The Witch's Vampire (New Adult Paranormal Romance) (Mystery Springs Series) (29 page)

“You may be correct, a supernatural group in this town may have had something to do with this terrible tragedy, but I highly doubt it was anyone represented on this council. In fact, I have witnesses to support the rumor that dream weavers and nephilim hunters may be the perpetrators. They are being controlled by a group of angry gods who want access to the nexus and gateway.”

“Call forth your witnesses.” Brick snarled, clearly unimpressed with his case.

“I call Sophie Waters.” Giovanni smiled a supportive smile her way as she stood up.

“Everyone here knows you are claiming her as your mate. Why should we believe anything she has to say?” Brick snapped coldly.

“Why don’t you hear me
, and the other witnesses, out and then make your judgment?” Sophie asked pointedly with far more courage than she really had.

He didn’t say another word, only nodded reluctantly.

“This is the second time I have addressed the council regarding this matter. The first time it was questioned whether or not I was fantasizing or speaking the truth. I hope now my words will be taken a little more seriously since I have effectively revived Tiffany.” No one answered her so she continued on. “I have seen the dream weavers twice, and the angry gods twice as well.”

“As talking heads?” Mariah asked coolly.

“Yes, and also in human form.” Sophie smiled. “I know the story seems absurd, but sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction.” She continued. “The alien gods; Hypnos, Nike, Deimos, Eros, and Nyx are after the gateway. They want passageway to return home, and they are doing everything they can to cause conflict among the supernatural groups in this town to distract them long enough to get access to the springs.”

“And they told you this?” Anastacia asked doubtfully.

“Yes.”

“Why?” She countered.

“Because they weren’t planning on letting me go. If it weren’t for my mother I’d still be in the dream realm under their control.”

“Your mother is dead. She has crossed over.” Mariah reminded her.

“No, she is trapped, being held captive by the gods and weavers. I’m actually very worried for her soul at this point.” Sophie tossed a glance over to her father and Chelsea to make sure they were both paying close attention.

“So you have evidence that the weavers and the gods were responsible for the vampire and wolf house attacks as well as the death of Bella?” Brick asked.

“Well, no evidence exactly, only what they told us.”

“Us?”

“My mother, Tiffany, Giovanni, and Thanatos.”

The council members started grumbling, and the audience was full of murmurs. Sophie looked around. “I’m sorry, but getting evidence when your life is in danger is not the easiest task. My story can be corroborated which should count for something.”

“What she is saying is true.” Tiffany stood up from the back of the room. “I’m sure my brother has verified this information as well.”

“A hunter and his sister’s word is hardly something we easily believe.” Eric snapped coldly. It was shocking to Sophie to see her good-natured friend act so angry. It was a testament to how much pressure everyone in this town was under. Something had to be done to put things back to normal.

“And what about mine?” Giovanni asked. “Have my years on this council not proven I’m honest and trustworthy?”

“It has, up until your recent relationship with the witch doctor. Lately your judgment has been clouded by emotions, and frankly, we aren’t sure if you’re thinking straight.” Mariah stated with obvious distrust.

“Excuse me?” Sophie felt affronted and needed to make sure she knew it.

“Let’s not pull punches, Mariah. You’ve never particularly trusted me because I’m a vampire not because I’m untrustworthy, and the fact that my true-mate happens to be a witch doesn’t help matters either.”

“Gio, I don’t think…” Sophie began.

“I won’t deny the idea of a witch and a vampire together makes my skin crawl.” Mariah interrupted Sophie. “However, I have respected you despite your existence, Giovanni, and I have always respected the family lines Sophie hails from. So I give you both the benefit of the doubt. Unfortunately, your stories are hard to believe.”

“Would you believe Death?” Giovanni asked and the room went silent.

Thanatos stood up and smiled. “Thanks for the wonderful introduction, Giovanni. For those of you that are not familiar with me, I am Thanatos. Some call me death, others call me the deliverer of souls. Most of you are familiar with my reapers.”

“We are pleased to have you visit our town.” Eric smiled a greeting
that didn’t quite reach his eyes.

“What brings death to our door?” Harmony asked.

“You fine warriors have been tasked by the gods to guard a very special portal. A portal that not only provides power to your races, but also offers a gateway for us to return home. A home your elders know we’d been exiled from. If we were to return without permission hell would reign on this earth far worse than anyone could ever imagine.”

“A story we’ve passed down over the generations.” Mariah responded.

“What you don’t understand is that Giovanni, Tiffany, Sophie, and Christopher are correct. The gods that are laying siege to your people are angry, powerful gods, and are very dangerous. They will stop at nothing to gain access to your portal.”

“Then we will band together to stop them. After all, we have the blood of the gods running through our veins, and we are greater in numbers together.” Harmony tossed a glance toward Brick.

“I have no doubt you have the strength to defend your community and the portal. I’d like to place your town under my protection. That will keep the gods from your doors as treaties are in place to keep the gods from fighting each other.”

