Electric Heat (18 page)

“Tell me about the magic.”

Dominic leaned back in his chair and linked his fingers
together. “This was during the height of the paranormal wars. The humans were
desperate to find a way to defend themselves. They found an ancient spell that
was supposed to protect them, but they needed three powerful witches to cast
it. They also needed a host and chose a human to be their ultimate soldier. Each
caster was given a section of the spell. They formed a triangle, while the
human stood in the center.

“When they finished chanting the spell, they were ordered to
burn the pages. That should’ve been the end of it. When they lit the pages,
though, something went wrong. Something was unleashed. It consumed the witches.
The soldier they selected as host was violently rejected.”

“They all died.”

Dominic nodded. “The humans weren’t prepared. They didn’t
have any safeguards in place. The witches were drained of all their power, no
big deal, but the human was basically boiled alive.”

“And that’s it?”

“Pretty much. Rumors spread through the covens pretty fast,
and they couldn’t get anyone else to cast for them. It wasn’t long before the
spell just vanished.” His eyes were grave when he met her gaze. “Ancient magic
is a primitive, brutal force that can’t be controlled. It takes an amazing
skill to be able to wield it and extracts a bigger punishment when cast. One
spell can kill.”

“What do you know about Primes?”

“They’re loners, not a part of any coven. Primes are rare,
their training rigorous. If there’s trouble the witches can’t resolve, they
request a Prime’s assistance. They are then placed on a list, the most critical
added at the top. Primes are usually issued a magical weapon, it can be a
shield or armor or even a blade.”

Raven’s interest sharpened, remembering the broadsword
strapped to the biker’s back. “What is the purpose of the weapons?”

“For the Primes who have the honor of being chosen, it will
strengthen their magic. The weapons also block magic from another caster.”

Things were beginning to click into place. “Whoever is
killing these people has access to this wild magic. The witches were targeted
because of their access to the Primes.”

Jackson crossed his arms. “You believe your wild magic is
the ancient magic, and it’s searching for a host.”

She began pacing. “They need someone strong enough to
contain the wild magic.”

“And who better than one of the Primes, some of the most
powerful magic users ever born.” Durant stretched out his legs, a picture of
complete contentment. “But you forgot one important fact.”

Raven waited for him to finish.

“You’re no longer on the case.”

Jackson pushed away from the door, his buttoned-up shirt hugging
him tight enough to distract her, and he fixed his gaze on her. “You think
they’ll come after you next.”

Both Dominic and Durant came to attention, but Durant spoke
first. “Explain.”

“The wild magic showed an interest in me on three separate
occasions, but never attacked. I think it’s waiting.”

“But for what?” Taggert didn’t sound pleased at all.

“That’s what we need to find out.”

But after three hours of scouring every book in the library,
they only had more questions. The phone rang. Raven dropped the book she was
reading, grateful for the reprieve. When she touched the receiver, a wave of
foreboding nearly drowned her. When the phone rang again, everyone stopped to
watch.

Taggert wandered closer. “What is it?”

“Bad news.” Taking a deep breath, Raven picked up the
receiver.

“We need your help.” Heloise’s voice was strained to
breaking.

Raven didn’t trust the woman one bit. “What happened?”

“You were right. There’s something wrong with the Prime.”

Being right gave her no pleasure. There was something in Heloise’s
tone that sent a frisson of unease twisting through Raven, a primitive instinct
that urged her to run. “Where are the bodies now?”

The silence on the phone was deafening. “You knew this would
happen.”

It was an accusation. “Not exactly. I tried to warn you.”

“But I didn’t listen.” There it was again, almost like there
were two voices speaking. “Two of the bodies were hacked apart. The rest are
just gone.”

“Have any other people gotten sick suddenly?”

“About half a dozen have fallen ill.”

Urgency had Raven tightening her grip on the phone. “Check to
see if they have been bitten.”

“Bitten by what?”

“The corpses. There was a spell tied to them. Once released,
I think their purpose was to infect anyone who has magic.”

Heloise’s voice grew grim. “Infected with what?”

“I’m not sure. I won’t know until I can see those who were bitten.
Where is the Prime now?”

“He disappeared right after seeing the bodies.”

“We’ll have to assume he’s been infected as well. You can’t
trust him. Evacuate as many people as you can.”

