Warlock Unbound: Heart's Desire, Book 4 (16 page)

Chapter Twenty-Seven

“So the last body was found in Rhode Island?” Kerry was staring at the screen and clicking on the map. “Show me where.”

Daniel stood behind her and bent, enjoying the scent of her hair. Something was different, though, something that made his wolf practically purr in satisfaction. He kept getting images of two wolves, one smaller than the other, running through the forest. From the way they moved, it was obvious they were mates. The larger one was protective of the smaller one, but the smaller one never once rolled over to show her belly.

Was it the final bonding, the one that marked them as a warlock and her source? Because he’d expected to actually feel weaker once the bonding was done, but instead, insanely, he felt stronger. It was like echoes of magic, growing stronger as they bounced back and forth between the two of them. While they’d never reach the level of power Zach or Gen held, they were far more powerful as a pair than he’d ever been as a solo wizard.

This must be why the elementals chose to bond with a warlock, and why demons desired the union so fiercely. The amplification of their power was a heady feeling. Knowing his mate was even more intimately bound to him than any of his brothers’? Priceless.

“Earth to Daniel.” Kerry was staring at him with an amused expression.

“Sorry.” He took the mouse and moved it across the map until he came to Charlestown. “Here.”

Kerry tilted her head. “What makes you think she’s the latest victim?”

He froze for a moment. “The…videos?” Fuck fuck fuck! Talk about assumptions. If Kerry was right…

What if Arthur had started in Rhode Island? Could he still be in New York? Perhaps even the Hamptons?

“How can we find him?” Kerry bit her lip.

“We go back to the beginning, back to the beach house. He has to be there somewhere.” Daniel wanted to kick his own ass. “We were so focused on the fact that his scent was fading and the boat was gone that we just assumed he fled the area.”

“Leaving him the perfect opportunity to return and continue where he’d left off while you boys ran around fixing the hex on me and hunting for him in the wrong state.”

“It makes sense.” He pulled out his phone. “Let me get the guys. It will take about three hours to reach Arthur’s house. You’ll need to make up your first pouch.”

“My first what?” Kerry followed him into his workroom.

Daniel dug out a small pouch and tossed it to her. “Fill it with what feels right.”

She began to rifle through his drawers, picking up objects and putting them back down with a shake of her head. Some went into the pouch, but the majority of it remained in his drawers.

“Do you fuckin’ know what time it is, fuckhead?”

Daniel grinned. “Hello, Gareth.”

“This better be good or I’m frying your ass.”

“We know where Arthur’s been hiding.”

Silence. “We’re on our way.”

By the time everyone gathered it was nearly dawn. Jo, Lana and Gen made sure that Kerry’s pouch held everything it needed while Daniel explained the theory Kerry had.

“Damn, she’s probably right.” Gareth stared at Kerry with a hell of a lot of respect. “You’re mate’s smarter than we are.”

“An orangutan is smarter than Daniel.” Zach started making weird monkey noises, drawing the attention of the women.

“Funny man. Ha ha.” Daniel threw some feathers at Zach.

They had to pile into four cars, since the women insisted on coming, but they managed. Zach drove the first car as he’d already been to Arthur’s hideaway, with Daniel bringing up the rear. They stopped for breakfast at a fast food restaurant, and by the time they got to the beach house it was midmorning. The sun was shining brightly, the waves crashing against the shore invitingly. Anyone who came here would want to swim, play volleyball and enjoy a good time.

Except Arthur Godwin. He wanted to fucking kill people and dump them in the water. Daniel wasn’t certain he’d ever view the ocean the same way again, knowing there were two more bodies out there that hadn’t yet been found. How many more were there that they didn’t know about? Had Arthur met whatever goal he was reaching for?

“Daniel?” Zach’s wary tone had him glancing away from the waves to his brother. “Look at Kerry.”

Daniel watched his mate lift her head, sniffing the breeze in a familiar way that sent a shock of fear through him. “Kerry? What are you doing?”

She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, a sly grin on her face. “Scenting the air.”

