Warlock Unbound: Heart's Desire, Book 4 (17 page)

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Daniel could smell the evil that permeated Arthur’s basement. He’d created his own unholy space down here, complete with a dark altar, but the runes on said altar were different than what Daniel had seen on either Davis’s or Hugh’s, just like his dagger had been different.

What was the son of a bitch up to?

The altar was stained with old blood, the air around it thick with dark magic unlike anything Daniel had seen.

“Fuck me stupid.” Gareth pointed to one of the runes. “I think I know what he’s doing.”

“Do you?” Chris was glancing behind them, frowning in concern. Daniel was about to ask him what was wrong when Gareth spoke up again.

“He’s using the souls of the women he’s sacrificed to bind imps into kids, like the ones who vowed to serve him.” Gareth snarled, fur sprouting along his arms. “Look at the runes, really look at them.”

Daniel studied them for a moment before cursing under his breath. “We thought he was trying to bring his demon through. Instead, he’s bringing lesser ones. A whole lot of them.” A tug on his senses had him snarling in rage. “The girls.”

Zach’s light pushed back the dark miasma that threatened to choke them. “The women are fighting outside.”

Daniel clenched his fists in fury. He and his brothers had no choice but to remain right where they were. It was up to them to take out the altar, and Arthur. The women, much as he’d rather be out there with them, could take care of themselves. Especially with Gen leading the way. Any evil Arthur chose to throw at them would be helpless against Gen’s power.

He hoped.

If Kerry was harmed in any way, he’d figure out a way to resurrect each of the Godwins just so he could kill them all over again. Assholes. If they’d followed the same path as Kerry and Genevieve, none of this would have happened. Jo wouldn’t have scars, Gen wouldn’t have been disowned by her family and Kerry would never have known the evil touch of demonic magic.

Daniel was done. He wanted this over so he could have his fucking happy ever after, damn it. “Take out the altar. Let’s end this now.”

Zach nodded and stepped forward, his fist raised. Like Gen, he was going to smash Arthur’s altar, one of the sources of his power, breaking his hold over whatever spell the warlock had been casting.

The blast that hit Zach knocked him away from the dark altar, tossing him into a brick pillar. Zach grunted as he hit, landing on his side.

Daniel turned to face Arthur. The asshole had a smug smile on his face, as if he thought he’d be the winner of this little battle between them. “Hello, dickhead.”

Arthur frowned at Daniel. “I see the Becketts still haven’t learned who their betters are.” Arthur lifted his hand, but Daniel held up his athame. The spell Arthur cast at him was split by Daniel’s blade, the cut edges barely touching Daniel’s arms.

The parts that did touch were freezing cold. This wasn’t a simple defensive spell. It had been meant to kill.

Well. Two could play at that game. Daniel pulled out the lightning rune he’d been saving just for Arthur. It would be more powerful cast outside, but Daniel planned on keeping Arthur busy long enough for Zach to take out the altar and save them all.

Daniel chanted just as Arthur began to cast his own spell.

“Lightning strikes the evil heart

Consumed by his black art.”

The rune in Daniel’s hand vibrated, the lightning flash almost blinding him as it struck out at his opponent. When he opened his eyes, Arthur stood there, his wand raised, his own dark light splitting the lightning and forking it back toward Chris and Gareth.

Both his brothers barely had time to jump out of the way, the lightning flashing between them as they dodged.

Daniel stepped back, pulling a feather out of his pouch. He blew it toward Arthur, hoping the warlock hadn’t recovered yet from his counterspell.

“Up, up and away

Until you’re old and gray.”

Arthur’s feet lifted off the floor, the warlock’s cold blue eyes going wide with surprise.

“What the hell is going on outside?” Chris’s head was tilted toward the double blue doors the women had shut behind them. Daniel could hear the wind picking up, the rumble of thunder and the scent of magic so strong the hairs on the back of his neck stood up.

Fuck. No matter what the women were fighting, he had to keep Arthur distracted. He turned his attention away from Chris to see Arthur landing back on his feet, his arms outstretched as he began to shriek the beginnings of a spell. It was one that Daniel had heard before, one that sent a shiver down his spine.

“By Lucifer’s might and Lilith’s hate

I conjure thee, come through the gate.”

It was the same spell that had started this mess, a spell meant to conjure a demon into the mortal world. Cole Godwin, in his duel with Chris, had tried to cast it. Chris had managed to stop him by throwing a likeness of Cole, bound by Cole’s blood, into the portal the demon had attempted to come through. Cole had died, but Chris had nearly died as well.

“Fuck!” Chris pointed his athame at Arthur.

