Forget Me Not (#2, The Mystic Wolves) (15 page)

“No, I’d prefer you all witness this, seeing it’s Council business. Thank you, though.” She reached to brush her hand over his. “Now the spell is a simple one. Using the power stored in the crystal, I’ll offer up a few words while sprinkling some consecrated herbs around and on the stone. This will cause whatever magic has been performed to be revealed, along with the signature essence of the caster.”

“So it’ll tell us who did it?” I asked.

“Yes, everyone has an essence about them—a scent, a feeling, a taste—something that is uniquely theirs. Each of us has one, and it’s the universes way of keeping track. The only way to mask it is with extreme energy, and frankly, there aren’t many who hold such power.” Setting up everything before her, she clasped her hands in her lap. “Something tells me Amber doesn’t have access to such things. No. Once this is completed, we’ll know who we’re dealing with. Ready?” She glanced around, and noted she held a captive audience. “Okay, let’s begin.”

Lighting the candle, Vivien took in a deep breath, and taking a pinch of something from one of the bowls, she began to sprinkle it around the ring.

“Using the sacred flower of the iris, I pray for the gift of wisdom and ask the blessed Goddess to grant her purifying influence over this ritual. I seek for knowledge. I ask for truth. I petition for those hidden things to be revealed. Blessed be.”

Dipping her hand into the next bowl, she began to drop the new substance in a clockwise circle around the small band, not once breaking her focus as the candles flame began to flicker.

“With the crushed remains of the thistle plant, I ask for the magic placed over this ring to be broken, blessed Goddess, the hex cast to bring harm on another be lifted and revealed for all to see. I beseech that the power of this sacred plant be used instead to strengthen my resolve for truth, and protect all in this room from malicious intent. Blessed be.”

Vivien next took hold of the chalice, lifting it first in front of her as a silent offering, and then to her lips where she took a small sip. She closed her eyes momentarily, and I could feel a slight shift in the energy of the room. I sat mesmerized as she then dipped her fingers into the metal cup and sprinkled the liquid in a similar fashion as before.

“Seal this spell, and view my solemn petition with kindness, blessed Goddess. Reveal the truth to my eyes, and in all things, Blessed be.”

She leaned forward, blowing out the candle, and sat back, staring intently at the space above the piece of jewelry. From the corner of my eyes, I could see Devlin watching also. Zane was looking at Vivien and as the energy in the room shifted and crackled, he also turned to look.

The room was silent, and just when I thought the spell had gone wrong, there was a whooshing sound before I began to see the air twinkling, a faint cloud of sparkling glitter hovering over the ring. It grew in intensity, the lights growing brighter and brighter, and they started moving about to form an image—one of a heart.

I couldn’t help but be fascinated as I watched it silently beat, surprised when the organ suddenly turned black before disintegrating into dust. Before I had a chance to ask for an explanation, more sparkles appeared, and this image stole my breath.

It was in the perfect likeness to a wolf, the lights swaying back and forth gently, and I gasped as I watched the animal tilt its head and howl. Its features contorted in agony, and I couldn’t stop myself from reaching forward to comfort it. It was painful to watch, and I felt as though I was being branded by white hot flame as the wolf was destroyed. Even though the room remained silent, the death cries were deafening in my mind.

I closed my eyes, I didn’t want to witness anymore. As far as I was concerned, the evidence was damning. Whoever had cast this spell had wanted one thing—my death. Whether by losing my mind, my heart, or my connection with my wolf, it was meant to utterly destroy me, and it raised a bloodthirsty cry up out of my throat.

I must’ve growled, my shift starting, because I found myself being shaken before caught in the gaze of Devlin.

“Darcy. Control yourself. Wait.” His black orbs were pleading, and his fingers dug into my arms. My wolf was baying, realizing just how deeply we had been in trouble.

“Wait for what?” I snarled, still not completely myself.

“This,” Vivien answered, and the room was filled with a pungent scent that felt like it sizzled the hairs in my nose. It spoke of anger and corruption.

Devlin closed his eyes in an attempt to focus. “I know this person, but the name is on the tip of my tongue.”

