You would think after days of Mama Owen’s relentless training, I would know what to do but I shrieked. Demon-Sam grabbed me by the neck, lifting me off the ground and slammed me into a tree. My back shuddered with pain at the impact. I fell limp in her hands as she lifted me again and threw me. I crashed to the ground and rolled until I collided with a tree bark.
“Ugh!” I moaned. My face felt warm as blood trickled down my face. The ground trembled as I felt her advance on me again. Was this how it would end? Mama Owen’s potion mixing for demon banishment would be futile at this point. I struggled to remember the spell from my mother’s spell book.
Demon-Sam picked me up again and licked her lips. Her fangs drew longer as the veins on her face grew bluish-purple.
“Apage daemon. Ad infernum reverteris,” I sputtered and weakly gra
I shot Morgan a pleading look before answering my Dad. “I’m in bed!”Heavy feet approached my bedroom door and knocked. “I’m coming in.”“Good evening, sir.” Morgan’s stance changed as Dad entered the bedroom.“Morgan, you are still here.”“Yes.” He darted me a sharp look before looking away.The sheets bunched under my fisted palms as I prayed he says nothing about the Hastings or the demon. Tonight might be the last day I ever step out of my home. Besides, the idea of werewolves being the bad guys was just ridiculous. Connor protected me from Demon-Sam!“Is something wrong?” Dad inquired.Digging holes into his head, I remained tensed and hoped Dad would not notice or question further.I sighed inwardly when he answered, &l
“Guys, you need to go now.” My heart went erratic as I pushed them. “Go, please. I will explain everything later. Just go.”“Okay. We will be right around the corner.”“Just go!” Morgan snapped. He looked as terrified as I felt.As soon as the two bewildered boys were out of sight, I hurried inside with Morgan and tried to act normal. A portal appeared in the middle of the store and Dad stepped out. I did not need to check his aura to see a brewing storm. Even the atmosphere had dropped ten degrees colder.“Dad, what are you doing here?” I greeted with a waning smile.“What did you do?!”“Nothing. I’ve been here all day.”“The demon! Where is the demon? There was a demon activity right here in town and you were close by.&rdquo
“Why are we here?” I asked, fingering my bucket hat as I climbed out of the vehicle.The town’s shopping mall stood tall before me as people excitedly poured in and out of it. Tugging my jacket, I looked around the busy parking lot for anyone familiar.“We are going shopping,” Uncle Al said, hurrying into the building. Struggling to catch up with his fast strides, I could not help but raise a brow.Shopping?Earlier this morning, he shook me awake, muttering what little we have and something about a doorway, constantly checking his watch. From Dad's absent car, it looked like he already left for work which worked perfectly for me. I could not help feeling unbridled hate for him anytime we locked eyes or stayed in the same room.When I caught up to him, I asked, “Uncle Al, what is going on?”Breezing
Chapter Sixteen“Who are you?”Before she could answer, my uncle chimed in, “Such a fanatic for dramatic flair, Celeste.”“Not so much as you, Albert.” Her eyes remained on me as she said, “Come along, Phoebe. There is a lot you need to see.”My plate vanished and the chair drew back. Reluctant, I got to my feet. “Why should I go with you?”“Go on,” Uncle Al encouraged. “I’ll be right behind you.”With the help of a blinding gold horseless carriage, we were carried across town and to the tall white tower. On a close look, it gave an intimidating vibe that I did not like and the magic in the air was overwhelming.A door appeared and Celeste led the way in. We stepped into a large hallway with bronze drawings and oil lamps along the walls. Each step echoed along the w
Hot. It was scorching hot, and really dark. Feeling exhausted, I panted and bent over, hands on knees. A trickle of sweat ran down my spine and my hair plastered on my head. I was on a lone street, everything looking weird and out of place until I noticed Mama Owen’s closed shop in a distance. A closer look on the route, I realised this was the street leading camp. I was back at Westfalls but it didn’t feel like Westfalls. It was creepily quiet except for the howling wind. The only source of light was the moonlight.A rustling in the trees made me stand right and tense up. I readied a spell in my mind and focused on where I thought I heard the sound. I held my breath and waited.Reed ran out of the trees, hair all out of place and shirtless. His pants looked they had been scorched. But what bothered me was the outright fear in his eyes. What would make Reed
“Princess, want to go for a ride?”“After dumping me here with that woman?” I replied, taking the cupcake he handed me.Uncle Al chuckled, taking a look at my new room and nodding at the robe hooked to the hanger on the wall. “Respectyour teacher.”“Sure. Whatever.” After swallowing a bite, I asked, “Where are you taking me?”“Westfalls.”I choked and stared at him in shock. Westfalls? Why is he taking me back there? Is Dad aware of this? I grew scared just thinking about going back there? That vision replayed like an old movie in my head.“I have things to do today.”“I know. I told Celeste to cancel.” Settling on my bed, he crossed his legs and drummed his fingers on the bed.“You didn’t have to do that. She already thi