He blinked, his suspicions about the visions his wolf had been sending him solidifying. “You’ve got…I mean, you’re a…”

“Werewolf?” She nodded. “Yup.”

“Huh.” He couldn’t think of a single thing to say to that. No, wait. He could think of one. “How the fuck did that happen?”

“I have no idea. Ask your wolf.” Kerry patted his shoulder and renewed sniffing. “You smell that?”

Daniel lifted his own face, taking in the scents around him. “You were right.”

“Arthur
is
here.” Kerry frowned, looking around. “There.” She pointed toward the house. “The trail leads into—the sweet mother of god, that house is gorgeous.”

“Focus, sister.” Lana gently pushed Kerry forward. “Kill the bad guy first, drool over the light fixtures later.”

Kerry rolled her eyes, but took up position next to Daniel. He’d have preferred to have her behind him, but he’d learned there was no way she’d accept that. Trying to force her there would only end in them fighting. And this, at least, wasn’t worth fighting over.

“Keep your eyes sharp and your steps soft.” Chris held a charm in his hand, ready to fight. “Do we go in separately or stay together?”

“Separate. Mates together.” Gen was already softly glowing. “Gareth and I will take the front door. Kerry and Daniel, take the boathouse. Zach and Jo—”

“Will take the window that’s conveniently left open.” Zach glared at it, his eyes filled with white light. “If there’s a trap I’m the best one to deal with it.”

“What about the the bulkhead doors into the basement?” Daniel pointed to the back of the house, where he’d noticed a pair of doors set in the ground outside of the house. It was an old-fashioned entrance to the basement, one that might not lead to the rest of the home. It could be anywhere from a simple dirt floor, brick encased enclosure to a place where they could barely keep their heads up. If Arthur was down there, he and Kerry might find themselves fighting the warlock on their own in an awkward space.

“We’ll save that for last, once we’re certain the main house is clear.” Gen pointed to the boat house. “Check there first. Even if there isn’t a boat present, there might be some kind of clue to Arthur’s plans.”

“Roger.” Kerry saluted. “We meet by the front door when we’re done?”

“Sounds good. If you hear fighting run toward it, not away.” Jo was clenching her fists, her gaze full of fury. She was ready for a good fight.

Daniel could understand. This was Jo’s chance for some payback for what happened to her when the Godwins had kidnapped her.

“Off we go,” Kerry muttered as the others broke and made for their respective entrances to the Cape Cod house Arthur had appropriated as his own. “Let’s check the boat house as quick as we can.”

“His scent doesn’t lead there.” Daniel already knew Arthur was somewhere in the house.

“Nope, but maybe we can disable his boat so he can’t escape that way again.” Kerry winked as they made their way to the enclosed dock. “See? There it is.”

Daniel nodded. “Now what?”

Kerry bit her lip. “We could try and break into something, snip some wires or try and disable the motor.”

“Or we could lock the steering wheel.” Daniel held up a device he’d seen in commercials but hadn’t actually used. “We put this on the wheel, lock it and throw away the key. With this on, the wheel can’t turn. All he can do is go straight.”

“Do that, then. I have a bad feeling the others will need us soon.”

Kerry kept an eye on the exit while Daniel placed the device. Once it was in place, he threw the key overboard. Even if Arthur dove for it, they’d have enough time to catch up to him and stop him before he could get away.

“Done.” Daniel leapt out of the boat and landed softly on the wooden dock. “Let’s head for the front door.”

The two moved as stealthily as possible, making their way to the front porch. Luckily the house was set apart from the other homes in the Hamptons, and none of Arthur’s teenage lackeys seemed to be about. The few who’d run might still be working for him, or they might have gone off to make their own way in the world. Daniel just hoped they gave up their link to the demon some day, but if they didn’t, the Own would be there to stop them.

“All clear on the first floor.” Zach opened the front door, stepping out onto the porch.

“And the second,” Chris added, leading Lana out the door as well.

“Where’s Gareth and Gen?” Daniel glanced around, not seeing his older brother anywhere.

