Cursed Vengeance (6 page)

A sneer lifted one side of her mouth. “Finally come back? Is your fleabag finally dead?”

“No. I don’t understand why you hate them so much. They’re good and kind. Please, help me save Seamus’ life. I’m begging you, Mother.”

“No. There is nothing that can be done. He will die the same as his pack. You should have stayed with me. You chose this life. Not I.”

“Why won’t you help? I can’t live without him. My son.”

“Your son is a worthless mutt. He will die like the rest. Leave him with the beasts and come back to the coven. We need you.”

“I won’t leave him, and I won’t leave my son.”

“No, but he will leave you soon enough. You’ll be back one day, begging, crying, but you will be back.”

“Never.” I left, hugging my little boy to my chest.

When Seamus did pass, they blamed me. They sent me away. Almost took Sean from me, but his aunt convinced them to let him go. That she would come to get him every full moon. And she did. Eventually, they begged me to come back, realizing I may be their only answer. I kept searching for a way to break the curse, but I couldn’t move back to the Pine Barrens. There were too many memories.

Your grandmother’s soul is dark. It wasn’t always. Maybe it’s the coven. Maybe it’s her. Don’t ever trust her, no matter what she offers.

And, Sierra, if you’ve made it this far, keep reading a little bit more. Read the next part out loud no matter how much nonsense it looks like. You must if you’re going to have any chance of saving Sean.

Wiping at my eyes, I turned the page. She was right. It looked like a bunch of gibberish, but I read the words out loud. Instinct took over, the sounds forming beautiful words that flowed from me like a river.

There was a pop and a rush of energy flowed from my heart, outward. My breath came in heavy gasps, but I couldn’t get enough air. Lights danced through my vision as I slid to the side, then darkness rolled in.

Dylan

Something buzzed near my head. Whatever it was, needed to go away before I crushed it. When the buzzing continued, I reached up, swatting my hand around trying to shut it up. My fingers came in contact with something metal that vibrated.

Damn. My phone.

Reaching farther over, I grabbed the phone and swiped the screen. I put the phone to my ear.

“Hello,” I answered, my voice still groggy with sleep.

“What the fuck are you still doing in bed?”

“Sleeping, I couldn’t stop thinking about Sierra last night. What time is it?”

“Almost one in the afternoon. Get the fuck up. Christian’s sick.”

I lurched out of bed. “When?”

“Theresa called about twenty minutes ago. I’m on my way there now.”

Reaching for the jeans lying next to the bed, I pulled them on and looked for a shirt. “I’ll be there in a few.”

I went to hang up the phone but his voice stopped me. “Actually, I was hoping you’d go pick up Sierra. She’s determined to figure this out. She can only do that by seeing what happens.”

I sighed. Now I had no choice but to explain things. Christian needed her help, so I had to man up. “Yeah, I’ll go get her. Text me the address.”

“Thanks. I am starting to honestly believe she might be our last hope.”

“Maybe she is. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

Hanging up the phone, I finished getting dressed before I ran out to the car. Once Sean’s text came through, I started toward Philly. Big cities weren’t really my thing, but if Sierra could figure all of this out, maybe one day I could get her to come live with me. During the drive, I thought of what I could say to her. Part of me wanted her to run in the other direction, away from all my baggage. While the other part wanted to keep her with me as long as I could have her. The war in my head hadn’t ended by the time I pulled up in front of her house.

It was an old, quiet neighborhood. Not many cars in the drives in the middle of the day. With my heart ready to pump out of my chest, I walked up to the front door and knocked. No answer. I knocked again, a little louder. The house was a two-story colonial with a front porch. It would be hard to hear the front door from the back of the house. I tried once more, but in my gut I knew something was wrong.

First, I tried the knob, which happened to be locked. Good thing for a woman living by herself, at least under normal circumstances. Right then, it was the last thing I needed. Looking in all of the normal hiding spots, I found a hide-a-key underneath one of the planters on the porch. We were going to have to talk about keys in obvious fucking hiding spots. Unlocking the door, I let myself in.

The front of the house was dark, the only light coming from the windows. To my right sat a well-kept living room and to my left an office that looked like it got very little use. Sierra was nowhere to be found.

“Sierra,” I called through the house.

No one answered. Where could she be? Sniffing the air, her scent was everywhere, but it was strongest at the back of the house. Running through the living room to the back, I found myself in the kitchen. I stopped dead in my tracks at the sight of her sprawled on the floor unconscious. 