“Hey.” I tried to sound as nonchalant as possible as I stepped into the living room. It was quiet even with Uncle Al at home who had his attention on his phone.Father glowered when he saw me but said nothing. The slap of his slippers followed him as he returned to the kitchen with a cup of latte.“How was your stroll?” Uncle Al asked once Dad was out of earshot.“Okay, I guess.”“You guess? What happened?”I shrugged and made for my room. The familiarity in its safety lifted a weight off my shoulders. I climbed into bed and its familiar smell. Before I knew it, I was asleep.When I came to, it was evening and Father prepared dinner. I freshened up and changed into an old t-shirt and shorts. I headed out, skipping along the house and humming a song under my breath.“What you watching?” I asked Uncle Al after placing a quick kiss on his cheek.&n
By dawn, I was teleported back to Arth. Mixed emotions churned through me as I went about my day activities. I returned home the night before at Connor's urging and I was glad I listened to him because my Father was about to search for me when I stepped into the house. Ignoring his questions, I sauntered to my room.Under Celeste's peering gaze, I recited all the basic laws in the Witching constitution until my voice grew hoarse and I could hear it in my head. Exhausted, I conjured that awful rejuvenating bar Mama Owen used to give me. After taking a bite, I felt my strength return.“Again!”“I already know it. I don’t have to recite again.”“The reason you have to know this…”“I have to know this because I have a duty to Arth and all that stuff.”Exasperated, she groaned and paced around the room. To be honest, it excited me to
When Morgan left, it felt like life pushed me back into my reality. Wiccan terminologies and slangs I thought I had forgotten came out of me as Morgan and I chatted, and reminisced about the good old days and the things that happened in my absence. The house buzzed with everyone talking about their day, well except Claire. She stalked Morgan out of here. A mail arrived an hour later, requesting all Alphas to be present for a meeting that evening. The sudden call turned the atmosphere tense as everyone realized the cause and could only imagine the outcome. I catered to the potions and charms Morgan made, keeping them in a safe drawer in my room. The strong colors showed the potency and strength the potions held. It would be possible to protect the house and everyone in it with these alone. “Are you hiding in here to cry now that your friend is gone?” I laughed at Jess words as she walked in into the bedroom. “Reed and Connor said to check in on you. They would have done so themselves
I pulled Morgan into a hug once more. It felt as though he might disappear if I take my eyes off him or let him go. He laughed and held me steady, reassuring me. I drew back and took another look at him. He dressed in casual clothing and boots but his exhaustion was clear as day on his face. “If I knew I would be missed this much, I will stay away longer,” He joked, his gaze shifting to the giggling babies. “Aw, babies. Any of these happen to be yours by any chance?”“No.” I picked up Pete from the hastily made bed of soft towels and pillows. “This little guy is Pete and the other is Theo.”He shook his head and refrained from carrying the baby. “Babies are cute to look at but I don’t know how to care for them. That is Ace’s job.”“Try it! He’s soft and cuddly.” “And easy to drop.” He rejected the offer once more. “When will you start popping out yours?”Turning Pete to rest on my chest, I threw Morgan a scowl. “Why are you here anyway?” “Wiccan envoys from Arth decided to drop by
The construction of the safe house came along faster than we expected. Rhys and Liam worked as contract construction workers in a private company. Their knowledge was useful in gathering materials and putting in the work to build the shelter. I tried to help by lifting tools and joining materials together. When my usefulness was outdone by the werewolves’ strength and speed, I resigned to working with Orion to get more provisions. As we began to offload the groceries into the car, the shadows suddenly spread across the ground. The wind picked up, bringing with it a storm of dust. As I shielded my face, my clothes pulled against me. I helped Orion get into the backseats of the car to hide out. “I don’t believe this change in weather was included in the weather forecast this morning,” he said, coughing. My nose itched as I looked at the dark sky. The clouds covered the sun, blocking away rays that attempted to escape. The sand storm might have been overlooked by the forecast team,
“Where have you been?” I grabbed the demon by the collar of his shirt, demanding. “I asked you a question, you damn demon!”“Go easy on the shirt. It cost me a lot.” He grabbed my wrists, loosening my grip on him. “I ventured a little farther and got captured.”“What? Who did it?” I noticed the dark blood prints on his shoes and knees of his white trousers. “Why is there blood on you?”“Calm down, Princess. Some of it isn’t mine.” He sighed heavily, running his hands through his hair. “I took a small vacation back to hell to regain some of my awesomeness.”“Quit saying shit and tell me what happened.” I offered him a glass of water then wondered if demons needed to drink water at all. Lucas drank greedily, and wiped his mouth when he finished. “Some crazy witches caught me, the ones serving the ‘Lord’ and tried to use me to do their dirty work.”“Tried?”“They used me to do their dirty work, okay? Murder, extortion, anything you can think of. It was awful not having a free will.”
