the door, with her friends following on her heels. “Consider it done. I’ll be in touch.”

  Kyra waited until Celeste and her freaks had left. “Now if you could just kill that chick as quick, I would be satisfied.”

  Dylan’s eyes widened. “Kyra, Victoria can’t be killed.”

  She looked from Dylan to me. “Well, why not?”

  Dylan grimaced. “If Victoria dies then Trevor dies. They are bound together.”

  7

  Cade

  Alexa was in more trouble than I thought. The worst kind of trouble a woman can find herself in. The XJT Motorcycle Club was comprised of the misfits of society. The man dropped his pants to the floor and stuck his crotch in Alexa’s face. Her chest didn’t rise and fall, and I knew that she was holding her breath. The color had drained from her face, and tears ran down her face.

  I thought of Letoya, and how she must have felt when Derrick raped her. A guttural cry burst from my lips and I ran into the room, grabbed the man, and threw him against the wall. I saw Maximus untying Alexa and ushering her from the room.

  “You’re a long way from home boy,” said the man. He pried my hands from around his neck, and he punched me in the stomach.

  My breath was knocked out of me, as I fell to my knees, with him on top of me. He raked his long claws over my back ripping the soft cotton material into shreds. Rage filled me when I felt the blood run down my back.

  Grabbing his wrist, I flipped him over my shoulder and placed my foot over his windpipe. I applied all my weight on it as I watched his face loose it’s color.

  Maximus pulled me off him. “Let’s go.” The others were coming, and we would be surrounded.

  He rolled onto his side gripping his neck. I kicked him in the face before running after Maximus. The hall was deserted but there was a commotion outside the club. Running through the back door, Orion touched a place in the wall and a secret entrance opened.

  I looked at Orion. “Do I need to know how you know where the secret entrance of their headquarters is located?”

  Orion shrugged and pulled Alexa and Claire into the dark passageway first. The shouts and orders were getting closer. It wouldn’t be long before the entire motorcycle club would be in the room. After I stepped inside the passage closed behind me.

  Maximus pushed Claire and Alexa behind him as he led the way out. When we came to the other door leading out, a rat ran across Alexa’s foot and she screamed. Orion placed a hand over her mouth, but it was too late.

  “They’re in the secret tunnels. Let’s surround them.” The baritone voice bellowed, before the passage door opened, and I heard footsteps running toward us.

  We burst through the door and ran for the trees. Claire had Alexa’s hand and she was running fast. Once we reached the cover of the trees, we heard it. A shrill call rang out followed by the sound of an alpha werewolf howling at the pale moon.

  Maximus gritted his teeth. He snarled and started transforming. His hair rippled and blew in the wind as his clothes ripped from his body. His sharp fangs elongated, and he stood heaving and waiting for the threat. He tilted his head back and let out the loudest howl that had ever been heard.

  Pushing Claire and Alexa in the middle we formed a circle around the women. The earth shook as they rushed toward us but stopped a foot away from us.

  My eyes narrowed as I saw him, the one who was leading these men, Nicolo Bianchi. He was one of the students that disappeared from the academy. I was sure he was dead. He would soon be a faded memory for betraying us.

  The pieces were finally falling into place. I wondered how Trevor and his demons had roamed the academy like they knew the building. I assumed Kyra had given him instructions and had brought him in.

  My fist balled up at my side and I took several steps toward him. “Have you been working with Trevor this whole time?”

  He shrugged. “Liam doesn’t care about anybody but himself. You’re blinded by it because you’re used to him not caring about anyone.”

  Nicolo smiled. He looked behind him, and I saw two girls and one guy. One girl dropped her sword and changed into a purple lizard and charged forward. Claire shot a green orb and the lizard flew back into the tree trunk and slithered to the ground.

  I ran to Nicolo wrapping my hands around his neck thrusting him up against the tree trunk. His eyes turned gray and his hand pierced my flesh, as he gripped my heart, and started squeezing it. My strength quickly started leaving my body as he deprived me of blood and oxygen.

  Alexa shot a lightning bolt at Nicolo, but he ducked causing bark to fly everywhere. His men rushed toward us, but Claire waved her hands sweeping us all up, and transporting us back to the academy.

  Opening the doors of the academy, I held them as they rushed through with the girls. Claire rushed forward with her arms around Alexa. The hallway was empty. We reached the first-floor rooms that were empty. Opening each of the doors, the women were ushered in
to the rooms. A man was posted outside their doors.

