Chapter Sixteen
Mara
The house of horrors is filled with horrible men.
My eyes are glowing. There are dead bodies and naked women all around us.
Gavin and Archer are working together to get the women out as Rome releases them.
I killed a man, and a shifter who did unspeakable things here and in their personal lives.
The room stinks of death, fear, and glee.
The wall I built in my head protected me from feeling all their emotions, and I was able to push them into the bad guys as I’ve done before, without the repercussions.
I’m about to set the bodies on fire, and I’m distracted by Rome as he drains the rest of them.
I shouldn’t be feeling anything but disgust. Rome makes me feel everything.
His power is alluring. I want to continue to watch him as he works.
His command of the room has set off a side of myself I haven’t explored much until him.
My body is charged and ready to be alone with him.
I hover over Davis and hold out my hand.
I have to shove my feelings away and concentrate on my fire.
“Go to where you belong,” I whisper, moving my hand down his body.
“Peace for the women who suffered at your hands.” My intention is clear, and Davis begins to smoke.
I guide the fire, keeping it contained. I glance up, and Gavin is moving down the hallway.
He slows when he realizes what I’m doing.
Rome is right. He shouldn’t have brought the human.
I like him, but I’m glad he can see what I’m capable of.
Most shifters fear witches, and it’s with good reason.
Our power works on any being, not just humans.
He needs a lesson. We don’t like others to know what we are.
I hold his eyes, and just for fun, gather some fire in my palm.
I sense his caution as he watches me. Good.
I’m angry he disregarded Rome’s rules. I can be his friend, and I would never force Lace to turn her back on him, but he needs to be careful.
We aren’t shifters. We don’t play by their rules.
Our secrets are sacred and shouldn’t be shared with just anyone.
There is a reason that our laws, magic, and customs are a mystery.
Davis becomes ashes, and Gavin nods, then walks away. Message received. I move to the next body. The room is pulsing with energy, and most of it is emanating from Rome. Archer returns, dropping the last man on the floor, and watches my bond.
“The women are gone. This is the last of the men,” he says.
“Good,” Rome murmurs.
“Are you alright?” Archer asks him, and I look at him.
“Yes.” His tattoos are glowing, and I can see them through his light shirt. I don’t know how taking the lives of so many will affect him. He’s been vague. I know he will need an outlet for his emotions, and I’m ready to fulfill that role.
I finish the body and move on. “How is Lace?” I ask Archer.
“She’s relieved it’s over,” he says. “She wanted to come in, but I told her to stay in the car.”
“Good. I don’t want her to see this,” I say.
“Your eyes are dimming,” he says.
“I can feel it.” I smile slightly.
“Your spells are growing,” he mumbles, and I nod. I turn sharply when Rome groans. He bends over, his hands on his knees. There are five men left to drain. I can’t imagine what he is feeling. “Brother.” Archer steps closer.
“I’m fine,” Rome says, standing straight. “I’m fine.” I share a concerned look with Archer. “I need to finish.”
“Did my eyes look like his?” I whisper. Rome’s eyes are glowing with power.
“Yes, but his are brighter,” Archer mutters, and we watch him with concern. Another man lies limp, and Rome’s body is rigid.
“Archer, take Mara home,” he commands.
“No.” I step toward him, and he swings around.
“Please, Mara.” His face is tight. “What color shirt am I wearing?” I glance at his chest.
“White,” I whisper.
“Look at the men here.” As I look around, I notice no one else is wearing white.
“You wouldn’t hurt me.” I forgot about Adeline’s warning, but I know Rome won’t do anything bad to me.
“No, I wouldn’t. Not on purpose. Your safety means everything.” I stare into his eyes and nod. “Drive them home, Archer.”
“Of course, brother,” Archer says, holding his arm out. I take a step toward him, but pause, looking at Rome over my shoulder.
“Go,” he rumbles.
I spell myself and Acher, and walk out the front door. There is no need to leave through the room we entered from as long as we are invisible. Archer walks stiffly beside me and opens my door when we reach the car. Lace’s face is pinched, but it relaxes once I’m in the front seat.
“Where’s Rome?” she asks.
“He’s finishing up.” I smile tightly. “He’ll follow when he’s done.” My stomach rolls thinking of him by himself in the house.
“It’s going to be fine, Mara,” Archer says, starting the car.
