Kenya stood stock-still, watching as the other women took their places around the circle. Audric was lending his magic, along with several other members of the Council. No one seemed certain how they were going to account for six pieces instead of five. Contrary to what her mother had insisted, the medallion she wore had not rejoined the one Bronx’s mother gave him. Wiggling her toes in the cool grass, Kenya appreciated the feel of the earth beneath her feet. The direct contact helped her feel more grounded and spiritually connected to the process. Feeling the planet’s life force pulsing beneath her soles always soothed her in the way nothing else could.
“You’re all doing great. Let your focus remain centered on allowing the power of Mother Earth to move through you—it will amplify your magic, letting us reach our goal more quickly.” Kenya heard Audric’s unspoken addition—faster equals safer. The sooner the magic totem was restored and back in the council’s safekeeping, the better it would be for everyone.
Suddenly assailed by nerves, Kenya realized she was picking up the energy of everyone around her. The operatives—some seen, but many hiding in the shadows—were balanced precariously on edge, their adrenaline spiking as they continuously scanned what she’d learned was their sector. The connection she’d felt to the magnetic power of the earth was shattering under the weight of her worry. Panic making her chest tight, her shallow panting breaths had jet black dots dancing in the yellow-gold light of the fire at the center of the circle.
Where’s Bronx? I can’t find him. I need to know he’s here and safe.
“I’m right behind you, Cheŕ. I won’t leave you.” His large hands settled on the top of her shoulders, melting the tension from the rigid muscles with little more than a touch. His brothers stepped closer to their mates, and Bronx felt the power surge around them. When Audric, Amaya, and Brigitte started chanting the spell to reverse the centuries-old separation, Bronx could have sworn time slowed.
Placed on flat stones surrounding the fire, the medallions started to vibrate and glow. The eerie shade of green made him shudder when they seemed to be emitting tendrils of smoke trailing up several feet. When the wisps of smoke started forming the faces of the original witches at the separation ceremony, Kenya noticed her grandfather moved quickly to stand in the space to her right, blocking her view of Gigi. She wondered about the sudden change, but the question was answered when she heard the distant crack of a rifle shot.
“We had intruders who refused to stand down. They’ve been… contained. Continue mission… repeat, continue. Let’s get this done. We’re starting to attract too much attention.” Kyle West’s commanding voice came over the ear-bud Bronx was wearing, but she heard the words as if they’d been spoken directly to her.
Thank the great Goddess, the witches and wizards kept on as if nothing was happening around them. Kenya made every effort to tune out the radio chatter, knowing she needed to keep her attention and magical energy focused on the ceremony. Her skin started to tingle beneath the surface. The sensation was odd but starting to feel more familiar. A vision of her wolf trying to break free flashed through her mind as things around her started spinning out of control.
Bronx was getting more frustrated by the minute. The damned dark magicals were relentless. He could feel their malevolent energy surrounding them. He suspected the witches and wizards were simply testing the team, biding their time until the totem was restored. It was the finished product they were after. It was damned hard to focus when he heard Lilly inform the team, she had two intruders coming out of the lake just a few yards from where they were standing.
Lightning struck each of the medallions, melting them instantly, the liquid flowing in a counterclockwise stream, pooling in front of Audric. With a small circle of his finger, the wizard shrouded the area immediately, surrounding him in a blanket of thick white smoke. Out of the corner of his eye, Bronx saw Cooper take Catalina to the ground, covering her with his own body. Instinct kicked in, and Bronx followed suit with Kenya. From the sounds surrounding them, his brothers—whether by blood or marriage—had done the same.
A fireball raced across the surface of the water a split second before a thunderous boom sounded, echoing over the lake. The explosion on the shore put every fireworks display Bronx had ever seen to shame. He heard Kyle West shouting at his mom to stand down as burnt pieces of clothing floated down around them. By the time they were given the all-clear, Audric, Amaya, and Gigi were gone… along with the totem. The dead silence surrounding them was chilling—fortunately, it didn’t last long.
“Holy shit. You all know how to throw it down.” Tobi’s excited voice sounded from his patio, and Bronx couldn’t hold back his laughter when Kyle’s and Kent’s combined curses came over his earpiece.
Getting to his feet, Bronx was shocked to find the grassy area between his home and the lake had already been restored to its previous pristine condition. The rocks were gone, and there was no evidence of the fire that was burning in the center of the circle just moments earlier.
Looking up the gentle slope toward his home, he laughed out loud when he saw party lights draped between poles swaying in the breeze. Looking closer, he shook his head when he realized there were several elaborately fixed buffet tables with what he would bet was a feast.
“Why are they all standing down there?” Gracie’s voice wafted on the breeze, and Bronx heard her husbands’ frustrated voices coming from behind him. His brothers, blood and those he was blessed to call family by choice, lifted their mates to their feet, brushing off their surprise and laughing when Lilly bounced up to them, excited as the schoolgirl Bronx imagined she’d been. Wrapping Denali in a crushing hug, Lilly stepped back and grinned.
“Did you see the fireball? Damn, that gun is fucking awesome.” By this time, all four West men had joined them as the rest of the team emerged from the shadows.
“Language, Darlin’. You know how Del gets when you curse.” Dean’s chuckle was all it took to break the stunned silence of everyone standing around in shock. Walking up to the house, Bronx held Kenya against his side, relieved to feel her relief.
“We’re going to stay long enough for the debriefing, then we’re heading inside to pack.” Bronx knew they were never going to get any privacy with the entire Adler family in town, and he was determined to enjoy some alone time with his new mate. Cleveland and Israel had already been in touch with the Lamonts in Colorado. Bronx and Kenya would have use of their mountain cabin for the next several weeks.
“Really? We’re going to the mountains? I’ve only seen the Rockies from Interstate-70.” She was almost bouncing on the balls of her bare feet, excitement coming off her in waves. He was anxious for her to see how they were traveling. Austin had come through for him just before the ceremony started, confirming the company’s smaller jet was ready to whisk them away as soon as they arrived at the private airport on the other side of the lake.
The flight wasn’t long enough for a round of wild monkey sex, but that wasn’t going to keep him from reminding Kenya who she belonged to. Now to get through enough of this damned party to look respectable. Whose damned idea was this, anyway?
Mine! Your plans to escape were just a bit too neat and tidy. You need to step up your game, my friend. Gigi’s taunting voice moved through his mind, making him laugh despite his best effort to be annoyed with the blasted witch. Her day would come—sooner or later, he’d get his chance to exact a bit of revenge for her meddling.
Smiling to himself, Bronx led Kenya into the group, enjoying the hugs and slaps on the back as everyone celebrated. The third time he looked at his watch, the damned thing evaporated as Audric’s laughter boomed around him.
Go… enjoy. You’ve earned it!