by Bianca D'Arc
The blades were made of energy, but they cut just like the highest-grade steel. They also burned through magic and could repulse magical attack if Ray chose to use them that way. Just drawing them made him feel better. He saw the way the smoke mage’s eyes widened as she gulped. The red mage just looked grimmer as Ray stepped forward. He would meet the enemy on open ground, away from the cabin to minimize any potential damage to the structure. Ray and Evie would need someplace to sleep that night, after all.
Ray didn’t plan to lose.
CHAPTER TEN
Evie hid behind a little pile of rocks. The yellow mage was dead, and his blood was on her fur. The taste of it was human, tinged with evil. Evie spat repeatedly, trying to get it all out of her mouth. Her human side was repelled by it, but her wolf side rejoiced in the clean kill.
After tasting his evil, she felt even more justified in her actions. This man had deserved to die. The blood of too many innocents was on his hands. The echo of it lingered in his own foul blood. Shifters of different types. Many werewolves had fallen to this man, as well as a few others that were harder for her to place.
Evie was laying low, evaluating the situation. She wanted to help Ray, and her wolf was eager to rejoin the battle, but she had to be smart about this. The other two mages had to know something—or someone—else had taken out their friend. She’d exposed the fact that Ray wasn’t alone out here.
She had feared, at first, that the remaining mages would concentrate part of their attack on her, but she should have realized that Ray wouldn’t allow any such thing. He’d distracted them, doing something that grabbed all their attention.
She glanced over at him and paused. Through the smoke of the battlefield that separated them, she saw an unearthly glow surrounding her lover. A golden sheen that overlay his physical body with…armor. Glowing, golden, magical armor.
If she’d ever doubted his word that he was a chosen Knight of the Mother Goddess—which she hadn’t—all doubts would have been removed at the vision before her. No wonder the two mages were completely enthralled. It wasn’t every day a Knight of the Light revealed himself in all his glory.
That he did so, now, meant these two evil beings weren’t long for this world. The predator in Evie’s soul rejoiced in the battle that was about to escalate. The bad guys had kicked a hornet’s nest, and they were only just beginning to realize it.
Evie knew neither one of the remaining enemies could be allowed to escape. She didn’t think the man would back down from his fight with Ray, but the woman… Evie knew what she had to do. Skirting wide around the field of battle, she prowled behind the two enemy mages, cutting off their escape. If one of them tried to cut and run—and Evie’s money was on the woman to try it—then they’d have to face Evie and the very angry she-wolf she had become. How dare these people try to harm her mate? For that alone, her wolf wanted them dead.
Bloodthirsty little thing.
Evie realized in that moment that, while she might’ve been the most submissive wolf in her old Pack before she left, things had definitely changed. Those intervening years of living hard with only herself to rely on to protect her cub had molded her into something more. She was now a silent, relentless hunter that was fierce in defense of her family.
Evie was stronger than ever, and her level of dominance when it came to the battlefield was completely new. No longer was she the most timid hunter in the Pack. No, she had come into her own, and it was about damned time. These people had done exactly the wrong thing if they expected a pushover submissive wolf.
Threaten her mate, and she became a tiger on the inside, not just a wolf. Metaphorically speaking, of course. She’d never met a tiger shifter herself, but she’d heard they were pretty fierce. Even if they were cats.
The wolf sniffed at her own thoughts and positioned herself behind the female mage. She kept Ray in sight, as well, amazed when he drew twin curved blades of what looked like pure magical energy over his shoulders, from behind his back. As he began to move with them, she realized he really knew how to use those weapons. They weren’t just for show.
He began a dance of death that mesmerized her as the blades twirled and looped, creating an impenetrable defense that repulsed every mage bolt and fireball the two attackers tried to throw at him. All the while, Ray advanced, getting closer to the enemy. Bringing the fight to them. Giving no quarter. Keeping them so busy, there was no alternative but to stand and fight.
