by V. M. Marsh
His shoulders sagged. “We had quite a few casualties from that method, which your mother is attempting to heal. Our numbers are already small, so we have been weary of risking that many again.”
My eyes narrowed as I took in the group around us. There must be somewhere around eighty of us. “Do you have any idea how many of yours are shifters?”
“Roughly a third.”
Nodding, I watched mages around us psych themselves up for their turn at battle while the Shifters stood around talking among themselves helplessly. I began to form a plan. Whispering my idea to Dad, his face lit up with approval.
“Gather ‘round, everyone.” He boomed over the scattered crowd. “You, save your magic and come over here.”
When they had assembled before us, Dad shouted, “The Power Thief is too strong for us. We must retreat and get help from the M.E.A. We can’t take him on our own.”
A rumble of concern and frustration snaked its way through the group, but Dad yelled over them. “Get closer so we can try to escape as a group. We’ll zigzag, so there is less of a chance he’ll be able to pick us off.”
As the crowd closed in on us, Dad’s voice fell quiet. “If someone near you can’t hear, pass this on. We are not abandoning our post and allowing the Power Thief to roam free in the Sanctuary. So, here’s the plan.”
Nods and wide smiles spread through the crowd as they listened to Dad. When he finished, the crowd broke off into position. A third of the Shifters moved to either side of the wall while the last group remained at the center. The Mages divided in the same amounts and gathered behind the Shifters.
The center Shifters changed into birds ranging from large black crows to vicious looking vultures. A few of the stronger ones were able to shift into Griffins and Gargoyles. Mages climbed onto the backs of the larger creatures of flight.
As the flock took to the sky and flew back towards the lodge, most of the other Shifters changed into wolves, bears, and other fearsome creatures. The last of them changed into monkeys, sugar gliders, and squirrels while taking to the trees.
When we heard the bark of a squirrel, which indicated Shifters had surrounded Bradley while hidden among leafy branches, the remaining Shifters and Mages ran out from behind the wall. As anticipated, Bradley had come out from his hiding place to see if we had really retreated, and if we had, to resume his reign of terror.
He shot hot sparking zaps at the Shifters running towards him, but the Mages used whatever magic they had to block or absorb the shocks. Vines shriveled and blackened while dirt walls collapsed as they took hits meant for the Shifters.
Despite our defensive tactics, some of the Mages weren’t quick or strong enough. I cringed as a grizzly bear was struck in the shoulder. Gagging on the burnt flesh permeating the air, I tensed when the bear stumbled and fell in convulsions. Fury lit a fire in my chest as smoke rose from the bear’s fur.
As we raced to the Power Thief, the flock that had circled around came roaring overhead behind Bradley. His gaze shot to them as Mages rained magic down on him from overhead while the Shifters in the trees threw rocks, pinecones, acorns, and whatever else they had managed to collect.
Surrounding himself with an electric bubble, it sizzled and hissed as magic and projectiles bombarded his shield. He began to reinforce his bubble with a wall of dirt, but our Mages blasted it down. He had stopped attacking, so I assumed his reach beyond the shield was limited. This would work to our advantage to get near him and pummel his magic.
We had almost reached him when I saw his eyes narrow in hate and fury. Surrounded by his magic barrier, he ran.
We chased him through the woods, and I could taste victory. Dad, a few others, and I had grown up in this forest; we knew it like no other did. We were going to get him.
We were nearly on him when he seemed to vanish into thin air, which was impossible. No one had magic that could do that. Although, it could appear so if he’d stolen perception and space bending powers. Shit. He would be even more dangerous if he’d gotten hold of that magic.
We searched the forest, but there was no sign of him. The Power Thief had escaped.
Chapter Nine
We gathered as many magical creatures as we could into a meadow well away from the lodge. Couples held each other and parents clung to their children while others scowled and crossed their arms.
“This is madness. What good are the wards if Power Thieves can get in?” I overheard one man grumble as I passed him from the back of the clearing.