“He’s waiting for us by the basement doors.” Jo stepped off the porch, leading the way around the house. “He wanted to make sure nothing came at us from behind once he realized the main house was empty.”

“And that’s why he’s the king,” Daniel grinned. All this sneaking around was beginning to feel like a hunt, when he was in his fur and looking for prey. He was all set to taste the blood of his foe, his wolf eager to eviscerate Arthur and send his soul to the Goddess for judgment.

At the back of the house Gareth was spraying the hinges with WD-40. “He might already know we’re here, but there’s no need to make to too obvious.” He flipped the can, put the lid back on and stuck it into the larger magic pouch he’d put on. “One, two, three.” Gareth lifted one of the sky blue doors while Chris got the other.

The steps were dark and dim, concrete that looked like it had been poured sometime in nineteen forty and hadn’t been maintained since. Daniel was already shaking his head. “The women stay up here.”

“Fuck no,” Kerry scowled. “We go down with you.”

“You four guard our backs.” Gareth stood straight and stared them all in the eye. “We’re trusting you to make sure nothing sneaks up behind us, understood?”

“And this way each group will have an Own just in case,” Chris added.

“It makes sense,” Gen agreed.

Lana and Jo seemed to feel the same way Kerry did, because each woman was glaring at their respective mates. Lana spoke first. “You’d better come back in one piece, Wolf-man.”

“Never doubt it,” Chris replied with a wink.

“Zach?” Jo grimaced. “This is a bad idea.”

Lana nodded right along with Jo. “She’s right. I think we need to all go together or not at all.”

Chris and Zach looked at Gareth, but it was Zach who answered. “I hate to say it, but no matter what happens we’re all going to be fighting.”

“You sure?” Now Gareth seemed uncertain.

“Yup.”

Daniel looked at the women, studied them each. Lana and Jo were strong witches, more than capable of taking on some of Arthur’s minions. Gen was a powerhouse all by herself, her link to the Goddess granting her gifts only Zach truly understood. And Kerry, bonded to him…

He could feel her inside him, her disquiet, her fear, her reluctance to look weak in front of the others. He sent reassurance down their link, smiling when she stared at him in surprise.

The love he felt coming back down their link stunned him. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

She gave him the cockiest grin. “Now? You want to discuss this
now
.”

He pointed his finger at her. “As soon as we get home, Kerry.”

She saluted. “Yes, sir.”

The rest of them were watching with a mixture of impatience and amusement.

“Gen?” Gareth glanced at his mate. “You’re in charge. If something happens that’s too much for you all to face you run, understand? Arthur’s life isn’t worth yours.”

One of Gen’s golden brows rose. “I’m going to kick my brother’s ass all the way to hell.”

Gareth shook his head, smiling. “That’s my girl.”

“Go.” Kerry made shooing motions. “We’ve got this. Trust us.”

Lana and Jo exchanged a glance. “Fine.” Jo crossed her arms over her chest. “I hope we get into a fight.”

“I’ve got some frustrations to work out.” Lana cracked her knuckles.

Daniel blew out a breath. These feisty women were going to be the death of him.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Kerry watched the men disappear into the darkness below, but most of her attention was on Lana and Jo. She’d come to trust Lana’s instincts, and with both witches claiming that something was wrong Kerry was on edge. “What are your instincts telling you?”

Lana looked toward the front of the house. “Something’s coming.”

“My asshole senses are tingling,” Jo added.

“Close the doors. We need to make sure it doesn’t get to our mates.” Gen took hold of one of the door handles.

Kerry took the other while Jo and Lana kept watch. They closed the doors as quietly as they could. “Now what?”

“We prepare, and we protect.” Gen began to glow, a slow chant falling from her lips as she walked a circle around the four of them. She cast the three circles, white, blue and black.

“I lay down the circle white,

Symbol of purity and might.

May evil be blinded by the sight.”

Pale white light gleamed along the tip of her athame. Was that what it was supposed to look like? She must have really been out of it the last time Gen cast the circles.

“I lay down the circle blue,

For protection sound and true.

May evil not pass through.”

A circle of sky blue light surrounded them.