For Ray wasn’t just defending with those magical swords of his now. He was also going on the offense. The blades swooped and dove around him, reflecting the blasts the enemy tried to land, but also issuing forth bolts of that pure, golden, sparkling energy that had become so familiar to Evie every time they made love.
Those gentle sparkles had an edge now as he used his inner magic to strike at his attackers, cutting through the smoke mage’s shield first then hitting her with a blast of energy that knocked her to the ground several yards closer to Evie’s hiding place.
Evie kept an eye on the downed woman. If she was unconscious, great. But if she was faking, or tried to rise to help her compatriot while Ray was vulnerable, the woman would find sharp wolf teeth at her throat. Evie had her covered.
The smoke mage wasn’t moving. Evie watched the woman closely, noting only shallow breaths being taken by what had to be an unconscious body. Whatever Ray had hit her with, it had knocked the breath out of her. Good.
Evie split her attention between watching the unconscious woman and stealing glances at the ongoing battle between Ray and the red mage. The man was totally outclassed, though he was putting up a good fight. Still, Ray made short work of his shields, slicing through them with his energy blades then swooping around so that his blades made a deadly X. The move was fluid, and the follow-through completed the mage’s doom as the X scissored closed, separating the evil man’s head from his body.
The red mage fell, and Ray stilled, the golden glow around him swirling to stillness as he looked down at the dead creature at his feet. Ray shook his head, an expression of regret crossing his features, and then, he gazed upward, releasing a prayer for the soul of his enemy to the Goddess he served.
As Evie watched, the red magic seeped away, into the earth, dissipating and being reabsorbed. Neither the man, nor the magic he’d gathered in life, would ever hurt anyone again. It was returned to the earth from which it had come, released for all time, purified by the soil and rock through which it flowed.
Ray didn’t like killing, but when there was no other choice, he would do what was required of him. Two mages had died for their evil, but another still breathed. The woman had only been knocked out, and she had to be dealt with. The quicker, the better.
Ray walked over to the fallen woman and knelt on one knee to check her over. Evie came to him then, and he spared a moment to be certain his mate fared well.
“Are you all right?” he asked the wolf who rubbed against his side. She was bigger than an ordinary wolf, magical and deadly. And he was so darn proud of her. “You were amazing, my love,” he told her, touching her head and stroking the soft fur just behind her ears for a quick moment.
He would have kept on doing just that if the woman on the ground hadn’t stirred. She didn’t wake fully, but it was clear she was slowly coming out of the stun he’d given her.
“What are we going to do with her?” Ray asked the wolf at his side.
Evie gave a soft yip and went tearing across the snow toward the front door of the cabin. It was ajar, just enough for her to get in. Evie, in human form, reappeared a few moments later, hastily dressed in jeans and T-shirt, with ankle-high slippers on her feet and a cell phone in her hand.
“Deena might know what to do. They had to deal with some enemy prisoners a while back. Maybe they can give us a little advice. And if that’s a bust, I can always call Fred. He might have an idea or two.” She was pushing buttons as she spoke, and Ray heard the call ringing as she hit the icon to put the call on speaker.
/> “Mom? What’s up?” a male voice answered. Josh. Their son.
“Sweetheart, is Deena nearby? We have a prisoner we need to do something with. She’s a mage. Human. Bad.” Evie paused for a moment. “What did you do with the bad guys you captured?”
“Duncan helped us,” Josh said immediately. “In fact, he took care of the whole thing, and he’s standing right here. I’m pretty sure he heard what you just asked. Do you want to talk to him?”
“Uh…” Evie gazed up at Ray, and he nodded. Duncan had been his friend and brother Knight of old. If anyone in the mortal realm knew what to do with prisoners like this, it was probably Duncan. “Okay. Put him on.”
The sound of the phone being passed took only a moment, and then, a new voice came out of the speaker. It was a voice Ray remembered from long ago.