I felt awful. A person being happy about someone else’s misfortune has a price. Having a conscience does little good and gives little benefits but it pays. It pays to have people be indebted to you. Okay, that’s enough with this terrible monologue. But I was right. Those two blondes are twins. The cab stopped in my familiar, middle class town. I stepped into Jess’ clinic and found it empty. There was no sign of struggle or blood. Taking a deep breath, I pushed myself into thinking she stepped for a moment. Making use of the private bathroom, I showered and changed into some dress I found in a lost and found box. The bell at the door jingled as the door creaked inwards. I stopped mid-twirl and stepped towards the entrance. “Doc is out at the moment,” I said, sweeping my hair into a messy ponytail. “Oh, it’s you guys.” “You sound disappointed to see us.” Connor carried in a gift basket while Jess held a bouquet of fresh flowers. “Where did you go earlier?” “Out and about.” I look
"Is that a limo?" The nail file fell to the clean tiled ground with a sharp clang. I gawked at the sleek black, long vehicle parked in front of the clinic. I scurried to the door, gawking at the extravagance. When Alpha Simon said he would send transport, I did not think he would send a flashy one. This was highly unnecessary. What if my mates were present? How did they even find me? “Jess? I’ll be back in a few.”“That,” she pointed at the limousine. “…is for you?”“Surprisingly so.” I turned to grab my purse. “Could you not tell Connor and Reed about this? Ill let them know myself when I get back.”“But what if they drop by?” she asked, darting another look at the vehicle outside. The suited driver stepped out of the car, and came around to wait at the passenger’s door. “Make up an excuse. I am sorry about this and thank you, Jess.”“But where are you going?” she yelled as I dashed out of the clinic. “Be careful.”Climbing into the vehicle, I waved her bye. Settling in, I came f
The day to intrude on Alpha Simon came sooner than expected. I took a cab, growing unsettled by the minute as the vehicle entered the next town. I had the cab pull up in front of the town's hall. When I got off, my plans suddenly seemed childish. What was I thinking? How am I supposed to find an Alpha in a town of many people? What was I going to do, walk in and ask for a Simon? There could be a thousand Simons in this town for all I knew.I watched people come and go, unable to tell the difference between them. They could all be normal people, wondering if I was the weird one. I brushed my hair out of my face, irritated by the afternoon breeze. I really should not be here. Pulling out my phone, I looked for a cab to get me back home. A shadow cast over my figure as someone fell in step beside me. "The Alpha bet you would be here but I did not believe him."Startled, I flinched at the low voice and looked at the bearer. It was the Mohawk dude from the other day. His piercing gaze sh
"Reed explained the situation to me. I do agree it's important to calm everyone down." She peered at me with a firm gaze. "I believe you have been explained to how the process goes." "Yes," I replied. "This might be a source of discomfort to you, baring yourself to wolves at a time like this. Don't worry though. The test will take place before the council and some by this time next week." I nodded in understanding. "I can't wait to get this over with." "If you don't mind me asking, have you come in contact with any witch since your banishment from Arth?" "No, none." "Strange," she mused. "Pardon me but when Arth is this quiet, its people are up to no good." "I like to think they are just healing from the mess. Besides, they have a serial killer bound. They are probably preoccupied with investigating than planning another attack." "Let's hope so." Her grave tone tugged at my nerves. Connor grabbed my hand and gently squeezed. I might have been banned from Arth but my friends h
In bed, I curled up in Reed's arms, browsing celebrity gossip on his phone. The evening found the Pack House quiet after the departure of Simon and his men. Connor, Jeremy and Rhys went to make sure they were truly good from our lands and scurried around for signs of another invader. Simon have no other information other than what he wanted from us: me. From his manner of speech, it seemed to be something of grand scale. If it was, Alpha Simon should know that I do not bear powers that made a witch a master of the elements. Before I retired, I sent Lucas on a spying mission. He had been keeping an eye on the imprisoned witches who continued to work in secret. I paused in my reading, feeling Reed's hands venture under my night gown and massage my breast. It reminded me of how long it has been since we last made love. With everything that has been going on, it seemed like the last thing on anyone's mind. Besides, the kids are right next door. I could hear them reading a book with Lia