To Spell With It, Book 3 in the Anna Wolfe Series

By Casey Keen

Valen disappeared.

Micah’s quest for world domination is underway.

An ancient bond threatens to destroy Anna and Roman.

A vampire who cannot be trusted.

Grand Witch Anna Wolfe’s worst nightmare has just begun. Valen is being held hostage by Micah and to make matters more complicated, an ancient bond brewing between her and Roman threatens their very survival. Anna will stop at nothing to get Valen back, even visiting the dreaded Netherworld and enlisting the help of Vlad, the King of the Vampires.

What Anna isn’t prepared for is battling Micah and his endless army of demons, while waging war on The Highers. Faced with terrifying encounters and disastrous black magic, Anna must do everything in her power to rescue Valen and protect both worlds.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Casey Keen
• Release date: Mar 9, 2016
• ISBN: 9781311803825

Casey Keen

Self-published and determined is how I started my writing career. With an overactive imagination and a healthy passion for anything paranormal, I decided to write about it. Why not? I allowed myself to indulge in the boundless depths of my imagination and my Anna Wolfe Series is just the tip of the supernatural iceberg!Born and raised on the outskirts of Philadelphia, I grew up loving cheesesteaks and soft pretzels! I attended Drexel University where I obtained my Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. I still reside in suburbia, working on the Anna Wolfe Series.

Book preview

To Spell With It

Book 3 of the

Anna Wolfe Series

TO SPELL WITH IT

by

Casey Keen

Copyright © 2016 by Casey Keen

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except where permitted by law.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

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Chapter 1

Darkness has been my reticent companion for a lengthy time now. Its tranquil shadow surrounds me, coaxing me further inside it. My emotional hurt has subsided, leaving a dull throb in its wake. That’s nothing compared to what I felt before Roman spelled me into this hollow, still purgatory. Sunlight is non-existent here, but at least I have the luxury of breathing easier.

Valen.

Even in this deserted place, his name haunts me. The darkness doesn’t allow me the pleasure of visualizing his face. As quickly as his name and beautiful cerulean eyes enter my mind, the darkness greedily snatches them away. My legs push forward, carrying me further away from myself.

This wasteland is endless… same as my grief. I bow my head in defeat, determined to endure this forsaken punishment. It was my fault Valen was taken. He was protecting me from myself, from my foolishness… again. I kick the ground, unsure of what I’m actually standing on. Loose rocks scatter away from me in outrage.

Anna…

I stop, craning my neck towards the familiar voice.

Anna, it’s time to come home.

A snort escapes my tight lips. I refuse to go back. All that’s waiting there for me is suffering and disappointment. The last thing I want is to be judged by the same people I tried to protect.

I turn away, determined to stay here as long as my self-pity requires. Without warning, my entire body jolts backward. I reposition my feet firmly on the ground, willing myself to stay. Another yank, this time so strong, I nearly fall backwards on my ass. My face grows warm, and my lips pull back in a flat line of resistance.

I’m not leaving. I ball my fists, just as the final yank rips me from my oblivion. I scream, flinging my arms out in front of me, desperately straining to grab hold of something, anything. A blinding, silver light breaks through the gloom, carrying me away in its warmth. I twist and turn, struggling to break free.

Snapping my eyelids open, deep swirls of crimson block my vision. Before my brain can identify my location, the dull pain of losing Valen sharpens, slicing me to the core. Tears don’t even collect in my eyes before spilling over, and sliding down my cheeks. Strong arms wrap around me, pulling me into an embrace. Roman presses me closer to him, kissing my head gingerly.

Let it out, Anna.

And that’s exactly what I do. I cry, I scream and I pound all of my emotions onto his chest. Finally, I wipe a fat tear from the corner of my eye. Dry, empty bellows escape, as the emotional earthquake begins to subside. The initial blow is gone, but the thought of having to deal with the pesky aftershocks tortures my conscious. I lift my chin, pulling away from him.