Gen began the third and final circle, her brows furrowed in concentration.

“I lay down the circle black.

Justice comes to those who lack.

May evil intentions break and crack.”

“Here they come,” Lana muttered.

“Arthur isn’t with them,” Gen sighed. “I’d truly hoped to be the one to confront him.”

Kerry didn’t know whether or not to be happy about that or worried for the men in the basement, but she didn’t have time for that. The kids were running toward them, all four of them, and their bodies were…

Were…

“What the fuck is that?” Jo drew her wand and took a fighting stance.

“I don’t know. I’ve never seen it before.” Gen stared at the kids who were almost upon them.

Kerry wanted to puke. These kids, barely old enough to drive, were covered in a thick, oozing darkness that screamed pain and misery for anyone who came close to it. “I think they’re possessed.”

“How?” Lana waved her hand toward one of them, but her spell bounced off the darkness in a show of silver sparks. “Crapola.”

One of the teens threw back his head and screamed, the sound dropping Kerry to her knees. The pain was excruciating. It was a thousand tiny knives boring into her skull all at once, shards of glass splitting her skin and vinegar being poured over the exposed nerves all at once. She could only imagine how bad it would be if the circles weren’t up, protecting them from the worst of the attack.

Lana was moaning and clutching her head, Jo right beside her.

Even Gen had trouble standing against the sonic attack. Her glow dimmed as she slumped, but she rallied quickly. “We need to do something to stop this.”

Kerry pushed to her feet, her hands shaking as she brushed the dirt off. She pulled out her wand and pointed at the screamer. She could feel her link to Daniel open up, his wolf sensing the danger the women were in. If he could, he’d be coming out the basement door, all fangs and fur and ready for battle. She needed to make sure she took these guys down before that happened. Unless they were all wrong and Arthur wasn’t in the basement, Daniel had his own paws full. “Kapow, motherfucker.”

The kid went flying, landing with a thunk on the sand.

Another one of the kids screeched, and this time it was all Kerry could do not to pass out. Lana was chanting under her breath, waving her hands about, but Kerry couldn’t hear what her friend said over the shattering pain.

When demon-boy stopped screaming, Kerry got up again. She was wobbly, but she was up, damn it. She shook her hands out, gripping her wand tightly as she prepared to take another shot at one of the kids.

“They’re using the demon’s voice to hurt us,” Gen panted.

“No shit, Sherlock.” Lana winced, clutching the back of her head. “What do we do about it?”

“We rip they’re demonic fuckin’ heads off?” Jo looked worst of all. One cheek was bleeding, her clothes were filthy and her hand was cradling her stomach protectively.

“Did he succeed? Did he bring the demons through?” Lana stared at the kids in horror.

“No. Those aren’t true demons. At best, they’re some kind of imp.” Gen’s shoulders straightened, her glow intensifying until they were all bathed in clean, green light. “But they’re definitely possessed.”

“Oh fuck,” Kerry gasped. “That’s what he’s doing. He’s using the demon energy and the women’s lives to do—” she waved her hand at one of the kids snarling at the circles, “—this! He’s making himself a little army!”

“Then it’s reversible?” Jo grinned as she watched the four kids pace outside the circles that protected them. “If it is, we might be able to nail Arthur with it.”

“Like breaking the dagger killed my father?” Gen’s expression lit with approval. “It should be like a hex removal, then.”

“But they aren’t hexed.” Something bothered Kerry about the idea of unhexing the kids. “If they were willing participants, unhexing them might not work.”

“It might.” But Gen’s smile dimmed.

“No, I think she’s right.” Lana stared at the four kids. “We need to suck the demons out like poison.”

Kerry and Lana stared at one another before clasping hands. Kerry wasn’t certain what she had in mind would work, but they had to try. “You ready?”

Lana shrugged. “Let the sucking commence.”

“I’m in.” Jo held out her hand.

Lana took it, gesturing for Gen to join them.

Gen took Kerry’s hand first before finishing the circle by clasping Jo’s hand. It was Gen who first began the chant, her voice strong and clear. Kerry just needed to follow her lead. Each of them picked it up in turn, going clockwise until all four of them were chanting and giving their power to the spell.

