I'll Be Damned (Anna Wolfe Series) (35 page)

Valen hesitates. "He inflicts suffering and torture on people. He’s also capable of manipulating emotions, sort of what Micah does, only on a much lower scale. He’s nothing to worry about now,” Valen smiles at me. “Your training has proven that.”

I blush. I hate it when he turns on the charm, but he’s right - my training is going extremely well. It was easy for me to pick up Roman’s lessons and thank goodness. Now, Micah can’t manipulate me anymore. That alone heightens my sense of security. I try to recall Roman’s teachings, especially what I am… a Grand Witch. “Valen, did you know I was a Grand Witch all this time?” I question.

He clears his throat. “I had an inclination,” he says pausing. “I didn’t tell you in fear of scaring you away.”

I chuckle. After everything that’s been disclosed over the past few weeks, I doubt this would have been the reason I finally lost it, but it seems like a logical concern for him. Why alarm me with a theory? Sensing my inner deliberation, he continues.

“That’s why I asked Roman to come here. I wanted him to find out what you were, as well as train you.”

“Well, good call. I’m glad he’s here,” I respond.

Valen’s lips form a snug line. I feel like I should clarify why I like Roman here, but don’t see any need to indulge his overprotectiveness. “How did you and Roman become friends,” I ask, forgetting they’re not.

“We're…” Valen begins to say.

I hold up my hand, stopping him mid-sentence. “I know, I know. You’re not friends,” I finish. “How do you know each other? How are you acquainted? Or whatever?”

“I’ve known Roman my whole life. He was one of my uncle’s advisors who came back for me after my uncle left. He knew my secret since birth and has always supported me," he trails off. "The problem with accepting his help is that he invariably expects something in return,” Valen finishes carefully.

I wince. Hopefully, he doesn’t expect too much from me! I’m not rich and surely anything except monetary bargaining is out of the question.

“We never saw eye-to-eye regarding my abilities. Using his powers, he made me the strongest and fastest werewolf. Little did I know, it came with a price. For years, he expected me to stand with him in his battles... to fight alongside him.”

“What do you mean? He used his magic on you?”

“It’s complicated… he created a binding spell. He bound my powers to the four elements of the earth. When I’m close to one, I’m extremely powerful,” he says, tilting his head down.

“So, if you’re near any of them, you’re even more deadly?” I question hesitantly.

“Correct.”

“What about earth and wind? It surrounds us everywhere,” I ask, answering my own question. “You're powerful no matter what, since you're constantly near an element,” I state in disbelief.

“Yes, but there’s a drawback to having great power. I’m unable to shift in the Netherworld because of this binding spell. There are no natural elements at hand, only demon-created ones, so I can’t draw the energy I need to shift.”

Now I'm confused. “I thought you couldn’t shift because you’re not a follower or slave of a demon?”

“I lied,” he replies, shifting his weight unnervingly. “I couldn’t let you know what my weakness is. No one, besides Roman and I, know about it and it needs to stay that way. I’m unable to protect you if demons realize I can’t shift in their world,” he replies in a serious tone.

I nod at the severity of this secret. “So, what happened between you and Roman?”

“Our relationship was fertilized with resentment. The years of bickering were draining, and eventually it chipped away at the strong bond we had. Now, all we can do is tolerate each other.”

“Why didn’t he spell you to do what he wanted?”

“Trust me, he tries, but my reasoning is unaffected by spells, or magic, for that matter,” Valen answers.

I furrow my eyebrows. “How could he put a binding spell on you then?”

“Good question,” he smiles. “Spells can influence my powers, but not me physically or mentally.”

I ponder this discovery. “So, if Micah or a demon wanted to strip you of your werewolf powers, could they?”

Valen shakes his head. “I guess they might, but it would take an incredibly strong spell. Influences of that caliber only exist in the
Book of Imperium
,” he finishes solemnly.

“Oh.” That’s a scary thought. It’s true that absolute power is terrifying. Anything that provides endless finality should be feared. “So I can’t turn you into a frog?” I smirk. A smile tugs on the corner of his mouth, lighting up his face. All I want to do is disappear into him.

“No, unfortunately, you can't,” he replies, amused.

I stare into his brilliant sapphire eyes, mesmerized by their glimmer. He breaks away from my stare shyly. I clear my throat. “So Roman wanted your help in battles?”

"Yes, but I don’t involve myself in anyone’s fights unless I have to,” he explains. “I fight for what I believe in, not for the sake of fighting."

Roman’s aggressive tendencies haven’t gone unnoticed by me. "Why now? Why involve yourself in this?"

"I believe in you, Anna. You're special... someone who can make the most powerful impact in divine history. If Micah gets hold of you, he’ll destroy us and the human race. He’ll use your capabilities for evil, and that’s something I can’t allow."

A small part of me is discouraged. Valen's priorities are perfect, but seeing as I have a wickedly, abnormal crush on him, I keep hoping for something more. Typical woman.

"I don't want that either," I respond in a small voice. "I hope I learn everything before my birthday."

"You will," he says confidently. "Roman is the best, and you're an exceptionally fast learner. I give it one week before you know more than he does."