As I neared the front to be with my parents, I heard a woman complain to the man she was with, “The Sanctuary is no longer safe. We should leave.”
“Even if that’s true, which I’m not quite sure it is, the Sanctuary is still the safest place to be. Just think about how much more dangerous everywhere else is if this is what can happen here.” They shuddered and hugged each other tighter.
When I reached what had become the front of the meadow, Lars arrived frantically searching for something. Or someone. His gaze fell on me and relief spread across his face as he pushed his way to the front. He ran the last few steps to wrap me tight in his muscular arms.
“I was so worried about you when word got to me about what happened. I heard there were many casualties, but no one could name them. I was terrified you’d been hurt or been stripped of your magic.”
When he kissed the top of my head, my heart nearly exploded with love for this man. Other than my parents, no one had ever made me feel this cherished, this loved. Even if they tried, I don’t think it could compare because I wouldn’t feel the same way for them in return.
Still, a suspicious chill crept in, and I pulled back. “Where were you? We could have used some fire power out there.”
“Your dad sent me out for supplies to fix a deck. If I’d had any clue this would happen when it did, I would have remained to protect you.”
Warming, I replied, “I managed without you. My magic many not be useful for a fight like this, but I have strategy and physical skills on my side. You don’t need to worry about me.”
“Even if you had every magic power there was, I’d still worry about you.”
Just as he opened his mouth to continue, Dad’s loud voice boomed over the crowd. I sometimes wondered if he had some hidden wind or amplifying spell no one had identified.
“Quiet down, everyone. We’re ready to begin.”
Silence slowly fell until all eyes were on Dad. “As you know, a Power Thief infiltrated the Sanctuary today. I’m sorry to say we had many casualties, including some that had their magic stolen.”
Dad shouted over cries of horror and dismay ringing through the crowd. “Fortunately, a group of us was able to overpower him. He’s not yet strong enough to defeat a large group of us. As long as we stick together, we should be alright for now.”
“That doesn’t protect my kids from him sneaking up on them to steal their magic. Or any of us for that matter. The Sanctuary can no longer provide sanctuary.”
Screeching women and angry male voices clanged together in discord that made me wince. Even Dad couldn’t yell over that much noise. Agitation and fear permeated the air like a foul stench.
My gaze shot to two Shifters that had inadvertently changed due to the charged atmosphere. An upset bear was not something we wanted roaming a crowd this size. He wouldn’t be able to control himself, much like he hadn’t been able to control the shift.
The other accidental Shifter had changed into a rabbit, so I thought he’d be ok. As he hopped through the distraught crowd, I did begin to worry he’d get trampled.
Nearby, another Shifter threw a punch at a mage’s jaw. As the mage fought back, a second mage joined the fight and kicked the Shifter in his knees. Before it could turn into an all-out brawl, Lars jumped between them with his arms spread wide while Dad pulled the Shifter away from the others.
“Get a hold of yourself.” Lars yelled. “We need to stick together. If we turn on each other like this, it will only make the P
ower Thief’s job easier.”
That jolted those closest to us into silence. Thankfully, others quieted as they saw and became confused by those quieting around them.
Dad jumped in before they could resume panicking. “I understand your concerns. As you know, my own daughter lives here. You are free to leave, and we will provide full refunds to those that choose to go home. For those of you that chose to stay, your scheduled time here will also be comped. You will all also receive coupons for free drinks and food during your stay.”
Pleased whispers spread through the crowd, but Dad held his hand up again to ask for quiet. “I apologize for these unfortunate incidents, even though they were beyond my control. We have no idea how the Power Thief discovered the Sanctuary or how he got in, but we are doing everything we can to strengthen our protective wards to keep him out.”
Clapping and cheering sprang up from a few members of the crowd while others still looked uncertain and scared.
“As you know, we cannot prevent all from finding or entering the Sanctuary. That’s not how the wards work, but we are trying to make it more difficult for the Power Thief to find and enter the Sanctuary again. Talk it over with your companions, and we will accommodate your decision as best as we can.”