“It’s Morgan.” The gasp from Vivien was undeniable.

“Are you sure?” he quickly asked, and I glanced between them both. There was a look of disbelief on their faces.

“I’m positive. I don’t know what troubles me more—that it’s her who’s involved or just how far it seems she’s fallen,” Vivien added, shaking her head. “Her essence was never this bad, even when she left the coven.”

I watched the sadness cross my friend’s appearance. I knew who Morgan was, and remembered her as a witch who Vivien had mentored years ago. She was rumored to have had a falling out with one of her fellow witches, and when Vivien wouldn’t step in on her behalf, Morgan had left—angry and bitter. I’d assumed she’d left the area, but if she really was a part of this, it meant she’d kept local.

“Do we have any idea where she is?” Zane interjected. “If she is responsible for this, we need to find her and determine whether this was her own plan, or if she works for another.”

“If she’s here, it won’t take too long for me to locate her. If I’m familiar enough with the spells being used, she needed to be within distance of Darcy to ensure the ring worked. I’ll make some calls and see what I can uncover.” Devlin removed his phone from his pocket, and walked across the room to make a call.

“I’d hoped Morgan had moved on, that she’d forgotten her anger. I can’t believe she’d be using her powers for something like this. She was such a gentle student—the malice in the spell I just revealed is so unlike her. I feel as though I’ve failed her somehow.”

“You aren’t to blame for what others do. No matter how close a connection you had with them. Some people take different paths—regardless of the teachings they’ve received. You weren’t to know this could happen,” Zane offered, patting Vivien’s hand to comfort her.

“Are you positive it’s her? Could it be someone else?” I asked.

“Without a doubt, it’s Morgan.”

Devlin crossed the room, returning to where we were sitting, and bowed slightly to his King and Vivien. “The search has begun. I have Enforcers asking their contacts for information, so hopefully we’ll have a lead soon. In fact, there are some I need to talk with also.” Holding out his hand, Devlin pulled me to my feet. “I’ll take you back to my place, if that’s alright, so I can get started.”

We offered our goodbyes, promising to keep both Vivien and Zane updated with anything new, and the last thing I saw before leaving the room was the vampire king pulling the lead witch into an embrace.

“There’s a history between them, isn’t there?” I asked, curious about their relationship. Exiting the house, striding down the stairs to the motorcycle, I began strapping on the helmet again.

“That’s a story for another time.” Devlin grinned, winking.

Wrapping my arms around his narrow waist, the kick of the bike spearing forward brought any further questioning to an end, and as I lay my head against his back, I closed my eyes.

I’m onto you Amber
, I thought,
and it won’t be long now before I’m coming for you.

Chapter Seventeen

The house was quiet as I slipped through the front door, the sound of Devlin taking off on his motorcycle fading. The warmth of the day gave a cozy feeling to the place, and random beams of sunshine filtered through the windows. Gone were the days where a vampire’s home was shrouded in darkness. As my stomach growled, I headed in the direction of food.

Devlin’s kitchen was state of the art, every gadget and device you could possibly need available. The chrome surfaces gleamed, spotless, and I couldn’t help but laugh. I knew that vampires didn’t have to eat, but some of the best times I’d spent in this place were with Devlin, preparing a meal and gossiping about the latest things in our lives. He was an amazing cook, and I knew he did it mostly to give me some semblance of normalcy when I visited.

Opening the refrigerator, I peered inside—trying to see what looked appealing. Even though Vlad was newly turned, it was obvious from the quick inspection he’d forgotten humans liked variety. Sitting on one of the shelves, surrounded by jars of blood, was a carton of milk, a packet of cheese and a bag of apples.

I chose a piece of fruit, rinsing it first under the sink faucet, and drying it with the bottom of my shirt, I took a large bite. Sweet juice filled my mouth and, pulling my phone from my pocket, I sent a quick text to Devlin about needing more food.

The afternoon loomed before me, and I had no idea how long it would be before he’d return home. I took a seat on one of the stools, and let out a heavy sigh as I continued to eat. Dust particles danced in the sunbeam that shone down in front of me, and I waved my hand idly through it. The small pieces scattered, creating patterns, and my mind began to wander back to what we’d just learned about the enchanted ring.

