A Curse Unbroken (30 page)

My eyes locked with Aric, and in his stare, I knew he realized what I did. All this time, it had been Tura causing the problems between us. That bastard had infected our sacred connection and the love that bonded us.

“Have you been confused, Celia?” Makawee asked. “Or forgetful perchance?”

“Both,” Aric answered for me. His anger was so severe his body involuntarily tightened as if ready to attack. “And so have I.”

“I have, too,” Emme admitted quietly. “Since I went to Malaysia.”

“Shit,” Taran muttered. “Same here.”

“Me, too. Since going there, I mean,” Shayna said.

“I felt it, too,” Martin agreed.

It was his confession that frightened me the most. “Why didn’t you come to me?” Makawee questioned.

“Every time I began to sense something unusual, I would easily dismiss it.” Martin squared his jaw. “Or it seemed Tura would dismiss it for me.”

Aric stared off to the distant mountains. “Was it an ache in your chest that didn’t seem to belong?”

The look of dread we all shared told him he was dead-on. For as strong and heartless as this shifter was, he knew to cover his tracks by muddling and manipulating our thoughts and memories. I felt so stupid, but as the tension around me soared, I knew I wasn’t alone.

Some days simply sucked beyond reason.

“It makes sense,” Gemini growled. “Weeks had passed since the shifter attack, giving Tura time to feed off your power and grow stronger. It also gave him an opportunity to learn your strengths and weaknesses, and to test your connections to those you’re linked to by taking turns invading their bodies.” He rubbed his goatee irritably. “As Misha suggests, the blood he stole from Celia was the catalyst to solidify his control.”

It must have taken a lot for Gemini to agree with Misha, but there was no time to be petty. My head throbbed when I clutched Shah closer to me. “He wants Shah.” I scoffed when everyone simply stared. “That’s why Shah has refused to stay in Makawee’s stronghold. He knew Tura could invade any one of you and become his new holder.”

Aric muttered a curse, and ran a hand through his hair. Around me, no one seemed able to keep still. There was something more to Tura’s presence that seemed to rile them. I’d learned enough not-so-fun facts for the day. Yet it seemed there was more crappiness to be had. “Aric, what’s happening?”

“There’s something you should know that could explain Tura’s yearning to destroy you,” he said, the anger surrounding him rising. “The shifter you killed several months ago was known as Cara, ‘the face.’ She was one of the deadliest shifters…and Tura’s mate.”

“Of course she was Tura’s mate,” I said, sensing my bullshit meter reach its limit. “Of course.”

“Celia—”

“This is ridiculous!” I screamed, cutting Aric off. “How many other ways can one person get completely screwed? The goddamn shifter has possessed you and everyone I love—revenge for his mate, I presume—even though that crazy bitch of his came after me first.” The vamps took a collective step back, recognizing I’d completely lost my shit. “Can’t for once one of these bastard bad guys cut me a break? Can’t for once I just be safe?”

I didn’t really expect anyone to answer, but I needed to unleash then. It was either that or cry, and I was done with that.

The thing was, I understood what it meant to be mated, and as a result understood Tura’s drive. Had anyone harmed Aric, I’d make them suffer, too. Except knowing this didn’t offer one shred of comfort; it only made me fear what was to come.

Possession by shifter, no means to stop him, and no means to know when he’d strike next. Damn. Seriously
damn
.

“Celia,” Aric said, his deep timbre and ire snagging my attention. “It doesn’t matter who he is. I’ll make sure he’s reunited with his mate soon enough.”

But at what cost?
My thumb traced over Shah, the motion helping to lessen my hysteria and sort things through. “Tura could have forced any one of you to send those vamps and
weres
after me. That’s how they found me in the ED.”

Shayna shook her head. “But Shah wasn’t there with you—he was already in the stronghold. At least, that’s as far as everyone knew.”

“Unless Tura knew something you didn’t,” Makawee reasoned. “When Shah attached himself to you, Celia, Tura knew or at least felt that link.”

Misha lifted his chin. “If Shah attached himself to Celia, can Tura take Shah’s power or use Celia as his holder to obtain what he wishes?”

Our unease swelled and the world seemed to stop spinning, waiting for Makawee’s response. She considered me, frowning ever so slightly. Genevieve and Delilah limped forward, stealing glances at Makawee as if they understood what was happening. “You don’t consider yourself Shah’s holder. Do you, child?” Makawee asked.