“Sierra,” I shouted.

Dropping to my knees at her side, I noticed the even rise and fall of her chest. I looked around and found the book lying by her side. It was turned to a page with a spell I didn’t know. Pulling out my phone, I snapped a picture and sent it to Sean’s phone. He’d be able to decipher what the spell would be used for. When he didn’t answer my text right away, I dialed his number. The phone rang and rang. No answer.

Scooping Sierra into my arms, I sat there on the floor, brushing the hair from her face. “Please open your eyes, Sierra. We need you. I need you.”

Her eyelids fluttered.

“That’s it, sweetheart, open your eyes for me.”

Slowly, her eyes opened. “Dylan?”

“It’s me, baby. I’m so glad you came back to me.”

Suddenly, her eyes flashed and she sat up, straddling my legs. Before I could utter one word of protest, her mouth was on mine. The bond between us flared. There was nothing I could do but kiss her back. Coaxing her lips apart, I slid my tongue inside her warm, wet mouth. If heaven existed, I’d found it.

Her hands pressed against my chest, clutching the fabric of my shirt. Cupping her face with my hands, I tilted her head to plunge my tongue deeper. The sweet flavor of vanilla assaulted my senses. As parts of our bond were beginning to connect, I found my hands wandering down to the bottom of her shirt.

When my fingers took hold of the hem, I pulled it up and over her head. Our mouths reconnected instantly. My hands teased the soft skin of her abdomen, lifting until they reached high enough to cup her breast. With a gasp, she scrambled out of my lap panting. I sucked in deep, calming breaths while I watched a million emotions come over her features.

Glancing up at me, a look passed through her eyes when a small hand connected with my cheek, snapping my head sideways.

“Didn’t Sean tell you to keep your hands to yourself?” She stood and plunked her hands on her hips.

For the second time in two days, I was on my ass after being hit by one of the Patricks. “I’m not sure about your memories, but you kissed me.”

“I did not. That was all you and the stupid bond thing you think we have.”

Standing, I glared down at her. How dare she hit me, when I was simply participating in a kiss she initiated? “Who told you about that?”

“Sean did. I’m not sure what you think is going on between us, but I can guarantee you’re wrong.”

There was her fear again, her scent changing. I could see it in the shaking of her hands.

“You may not want to believe it, but it’s true. As wolves we know our mates the first time we meet them. For me that’s you.” I stepped forward and tucked a lock of her auburn hair behind her ear. “I know you feel it too. Stop fighting it.”

Her shoulders slumped, but she didn’t lose her defensive posture. “What are you doing here anyway?”

We’d have the whole car ride back to talk about it, so I answered her question instead of calling her out for changing the subject. “Sean sent me to get you. Christian is sick.”

“Isn’t his birthday tomorrow?”

“Starting to believe yet?”

Her eyes flicked to the book on the floor. “After all I’ve read this morning. I believe everything you told me.”

“Wanna tell me why I found you passed out on the floor when I got here?”

She shook her head. “I’m not sure. The last thing I remember is reading the book then nothing.”

“We can figure that out with Sean. Right now, will you come back with me?”

There was a sparkle to her eyes. “Yes. Let me grab my stuff real quick.”

I nodded. “I’ll get the book and wait for you in the car.”

Swiping up the book, I jogged down the stairs and out to the car. Sierra wasn’t far behind me. Hopefully, together we could find an answer. Once we pulled away from her house, I reached over and took her hand in mine. Of course she tried to yank it away. I expected that.

“Please, listen to me, Sierra. I know all of this scares you. You just found out your brother is dying and that you’re a witch. Not to mention a wolf has claimed you as his mate. But if you dig down deep, you know it’s true.” Her eyes never left the front of the car, so I continued, “I don’t want to hurt you. I wish things could be different. That I could guarantee a lifetime together. Right now I can’t.”

She opened her mouth to say something and I shook my head.

“Don’t say anything right now. Think about what I said. I won’t blame you if you want to stay as far away from me as possible, but if you want to be with me even if it’s only for a short while, I can’t think of a happier way to spend my last possible days on Earth. I felt it was only fair if you knew the whole truth.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the tear trace unchecked down her cheek. Lifting our joined hands, I wiped it away with my thumb. I’d said all I could. If she wanted to talk, it was up to her now. The rest of the ride was made in a strained silence. When we pulled up out front of Christian’s, she jumped out of the car in a flash. By the time I’d climbed out myself she had almost reached the front door.