“How can I help?” Duncan asked, his voice just as musical and deep as Ray remembered.
“Dunc, it’s Ray,” he spoke for the first time, feeling unaccountably emotional, talking to someone he’d thought he’d never see again. Someone he had fought shoulder to shoulder with against evil the last time it had threatened the mortal realm.
“Ray? Sweet Mother of All! I’d heard you were back. And already battling the enemy. What can I do for you?” As ever, Duncan was always there for a friend in need. It was one of the things Ray liked most about his oldest friend.
“We killed two, caught one. She’s unconscious, but not badly injured. I suspect Venifucus. They seemed to indicate they’d been trapping shifters out here, probably siphoning off their magic.”
“The one I bit tasted of werewolves and blood magic,” Evie spoke up. “He killed many shifters of different kinds, but I couldn’t differentiate the others, just many, many wolves.” Her tone was grim, her words solemn.
“Blood path, then?” Duncan’s answer was just as grim.
“Evie’s senses confirm that for one. I suspect it of the leader, whom I ended—probably a little too cleanly, now that I hear this news.” Ray frowned, angry all over again at the evil bastards that had darkened their door. “I’m not sure about the woman. Her power manifests as a sort of oily dark smoke.”
“We’ve seen that before. Recently. One of those that came against Josh and Deena had a similar manifestation.” Duncan paused for a moment. “I’d better come out there. With all the magic that was no doubt flying during your battle, a little more from me porting in probably won’t raise any eyebrows.”
Ray shrugged, even though Duncan couldn’t see him. “You’re probably right, brother.”
“All right, I’m coming now. I’ll use you as my focus. I’m handing the phone back to Josh now. See you in a flash.”
Even before Josh could resume speaking, blinding golden light flashed right in front of them. When it cleared, Duncan stood there, grinning like a fool.
“Ray, my brother, I wasn’t sure I’d ever see you again in the mortal realm.” Duncan seemed a bit choked up, but then again, Ray felt the same way. He stepped forward, sheathing his blades and allowing the armor to dissipate while he got a handle on his emotions.
“I honestly didn’t think I would ever be free of that prison, short of death.” Ray moved one step closer, and Duncan met him halfway. They hugged as brothers, too long separated, clapping each other on the back as emotion clogged their throats.
After a long moment, they stepped apart. Ray was aware of Evie talking quietly into her phone, which she must have taken off speaker, no doubt filling their son in on what had happened here only minutes ago. He noted that she was also keeping an eye on their prisoner, but the woman on the ground hadn’t stirred again to his knowledge.
“I’m glad you’re back,” Duncan said, his voice still sounding a little rough.
“I’m glad to be back,” Ray agreed. “But I know I’ve got a bit of catching up to do. First on my agenda, once I’m able to port again, is to apologize to my son and his mate.”
“Don’t worry on that score, brother. Josh and Deena know what happened and understand. They don’t blame you for protecting your mate. In fact, I think Josh is very glad that your first instinct was to protect his mother. I know he’s worried about her being all on her own, now that he’s mated.”
Ray shook his head. “You know my son better than I do.”
Duncan put one hand on Ray’s shoulder, offering comfort. “You have time now to remedy that. The Lady has set you the task of teaching your son how to be a Knight. I have started his training, but Josh’s magic is something I haven’t really seen before. I think you’re the only one with the skills and experience to help him harness the wild nature of his power. He needs you, and he’s eager to learn.”
Duncan’s words were music to Ray’s ears. He’d been so afraid his son would reject him out of hand after everything that had happened to their sad little family. But now, it looked like they might have another chance. That Ray might have a chance to get to know his son as an adult—as a comrade in arms. It was truly a blessing from above.
The woman on the ground moaned, and Ray knew his time for reunion with his fellow Knight was nearing an end. It would be easier to transport the prisoner if she wasn’t kicking and screaming at the time.