“No,” I answered truthfully. “For all that Shah’s a rock, he’s a being with his own thoughts and feelings. I’ve felt his pain, I know he hurts. I have no business owning or claiming something so human.”

For the first time, Aric’s eyes softened. Even if I hadn’t spoken aloud, he knew me well enough to know I’d never force an innocent to do something against his will. To me, Shah was simply that. “Had anyone else found Shah, things would have been disastrous,” he said.

Delilah didn’t seem to hold my beliefs in the same regard. “But if you declare yourself as Shah’s holder, you could wish all this away, shug.”

“Or give Tura full access to him,” I countered.

“You don’t know that,” Genevieve said.

“I think you’re wrong,” I told her. “I’m better since Shah attached himself to me. He’s helped me without asking, but only because I haven’t asked.”

“That doesn’t make any sense,” a
were
standing behind Aric said. She averted her gaze when Aric glared at her.

“It does to me. I don’t think—” I paused to glance at Shah. “—scratch that. Tura can’t force me to attack someone else, but like Genevieve said, he can still infect my mind. I’m seeing things. Bad things from my past…”

“We’ll stop him,” Aric ground out. I imagined he had an inkling of what I was referring to.

“And how are we going to do that?” Taran asked. “Look, this Tura guy isn’t screwing around.” Her eyes became bloodshot when she pointed at me. She was trying not to cry, but her tears were seconds from releasing. “I saw what he showed Celia. And even though the images were clouded, I’ll remember them for the rest of my life.” Her voice trailed off and at first I thought she wouldn’t say anything more, yet something in her mind clicked as the severity of our situation appeared to hit her all at once. “I’ve been dreaming of Griselda, the aunt who cursed us—well, of her eyes technically. The image in the reflection replays the murder of our parents—the way I imagine she watched it unfold.”

“She was there that night?” Aric asked me.

I was the one who’d found the gang members who broke into our tiny apartment standing over the bodies of our parents. “I don’t remember seeing her or scenting her,” I told him. “I only remember the men who killed our parents.”

“Celia, I don’t remember seeing Griselda either,” Taran agreed. “But I can’t help wondering if this is all connected somehow.”

“How can it be?” Gemini asked quietly. “You said Griselda was dead.”

Taran wouldn’t look at him when she answered, choosing to wipe some of the soot from her cheeks instead. “That’s what we were told. But let’s face it, my nightmares are only this strong and graphic when something is trying to warn me. Considering everything that has happened, I can’t pretend like this is all some sort of coincidence.”

“I’m starting to see those eyes you speak of, too,” Emme said almost inaudibly. “I have since our return from Malaysia.”

“I started seeing them a few nights ago,” Shayna said. “They were blurry at first, and I didn’t know what they were.” She shrugged. “Now I guess I do.”

“Shit,” Taran muttered. “Why didn’t you say anything? That’s how my dreams started, and look at what they’ve evolved into. This is so messed up!”

“T, calm down,” Shayna said, despite that her voice carried her fear so clearly. “I thought I was just dreaming them because I’d been thinking of you.”

“Well, I guess you were wrong,” Taran answered, her tone frigid. She was terrified. We all were. I thought we should give her a moment, but Genevieve didn’t share my thoughts.

“What is your conscience telling you, Taran?” Genevieve asked her.

“I don’t know. If I did maybe we could figure out a way to kill this thing before it kills someone else!” She pulled away from Gemini when he reached for her. “Don’t,” she snapped. “Just figure out a way to stop this freak before it’s too late.”

Misha hooked my arm and led me back to him. “Until you do, Celia stays with me,” he said, his voice absolute.

Aric moved toward him.
“Like
hell
.
”

Misha’s vampires hissed. Aric’s Pack growled. It was just a banner day all around. A faint howl tickled my ears as the Elders used their magic to subdue the wolves. Aric was the hardest to control, but eventually they managed to hold him.

“If Tura can only possess those with a soul
and
a connection to her, Celia will be safe among those without one,” Misha continued as if uninterrupted. “My
call
isn’t enough to link us.”

“What about your blood exchange with her?” Aric accused. “You’ve taken more than your share in the past, leech.”

