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DERRICK REMINDED HIMSELF repeatedly that his mate was safe in his arms while he closed the distance to his truck. The image of Hugo, dead at Zeek’s feet was officially engrained in his memory. He hadn’t seen many vamps drink from humans before tonight, but the way Zeek drained every last drop didn’t sit well with his stomach.
“What’s going to happen now?” Maria’s voice shook as she met his gaze. A part of him worried about the next step. His body still buzzed from the fight with the hunters and his wolf paced in the back of his mind, ready to emerge if someone threatened his mate. The only thing keeping him remotely calm was the fact that these amateur weren’t better like the Devil Hunters. No, the Devil Hunters were trained werewolf killers and the Chief was just a wanna-be.
“We’ll deal with one problem at a time. Like right now, I want to get you home and in my bed where you will be safe.” Derrick liked the sparkle in her eyes at the word bed, but tonight he would make sure she slept.
Maria rubbed her nose into his chest and relaxed in his arms. She is safe, she is with me. Derrick kissed the top of her head before placing her in the truck. Olsen ran toward the truck and shifted into his human form.
“Everyone is dead except the two vamps. Do you want me to call their leader?”
“Yes, tell him his missing two have been found and we need to talk tomorrow night.”
“Is Maria ok?” Olsen glanced in the truck.
“Just shaken up.” Derrick clenched his fists, his wolf wanted to go back in time and re-kill everyone who had touched his mate tonight.
“If she has any injuries have her shift. She won’t heal like a wolf until she does.” Olsen shifted back into his wolf and ran toward the barn before Derrick could tell him that he hadn’t changed her into a werewolf yet.
Tomorrow he planned to change her. If she still wanted him to do so. Anything to make her stronger gave him a piece of relief. His body eased up as he climbed into the truck next to her. Maria rested her head on his shoulder while he drove them home in silence.
Derrick pulled into the drive way and then kissed her. “Are you hurt at all?” Maria shook her head. Derrick climbed out of the truck and a scent he didn't recognize filled his nose.
“Stay in here.” Derrick slammed the door closed quickly, his wolf on high alert and ready to shift. He noticed a magical quality to the scent. Completely aware of everything, he sniffed the air and two male figures moved toward him and his mate.
“Who are you?” Derrick growled. The two men stood a little shorter than Derrick with long black coats that brushed against the grass.
“We are seekers, here for her,” one male said and pointed toward Maria. They stopped a few feet away.
“You aren't touching her.” Derrick leaned forward, ready to shift if they came any closer.
“We don't need to touch her to get what we want.” The second male snapped his fingers and muttered something under his breath. Maria screamed in the truck making Derrick's chest tighten. Rage surged through him and he shifted, but before he had a chance to kill the second male, Maria stopped her screaming. She stumbled from the truck.
“What the hell? What the fuck do you want?” Maria yelled at the men, her hands shook at her sides. The male who had hurt her stepped forward, but stopped when Derrick growled.
“You have been doing magic in this area without permission.”
“I just found out I'm a freaking witch. I had no fucking clue I needed permission and I barely know how to use my powers, I’m not a threat.” Maria stood next to Derrick.
“What is your name?” the first male asked.
“Maria Hunt....”
“What’s your mother’s maiden name?” he asked with a hint of annoyance in his tone.
“Lukrin or something like that.”
The seekers turned toward each other. “Well, for now, please only use magic if you’re in danger and no practicing until we return in two days.”
“What the hell? Why?” Maria sounded pissed as she grabbed on to Derrick’s fur. His wolf was poised and ready to attack if they tried their damn spell again.
“Because the coven who rules this territory doesn’t like outsiders,” the one who had cast the spell said through his teeth. They joined hands and with a loud pop disappeared from the grounds. Derrick shifted and grabbed her. He looked her up and down to make sure there were no open wounds.
“We need to talk to Alia.”
“Tomorrow. Right now, you’re my priority and you need sleep.” Derrick itched for a fight, but then she yawned. A look of anger flashed through her eyes but she sighed.
“Ugh, fine, but we’re calling her first thing.” Maria stretched her arms behind her head. Derrick lifted her into his arms and she rested her head against his chest.
“I’m only agreeing right now, because I’m so freaking tired,” Maria said through another yawn.
Derrick kissed her then walked into the house. After Maria’s head hit the pillow she passed out. He sat there watching her sleep for a few minutes to make sure she wouldn’t wake up. Once he was certain she was comfortable, he grabbed his phone and called Olsen.
“Everything is cleaned up and clear alpha,” Olsen said when he answered the phone.
“Good. You and Alia need to come over first thing. We have a problem.” He scratched at the back of his head.
“What’s wrong?”
“Seekers.” They had horrible timing!
“Shit,” Olsen repeated the word to Alia.
“I’m sorry Derrick. I completely forgot to tell Maria about them. Stupid sleep deprived brain.” Alia continued to curse but it faded like she left the room.
“Be at my house tomorrow. I’ll explain, but tell Alia no magic until she gets here.” His alpha side coming out making it an order.
“She won’t be happy but ok.” Olsen sounded worried but agreed. Derrick hit the end button and strolled back to his mate.
One problem at a time, Derrick. You can fucking do this as long as she is by your side.