“Duncan, this is my mate, Evie,” Ray introduced them. “Evie, this is Duncan.” Evie had ended the call and put the phone into her pocket. She reached out now to grasp Duncan’s hand, offering a polite greeting.
“Thank you for helping Josh and Deena,” she said, and her tone told Ray she was already predisposed to like the man considering how helpful he’d been to her son. Good. He was glad his oldest friend and his beloved mate would get along.
“It was my honor,” Duncan told her, grinning at her. Ray recognized the devilish expression in his friend’s eyes. “I have long wanted to meet the woman who could so ensnare my friend’s heart,” he told her. “I only regret I was not in the mortal realm when you two met, or when Josh was born, or was growing up. I would have helped you, if I’d been here.”
“Were you trapped too?” Evie asked, clearly curious.
“In a manner of speaking. I was being held, but not by the same forces that entrapped Ray. Still, it took a fair bit of magic to break me loose. I only returned recently, in fact. When the Lords mated. It was their priestess mate that broke me out of my prison.” His gaze went to the woman on the ground. “But that is a tale for another day.”
“Where will you take her?” Evie asked in a low voice as all three of them observed the prisoner.
“A safe place where she can be questioned. She might have information that could help us in our fight against evil. But her fate depends on her heart and her willingness to embrace the Light,” Duncan told them. He looked up at Ray and nodded. “I’d better get going before the residual magic of your battle dissipates too much to hide my port.” He bent to pick up the unconscious woman as if she weighed nothing at all. When he stood upright again, the woman in his arms, he met Ray’s gaze. “I expect to see you soon at your son’s new home. We have much to talk about, the three of us.”
“As soon as may be,” Ray agreed. “Though we have a bit of cleanup to do here first.” He glanced pointedly at the mangled bodies and bloody snow in two very obvious spots behind them. The kills had been quick, but the residue was stark and would have to be dealt with before they could leave North Dakota behind.
Duncan nodded once more, in understanding. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Evie. I look forward to furthering our acquaintance under less stressful circumstances.”
Evie smiled back, and then, in a cascading flash of light, Duncan and the woman in his arms were gone. He’d ported out, to only-he-knew where.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
The minute Duncan was gone, Ray turned to Evie and took her into his arms. She was so glad they’d both made it through the battle unscathed. She could hardly believe what had just happened.
Ray held her as if he would never let her go. She clung to him, as well, so grateful that he was in one piece. One
big, muscled, strong and magical piece.
“I’m sorry to have put you in danger once again, my love,” Ray whispered near her ear as he held her tight.
“No,” she said, feeling her wolf rise up, her time being overly submissive over. She pushed back so she could look up into his eyes. “You have nothing to apologize for. Whatever happens to us, we’re in this together. Whatever comes our way. Got that?”
Ray grinned at her. “Got it,” he replied smartly. “But we’re going to have to work on not getting into these situations in the first place.”
“I can get behind that,” she agreed, laughing with him.
He kissed her, just once, a promise of things to come, before releasing her. His gaze went to the red splotches in the snow and the bodies lying inert there, and he sighed.
“I guess we should start by figuring out where these two came from. They had to have had snowmobiles, right? So, they must have parked them someplace outside the first ward.” He seemed to be thinking out loud, his expression troubled, as if he wasn’t sure how or where to start.
She placed one palm on his chest, drawing his attention. “Leave it to me. Wolves are good trackers.”
Evie had already noticed the trail of footprints in the snow from where she had hidden behind the enemy. It would be a simple matter to follow those footprints back to the source. In this case, back to where the snowmobiles were parked.
Sure enough, after a few minutes of walking, they came upon a row of shiny new, top-of-the-line snowmobiles. The keys were still in the ignitions, since there was no one around for miles in any direction.
“These will have to be hidden somewhere,” Ray observed. “Do you think your friend Fred might help?”
“I’ll give him a call.” Evie pulled out her phone and started dialing. Fred picked up on the second ring.
