Chapter 8
Seated across from Oracle and Maximus in their hotel suite, Mystia smiled at her friends’ relaxed pose. “You guys must have had a good time on your vacation.”
Gazing lovingly at her husband, Oracle replied, “It was wonderful. You and Jimmy should go on one…soon.”
“Maybe,” Mystia said. “But first I must find the witches who are using black magic.”
“Are they still doing that?” asked Oracle.
“Probably. From my research, I’m pretty sure the ones who were working with the vampires who captured Reif also covered up David’s birth record.”
“I can add,” Oracle said, “that according to the Fates, the demon they finally traced down was only responsible for the spells on the sea dragons.”
“So that means there’s at least one more demon who’s working with the witches,” said Maximus.
“Yes, at least one,” agreed Mystia. “But there could be more. That’s why I’m focusing on finding the witches. They must be stopped.”
“What about the Witches’ Governing Council? Can’t they help?” asked Maximus.
“Yes, once I tell them who they are, but until then I’m on my own,” Mystia replied.
“Maybe I can help,” offered Maximus. “Dire Enterprises has offices in almost every country in the world and I can send a memo asking if there are unexplained incidents anyone has come across.”
“That would be helpful,” Mystia agreed. “I think these witches are selling their dark magic services to unscrupulous buyers like Michael who used them to keep David under his and the High Priestess’s control.”
“What makes you think that?” asked Oracle. “After a thousand years, they must have plenty of money after sharing in the profits from what Reif stole.”
“One would think so, but I don’t think they’re doing it only for the money; more likely it’s for the power it gives them,” Mystia replied.
“Do you have any leads?” Oracle asked.
“No…not yet, but I’m hoping to hear something soon from one of my contacts,” said Mystia.
“Good, in the meantime, I’ll see what I can dig up,” Maximus said.
“Thank you. Now, about Daniel…” Mystia began.
Maximus shook his head. “I didn’t find anything in the books you gave me, like his power to materialize things…like that rabbit.”
“And I’ve searched all the books in my library and couldn’t find any references to Daniel’s ability either,” said Mystia.
“What do we do next?” asked Maximus.
Mystia thought for a moment before answering. “There are a couple of different paranormal libraries I want to check out, including the one at the Witches’ Governing Council, though that one isn’t first on my list.”
“Why not?” asked Maximus. “Isn’t this something only witches can do?”
“Yes, but I think it’s connected to the legend. If I’m right, then books that provide more details about myths and legends would be my best bet,” Mystia said. “The spell I put on Daniel to keep him from using that power will be wearing off soon, so an answer must be found quickly.”
Nodding, Oracle said, “Unfortunately, the Fates were unable to help me about this.”
“I expected that,” replied Mystia. Then, seeing the worry on her friends’ faces, continued, “I’m sure I’ll find the answer shortly.”
“How about if I go with you,” suggested Maximus. “Two pairs of eyes and hands might make the search go faster.”
“Darling,” said Oracle, “I think that is an excellent idea…if it is all right with Mystia, since I will be involved with Fionn when we get back home.”
“I welcome your help, Maximus,” Mystia smiled.
“Good, then it’s settled, but tonight I’m taking my two favorite ladies out for a great San Francisco dinner,” Maximus grinned.
“I’ve been eager to try several places Steel told me about when they returned from Jackson’s babymoon.
So, ladies, please don your best apparel, because tonight will be special. ”
~/~/~/~/~
“Mase,” yelled Sawyer, watching two men approach the motorhome. “We got visitors.”
“Who are these guys?” Robin asked. “They aren’t our cousins. Mac, do you know?”
“Hell if I know, but… wait…is that a fucking picnic basket?”
“Sure looks like it,” said Sawyer. “Do you think there’s food in it?” A knock was followed by the sound of the door opening.
Climbing in first, Norm met the questioning stares of the men sitting at the dinette table. “Hi, I’m Norman. This is Theodore, my fiancé.”
Smiling broadly, Theo said, “Hi, I brought some roast beef sandwiches and chips, water, cola, and juice. I wasn’t sure what you like, but if you want something else, just let me know and I’ll see if we have it.
” Then, sniffing, he turned to Norm, “Boy, something really smells good in here, doesn’t it, pooh bear? ”
“It does indeed, honeybunch,” Norm said, setting the basket on the counter.
“Thanks pooh bear,” Theo said, lifting the lid and beginning to unpack the basket.