“If we leave, we risk spreading the infection. That’s
unacceptable. You need to come here and settle this mess before more people are
killed.”

Funny how what should have been a plea came out more like a
demand. “Fine.”

As soon as she agreed, she heard the dial tone.

Taggert took the phone from her grip and put it back in the
cradle. “You heard?”

They all nodded. Jackson scowled at the phone. “You don’t
have to go back. We can figure something else out.”

Durant and Dominic didn’t bother to say a word, they already
knew she wouldn’t be swayed. Dominic closed the book he’d been reading. “It’s
most likely a trap.”

“I agree.” Durant rose and stretched. “I’ll head up stairs
and get ready.”

She narrowed her eyes on Durant, watched him leave the room,
searching for any remaining stiffness from his injuries. Jackson stepped in her
line of sight. “Take me with you.”

She shook her head.

He didn’t budge an inch at her rejection. “You need me. I’m
an enforcer, your strongest fighter.”

“You’re also a shifter. If a witch steals control of your
animal, I’m not sure I’d be able to harm you…even if it meant saving my own
life.”

That shut him up.

“I need you here if things go wrong. You need to lock the
place down in case there’s trouble.”

“But he’s right.” Taggert straightened the desk, avoiding
her scrutiny. “You’ll need backup.”

“Yes.” She’d be damned if she put more of her people in
danger. “This has gone way beyond something the witches can handle.”

She reached for the phone and dialed a number she’d hoped
never to call again.

Donaldson answered on the first ring. He was the leader of
the ParaConsulate, a group of the strongest branches of the paranormal
community. They ruled with a heavy hand to keep the paranormals in line.

“You have news of my son.” There was no greeting, just a
demand for an update.

His son was a marked rogue. They were considered dangerous,
ruthless, and most of all vicious, the reason for their kill-first rule. Donaldson’s
son, Griffin, was like no one else she’d ever met. There was no separation
between his wolf and his human side. Normally, such complete immersion would
drive a shifter insane, but Griffin was too strong of an alpha. He’d helped her
on a case and in return, she’d saved his life. Twice.

“Nothing new. The last I heard, he was settling into his new
position as a paranormal liaison.”

“I imagine I have you to thank for that.” There was no
emotion in Donaldson’s voice, but she could tell he was pleased. It meant his
son was safe from being killed outright. Humans considered him law enforcement
and wouldn’t take kindly to having one of their protectors killed. “Now, tell
me why you called.”

“It’s business.”

“Of course. What can I do for you?”

After explaining the situation, she waited for his questions,
but he didn’t ask anything. “What do you need?”

“Some backup.”

“If you asked for help, it will be seen as a favor.” It meant
she would be indebted to the Council, the last place she ever wanted to be again.
Thankful for his warning, something she was sure he didn’t offer to just
anyone, she quickly re-phrased her request.

“I’m not asking. I’m apprising you of the situation. The
problem could spill into the human world if something isn’t done.”

“Then I’ll see what I can do.” Once again she found herself
left with the dial tone.

“You need to be wary.” Dominic stood behind the desk, the
air vibrating with his agitation. “If they send people, they may take orders
from you, but they’re not part of your pack. Anything you do, anything you say,
will be reported back, both to the Council and the individual packs.”

“Understood.” Raven wiped her hands on her pants. Now the
deed was done, she was nervous.

“I’ll go with you.” Dominic shoved the chair in behind the
desk.

 Raven was flabbergasted. “Are you sure that’s wise? I’m not
connected to you in any way. If you get into trouble, I won’t be able to help
you.”

Dominic raised a brow at her, impervious to her dire
warning. “I’m more than capable of taking care of myself. I know the dangers
and how to protect myself.”

So why didn’t she feel any better? She opened her mouth to argue
when he raised a hand.

“You can’t stop me, so why not think of a way to use me to
your best advantage.” Neatly cornered.

“I don’t like this.”

“Duly noted.”

She could argue all she wanted, but the stubborn cuss
wouldn’t relent. “We leave in an hour.”

She exited.

On the way up the stairs, she felt Rylan stir.

You must wait until nightfall. I won’t be any good to you
until then.

Raven would never get used to hearing his voice in her head.
There’s no time. You’ll have to catch up when you wake.