My gaze fell on my hand, as if expecting to feel the weight of the malicious gift there, and the action triggered a deep shudder to pulse through me. As a werewolf, I knew I was strong, but I also had vulnerabilities—the past few days were proof of that. It didn’t sit well with me at all.

Finishing the snack and tossing the remains in the trash bin, I tried to decide how I’d spend my afternoon. Possibilities flooded my mind, but there was one place I knew I’d end up. Devlin had an extensive library, filled with all kinds of mystical and supernatural knowledge, as well as a variety of fiction. There was bound to be something I could occupy my time with, and I smiled as purpose filled me.

 I climbed the staircase, heading in the direction of the study. Passing a door, I heard the noise of a television playing. Pausing at the frame, I also heard rhythmic pounding and soft grunts. I had figured Vlad was busy sleeping, or out causing mischief for his guardian, and I was surprised to find him decked out in sweats and a black muscle shirt, punching away at body shaped target.

Despite his appearance, Vlad hit with incredible force, causing the equipment to teeter and rock after each blow. There was power in each strike, precision to where he laid his fists. It reminded me of the importance of never judging a book by its cover—Vlad may look smaller, leaner, but he could be just as deadly.

I looked around the room, knowing he’d felt my presence, and waited for him to finish his work out sequence. It looked like a miniature version of the gym I knew Devlin had set up in the basement, only there were less weight machines. A wide forty-two inch television screen was mounted against the wall, and an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer was playing.

Letting out a loud exhale, Vlad finally turned, a wide smile on his face. “Hey, back already from your meeting? Get what you needed?” He leaned over to grab the towel hanging from the treadmill and began wiping his brow.

“We did. That’s where Devlin is at the moment, out questioning the witch who cast the spell on the ring. We’re hoping she’ll cooperate and tell us if she’s working for anyone. When he gets back, we’ll begin planning our next move.” I eyed the punching bag.

I’d seen these on television before. They were shaped in the form of a man and used to help train in self-defense. The theory was, the more accurate the target, the easier it was when faced with an attacker in real life.

“Want to give it a go?” Vlad raised his eyebrow, pointing to where he was last standing. I shrugged out of my jacket, and began swinging my arms in a circular motion to loosen up my shoulder muscles. Placing my feet in the proper stance, I let my punch fly, connecting directly with the rubber jawline.

“So, what have you got planned for the rest of the day?” I asked, setting a steady pace of hits. I aimed for the face and sternum, trying to put as much of my strength behind each connection as I could. It felt good to release some of the aggression that had been building. It also wasn’t too hard, considering each punch I threw I imagined I was hitting Amber’s face. “Did you have much luck last night?” I tried to hide my grin as I heard Vlad snort. Judging from his response, he’d struck out.

“What is it with you females? I try to give you what you want and still you reject me?” The poor vampire sounded like a wounded puppy, and I paused a moment between jabs.

“Have you ever thought you’re trying too hard? That maybe you should just be yourself?” I watched as he opened a bottle of what looked like blood, and barely stopped myself from cringing as he swallowed large mouthfuls. Wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, he placed the container on the floor before coming to stand behind the punching equipment.

“Please, do you honestly think that’s the problem?” he retorted, shaking his head, pointing to a place on the rubber form, and directing me to hit there. I did as he asked, and followed it up with a lower cut blow. Gesturing for me to try again, I did.

“Don’t forget I was once human, I watched and studied. Human females are all so infatuated with vampires in general, but they’re impossible to please. Take her for instance.” He paused long enough to look at the television screen. “Buffy loves Angel, but then along comes Spike. Two different vampires, and she winds up loving them both. I read the fan pages all over the internet, these two males have large followings, but when I assume their personalities, I get nothing. I am either too out dated, too aggressive, or my attempts are mocked. It’s frustrating. Eternity is a long time, and I don’t want to live it alone.”  He released a soft growl, venting his annoyance, and I watched as his eyes flashed.