“Do you guys need plates? I’m afraid I don’t know where they are so if you do, you’ll have to tell me where to find them.
Or…maybe you’d like to eat outside? It’s a beautiful afternoon and you must be tired of being cooped up in here. ”
Sniffing their visitors, Mac exchanged glances with his twin before asking, “You two aren’t wolves, right?”
Giggling, Theo answered, “Goodness no. We’re Ghost Bears.”
“Bear shifters? In a wolf pack?” asked Sawyer.
“How did that happen?” asked Mac as he took a sandwich and some chips from Norman and thanked him.
“Cody and Dylon rescued us…well they rescued a lot of shifters, but they all had families who wanted them back.” Lowering his voice, Theo continued, “Ours didn’t.”
“Fionn wasn’t wanted by his family, either, honeybunch,” said Norm, trying to mitigate his fiancé’s painful memories.
“True,” agreed Theo, recovering his composure.
“Anyway, Cody and Dylon were starting a home for gay boys whose parents don’t want them and after they told their Alpha about us, we were invited to become part of the Blackwood Pack, that is, if we wanted to.
My very smart pooh bear negotiated joining on a trial basis and, long story short, we decided to stay,” Theo explained, as he handed out bottled water. “Does anyone want cola or juice?”
“No, this is great, Theodore,” Robin replied. “You said you were rescued…from where?”
“From a prison in Tajikistan. Ki was there too,” replied Theo.
Mason was in Quin’s bedroom when he heard Sawyer shout about some visitors, and was sure it was the doctor and his mate coming back to speak with Mac…
until his nose twitched at the scent of roast beef—very, rare roast beef—his favorite.
Eager to know where it was coming from, he said, “Honey, I’m going out to see what’s up. ”
Waving his brother out, Quin continued to read, fascinated by the happenings in his book.
Shaking his head and smiling, Mason left the bedroom, stopping short when he saw the backs of two strange men chatting with his brothers.
Taking a discreet sniff, he tensed up. Two fucking bear shifters!
Eyeing them carefully, he wondered who they were.
They seemed friendly enough, but Mason was wary; just one of them, if he shifted, could easily kill any of his brothers.
His father always warned him to stay away from bear shifters—they were dangerous.
Trying to get Mac’s attention, Mason raised his arm, wriggling his fingers, hoping his brother would notice him.
“Holy cow! Robin’s right, this sandwich is freaking fantastic! What’s on it?” asked Sawyer.
Blushing at the praise, Theo leaned over and whispered to Norm, “Did you hear that pooh bear? He likes my sandwich.”
Snaking his arm around his fiancé’s waist, Norm tugged Theo tight to him. “See? Dakota’s right. You’re a natural.”
When it became apparent his brothers were too busy eating to notice him, Mason cleared his throat, wanting to give the bears some warning he was behind them.
In a flash, one bear pushed the other behind him, turning to face him front on.
Holding up his hands, he said, “Whoa, I’m Mason, one of Jackson’s cousins. ”
“Mase, what the fuck are you doing? Tryin’ to piss off our guests?” asked Sawyer. “Norman, Theodore, meet Mason. He’s overly protective. Best to just ignore him. Do you have any more sandwiches for us?”
Relaxing somewhat, Norm held out his hand, “Hey, Mason, I’m Norman and this is my fiancé, Theodore.”
Shaking the proffered hand, Mason replied, “Nice to meet you. Are you members of the Blackwood Pack?”
“Yeah, they are,” Mac said. “Theodore was just explaining how it happened.” Then, using his finger to scrape up some leftover crumbs from his food, he continued, “You should try one of these sandwiches, Mase. They have some secret sauce or something on them—they’re dee-licious.”
“I have more,” Theo said, turning back to the picnic basket.
“Would love one,” Mason replied. “Roast beef is my favorite.” Sliding in next to Mac at the table, he eagerly dug in, moaning out loud as the flavors exploded on his tongue. “Oh, my gods! This is absolutely fantastic!”
Grinning at Norm, Theo puffed out his chest at Mason’s praise. “Pooh bear, they really like my sandwiches!”
“Of course they do, honeybunch.” Norm leaned forward, giving his fiancé a quick kiss.
“You guys are so cute,” Robin said.
“Is Quin coming out to eat?” Mac asked Mason.
“Who’s Quin? Is he another cousin?” asked Norm, trying to figure out who else was in the motorhome.
“Yeah,” Sawyer replied, reaching for another sandwich. “He’s in his bedroom, probably reading one of his romance novels.”