How long was I out for? I inquire cautiously.

Roman shifts, facing me. Five days, he answers, glancing down at his hands in a nervous gesture. I didn’t want you out any longer than that.

I nod my head. Five days in oblivion feels like an eternity. Had my self-pity been in charge, I would have remained in that ambiguous place for the rest of my life. Thanks. My voice cracks, sounding just as weak as my soul.

Roman’s eyes find mine. They’re filled with an emotional mixture of pain and regret. A pulling sensation tugs at my insides, but I dismiss it, regardless of our stupid bond, or whether it’s growing. I love Valen and always will.

Anna, we will get him back—I promise you, no matter what it takes, Valen will be with us again.

Roman’s empty words do little to ease my worry. Valen is Micah’s prisoner and the very thought of what he’s enduring shatters my heart. I clear my throat mechanically. I hope so, Roman, I hope so.

Resting against the mountain of pillows smooshed against the headboard, I suddenly feel the irresistible urge to return to that purgatory. My mind has reached an overload amid Valen’s kidnapping and my new flame guns, which used to be my fingers.

The memory of the purple flames dancing on my fingertips still makes me shudder. What the hell was that? How was it even possible? What am I? I shake the enigmatic thoughts away, unwilling to acknowledge them even in my mind. I’m not interested in borrowing additional trouble today.

The sunshine dances across the burgundy carpet, infuriating me even more. Being engulfed by anything resembling happiness makes me nauseous. I pull the covers under my chin, sliding my eyelids closed. Roman gently pats the covers like a sad parent, unsure of how to comfort his inconsolable child.

Roman, I just need some time, I choke out. Please.

The bed creaks and shifts, signaling his departure.

Take all the time you need, he replies, his voice distant and cold.

The latch clicks shut. I find the company of my loneliness strangely comforting. I toss and turn, my agitated mind barring me from rest. Thoughts and emotions march in circles, refusing to release me from their ardent protests. Valen was taken! His face haunts all my dreams, breaking my heart over and over again. I roll onto my side, staring at the sunlight pouring through the window, wishing I could smother its radiance. There’s no room in my life for cheerfulness.

My new predicament is disorienting and frightening. Not only is Valen’s safety being compromised, but so are both worlds. Who knows what Micah will do with his angelic blood? My heart twists at the thought of Valen channeling evil.

Not if I have anything to do about it! A small voice screams inside me. I roll my eyes, temporarily ignoring my fighting spirit’s call to rally.

Right now, all I want to do is sleep. To sleep and to forget are what I need the most right now. After a quick chant, my eyelids slide together, painting my world black.

***

Girl, what is you’s doin’?

A strong hand grips my shoulder, shaking me. I open one eye, recognizing an annoyed Martello. His sharp, arched eyebrow gives him away; and the sparkly, violet eyeshadow smeared on his eyelids reflects petite beams of glittery specks. I am only inches from his face, which reminds me of a mini disco ball. Mumbling a garbled, Go away! into the comforter, my face is flattened as I dislodge his hand.

Oh, no you’s doesn’t! he grabs the edge of my blanket and whips it off me in one swift swoop. Woman, gets your ass up!

I bolt out of bed reflexively, fueled by my rage. What do you think you’re doing?! I shriek. I pace in front of him, shooting daggers with my eyes. My emotions are all over the place, more so than usual.

Helpin’ you! That’s what I’s doin’.

His strategically placed hand on his hip informs me he has no intention of backing down. I don’t need your help. I want to be left alone!

Martello snickers. Child, gets a hold o’ yourself. You needs to calm down because you’s is actin’ the fool.

I stop dead in my tracks. I’m what? How dare he belittle my emotions? How can you even say that?

He walks towards me until we’re toe-to-toe. Because you’s actin’ cray-cray. I know it’s hard to accept what happened, but we needs you… Valen needs you.

