Chapter 207: Challenge Accepted

"Odette Dumont!" Mom's power rose, flooding her with light, driving the werewolves and vampires back from the circle of energy her magic created. "Your challenge is accepted."

Gram snarled her fury, holding back her magic by only a hair's breath.

Syd, Mom's mind touched mine, no matter what happens, I love you and always will.

She cut me off before I could answer, hold onto her, deny the message she'd sent.

"I demand the right of single combat." Mom's hair rippled as if a strong wind toyed with it. "No need to draw our covens into a war. Only we two need to decide this fight."

Odette's smile was feral, her real face showing through, though I was sure she allowed it to this time. "Agreed."

"Mother," Andre tried again, but Odette swung one hand, striking him across the face. He fell back, his resentment and anger clear.

"I accept!" Odette's magic rose as Mom's had, surrounding her in a pulsing column of lavender and blue.

Hands fell on me, pulled me away. I looked up at Dad in re