“I bind thee three times three.”

Chris wound a black ribbon around a voodoo doll with a picture of Arthur’s face taped onto the head. It was the same spell he’d used to stop Cole and Hugh.

“I bind thee three times three.

By this charm do no more harm.

I bind you, Arthur, your face, your soul.

By air and earth, water and fire

So be you bound with no more power.

Lord and Lady, hear my plea.

As I will so mote it be!”

Chris wasn’t an Own, his power that of a simple wizard. The spell bounced off of Arthur and into the ground. Arthur must have anticipated such an attack, countering it somewhere on his person, with some charm or another that Daniel couldn’t detect.

Arthur was glowing, but unlike Zach’s cool white light, this was a hideous green. Smears of blood red oozed around the edges as he continued calling to the demon despite their best efforts to stop him.

“Bound by blood, obey my call

Holding demon’s might in thrall.”

Where Cole had pricked his finger, Arthur dipped his athame into the blood on the altar, binding the three together. Altar, athame and man became the circle that the demon would come through, obeying Arthur’s wishes through the sacrifices already made.

Daniel’s brother had faced this spell once before and almost lost his life because of it. Daniel wouldn’t allow Arthur to win where Cole had failed. He began tugging at his clothes, his wolf now his only option. If he could tear Arthur apart physically, perhaps they could stall the gate opening.

Zach held up his hand.

“Hecate, Lady of the Night,

Help this witch to put things right.”

But Arthur wasn’t done, not by a long shot. He’d started before Zach, and even with all of Zach’s Goddess-given gifts, even he couldn’t face a demon alone. Daniel worked faster on getting out of his clothes as Arthur spoke the next part of his spell.

“By the Compact take your toll

Feast upon these gifted souls.”

Zach was so bright he could barely be seen, his light striking the altar with physical force, cracking it.

“What evil this man has done

Let it now be undone.”

Gareth, apparently not about to be left out, pulled all of his power as the wizard king into himself. The purple crown danced across his head as he spoke, his voice echoing across the wizard world as he too battled for all of them. The demon wouldn’t stop with the Becketts. The spell had targeted anyone with Godwin blood in them. Why, Daniel didn’t know, and right now didn’t care to. As Gareth’s power tugged on his own, Daniel finished disrobing. Gareth’s words rang through him, the power of the king demanding that Daniel respond with his own power.

“Hecate, who guards the night

Aid us now in our plight.

Bind the man and demon both.

Stop this evil power’s growth.

Allow the souls within to flee,

Take their power, set them free.

Deliver them from the warlock’s hold

And send their pain to him threefold.

Send the demon back to the Pit

Demon and warlock forever split.

Stolen power now set free,

By your hand, by my decree.

As I will so mote it be!”

The altar cracked further, smoking under the might of the wizard king’s power.

But it still wasn’t enough. Somehow Arthur Godwin had more power at his command than any of the warlocks they’d faced before.

Outside, the wind howled even louder before a booming sound rocked the earth so hard that all but Daniel fell to the ground. His head exploded in pain, making his vision blur.

Kerry was hurt. This was her pain he felt, coming through their link. But he could also feel her triumph and knew she’d accomplished what she’d set out to do.

Arthur was wailing in anguish as shafts of brilliant light came streaming through the now open basement doors, slamming into him with such force his body undulated with each strike. The tortured souls of the women were coming back, taking their freedom from the warlock the only way they could. But there were only six of them. Where were the other souls?

Daniel ignored the pain in his head and shifted, his paws hitting the ground as he lunged for Arthur.

Arthur had one chance to scream before Daniel tore his throat out, ripping into the man in a primal rage that threatened to overcome his senses. He could feel Kerry’s pain, knew his mate had been harmed, and the bastard beneath his paws was the one responsible. Nothing would be left of him, nothing that could harm Kerry ever again.

A flash of white light tore through the room, distracting Daniel from his prey. The dark altar cracked, sundered by the light of the Goddess.

Darkness leapt from Arthur’s tattered body into the shattered altar, becoming one with the evil miasma that still surrounded it. And out of the knife that had fallen at Arthur’s feet, purple light poured forth as two freed souls, the last victims of the Godwins, took flight. Daniel watched in awe as the last of them swirled around him before following the others up and out of the dark cellar, forever free of their would-be master.

Zach fell to the ground, his light dimmed, his expression one of utter exhaustion. Gareth wasn’t far behind him, the purple glow of the king disappearing until only Gareth was left. The gentle withdrawal of his brother’s touch was almost painful as they separated.