“And what of the dream weavers and nephilim hunters?” Harmony asked.

“I’ll happily loan my reapers to aid in any battles that come about with the weavers and the hunters.”

“Your offer is very generous, Thanatos. We must discuss it.” Mariah advised.

“Of course. But know the longer you wait the more attacks will happen.” Thanatos offered an understanding smile. “I know this group, and they’ll stop at nothing to get what they want.”

Chapter Twenty-T
wo

Brick never announced his plan to go to war. Perhaps he was waiting to see how the situation with Death’s offer panned out first, but Marissa left with the Fae and Sophie felt a slight uneasiness about her decision to go. Sophie was about to leave with Giovanni when her father approached her with Chelsea and Mariah in tow. Gio tightened his grip on her hip and pulled her closer causing a fire to bloom from her midsection and spread throughout her body.

“Sophie, may we speak to you for a moment?”

“Sure, father.” Sophie smiled, but didn’t move from Gio’s possessive embrace. She liked the way it felt having him at her side.

“Alone?” Mariah narrowed her eyes on Gio.

“Whatever you have to say to me you can say in front of Gio.” Sophie replied simply. “I know a match between our races is not ideal, but it doesn’t change the way I feel about him.”

“How do you know he hasn’t compelled you?” Chelsea asked, always straight to the point.

“What would he get out of compelling me?” Sophie couldn’t believe they were being so blatantly rude in front of Gio.

“Power over the witch doctor.” Mariah’s lips curled under in disgust. “Whoever controls the healer carries a heavy burden with bountiful rewards.”

“So now I’m unable to think for myself?” She couldn’t believe what she was hearing.

“You might not if he compelled you.” Chelsea answered simply.

“You’re new to this world, Sophie and with that newness comes a touch of naivety. We just want to make sure you’re in this relationship of your own will.”

Sophie shook her head. But their questioning made her think. What if he had? “Gio is sacrificing just as much to be with me as I am to be with him.”
I hope
.

“And how does your father feel about this match, Giovanni?” Mariah asked with a knowing, wicked smile. Sophie was really beginning to dislike the elder.

“I wouldn’t know since he is missing.” Giovanni was ramrod straight. His character was coming under question and he didn’t appreciate the insinuations.

“Convenient.”

“But it wouldn’t change how I feel about Sophie. Our love is a gift from the gods, one I intend to cherish for as long as I’m allowed to hold her. And as for the compelling question, you can easily see she is under no spell, being witches you have that ability, you’re just trying to raise doubt in her mind. But Sophie and I have agreed, no games, and that is how we will build this relationship.”

“Some suspect you had something to do with that escape at the jail.” Rafe altered the direction of the conversation.

“You can suspect all you want, but if it’s not proven that is all it is, suspicion.” Sophie defended her man even though she knew he was responsible, he did it for a good reason.

“I understand the nephilim is cooperating. Perhaps he will tell you who released him?” Gio knew that was a gamble, but he’d let it play out.

“Christopher says he doesn’t know who broke him out. He says the person who freed him was wearing a mask and silent.” Rafe added.

“So I guess you have your answer then. Perhaps discussing the offer Thanatos made is a better use of the council’s time rather than speculating who broke out the prisoners.”

“Perhaps.” Mariah agreed.

They all stood there in an uncomfortable silence. “Sophie, I’ll leave you to discuss whatever is so important I’m not allowed to hear. Will I see you at my place later?”

“Yes.” Sophie smiled.

Gio turned to leave, but Sophie stopped him and kissed him. It wasn’t a soft, see-you-soon kiss, but a deep hungry kiss that made it clear to all that were watching where her heart lay. “I’ll see you soon.” She grinned when she broke the kiss.

He brushed back a strand of her dark hair behind her ear and smiled, “I can’t wait.” And with that he left.

Sophie watched him leave. She was certain she’d never get tired of watching him walk away. It was about equal to watching him saunter up to her and taking her in his arms. When he was gone, she turned back to the witches’ angry glares. The only one that wore a smile was her father. “Alright, what was so important that I had to talk to you alone?”

Mariah smiled and blew some dust into Sophie’s face. One minute she was coughing and the next the world went black. She was vaguely aware of her father and Chelsea placing her arms over their shoulders and supporting her weight as her consciousness began to sink into a slumber. A call to Giovanni for help was the last thought on her mind.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Sophie found herself in the dream realm again. Mariah must have blown a sleep potion into her face which meant she was in danger.
Stupid witch!
How dare she meddle in things she knew nothing about? Her first thought was to get out before the weavers found her. She knew how to do it now. All she had to do was scare herself silly. But how does one go about scaring themselves? She could throw herself off a cliff, but she wasn’t sure she had the courage to do something like that. Not to mention, looking around she realized she was in a desert, not Colorado anymore. How did that happen?