Murmurs interspersed with bursts of outrage rose up through the crowd. At least, they seemed a little calmer this time. We’d done all we could with just the three of us.
Since we ran the resort, magical creatures just assumed we were the ones in charge of the Sanctuary, and we let them. The Circle was actually responsible for the Sanctuary and its safety, but no one could know that.
To complicate matters, Jace chose that moment to rush into the meadow. Running to me, he hugged me and kissed my forehead. “I’m so glad you’re alright. Paisley told me as much when she called for my help with the wounded, but I had to see for myself.”
After squeezing him in return, I awkwardly pulled away and glanced at a glowering Lars. Gesturing to the woods beside us, I said, “Mom is healing them just beyond those trees. She’ll be so glad to have your help. She won’t admit it, but she’s nearly drained herself trying to help them.”
He kissed my forehead once more before rushing off to help Mom. At a growl, I turned to see Lars baring his teeth.
“Did you become part Shifter when I wasn’t looking?”
That knocked him down a notch. “Sorry. I can’t stand seeing him touch you while knowing you are supposed to marry him.”
“You’ll just have to get used to it. Besides, even if we weren’t engaged, he’s still my friend. And friends hug and are happy the other is okay, especially after a tragedy.”
Tugging on my arm, he said, “Let’s get out of here. It’s been a hell of a day, and everything seems under control now. I don’t think we can do anything more at this point.”
I nodded and let him lead me away. I wanted to protest when he slipped his hand into mine once we entered the woods, but I was all out of fight today. So I leaned into him instead. After a battle like that, I needed him and the comfort only he could give me.
“I want to start training with you tomorrow. I’m a good street fighter both with and without magic, but I want to see what you’ve got. Also, I’d like us to be able to work as a team if we need to.”
“That’s a good idea. However, if we’re going to do that, I want to bring Charlie in on it. He’s the one who trained Scarlet, and we’ve been training together ever since. He can get down and dirty, but he’s professionally trained in ways I’m not. I think we’ll all be able to learn a lot from each other.”
He scowled, but didn’t argue with me. Much. “I’d rather be alone with you, but if you think practicing with Charlie will give us an edge, then I’ll take it. We’ll need every advantage we can get if we hope to defeat Bradley.”
I yawned as we reached my cabin door and went inside. “Alexa, turn on the lights.”
“I’ll never get used to that.” Lars commented as the lights switched on, and the Echo greeted us.
“You can handle more than you think.” I winked at him and sauntered up the stairs.
He wolf whistled at me, which made me laugh. I bet life with that man would never be boring.
A wistful sigh left my lips as I changed into nightclothes. Climbing into bed, I settled in for what I knew would a night full of Lars dreams. He was all I’d dreamed of since he had returned.
When I woke after a night not filled with dreams of Lars, but interspersed with nightmares of Bradley, I was cranky as hell. I went to text Charlie until I remembered I’d left my phone at the front desk. Crap.
Charlie worked out every morning, so we’d just have to get out there before he finished. Rushing down the hall, I banged on Lars’s door. “We have to hurry if we want to catch Charlie. I don’t have my phone to text him.”
A bleary-eyed Lars cracked open the door. As he scratched his large pecs, I tried not to drool.
“I can’t text Charlie about training, so we have to catch him before he finishes his morning workout. Get dressed.”
I left him staring after me as I ran back down the hall to throw on my hot pink workout suit. Grinning, I couldn’t wait to blind Lars with my outfit.
Arriving downstairs first, I filled two water bottles. When he still wasn’t down yet, I yelled up the staircase. “Let’s go! If you aren’t down here in three minutes, I’m leaving without you.”
As I opened the front door to leave, Lars thundered from his room and down the stairs.
“It’s about time. Let’s go slow poke.” Glancing at my watch, I realized we didn’t have much time left. “I’ll race you to the equipment building. That’s where Charlie always finishes his workout.”