Her hand reached up to knock, but I leaned around her and opened the door. “Trust me, they won’t mind,” I whispered in her ear.

We stepped through the door and into a scene of utter grief. Sean sat with Theresa on the couch, his arm draped around her shoulders in a gesture of comfort. They both looked up when I shut the door.

“Sierra!” Sean jumped to his feet and came over to us.

“Am I too late?” she asked in a timid voice.

Whether it was the conversation in the car or whatever the book did, something was off with her.

“No. Theresa got upset when her mom came to get the kids. She doesn’t want them to see this.”

Sierra nodded. “Can I see him?”

Theresa stepped over to us. She reached her hand out to Sierra. “You must be Sean’s sister. Thank you so much for coming.”

Sierra took her hand. “I’m sorry we couldn’t meet under better circumstances. Hopefully there’s something I can do.”

Theresa nodded, hope distinctly absent from her eyes. And who could blame her. “I’ll show you to our room.”

Sierra followed Theresa down the hall. Sean turned to me when they were out of earshot. “What took you so long?”

“Let’s sit.”

He eyed me warily, but followed me over to the couch. I explained how I found Sierra and what happened after she woke up. Everything including when she climbed in my lap and kissed me. Sean knew me well enough to know when I wasn’t telling him everything. Why waste the time arguing. He pulled out his phone.

“It never came through.” He looked up at me. “We’ll deal with the kiss later. Right now, I’m more interested in the book. Did you bring it with you?”

I nodded. Handing it to him, I showed him the last page. His eyes narrowed.

“Shit,” he whispered.

“What is it?” My heart rate sped up.

“She released her powers.”

Sierra

I followed Theresa to a bedroom in complete disarray. Things were thrown about. In the center of the bed lay an attractive man curled around a pillow. The sheets and blankets were shredded. The bucket on the floor was half full, the smell foul. The worst part was the phantom smoky substance swirling around the guy’s heart—through his skin.

Magic, dark, vile magic, that struck a chord of recognition. Too late to deny reality, I walked toward the bed, unsure what to do.

One look and I was convinced it wasn’t a disease, or illness. A curse that made my hair stand on end. My whole world was shifting. The impossible was indeed possible.

I wanted to run, never look back. But I couldn’t abandon Sean—or Dylan.

Dylan, who came for me after reading the spell that unlocked all the magic I could feel but didn’t know how to use. Relief had chased away the fear in his eyes as my gaze found his. The draw had been too strong to resist. I’d needed him so badly, all my reasons to avoid him had incinerated as soon as we made eye contact.

His taste, his kiss, I couldn’t get enough. I’d wanted him to push me to the floor, rip off my pants and drive into me until we were one.

Dylan had been on his way to claiming me when his hand curled around my breast, his thumb grazing my nipple through my bra, sending my desire into a raging inferno.

Then I’d realized I was awake, not dreaming, and about to seal a bond I didn’t even understand with a man I barely knew. I’d freaked out and blamed him.

Like he’d said, he grew up knowing all this shit. I’d barely accepted any of it.

A tear slipped down my face. He expected me to fix this curse somehow and I had no clue what to do as I stared down at a man I didn’t know, his wife hovering beside me. This whole situation was screwed to hell.

Christian rolled off the bed, kneeling over the bucket as his stomach lurched, heaving bile and blood. The black nimbus swirled, growing bigger.

“I need to talk to my brother,” I whispered and barely avoided running from the room.

Strong arms wrapped around me in the living room, and Dylan’s scent filled my senses as tears fell down my face.

“Shh, it’s okay, baby. We’ll figure it out,” he soothed.

“I don’t know if I can. I have no clue what to do.”

“Do you believe us now?”

I nodded against his chest, letting him comfort me.

“Shit,” Sean muttered. “I should have talked to you before letting you go back there.”

“I need more information.” Peeking over Dylan’s shoulder, I met Sean’s gaze. “Not here. I need to talk to you. Think you can take me for a ride, and Dylan can watch over them?”

“I don’t want to leave your side,” Dylan murmured against my hair. “I want to make this right.”