It’s a trap.
His fury came through loud and clear,
but there was nothing she could do but be prepared. With the connection still open
between them, she felt him try to move. It was as if his body was cast in
cement. Trapped. Imprisoned. She’d have gone insane in his place. And for all
his effort, only his finger twitched.

She wanted to wait, Rylan would be the perfect weapon
against the witches, but she didn’t have a choice. Trap or not, the place was a
school. Kids were in danger. The longer she waited, the more they were at risk.

I will follow as soon as I’m able.

It sounded more like a threat. The instant darkness fell,
she knew he’d come for her.

When she entered her bedroom, Durant was standing in the
middle of the room.

Waiting for her.

“I’m going.”

“You’re injured. They
tortured
you.” She still
couldn’t get over that. “You can’t want to go back and help them.”

“I’m better, and I don’t give a damn about the witches. I’m
going for you.”

He was asking her to trust him, not treat him as less than
pack. “On one condition.”

He braced himself.

“Take off your shirt.”

Durant instantly complied. She slowly walked around him,
amazed to find all signs of the burns gone. His skin was completely smooth,
stretched tightly over the sleek muscles of his chest, abs and back, and she
couldn’t resist brushing her fingertips along his shoulders, before dragging
them down his chest. He leaned into her touch as if craving more.

Raven reluctantly pulled back, curling her fingers to keep
from exploring the rest of him. “The wounds might be healed on the surface, but
they’re still present underneath.

“I’m good enough. If you don’t believe me, then look.”

He was inviting her to use her gift to judge the extent of
his injuries. She weighed her options, but his unrelenting expression warned
her that she didn’t really have any choice. She shuffled closer. All she could
smell was his enticing leather scent. It threatened to distract her into doing
something naughty…like touch him more than was necessary to read him.

She placed her hands over his chest, hovering just out of
reach. Tempting heat reached toward her, begging her to close the distance. She
slammed her eyes closed, hoping that if she couldn’t see the temptation, it wouldn’t
exist.

A lie.

His body was imprinted on her mind. She could explore him to
her heart’s content, he wouldn’t stop her, but once she took that final step,
he would be relentless in his pursuit of her. It stopped her from closing the
last inch separating them.

Raven focused her attention on his injuries, and pushed her sight
into him. After a second, she met resistance. His aura. She focused on the
shield around him, studying it for any signs of damage. He looked bruised, sore
definitely, but nothing like she’d expected. “How?”

“Touch of the alpha. While you slept, your touch accelerated
my healing.” Durant gave a low rumble and stepped closer until she was smashed
up against his chest. His aura bowed under her touch, then wrapped around her.

His emotions tumbled through her.

Warmth and love.

A lick of wildness and such hunger that she lost her breath.

She wanted what he offered so badly that she trembled with
the effort it took not to surrender to what they both craved.

Durant released her and stepped away when she didn’t have
the strength to do it herself. His smile was both tender and rakish, and she
gulped. “If we didn’t have a case, I would ask where you put those handcuffs.”

 Chapter Fifteen

DAY FOUR: SUNSET
– WITCH’S COMPOUND

O
n
the drive to the witch’s compound, all Raven could think about was the last
time she’d handcuffed Durant, damn his sneaky hide. He’d let her take charge,
an illusion, but she didn’t care. It allowed her to do anything she wanted
without fearing that she would lose control.

As if reading her thoughts, Durant winked at her.

The bastard.

When they rounded the last curve, Raven tensed and
straightened in her seat. The gates were open and canted, as if something had ripped
through them. Two men loitered around the entrance, undoubtedly the Council’s
men. Even though Durant had been speeding, the others had arrived first. Raven
bit back her disappointment, having hoped for more support, but she understood.
Entering the compound with a strong force would have been tantamount to
declaring war.

The logic of it didn’t help her feel any better.

Something was in the air, a foreboding that pressed against
her chest, urging her to turn back. Her creature flexed, ready to take on
anyone who thought to harm what was theirs.

Even from the distance, she recognized the heavy, muscular
man as a wolf. He gave a nod of his blond head as she exited the vehicle, and
she returned the gesture. The other man still had his back toward her.

Vampire.

The rest of her people piled out behind her. The jaguar took
one look at the gate and bounded into the woods in the direction of the
familiar camp.

“Damn it.” Dominic tensed to follow when she waved him off.