  Walking into the room with Claire, Maximus and Alexa I shut door behind me. Alexa was trembling and crying in Claire’s arms.

  “You could’ve been hurt, or worse. Are you all right?” asked Claire. She hugged Alexa then stepped back, running her hands over her.

  Alexa stepped back. “I’m fine, but we’ve got to go back. They have Gayle.”

  Claire looked at Maximus then at me. “Are sure one of the guys didn’t grab her?”

  We didn’t mean to leave Gayle there. It’s not going to be easy to get her now that they are expecting us.

  Alexa rolled her eyes. “We can’t just leave her there.”

  I turned to the door. “We will get her back. Rest and stay here where it’s safe.”

  Closing the bedroom door behind me, I left Maximus with Claire and Alexa. Today had not gone very well at all. I don’t like surprises and I was surprised that there was a traitor among us. It’s a shame but you must watch the inside of your organization just as hard as you watch the outside.

  Orion stepped out into the hall. He was normally jovial, but he looked shredded. “We didn’t get there in time. Patty, one of the girls we retrieved, said that she was raped repeatedly. She needs medical attention.”

  Valcrum have mercy on your people.

  I crossed my arms over my chest. “Is Gayle Middleton among the women we rescued?”

  He shook his head. “Karen stated that Gayle and Erica were still prisoners. They said the men have been capturing women and raping them.”

  “We’ll need a better plan if Gayle and Erica are to be rescued.”

  After I checked on the students, I walked toward Liam’s office, I was livid. It was bad enough Trevor had help from spiritual beings in Xundar, but he had managed to tempt other angels.

  Once I shut the door, I leaned against it and sank to the floor.

  Trevor and his demons needed to die. They had caused all the lawlessness that now plagued the city. All hell was breaking loose. Picking myself up from the floor, I walked to Liam’s desk and sank down in the chair. We needed a new plan. Picking up the navy-blue stress ball on Liam’s desk I squeezed it in the palm of my hand.

  Trevor was still a thorn in my side. In addition, I think one of our traitors has found a way to change his DNA. He was something more than a vampire now.

  Taking my phone from my pocket, I called Cosima. We needed help, and from people we can trust, now more than ever. The line rang three times and then she picked up. “I’m not surprised to hear from you. She told me you would be calling us,” said Cosima. “Chaniya and I will be there soon.”

  Sitting back, I smiled. “Who told you that I would be calling?” “Letoya told me that it’s time. We’ll see you soon,” said Cosima. She hung up the phone.

  How did Cosima talk to Letoya? I glanced up as Orion and Maximus came inside the office. Both took seats in front of the desk.

  “We must find Derrick to see what he’s up to. I’m sure it has something to do with creating the super soldiers. He’ll want to take them over again.”

  Orion sat forward. “I could watch the XJT Motorcycle Club to see what they are doing and look for Gayle and Erica. I’ll find out what the gang is up to and report back.” He glanced at Maximus for approval, and when Maximus nodded, he left the room.

  Maximus narrowed his eyes at me. After, studying my face he leaned closer to me. “You look shaken. What have you learned?”

  I ran a frustrated hand through my hair. “Cosima and Chaniya will be here soon.”

  I’m not sure we’re doing the right thing by bringing the students back here since they don’t hold an allegiance to the school. I’ve never been so torn in my life.

  I looked at Maximus. “In two days, I will leave to look for Liam. At that time, I leave the school in your hands.”

  Maximus frowned. He shook his head. “Cade. You’re needed here. I know you love your father, but you can’t go off alone. You may not be able to protect yourself in your new condition.”

  I stood up and walked around the desk. “I don’t have a choice. We need him. Something bigger than we have ever faced is coming, and we are not prepared for it.”

  Maximus stood. “You’re not thinking clearly and you’re allowing emotions to cloud your judgement. I can’t allow you to leave alone, not in your new condition.”

  Maximus thinks he can stop me. I won’t argue with him. When the time comes, I will do what I need to do. I always put everyone above myself and I’m not going to stop now.

  I stormed out of Liam’s office like a petulant child, but I couldn’t help it. The walk to my room felt like the longest walk of my life. My eyes burned and my strength was zapped. Closing the bedroom door behind me, I sagged against it. My body was hot and sweat started to drip down my forehead. Closing my eyes, a vision of Zena’s cave popped into my mind. I staggered to the bed, undressed and tossed my clothes on the floor.