Pushing back from him, I shook my head. “Someone needs to stay. Sean is the only other witch. And, okay, I was wrong. I kissed you at my place, but I thought it was a dream and you took it too far.”

He nodded, swallowing hard. “I stopped the second you did. You got going, and I couldn’t resist. I’m sorry I got carried away.”

Looking away, I nodded. “We can talk about the kiss later.” Avoiding the topic couldn’t last long. My body woke up every time he was near. And being in his arms made me want to forget the situation and let nature take its course. Only, I was pretty sure I would wind up his mate the second he got his dick in me. Mate, such a terrifying idea.

“Then who’s going to stay with Christian?” It was my only defense.

“I will,” someone nearly growled as he walked in.

I spun to find a man with blond hair and pale blue eyes. He moved closer, sniffing the air around me. Malice rolled off him, and I backed into Dylan.

“Why do we have another witch present?” he snarled, glaring at me.

Dylan stepped in front of me. I wasn’t sure if I should push past him, or stay put. Feral energy rolled off the newcomer the same as it did Dylan and Sean. I’d been sensing it but didn’t make the connection. However, the stranger was dangerous.

“Fuck off, Bradley,” Dylan warned, the air seeming to vibrate around him. “She’s Sean’s sister and the only one who has a hope of figuring out the curse.”

“Sister? Why have we never met?” His eyes narrowed at me.

“Long story,” I snapped back. “And none of your business. I’m trying to help.” Not that I had a clue how to.

Theresa came out, tears in her eyes. “Sean explained about Sierra. She wants to help, but she only learned what she is days ago. I’m willing to try anything, though.”

“Witches cursed us. Why trust them?” he growled, sending a shiver down my spine.

I stepped past Dylan, who growled low in his throat but didn’t move. Glaring at the asshole, I pointed out one compelling fact. “My brother is both a witch and a werewolf. Of course I want to fucking help. This involves my family too. If I can save everyone, I will.”

“He’s been trying for years. What makes you think you’re so special if you just found out?”

“I don’t, but I’m willing to try. That’s got to count for something.”

“It does.” Theresa offered a smile. “Even if you can’t find the answer in time for Christian, you can find it for the pack. My little boys will suffer the same illness. It’s been going on for years.” Tears fell down her face and the asshat pulled her into his arms.

“It’s okay, Sis. I’ll play nice. I don’t trust her, but I won’t stand in her way.”

“I’m coming with you,” Dylan told me. Turning, I found his stern expression and didn’t bother arguing. Maybe I wouldn’t have to deal with the kiss yet.

“I’ll be back. Sean has to explain what’s been tried and I need to work from there.”

“Don’t apologize. When Sean explained your story, I couldn’t believe he thought you could help. But I feel your magic. At least there’s hope.”

She had more faith in my ability than I did. So did Dylan, and after seeing the curse, I felt helpless. This wasn’t my field. I knew healing through science, not magic. I didn’t think I could actually do anything with this newfound power.

I slipped through the door, Dylan right behind me. Tension rolled off him.

Sean followed, closing the door.

“Fucking bastard,” Dylan growled low.

“In the truck,” Sean demanded.

Glancing over, I took in Dylan’s long, powerful legs and climbed in the back, figuring he needed more room. Dylan tried to follow.

“Nope, in the front, Dylan.” Sean left no room for argument.

“Fine,” he snarled, glaring at Sean.

Once the truck started, Dylan turned in his seat to look at me. His concern startled me.

“Tell me you didn’t think I was going to walk in there, wiggle my fingers and fix Christian instantly.”

“I hoped.”

“I felt it. Saw it even. I finally got it.” Sighing, I shoved my hands under my legs and looked away. “Then it hit me you’re both going to die and I don’t know what to do.” The whole situation sucked. None of it was fair. What the hell was I supposed to do?

“I should have thought this out better,” Sean muttered.

Dylan turned to Sean. “Bradley’s going to be a problem. I won’t let him near Sierra.”

“Trouble how?” I demanded.

“Blames witches for the curse.”

“And who the hell else could have done it?” Sean asked.

“You’re a witch too.” Dylan pointed out.

I sighed. “Uh, he walked in to a strange woman in his sister’s home, claiming she’s going to fix a curse on his brother-in-law. Yeah, I’d be suspicious too.”

“He’d love to burn you at the stake.” Dylan shook his head, his eyes glowing. “Asshole has to go through me first.”