“Thrice around the circle’s bound

Sink all evil to the ground.

Begone now, demon, set them free,

Return to the one who conjured thee.

By air and earth, water and fire

So be you bound with no more power.

By fire and water, earth and air,

We banish you to your master’s lair.

Lord and Lady, hear our plea.

As we will so mote it be.”

Gen to Kerry, Kerry to Lana, Lana to Jo, and Jo to Gen, the women poured their power into the binding that would force the demon from the teenagers and back where it belonged.

Right in Arthur’s goddamned face.

The wind picked up, whipping Kerry’s hair into her face. Clouds began to hover overhead, overshadowing their circles with the threat of a storm. The sun was blocked out, darkening their surroundings until the only light left was Gen and the circles.

Eerie green light began to glow from the clouds, like northern lights captured in fog. Flashes of lightning bounced from cloud to cloud, scaring the piss out of Kerry. She’d once tended someone hit by lightning. The scars left behind were unmistakable. The woman had needed weeks of physical therapy.

And that was what happened to someone lucky to live through it.

If the demon was bringing out the big guns, so was Kerry. She dug her feet in, clutched Gen and Lana’s hands, and shouted the words of the spell to the sky. The demon would not keep the kids, even if they had made a pact with it. If they had, she’d permanently bind their powers, keeping them from ever casting magic again, but they’d be free to live their lives without being some imp’s toy their ultimate fate.

She could almost feel Lana and Jo’s determination, their wills blending with hers. Gen’s power was blinding, too strong to focus, almost too much to bear, but Gen held that power and kept it from overcoming Kerry as Kerry directed the spell. She channeled their energy just as she had Daniel’s, using it to amp up the power of the banishing spell until the circle the four women formed glowed with white and green light.

They kept it up, repeating the chant over and over as they pushed against the demonic influence on the kids. The kids pushed back, their voices shrill and sharp, but it couldn’t overcome the roaring sound of the wind. Kerry could feel there were others out there, other kids bound by the same spell as they too fought back against Kerry and her friends.

Jo was the first to falter, going slowly to her knees, her face red and sweaty as she continued to chant. Kerry wished they’d been able to keep Jo out of this, but Jo had been adamant about joining them. If any harm came to Jo and Zach’s baby because of this, Kerry would never forgive herself.

Gen picked up Jo’s slack, pouring more of the Goddess’s power into the spell. Her expression was filled with joy as she lit up, her power not only in the banishing spell but enveloping Jo as well. A clear green light protected the babe as Jo stood once more, the witch panting with the exertion.

They couldn’t keep this up. She glanced at Gen, who nodded her head. They could do this. They just had to fight harder than they’d ever fought before. It was up to the women to see the spell to its end.

Out of the corner of her eye she saw black claws slash at the three protection circles. The four kids were trying desperately to get through, the darkness surrounding them vibrating violently.

The spell had to be working. She had to believe in it just a little bit harder than anyone else, or they’d fail.

Failing wasn’t an option.

Her wolf joined in, howling its own song to the winds, giving Kerry the extra boost she needed to keep the spell going. The way the others were beginning to falter meant they didn’t have much longer to finish this, but Kerry would give everything she had to take these imps out before they had a chance to get to the men.

She’d give her life to save Daniel’s. Nothing meant more to her than keeping him safe.

Fuck. She was really beginning to understand why he’d pushed her away for so long. Stubborn, beautiful bastard. She’d have to make sure he understood just how much he meant to her, if she survived this.

As Lana fell to her knees, Kerry pushed even harder. Gen’s light began to expand beyond the protection circles, touching each of the kids.

The explosion of magic was so strong Kerry was thrown back, hitting the side of the house so hard she thought she might have cracked her skull. She hit the ground, barely conscious, her last thought that Daniel, at least, wouldn’t have to face the imps. They’d done it. The kids were down, their bodies smoking as the imps burned away in the cleansing light of the Goddess.

The rest was up to the Beckett boys.