“Leave him. They already know we’re coming.” Anyway, she
didn’t want the jaguar near the battle. While she’d wanted to leave him in the
protection of the pack, the cat had sneaked into the vehicle and refused to
leave. There hadn’t been time to waste coaxing him out.

She turned to face the two strangers. “Did the Council
inform you of what to expect?”

The second man whirled, and Raven blinked in surprise.

The vampire from the Red Door club. “What are you doing
here?”

“I said you would see me again.” He gave her a cocky grin. “Call
me Nicholas.”

The man wasn’t conventionally handsome, but he had a magnetic
quality that drew humans. Curly brown hair tumbled around his head, softening
his appearance, a trick that made him appear more human and less threatening.
She was beginning to associate those who looked more human as being more
dangerous. In point of fact, it was just before sunset and this vampire was
already fully awake. Even so, she felt it necessary to warn him. “This mission will
be dangerous.”

Something dark and monstrous glimmered in his eyes, and his
good cheer melted away. “I know how to handle myself.”

“And so do I.” Randolph, the Council’s assassin, emerged
from the woods. Half her pack took a reflexive step back. Only the need to
appear strong restrained her from doing the same.

She would not be prey.

He would use it against her.

Of medium stature, brown hair and nondescript features, Randolph
was usually overlooked. A mistake, but it was also what made him the perfect
killer. His powers were like hers, but something in him had turned dark and
twisted.

Much to her regret, he found her fascinating. He believed the
two of them were the next step in evolution, built to adapt by the experiments forced
on them in the labs. She suspected he wanted to pit himself against her to see
which one would win, but so far, he’d kept his distance and just observed.

It was unnerving not to know when he would turn on her.

“What are you doing here?” Her creature was enraged at his
nearness, clawing up Raven’s insides to get out.

Wait.

Surprisingly, the creature went silent, cooperating for once.

Randolph appeared confused by her question. “You requested
help.”

Again, she had the impression he imagined they were friends.
She wanted to refuse, but didn’t for two reasons. She didn’t want to offend him
and make an enemy. Plus, what he’d said was true…they did need help.

He took her silence as consent and stepped forward.

The creature snapped its teeth and snarled, using Raven’s
eyes so they both could see what kind of threat he presented. Gold lines of energy
seethed from him, a volatile power crackling with heat and hunger. He kept it so
well concealed that no one ever expected the deadly, ruthless trap underneath the
placid exterior until it was too late.

He held his hands out from his sides, a sign of goodwill.

By the time she wrestled control back from her creature,
Randolph was staring at her with dead, icy green eyes, as if he knew what was
happening and waited to see how she’d handle it. As if impressed with her mastery,
he smiled. “Shall we go?”

Swallowing her protests, she nodded.

“Raven.” Dominic barked her name out like a reprimand.

“The Council sent him for a reason. We’d be foolish not to
use him.” And as much as she wanted to send him packing, she couldn’t refuse.
She’d do anything to protect her pack, even team up with Randolph.

They passed through the gates in an uneasy alliance. Whatever
she had expected, what she saw when they came to the campus hadn’t been it. In
just one day, it had been destroyed, many of its inhabitants massacred, so it
now resembled a war zone. Buildings lay in ruins, while deep craters were scattered
about like giant wounds in the earth. Bits of gore dotted the grass, body parts
mangled beyond recognition.

So much magic had been thrown around that the overly-sweet smell
had turned sickly, mixing caustically with the stench of blood and rot. It
permeated the air, but did little to cover the sour odor of fear that seemed to
taint everything.

Randolph stopped at her side. “Whatever happened here, the
witches put up a helluva fight.”

A quiver of doubt shook her. She surveyed her little army.
None of them were armed, they were weapons in their own right, but few of them
were equipped to handle magic.

When they emerged at the center of the campus, a welcome
party waited for them. Heloise stood next to the Prime. “I didn’t want to involve
you. I had no choice.”

Raven understood. Heloise had a whole school full of
children to protect. That didn’t mean she couldn’t still blame her, though. This
fight could’ve been prevented if the witch had just listened. That knowledge, along
with regret, darkened Heloise’s eyes.  

Raven noted the position of the people who remained
standing. Small groups were scattered throughout the campus, all of them
looking like they’d been to hell and back. They were filthy, their clothes
ripped, their wounds untended and bleeding. A few looked ready to keel over at
any moments, but the hatred in their eyes still burned.

