Spark of Magic (13 page)

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Sitting at the small table in the corner of the kitchen, Rebecca gazed out at the early morning darkness. It was still an hour yet before sunrise but she hadn’t been able to sleep anymore. She needed to get up, get more of her strength back. Darien had been reluctant but finally relented, making sure to stay close by her side the whole time.

She held out her arm, running her finger over the light pink line that slashed across her wrist. One more day and it would be completely gone. She was still amazed she’d survived it. Amazed she’d had the courage and strength to make the spell work.

“Good morning.”

Rebecca glanced at Tonya from the corner of her eye as she bent and placed a quick kiss on her cheek.

“I’m glad to see you’re up and about,” Tonya said, a beautiful smile tugging at her lips.

“You’re up awfully early,” Rebecca said with a grin.

“Marcus and I spent most of the night talking and I suddenly had a craving for a huge breakfast.”

Narrowing her eyes, Rebecca studied her closely. It wasn’t just her smile that was beautiful. It was all of her. Her friend had always been pretty, but now… My god, now she was stunning.

“You did it, didn’t you?” Rebecca gasped.

Tonya’s smile widened as she nodded her head. Leaning forward, she placed her hands on the table in front of her. “Rebecca, it’s amazing. I can’t even describe it.”

“Are you happy?”

“More than I’ve ever been. I promise.”

Rebecca took a deep breath and nodded. “Then that’s all that matters.”

The grin that spread Tonya’s lips could be described as nothing less than breathtaking. Marcus strolled into the breakfast room, their new meeting place since Darien wouldn’t let Rebecca outside. He was terrified the demons would try to take her again and if she were honest so was she. Pursing her lips, she studied Marcus intently.

“Hurt her and I’ll drive a stake through your heart.”

His eyes widened for just a second and then his lips twitched in amusement.

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“She means it too,” Darien murmured as he walked past Marcus to take the seat next to her at the table. With a wink, he placed a coffee cup in front of her.

Marcus placed his hand over his heart, his face sobering into a mask of sincerity. “I promise you. She’ll be fine.”

Rebecca picked up her cup, bringing it to her lips and inhaling the strong scent of coffee. “She better be
better
than fine,” Rebecca snarled.

With a wry grin, Marcus pulled out the chair next to Tonya and sat. “Should I drag the old metal armor from the basement? Sounds like I might need it.”

Darien choked on his coffee and Rebecca hid her grin behind her cup. “Don’t do anything wrong and you’ll be fine.”

“Don’t mind her,” Tonya began with a wave of her hand. “She’s just pissy because she can’t go outside.”

“I hate being cooped up like this,” Rebecca grumbled. “I want this over.”

Darien put his hand over hers, giving it a gentle squeeze. “We all do.”

“Nicholas still working on spells?” Marcus asked.

With a nod, Darien set his cup on the table. “Yes. When he and Vincent aren’t arguing, that is.”

“I’m not sure who I feel more sorry for,” Rebecca said with a sideways grin, her mind imagining Nicholas and Vincent at each other’s throats, “Nicholas or the cat.”

A deep chuckle rumbled through Darien’s chest, making Rebecca’s insides simmer with desire. She still felt weak, tired, but she had no doubt she could find the energy to make love to her warlocks again.

“It’s been like that since we were kids. Vincent was our tutor, teaching us about magic.”

“When did you get involved with black magic?” Rebecca asked.

“Nicholas started delving into it when we were told about you. Several of the protection spells we’ve used are from black magic. Vincent, though most people don’t know this, especially the council, is quite proficient in it.”

“But isn’t black magic off limits?”

“Mostly, yes. There are also some spells that are forbidden.”

“Like the one Nicholas was going to use yesterday?” Tonya asked.

Rebecca frowned. “What was Nicholas going to do yesterday?”

Darien turned to her with a gaze that made her toes curl. “Come after you.”

“He’s broken through the barrier,” Nicholas snarled as he and Vincent stormed into the small breakfast nook.

Rebecca’s heart began to pound in fear. Real fear. “Who?”

Nicholas reached down to take her hand in his, tugging her up. “Sebastian.”

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A deep rumble filled the room, shaking the very walls around them. Turning, Rebecca watched in horror as the huge picture window behind the table shook then shattered, sending tiny shards of sharp glass raining down around her. She squealed, shielding her face from the debris. Darien wrapped his arms around her, shielding her as well.

“Tonya, upstairs,” Marcus shouted over the noise.

Nicholas held up his hand, stopping her. “No. We stick together. He could get to her if she’s alone.”

“I won’t have her in the middle of this, Nicholas.”

“We don’t have a choice,” Darien snapped. “She’s safer with you than alone. You know it.”

Raising her gaze, Rebecca looked over at Tonya. She stood next to Marcus, more angry than afraid. She knew her friend. She would have never agreed to leave Marcus right now. Marcus moved Tonya behind him, shielding her from the man walking across the lawn.

Sebastian
.

Rebecca’s fingers gripped Darien’s arm, her nails digging into his flesh as her anxiety grew to outright fear. This man was stronger than her, a lot stronger than her.