His reassurance makes me smile. "I'm glad you decided to involve yourself with me. I probably would have been dead or kidnapped by now," I say, my eyes on the floor. The reality of my life seems to hit me at sporadic times, then it drowns me with regret. “Mind if I take this?” I ask, pointing to the book.

“Not at all,” he says sliding it over to me. His hand lingers on my thigh. I swallow hard, forcing myself to stand up. I walk to the door, turning back to Valen. "Thanks for everything," I say in a soft voice.

"Anna, there's no need to thank me."

I leave his room and climb into bed immediately. Endless, cumbersome thoughts circle my rationality like vultures, waiting patiently to swoop in. More seem to appear every day. Although my body is exhausted, my mind seems to be running on Red Bull. I grab the book and skim through it, memorizing page after page, stunned by the plethora of supernatural beings and spells. I slam it shut, feeling overwhelmed. Images of spells and creatures flash through my mind, forcing me to commit them to memory. I watch one by one, as my brain slowly absorbs them. After tossing and turning, I finally start to relax on my back. I close my eyes, willing myself to sleep with a spell. Slowly, the darkness caresses me and I drift asleep.

I open my eyes one at a time. The blazing sun beats on my walls, imbuing them with its likeness. I stretch long and hard, thrilled at how refreshed I feel. It's been a long time since I slept so deeply without any interruptions. The enticement of spelling myself to sleep every night crosses my mind, but I shake it away. That is how addicts think, and with Valen here, I already have my share of addictions. I make a promise never to use my powers unless I have to. I recall the information from the book last night effortlessly. If I only knew about this capability in college, I could have been class valedictorian. I remain in bed, catching up on the phone calls I avoided for too long. I speak to my mother, and update her on my training with Roman and my visions of Janie. She reassures me it’s normal and I'll get Janie back, but I can hear the worry she tries to mask in her voice. I promise to stop by the house soon and hang up. I debate on calling Cara. She can wait until later, I am not eager to ruin my day, just yet. I dial Kristy's number and on the second ring, she picks up with a cheerful hello, instantly enlivening my mood. She’s been busily running Alligator Soul since I closed my shop.

"Kristy, I'm so sorry about everything," I say.

"What's there to be sorry about? If anything, I'm sorry for you," she replies.

I roll my eyes. Pity is the last thing I wish for. "Thanks. I hate how I complicated everyone's life,” I sigh. “Martello hasn't left my side except for work, and you're back at Alligator Soul, which I know you hate."

"Ah, it's not that bad," she chuckles. "Anna, you have to stop worrying about everyone. We’re fine and our lives didn’t stop… if anything they’re more interesting now."

Interesting? That’s optimistic. "Have you seen anyone lately?" I ask hesitantly.

"What do you mean?"

Kristy obviously isn’t aware of Micah’s unannounced visit, or that a warlock from the Netherworld is currently training me in the art of orbs, spells and everything magic. Maybe I need to invest in a blog so everyone in my life knows my daily routine. I laugh to myself before quickly filling her in on the rough details.

"Holy crap, Anna! I can’t believe how serious this is," she replies gravely. "Not that it wasn't serious… I guess it’s hard to imagine the situation getting anymore complicated."

“Tell me about it. I still can't make sense of some things,” I reply, pinching the bridge of my nose. “I want you to be careful. I don't know what Micah is planning, but I'm worried he might come after you."

"Don't worry about me, I can handle myself," she counters.

"You can always stay with me if it will make you feel any safer." I shake my head at the irony. A warlock and a werewolf are already shacking up with me so selling safety is a moot point. 

"I might take you up on that," Kristy snorts. "Listen, I have to run, but I'll call you after my shift."

I press the
End
button, feeling content. Kristy and my parents are safe; so far, so good. I shower and get ready for the day by squeezing myself into workout pants that shrank overnight. After a quick breakfast of cereal, I step outside in the bright sunlight. Valen and Roman are standing in the field, engaged in a heated conversation. I'm not in a polite mood today, so I walk right up to them.

"It's not happening," Valen states.

Hearing me approach, they both turn to me. "What's not happening?" I ask.

Roman clears his throat. He's more stunning in the daylight. His facial features are clearly defined, complementing one another seamlessly. His eyes swim in an indigo sea, that contrasts beautifully with the sunlight dancing in his hair, like it’s water.

Roman steps forward with an intense gaze. "There's a ball on Devil's Night and we are all invited," he says pointing to Valen, himself and me. "Valen doesn't think it's a good idea."

"What kind of ball?" I ask, intrigued. "And what’s Devil's Night?"

Valen chimes in. "It's a ball for Netherworlders. It's held on the night you call Mischief Night," he answers, looking disgusted. “Not an ideal place for you to be.”

I cringe. That's also my birthday, and the last place I want to be is around hundreds of supernatural creatures. I keep this information to myself until I hear the full plan.

"Rightfully so, but it would be a good idea to show Micah and the others we are not hiding," Roman replies, looking at me. "I'm sure Anna would appreciate a little fun too," he adds with a devious grin.

"No," Valen growls.

"Can someone explain to me the dynamics so I can make my own decision?" I interrupt.

Valen begins to speak, but Roman cuts him off. "Anna, it’s an annual ball held on neutral ground for people like us... it represents peace, even though each year it becomes more political in nature."