Only Chris seemed completely unaffected. Not a hair was out of place as he helped Zach back to his feet. “We did it. It’s over.”

Daniel looked down at the smoking remains of their last enemy and howled his triumph. Somewhere outside, he could feel an answering howl, his mate’s cry of joy making him dance in place.

“That’s disturbing,” Gareth said, standing over Daniel with his arms crossed.

Daniel merely wagged his tail. He was one happy wolf. He’d killed his enemy and kept his mate safe.

“Please tell me you’re not going to eat that.” Zach was smirking down at him, laughing when Daniel gagged. “Thank the Goddess, bro. That would be too much, even for you.”

Daniel reared up, planning on cleaning his bloodied paws on Zach’s shirt, but Gareth grabbed hold of his ruff and forced him back down. “I don’t think so, butt munch. Now get your hairy ass outside. You can wash yourself off in the ocean.”

Daniel raced toward the basement doors. He was eager to see his mate and make sure she was all right.

When he hit the outside, the scent of ozone and magic made him sneeze. When his sinuses cleared, he scented his mate and raced toward her.

She was unconscious, as were Gen, Lana and Jo. Beyond them were six teenagers, each one roughed up, just as out of it as the women were.

The kids must have been who the women were fighting. What had happened that his mate was down? He whined, licking her cheek, trying to get her to rouse.

When she groaned and wrinkled her nose, he pressed his snout to her neck, inhaling her scent. She was going to be all right.

He looked up again to find each of his brothers by their mates, helping them to their feet. Gen seemed to have been injured almost as badly as Kerry. She was rubbing her head and wincing when she tried to walk. She was limping on the leg that had been broken. Daniel hoped she hadn’t reinjured it.

Zach was frantic as he got his mate to her feet, hugging her tightly to him and speaking softly in her ear. Chris was carrying Lana, his scowl informing Daniel that his brother wasn’t letting his mate go anytime soon.

“You’re covered in blood.”

Daniel glanced down, unable to hide his relief that his mate was finally awake. He licked her cheek, smiling inside when she giggled. Unfortunately, the laughter quickly turned to a groan. She clutched her head, moaning as she sat up. “I think I have a concussion.”

Daniel grunted and whined, trying to turn her so he could check her head for himself, when she batted him away.

“Go bathe and change back, Daniel.” She pressed her back against the side of the house. “I’ll be waiting, I promise.”

Daniel nodded and took off, eager to get his mate back home where she belonged.

Chapter Thirty

“So the last of the Godwin warlocks, except, of course, her majesty, is dead.” Lillian Fletcher set the folder holding Zach and Genevieve’s report down on the table. “I’ll be informing Vivian Godwin as soon as possible.”

Daniel hid his wince. As much as he hated Vivian Godwin, she
was
the next of kin other than Gen. And since Gen had been disowned, it was Vivian who would decide Arthur’s ultimate resting place. She would also see to the dispersal of any funds or property Arthur had. If she had an ounce of compassion in her, she’d sell everything off and give it to the families of Arthur’s victims.

Daniel doubted any of them would see a dime without going to the wizard council first. Vivian still had some supporters in court, but without the council in her pocket she might be forced to pay some restitution.

“I’m sorry that this was necessary, but I can’t say I’m not relieved he’s gone.” Councilor Krystal Wheeler smiled sadly. “It will relieve a lot of families and give them closure for their missing daughters.”

“We’ve begun making plans to retrieve the bodies of those who were dumped in the Atlantic,” Councilor Adam Mitchell pushed some papers toward Gareth, who picked them up and glanced through them. “Once we have them and they’re identified, we’ll be returning them to their families for proper burial.”

Councilor Sean Price tapped his pencil on the table. “We’ve had some volunteers, those who have done this sort of work in their mundane lives. We’ll have the victims back as soon as possible, I swear it.”

“Thank you.” Gareth nodded his approval. “I’m certain the families will be pleased with your efforts.”

“Is there anything we can do for Queen Genevieve?” Councilor Rachel Jones asked. “Despite what became of them, she must be grieving for the loss of her family.”

Gareth bowed his head to Councilor Jones. “We appreciate the thought, but my mate has chosen to grieve in private. She’s with her sisters now.”

“Sisters?” Councilor Brian Padilla glanced around the table. “I’m sorry, but I thought she only had her three brothers and her father.”

Daniel smiled. “Kerry, Lana and Jo are her sisters now.” And Kerry, despite the wound to her head, had been the first to volunteer to sit with Gen. Gen hadn’t given herself a true chance to grieve what could have been had her brothers chosen a different path. He just hoped that, between Gareth’s love and support and the support of the mates, she’d pull through this with her heart intact.