“As a master, he would still have to establish a tie through her. No such bond has been established so she is safe in his presence.” Martin didn’t seem happy about what he had to say, but he wouldn’t lie, especially if it meant sparing my life. “Aric, for Celia’s well-being, you have to let her go.”

Aric turned away from me. It was then that I noticed his horrible burns were healing. Bits of crispy flesh flaked off, revealing fresh skin beneath. I cringed, knowing how much pain he was likely enduring, but also knowing he’d never demonstrate it, above all in the presence of the vampires. What I would have given then to steal him away and care for him.

My attention drifted to the vamps when they sneered. Aric had to let me leave with them, and they knew it. Tura could find me anywhere and strike at any time. That didn’t mean every part of me didn’t want to stay with Aric or that I appreciated their smug responses.

Shah insisted I wasn’t safe. Not with Aric, not with my sisters, not with my friends. For all that he was or wasn’t, I trusted him. And although I didn’t quite trust the witches, there was something I needed to ask Genevieve. “Do you have any idea how to destroy Tura—for real this time?”

She seemed surprised I hadn’t already left the world of the sane, given the circumstances. “I’m not sure how to kill him, without killing who he possesses and even then at the speed in which he moves, he’ll likely invade another vessel.” She considered me. “However, I may be able to block his entry into your sisters at least for a time…and perhaps spare them from your dark memories.”

At this point, I’d take anything I could get.

She leaned on her staff. “Tura may have feasted on Aric’s power, but it wasn’t enough to grant him a corporeal form. He’ll need another host. Keep Shah close, and trust no one. If Tura does get Shah, he’ll be unstoppable.”

Chapter 26

“Celia,” Makawee said quietly. “While I understand that Shah has offered some protection against Tura, it doesn’t mean you’re safe from yourself. If Tura knows your fears, he’ll manipulate them and create new nightmares which could force you to harm yourself.”

“I need to stay with her and protect her,” Aric insisted.

“You know that’s not possible.” Martin’s words were phrased as a statement, but I recognized the order for what it was. So did Aric, and if he wasn’t furious before, he was then. He stormed to the edge of the terrace, drilling his fists into the stone ledge, trying to rein in his wolf.

Aric didn’t want to hear any more about how Tura could easily invade my mind or possess him and those we loved. He simply wanted to keep me safe. Instead he had to wait helplessly while this asshole drove me insane. I watched him, not believing how ridiculously shitty our situation had become.

“It’s time to depart,” Misha said.

It wasn’t like I could argue. I strolled to where Aric waited. As I walked, I whispered to Shah still clutched in my hands, “Hide.” He vanished before I reached Aric.

For a moment, I simply stood beside him, wanting to feel close to him yet very aware that everyone was watching our every move. “I have to go, wolf.”

“I wish you didn’t have to,” he answered, his jaw tight.

“Me too, love.” I lowered my voice. “Tura can cage my beast. I’m losing her and I’m not sure I can get her back.”

He wasn’t happy about my news. “Maybe you’re just unfocused because of the severity of our situation.”

I shook my head. “I’m losing her, Aric,” I repeated. “If she leaves me completely, I’ll be left defenseless.” It didn’t seem right to dump news like this—not even on him, but I couldn’t stop. “I need you to find a way for us to stop Tura. Baby, I won’t be able to do this alone.”

Aric gently lifted my hands and kissed them. “Listen to me, Celia. Whatever happens you need to believe you’re not alone. I
will
find a way to help you. In the meantime, you have to find a way to free your beast. Tura can’t keep something so strong away from you—just like he can’t keep me from you.” Those intense light irises flickered back at me, warming me in all the right places and giving me strength to keep from breaking down. “I’ll be with you soon. I swear I will.”

I nodded and pulled away at Misha’s approach. Aric met his gaze. “I’m entrusting you with her life. If
anything
happens to her on your watch or you use her to gain Shah, no treaty in the world will stop me from killing you.”

“Celia will be safer with me than with you.” The corners of Misha’s lips lifted, revealing his infamous wicked grin. “But I suppose you realize as much, mongrel.”

“Misha, please don’t,” I said when Aric growled. I stood on my toes and kissed his chin, calming him, but realizing that at least for now, we needed to separate. “I’ll call you later. Okay, wolf?”