She didn’t stand a chance alone against him

“You’re not alone,” Nicholas whispered and some of her bravado returned.

As he stalked forward angrily the wind blew his cape, forcing it behind his body to flap in the breeze. His long white hair remained in place, his cold eyes piercing as they locked onto her with evil intent.

“
Tigala
,” Nicholas shouted and a soft blue glow shimmered across the open window before disappearing seconds later.

Sebastian came to a stop. Raising his hands, he shoved his palms toward the window. The shield Nicholas had erected changed to glass as it shattered. Grabbing her around the waist, Nicholas turned her, putting his back toward the window. She heard his grunt of pain as shards of glass pierced the flesh of his back. Twisting from his arms, Rebecca turned to stare in horror as he dropped to his knees, his back covered in blood.

“Nicholas,” she screamed, rushing to his side.

Darien grabbed her, pulling her away from Nicholas and toward the den off the kitchen. “Vincent will take care of him.”

As she watched, Vincent put his paw on Nicholas’s back, his eyes closed as he recited a spell. Marcus and Tonya followed close behind as the four of them headed through the den and into the grand salon overlooking the backyard, Sebastian close on their heels.

“That was more than just glass that hit Nicholas, wasn’t it?” Rebecca demanded.

“Yes.” Darien nodded, glancing quickly around the room.

“We have to make a stand,” Marcus growled.

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“I agree.”

“What about Nicholas?” Rebecca demanded.

Darien turned and gripped her shoulders, giving her a slight shake. “Nicholas will be fine, Becca. I promise. But right now you have to keep a level head. Concentrate.

Because it’s going to take all of us to fight him.”

Swallowing her dread, she nodded. He was right. Nicholas had told her the most important element of any spell was concentration. She had to keep her head clear.

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Rebecca watched Darien, fear gripping her heart as he turned to face Sebastian.

“
Leenana
,” Darien shouted and blew against his upturned palm.

A ball of red light flew from his hand straight toward Sebastian. With a nasty smile Sebastian raised his palm and with a flick of his wrist the ball changed direction, flying right toward Darien and hitting him square in the chest. He was thrust backward ten feet, landing against the wall with a grunt. He slid silently to the floor, his eyes closed.

“Darien!” she shouted and made a move to help him but Sebastian’s dark growl made her stop short.

“Now for you, bitch.”

Sebastian stalked toward her. The determination in his gaze sent a shiver of apprehension down her spine and she took a step back before stopping herself. She refused to be afraid—refused to let him win. Squaring her shoulders, she met his stare and prepared to defend herself against him.

Off to her left, Marcus growled. Sebastian halted and turned to stare at Marcus with an angry growl. Rebecca gasped as the two vampires squared off against one another.

Marcus curled his lip, showing sharp distended fangs and blue eyes that seemed to glow iridescent in his anger.

“Marcus, don’t,” she whispered.

“Stay back, Rebecca.”

“No,” Sebastian taunted. “Let her come. Let her feel what it’s like to have the blood sucked from her body.”

With a growl, Marcus lunged. Sebastian rose up, meeting Marcus halfway across the room. They collided five feet off the floor. Locked together, they each struggled to gain the upper hand. Marcus gripped Sebastian by the neck and Sebastian gasped for air, his fingers clawing at Marcus’ hand.

“Marcus!” Tonya screamed.

Vincent jumped onto the back of the chair, his angry blue gaze piercing Tonya.

“Don’t interfere, Tonya. Marcus can handle him.”

Tonya looked ready to argue, ready to bolt forward and help. Nicholas staggered into the room behind them, obviously still weak, but the anger flashing in his gaze frightened even Rebecca.

Above them Sebastian struggled against Marcus. They moved toward Rebecca and she backed away, scrambling to check on Darien, who still remained motionless on the 109

floor. A movement next to the French door caught her attention and she stared wide-eyed, her fingers trembling with uncertainty.

Marcus’s father Jullian stood in the open French doorway, a crossbow raised and aimed directly at the two fighting vampires, his expression cold and unreadable.

Should she scream? Warn them?

Which one was he aiming at?

Turning, she yelled, “Marcus, look out.”

Jullian fired the crossbow. The short bolt flew through the air as if in slow motion, straight for Sebastian’s back. Sebastian howled, his body going rigid as the the silver-tipped bolt sank into his flesh, exiting the other side and missing Marcus’ shoulder by mere inches. Both Marcus and Sebastian dropped to the floor.

Tonya ran forward, grasping Marcus’ elbow and helping him to stand. Sebastian curled on the floor in pain, staring blindly toward the ceiling, his whole body shaking uncontrollably.

“Jullian,” Sebastian gasped.

Marcus looked up and stared at Jullian, shock draining the color from his face. “Did you mean to hit him or me?” Marcus snarled.

Jullian snorted. “Don’t be ridiculous. Him. Unfortunately my aim wasn’t perfect.”

He threw the crossbow to the floor, his lip snarling. “It’s been a long time since I’ve had to use one of those.”