  My body was hot on the inside, but my skin was cold. Something was happening to my internal body temperature. Saliva pooled in my mouth and my stomach rocked. Closing my eyes, I felt the room spinning, and visions of Letoya filled my mind. Pain surged through me, as I plunged into darkness.

  Opening my eyes, I was lying on the wet grass. I stood and looked around. There was a river with jagged rocks nearby, so I went to the water. When I saw my reflection, I was paralyzed. I was a white tiger with eyes the cool color of blue. Backing up from the water, my hind legs hit the tree.

  The water parted and Letoya emerged looking like a sea nymph. She walked on it and jumped to the grass. In an instant she had changed into a Maltese tiger. I sat down.

  Cade, do you fear me?

  She smiled her large fangs catching the light of the moon, as she started to run.

  Letoya, are we dead?

  I ran after her. The landscape blurred in my eyesight as I ran faster and faster trying to catch up with her. When she stopped near a log cabin, I glanced at it and then at her.

  What is death? You could’ve asked me anything and I’m surprised that is the question you want to know most.

  “Letoya, is our father alive? Will you help me find him?”

  She was quiet for so long. I didn’t think that she was going to answer. I could feel the love that she had for him, for our family. There was hope for all of us. I had to believe that deep down we would be together.

  He still lives, but how long will be up to you. Valcrum and Zena are not happy with what is happening on earth, with Trevor and his legion of demons.

  She trotted to the log cabin and sat at the door.

  All will be revealed to you in time. When you were dying from the vamp virus, I saved you. Your life is on borrowed time. Only Zena has the power to grant and revoke life.

  Walking past her, I stopped and walked back, licking her with my tongue. I hopped up the steps and envisioned my hand around the doorknob. I transformed into my normal body and went inside. I tried to ignore that I was naked and kept walking. The floorboards creaked under my weight and I stopped at the table, where I saw her.

  This must be Zena. She looked different from the drawings in the cave. She was platinum colored with amber eyes. Something told me, deep down inside, that she was capable of shapeshifting into anything she wanted and that her appearance changed with her moods.

  She lifted her arm, and my body flew to her. “Sit.”

  My body fell into a chair next to her.

  “Do you think you are worthy to be a part of my tribe?”

  Her voice was quiet but the power behind it shook the roof. I looked up and saw a horizontal jagged crack in the ceiling.

  Ignoring it I looked back at her. “I’m not sure.”

  Her lips curved. “You are honest, almost to a fault. I can see why she has found it impossible to resist you.”

  Frowning I looked at her. “Who are you talking about?”

  The smile fell from her lips. “Valcrum and I have never allowed a vampir
e and an angel to mate and mix their bloodlines.”

  Arianna popped up in my mind. I couldn’t help it. I shook my head and tried to stay in the moment with Zena.

  “Yes. Arianna Deeds is your one true soul mate. It has been comical, watching the two of you fight the inevitable between you.”

  When she stopped talking, I waited. There was too much going on to address that. If I’m honest with myself, I wasn’t trying to address it ever. Love and feelings made you weak and vulnerable. I already had too much going on with me as it was.

  “I don’t know if I am worthy, but Liam Moretti is definitely worthy.”

  “I didn’t ask you about Liam. I asked about you. Are you willing to die for Valcrum’s mission?”

  “Yes.”

  She stood. Her eyes turned the color of lilac and her skin turned aqua blue as she floated to the ceiling, “I thought you would say that.”

  She tilted her head back and a yellow aura glowed bright as she shot yellow I-beams at me.

  Pain shot through my body, as my skin and bones crushed into dust. My soul glowed and it felt like I had drunk liquid acid, as heat flowed through me. The pain was so bad I screamed. My soul filled with all the memories of Valcrum’s people in times before I was born. Visions filled my head of past wars and past times of peace, when Valcrum and Zena ruled the world. Trevor and his men filled my head and I saw him cast down to earth.

  Multiple visions showed Trevor’s demons tricking the angels and impregnating them, to produce the DAOs. A loud roar filled the cabin and the walls were blown off. Valcrum landed beside Zena. He was so powerful; you couldn’t look at him directly. The expression of rage that contorted his features made my soul tremble.

  He reached out his hand, and my soul floated into it his palm. “You allowed Trevor and his demons to defile my people.”

  Valcrum have mercy on me.