“In that case, if there’s no further need of us, we’ll disband for the day, your majesty.” Lillian Fletcher smiled. “With your permission, of course.”

“Consider it given.” Gareth glanced at Marjory Beckett. “Mom, I think Gen would like to see you. Dad’s already up there, keeping an eye on the girls.”

“Of course.” Their mother stood and, as the council left the room, she pressed a kiss to Daniel and Gareth’s cheeks. “I’m proud of you both, by the way.”

Gods, the only one in the world other than Kerry who could make him blush was his mother. “Thanks, Mom.” He held the door open for her, following her along with Gareth and Chris. Zach was probably upstairs with their father, resting along with Gen. The effort he’d put out to stop Arthur had laid him out for a full day. This morning he’d come to Gareth’s condo with dark circles under his eyes. Jo had looked worried sick, but Zach refused to leave Jo’s side as she comforted Gen.

It did Daniel’s heart good to know the women in his family had rallied around Gen, but the need to pluck Kerry away and force her to rest was stronger. She’d been right about the concussion. The healer, once he was done checking Gen for damage, had confirmed Kerry’s suspicions. He’d also offered to take Kerry on as his apprentice, showing her healing magics that would benefit the court. Kerry had jumped at the offer, more than happy to be a healer once more.

The elevator, finally repaired, whisked them up to their private floor. Daniel could sense Kerry’s weariness. “I’m taking Kerry home.”

“Why?” His mother’s instant concern made him smile.

“I can feel she’s tired.” In fact, it was making him sleepy. He yawned and rubbed the back of his neck. “I think I know the consequences of a warlock bonding to a person. I feel pretty much everything she does.”

“That could be good and bad.” Gareth shrugged. “Think of the sex.”

Daniel didn’t have the heart to tell Gareth that the sex had become phenomenal. Through their link he could tell each and every one of Kerry’s hot spots, but more importantly, he could feel her love. It was the biggest blessing of his life, one he would cherish until his dying day.

His brother opened the door to his penthouse apartment and Daniel stepped inside. The instant his eyes landed on Kerry he felt his heart begin to pound. She looked so good, lying on the couch, holding hands with Gen. All his focus was on his mate as he made his way toward her, ignoring everyone else at the gentle smile she sent him. “Hey, sweetheart. Ready to go?”

She nodded and held up her arms. “Yes, please.”

He picked her up and cradled her close. She was in his arms, soft and trusting, fulfilling his greatest fantasy.

Kerry Andrews was finally his.

“You’re mine too, you know. Stubborn man.”

He chuckled as he carried her out the door. “Yes I am.”

“Oh, hey, just wanted to remind you,” Gareth called out. “The ceremony is two weeks from now.”

“Got it.” Daniel carried Kerry out the door, ignoring her curious stare. “Thanks for everything, bro.”

“Becketts stick together.” The door shut quietly behind them.

Daniel carried a silent, sleepy Kerry into their apartment, heading straight for the bedroom. They could both use some sleep, but he had the feeling sleep would be long in coming tonight once she learned of his plans.

“What ceremony?”

And there it was. “Our ceremony.” He placed her on her feet and began taking off her clothes.

“What ceremony?” This time, instead of a soft inquiry, she was glaring at him, her toe tapping impatiently.

“Our wedding ceremony.”

She blinked, her toe stilling, her whole body shaking. “What?”

“Didn’t I tell you?” He pushed her pants down her legs, kneeling before her. “I’m marrying you.”

“No, you didn’t.” He couldn’t tell if she was pissed or happy, even through their bond, but the fact that she hadn’t kicked him was probably a good sign. “You didn’t even ask.”

“I am now.” He held up a velvet box he’d tucked under the bed before the meeting with the council. He opened it up and showed it to her. “Will you marry me in two weeks?”

The jolt of pure joy raced along their bond. “I don’t know. It’s awfully sudden.”

His brows rose as he waited patiently. It wasn’t like he didn’t know her answer, just as she knew how he felt.

“Yes.” She held out her hand. “A thousand times yes.”

“She said yes!” he bellowed, quickly pulling her pants back up as his family raced into the bedroom. “Told you she would.”

“Asshole.” Kerry laughed and hugged him, not even waiting long enough for him to slip the diamond ring on her finger.

“Your asshole.”

Surrounded by family, holding his mate…could it get any better than this? Daniel didn’t think so. He listened to his mate’s laughter as Lana, Jo and Gen took turns hugging the life out of her.

After all, it was hard to top perfection.