“He’s suffering,” Tonya murmured as she stared in disgust at Sebastian.

Marcus shook his head. “Let him.”

Darien groaned and Rebecca turned to help him stand. He wobbled slightly as he came to his feet and she gripped his elbow, helping him to keep his balance. His eyes widened slightly as they landed on a bloody Sebastian and then Jullian.

“Damn,” Darien mumbled, raising his hand to touch the back of his head. “It seems I missed all the fun.”

Rebecca moved to stand over Sebastian. His normally cold blue eyes now stared at her pleadingly, the color now almost as white as his skin. “He’s still alive,” she mumbled.

“Get away from him, Rebecca,” Nicholas shouted and she raised her hand, stopping him from coming any closer.

To her surprise he stopped, staring at her with a mixture of concern and curiosity.

“You killed my parents,” she snarled.

Sebastian swallowed and nodded his head. “And I would do it again,” he croaked.

Anger seethed through Rebecca, almost choking her. He’d taken everything away from her. Her family, her heritage. Everything. Grasping one of his hands, she tugged, pulling him toward the door that would lead them to the backyard. Red tinged the horizon, indicating the sun wouldn’t be far behind. It was time this warlock-vampire met his end.

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“Rebecca, what are you doing?” Nicholas shouted.

She turned to look at him as he leaned heavily against the doorframe. Whatever the stuff had been that had pierced him had drained him, left him weak. “Just stay there.

This is for me to do.”

“Rebecca, no!” Sebastian screamed, fighting against her hold.

Turning, Rebecca snapped, “
Vilat
.” Sebastian froze, starring up at her with wide, frightened eyes.

With a huff, she continued to pull him across the veranda and down into the yard.

The horizon was brighter now, the sun not far behind.

Marcus stood back, staring at his father in shock. Jullian had actually saved his life.

“How did you know?”

“I’ve been following him for a couple of days now. I knew he was up to something, just wasn’t sure what.”

Nodding, Marcus wrapped his arm around Tonya’s waist, holding her tightly to him. Jullian’s lips lifted in a sad smile as he studied them. “It’s good that she loved you enough,” Jullian replied softly.

Marcus knew what he meant and gave Tonya a slight squeeze. “She loved you, Jullian. She regretted her decision.”

Jullian inclined his head slightly to the side. “She told you this?”

“Yes. Just before she died. She missed you,” he added softly.

Sadness filled Jullian’s eyes but he tried to hide it by turning away from them. “The sun’s coming up. I have to go.” Jullian’s gaze met his and for the first time in his life Marcus felt as though his father accepted him. Loved him. He could see it in his eyes, even though he knew his father would probably never be able to say it.

“You remind me so much of your mother.” Jullian smiled slightly. “I’ve never been ashamed of you, Marcus. You are my son and I’m proud of you.”

Marcus’s eyes widened in shock.
Guess I was wrong.

With a nod to Tonya, Jullian disappeared in a cloud of gray smoke. Tonya gasped then turned to Marcus with a cheeky grin. “Can you do that?”

He smiled slightly. “No.
We
cannot. We’re not full-blooded. But I can cast a spell that would do the same thing.”

Darien moved forward to lean against a wingback chair, his gaze narrowing on Rebecca as she continued to drag Sebastian across the yard. “What the hell is she doing?”

“Sunlight,” Marcus replied, nodding toward the horizon.

“Shit,” Nicholas cried, then took off out of the house, close on Rebecca’s heels.

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Rebecca grunted, pulling Sebastian to a small clearing a few feet from the veranda.

“Rebecca,” she heard Nicholas warn.

Turning, she saw him and Darien running toward her. “This will work, right?” she asked.

“Move away from him, Becca,” Darien warned. “You’re too close.”

The spell wore off and Sebastian screamed as sunlight broke over the horizon and slashed across his body. She covered her ears, blocking out the horrendous sound of his pain as his body contorted at her feet.

“Rebecca, move!” Nicholas shouted but she barely heard him over Sebastian’s screaming.

She glanced questioningly at Nicholas who raised his hand and shouted something she couldn’t hear. A force hit her square in the chest, knocking her backward onto the damp ground and stealing the very breath from her lungs. She gasped, rolling to her knees and trying to catch her breath. Sebastian’s screams still echoed around her and she cringed, turning to stare at the smoking body just a few feet away.

Without warning he combusted, exploding as his body erupted into intense red flames. Rebecca squealed, moving back even farther to get away from the searing heat licking at her flesh. No wonder Nicholas had knocked her back. If she hadn’t moved she’d have burned right along with him.

Nicholas and Darien both grasped her hands, tugging her to her feet and away from the burning body. The smell of ash and burning flesh filled the air, making her gag. She turned away, unable to take any more of the images.

“It’s okay. It’s over,” Nicholas whispered as he wrapped his arms around her and held her tight.

Darien rubbed her arms, bringing warmth to her chilled skin. Burying her face in Nicholas’ chest, she finally let her bravado fall and burst into hard, racking sobs that shook her whole body.

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