“Are you sure?” I ask.
“He can take care of himself,” he responds, but I know without touching him that he is worried too.
I bite my lip and look out the window. I crane my neck to keep the house in sight for as long as possible.
It doesn’t seem right to leave him behind.
The only reason I did was to ease him. He was resolute in his insistence that I go.
His magic is on overload, and it would gut him if he hurt me in any way.
I believe in him and know in my heart that he wouldn’t.
“Who was the human with Gavin?” Archer asks, and I turn to him. His eyes glance at the mirror.
“That’s Danny,” Lace says.
“You’ve met him?” I ask.
“Once. Gavin said he’s had a hard life, but he wants to help people. He’s taken him in and given him a purpose,” she explains.
“He shouldn’t have brought him,” Arche bites out. “He saw Mara and Rome wielding their spells.”
“I think he just wanted to help,” Lace says weakly.
“I don’t trust him, and neither does Rome,” Archer continues. “Gavin put us all at risk by bringing the kid.”
“I didn’t know he would,” she whispers.
“I’m not blaming you. This is on Gavin,” Archer says.
“It wasn’t good,” I say softly. “I think Gavin realizes that now. I admire his need to help Danny, but he shouldn’t have taken the risk with us.”
“I’ll talk to him,” she says.
“Rome won’t work with him again,” Archer says. “He doesn’t like anyone knowing what he is,” he explains. “Now that he has Mara, he’s even less patient. He doesn’t want her exposed.”
“I understand his fear,” I whisper.
“We both do,” Lace adds.
Our mother would still be here if a human hadn’t discovered her.
Her death is another reason I don’t trust humans.
After I saw everything those men have done, my opinion has sunk even lower.
I know there is bad in every species in the world, but I’ve seen too much hate and evil from humans.
Being a witch in the world today is even more dangerous.
Everyone has a phone and social media. With one click at the right time, we could be caught doing magic.
Our lives would be over if they knew what we are.
Archer is right. I don’t think we will be working with Gavin again.
His intentions may be good, but he crossed a line, one Rome won’t easily forgive.
“I don’t think I can sleep,” Lace says as we park at our place.
“The adrenaline will wear off soon,” Archer says. He follows us to our doors, and my hands twitch as I unlock my door. Lace doesn’t bother going to her place.
“Go to him, Archer,” I whisper.
“What?”
“We are all worried. I won’t be able to relax until he’s here.” I drop the keys on the counter. “If you’re with him, I’ll feel better.”
“He wants me here,” he says.
“I just killed two men and burned their bodies with my spells. I can protect myself,” I say.
“He’ll be pissed,” he insists.
“Then let him. He needs you. Please go.” He stares at me. “Bring him back to me.”
“Spell your house,” he orders.
“I will. Will you do Lace’s place before you go?” I ask.
“I’m fine. I can stay with you,” she says.
“I need some time,” I say softly. I need to come to grips with everything.
“Alright.” She squeezes my hand. “One day I’ll have more spells, and you won’t have to help me,” she grumbles to Archer.
“Do not leave the house,” Archer orders me, pointing at the floor.
“I won’t. I’ve lived here alone long before you guys got here,” I say dryly. Lace hugs me quickly before following Archer out the door. I shut it softly and press my forehead against it. My soul bond is hurting. He fears how his power will affect him. Archer needs to be with him.
I turn and walk to the kitchen. Tea. I’m going to need lots of it.
Grabbing the teapot, I fill it and put it on the stove.
I lean forward, clutching the edge of the tile, and bow my head.
I did the right thing tonight. They needed to die.
My magic wouldn’t let me walk away without giving them what they deserved.
Perhaps this is my purpose, but I don’t think I’ll make it a daily occurrence.
I’m going to have nightmares about that house.
My magic protected me so they won’t thread through my emotions, but I have eyes.
You can't unsee the things happening in that room.
I hear the car leave, and get out a cup.
I pick up the metal can I keep the tea bags in and hold it in front of my face.
No glowing eyes. I’m curious to what they looked like, but I’m not anxious to repeat the experience.
I know it’s never happened before. My spells have never been more powerful.
I have more control over them, yet they feel almost too much for my body.
Will they even out once I complete the soul bond with Rome?
I have no doubts. He is the man I am supposed to be with.
I want to be his. I need him, and I think he needs me just as much.