“You aren’t my protector, Dylan.”

His eyes narrowed. “Maybe not, but that doesn’t mean I won’t keep you safe.”

Sean peeked at me in the rearview. “He can’t help it, Sierra. Resisting your mate is its own form of hell. If you haven’t figured that out yet, you will. And soon.  Deny it all you want, but it’s too late. It’s already begun.”

“You’re on his side now?” I asked incredulously.

“It’s not about sides. I’ve seen it a million times. If you were simply human you could stand a chance. But you aren’t, and the pull is stronger.”

“Whatever. I wanted to know what I’m supposed to do. What have you done, Sean?”

He sighed. “Every counter spell I can find. I don’t understand the curse. It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen. Nothing has worked. Not even a cleansing spell.”

I couldn’t get the swirling black sludge out of my head. I touched Sean’s shoulder and asked, “When you look at him, what do you see?”

“One of my closest friends and Alpha dying before my eyes.”

“No, I mean...wait—alpha?”

“Leader of the pack,” Dylan offered.

Sean’s eyes met mine in the rearview. “What do you see, Sierra?”

“A dark shadow around his heart. It grew while I was in there.”

My brother shook his head, his brow creasing. “I can only feel it. Never saw it. You’re a hell of a lot stronger than I am.”

And still didn’t have a clue how to use this supposedly awesome power. “What if I can’t do this?”

Dylan reached out and caressed my face. Calm washed over me. The anxiety decreased as he murmured, “Might be too late. If it is, we still have time to find the answers for Sean.”

And you.
Not that I wanted to go there. Grabbing his hand, I pulled it from my face and instantly missed the contact. Pushing that from my mind, I filled Sean in. “I have a week off. I’ll try, but I need your help, Sean.”

“We’re going to my place. One of us will have to go back to Christian’s at some point.”

“I feel the magic but don’t know how to tap into it. Shit, this is so messed up.”

Sean pulled into his driveway. They hopped out and I almost climbed out of Sean’s side instead of dealing with Dylan.

Sean looked back. “Talk to him. I’ll be inside.”

“This is a lot to take in. Can’t I deal with one piece at a time?” I protested.

“Talk to him. Set ground rules or something, Sis. Might give him a better chance to resist.” Sean turned to Dylan with a death glare. “Though he better not be there when you next wake up, not without your permission.”

“You sent me over there,” Dylan immediately shot back.

“Yeah, I know.” Sean went inside while I climbed out of the truck.

Dylan stood before me, a sad smile on his face. “I’m sorry.”

“I don’t blame you. But I’m not ready for whatever this is. I’m supposed to go work a miracle when I just found out I might be able to. But my mother couldn’t save Seamus, so I don’t understand why anyone thinks I can do any better than she did.”

He lifted a shoulder. “I know it’s a lot to ask. But you’re our only hope at this point. And I’m not saying that about me, but everyone in this pack.”

“I get that. I see how worried you are about Christian. About Sean. While I’m dumped into the middle of this and it’s sink or swim, but I don’t know if I can keep up. Then there’s this thing with you, and I don’t understand.”

He nodded, looking off in the distance. “Yeah. I don’t expect you to make a move on this.” He met my gaze, determination burning there. “But if you’re in danger, I will protect you. And if you’re sad, I’ll be there to offer comfort. Whatever you need, I’ll give it to you.”

I felt it too, and it made no damned sense. “You just met me.”

“Yeah, and that’s how it goes for us. I never wanted this. I’ve been avoiding getting close to a woman my whole life because I’m going to die in about a week and I never wanted to be the cause of the pain I see in our women. And most of them have had their whole life to accept it.”

Tears burned my eyes, but I blinked them back as I touched his face and drew him down for an embrace. I didn’t like his pain any better than he liked mine. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what to say.”

“You have more important things to deal with than a lovesick pup. I don’t want to lose Sean any more than you do. I’ve known him my whole life. I wish I could have known you sooner. You don’t deserve this pain.”

“That’s why I have to figure this out. I just hope I can.”

He rubbed my back in soothing strokes. “I’ve helped Sean look for spells. I can help you. Please, let me.”

I nodded. “I need him to show me what’s been done, and maybe give me a crash course in casting.”

“Sean said you unlocked your magic. I think it’s safe to say you already took the first step.”

“Let’s hope I’m a quick study.” I took his hand, needing the support, and went to face my brother.