We began to run down the trail when Lars asked, “How do you know that?”
I laughed, only a little breathlessly from the run. Yes, it was from the run. “Everyone who works at the resort knows that. Well, all the females do. In fact, it’s thanks to Charlie’s morning workouts that most of our female employees arrive early for work every day.”
Lars frowned in confusion. “I don’t see how the two correlate.”
Giggling, I raced ahead. “He ends his routine sweaty and shirtless, regardless of the time of year. All the women want to watch his muscles glistening in the morning light.”
Scowling, Lars picked up his pace. I nearly stumbled when he took off his shirt.
“Oh, hell no. Put that back on before you become the resort’s new eye candy.”
Looking at me over his shoulder, he wiggled his eyebrows and increased his speed. Damn him and his long legs I couldn’t keep up with. He was going to win. At least he would be able to get to Charlie in time.
I slowed to a jog so as not to exert myself before I sparred those two lumber jacks. I’d need every advantage I could get to whip those two. And I would whip their butts. I played to win.
When I finally reached them, Lars and Charlie were deep in conversation while they were ogled by a bunch of women pretending to just walk by. My eyes narrowed at the women, and they sheepishly returned my smile.
“Did Lars fill you in?” I asked Charlie.
When he nodded, I pushed them both towards the woods. We didn’t need an audience for this. “Good. Now let’s go somewhere with a little more privacy.”
Lars chuckled and waved to the women meandering by while Charlie just looked confused.
Hiking down the expert trail brought back memories of training with Scarlet. Those were good times. Sadness threatened to drown me, but I shook it off. There would be time for that later. Right now, it was time to train.
When we reached the river, I struck. Punching Lars in the stomach should have felt better than it did, but I think it hurt my hand more than him. He didn’t even rub his stomach.
“What the hell was that for?” He laughed.
“I just wanted to check out your abs.” I faux explained as sauntered up to him and stroked his arm. “They are rock hard, and I think you broke my hand.�
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Preening, he relaxed towards me. I used to opportunity to grasp his arm and flip him over my hip. He went down like a sack of potatoes, and it was my turn to preen.
“Just kidding. That was called training. Your abs of steel proved too much for my hand, so I resorted to another method.”
Charlie roared with laughter while Lars lay stunned in the dirt. “Oh, you are going to get it now. I was going to take it easy on you today, but not after that dirty move.”
I giggled as he jumped to his feet. His menacing expression initially made me want to squeal and run, but that wasn’t my style. I liked to fight. Extending my arm with my palm up, I waved him on. “Bring it, big boy. I know how to play with the big dogs.”
“Don’t underestimate her. She can fight dirty when it’s called for. Or when she’s just in the mood to.” Charlie advised.
Cocking a brow, Lars circled me. “I’ve been fighting in the streets for years. I can take her.”
Chuckling, Charlie crossed his arms. “I wouldn’t bet on that if I were you. You’ll see.”
Lars dove at me, but I spun out of his reach and kicked him in the back. As he went down, I pressed one foot on his back to keep him on the ground.
“Point!” I cried. He reached for my ankle to pull me off balance, but I jumped away from him. Wiggling my hips and butt, I pumped my hands in the air to do a little dance.
Charlie laughed so hard, he grasped his stomach and doubled over. Lars scowled as he slowly pushed himself off the ground and stood.
“I told you to watch out for her. She’s small and nimble, like squirrel. You’ll have a hell of time trying to catch her.” Charlie gasped out through his laughter.
“Yeah, I’m starting to see that.” Lars grumbled as he eyed me.
Flicking his fingers, sparks flew from them towards my feet. Hopping back, I scowled. Bringing magic into play put me at an even bigger disadvantage. I needed to figure out a way to circumvent his power.
I cursed myself for having already deployed the coy flirtation move. I didn’t think he’d fall for it a second time. Although, maybe it would work if he thought I was congratulating him. I’d have to wait for him to make a grander move to try it.