Then she noticed a difference in a few of the survivors.
With each group, there was a person who still had power.

Traitors.

Most likely bitten and under the control of the one who
wielded the wild magic.

“Welcome!” A young wolf, the one in charge of the familiars,
strode forward with a bright smile. “I see you received my invitation to join
the party.”

Things began to click into place. “You’re in charge.”

His smile turned bitter. “It took me years of planning, but
I finally found a way to destroy those who’ve enslaved my people for
centuries.”

He seemed so proud of his accomplishments that Raven could
only shake her head. “I agree—”

“I knew you’d see things my way.” He practically bounced in
his eagerness. “That’s why I wanted you here. With you by my side, we’ll be
unstoppable.”

“You’re insane.” His smile dropped away, and his wolf peered
out through his eyes. “I agree that no one should be forced into doing what
they don’t want, but you willingly entered into this agreement and signed a contract.
You’re being paid.”

A snarl twisted his face, his rage a physical presence.
“They’ve poisoned you against us.”

“If you want your freedom, war is not the way to go about
it.”

“You know nothing about our plight. I thought you were
different, but I should’ve known better. You’re an
alpha
.” He said it
like it was a curse. “What would you know of hardship and pain? You’re part of
the problem, selling out your own kind for a few dollars.”

Her creature growled in affront, the sound echoing around
the campus, loud enough that the few remaining shifters took a step back. “No
one forced you sign over your life. You had a choice. Don’t blame the pack if
your life didn’t turn out the way you wanted it.”

The shifter stared at her for a few more seconds then waved
his arm. “Kill her.”

The Prime took a step forward, and Raven braced herself for
an attack. He looked different from the first quick glimpse she’d stolen when
he’d screamed past on his bike. He’d aged, his broad frame thinner and banged-up
around the edges, like he’d put up a fight before being taken.

A thin line of red encircled his pupils, revealing something
inhuman had taken over.

Then he smiled at her, his face losing the dead expression as
something sparked to life in him. A chill sliced through her soul. But instead
of attacking, he turned toward the shifter. “No.”

“What are you doing? I gave you an order.”

“I don’t take orders from you.”

The shifter blinked, then sputtered. “I’m the one who
summoned you. You have to obey.”

While they were distracted, Raven tipped her head toward
Heloise, then flicked a glance at a group of children huddled by one of the few
remaining buildings. The woman gave a grim nod and inched away from the
confrontation. A few of the others understood the gesture and followed suit.

Wild magic thickened the air, and Raven whirled to see the
Prime’s smile was sharper now, his teeth more prominent. His patience had grown
thin. “No one commands me. I came because it suited my purpose. We no longer
need your assistance.”

As if understanding the danger, terror darkened the young
wolf’s eyes. “But we are going to free ourselves from the witches.”

The Prime laughed, an unsettling sound that turned her
stomach liquid. He spread his arms wide. “I have no need to massacre the
witches. They pose no threat.”

“But you killed them—”

“I needed this body, someone strong enough to hold my
magic.” He shrugged, as if the deaths were inconsequential. “This was the
fastest way to get what I want.”

With those last words, he turned and their gazes clashed. Raven
had the sinking feeling that what he wanted had now changed.

The young wolf gained confidence and strode forward, waving
a hand at the destroyed campus. “Then why allow all of this to happen?”

“Because I want
her
.”

The wolf snorted, then nearly choked when he realized the
Prime was serious.

Magic gathered around the Prime, and Raven knew it was time
to strike or it would be too late. “Now.”

Time slowed.

Heloise sent a blast at the man guarding the children, and
Raven watched as he exploded into a bright red mist. Then she had no more time
to worry about the witches as the area erupted into chaos.

Sensing danger, the young wolf whirled and tried to shift. The
process was brutal and slow and much too late. The Prime released a wave of
magic, and she watched it hit the young animal in mid-transformation. Instead
of shifting into a beast, the process was reversed. The body was ripped apart,
and skin and fur pelted everyone in the blast radius.

Some of the familiars bolted, others helped the witches
escape or gave chase, she wasn’t sure which, but the majority roared and
charged into battle. Her group scattered, meeting the threat head-on. She heard
fighting behind her, but trusted them to have her back.

Randolph strode into the chaos, his magic boiling out of
him, blasting any of the witches who’d turned traitor, doing what none of her
people could.