I throw my head back, laughing mockingly, and point at him, narrowing my eyes. "You need me? Everyone needs me!? Ha! Trying to accommodate everyone’s needs resulted in Valen being stolen from us! I seethe. If only we had someone capable of protecting everyone… someone who thinks before reacting… someone responsible…" I trail off.

Is that what’s you’s thinks, girl? That Valen’s kidnappin’ was your fault?

Of course! Whose else could it be?!

A small sigh escapes his lips. Stops pityin’ yourself! It ain’t your fault Micah snatched him right up. You’s was doin’ what you’s thought was right. Ain’t no shame in that, he pauses. What’s happened to my old Anna? You knows, the girl who fights for what’s right an’ for the people she love?

He bends down, searching my eyes for someone he used to know. Anna, pull yourself together, the annoying little voice inside me pleads. I pry my gaze from him.

That Anna disappeared alongside Valen. My bubbling anger is snubbed, quickly transforming into hurt and regret, weighing my soul down even further.

Martello rests his hands on my shoulders, squeezing them reassuringly. Stop torturin’ yourself. Girl, you’s a fighter. What do ya think Valen would want your ass to do? Sit up heres an’ act like a damn sulky teenager? Or go out an’ give a good old’ fashion’ whoopin’ to that demon-lovin’ sumbitch?

A feeble grin pulls my lips, breaching my infinite misery. I shake my head no. Valen wouldn’t want me locked away in my room, depressed and wallowing in self-pity. That isn’t who I am. Martello, sensing he struck a nerve, continues.

He’d want you fightin’ girl! He’d want you to make sure Micah’s evil ass don’t win! Martello’s voice rises, complete with matching enthusiasm. We needs to get out there an’ recruit some bad-ass supernatural motherfuckers. Then we can kill that demon once an’ for all!

His intoxicating energy rolls off him in waves, crashing into me. I close my eyes, soaking up the contagious optimism. That’s it, Anna, focus on what matters: getting him back, the voice says, only stronger than before. I can feel it plowing through the roots of despair still growing inside me.

You’s looks like shit too, Martello jokes, pushing my shoulders lightly.

A small chuckle slips past my otherwise dark self, carrying with it weightlessness. Happiness and hope are much lighter to carry than anger, the voice whispers in my head. My dormant tenacity and courage are gradually recovering.

I channel the slim thread of hope, trying to eradicate the residual, thick mass of fury I’ve chosen as my travel companion. Being consumed by such negativity would only inhibit me from doing anything resourceful and significant.

All at once, everything begins to make sense. This was Micah’s plan all along: to capture Valen, hoping I would submit to him and lose my courage. He wanted me to drown in despair, to give up—Shame on him and his pride! Even he should know he can’t keep a true fighter down.

My hands fist at my sides and I concentrate on the light inside me. It glows brighter, spreading throughout my body, and casting away the darkness. The anguish is gradually lifting, allowing my mind to focus much clearer. I make a promise to myself, one that is non-negotiable—I will get Valen back, no matter the cost. Exhaling long and deep, I mentally eject all the negativity away from my body.

Lordy, what’s just happened? Martello’s expression shows his utter confusion. All a sudden, your face went blank an’ then you’s was outlined in a freaky jade light?

I shrug my shoulders, unable to provide any explanation. I don’t know what or where the light came from, but it seems to be helping me a great deal. It wouldn’t hurt to keep it around. The darkness is gone, is my terse response.

A smile catches the corners of his lips. Good enough for me. Now, let’s get you’s presentable. Lord knows you’s needs a shower ‘cause you ain’t lookin’ or smellin’ like your fresh, beautiful self, he giggles.

I playfully smack him on the chest. Well, considering what went down, I get a free pass.

Only one, he winks.

I shake my head. He knows how much I hate winking. His little dig doesn’t go unnoticed, and I laugh, propelling him out the door.

Meets me in the library when you’s done, he yells over his shoulder. I close the door on his last word.

I lean against it, shutting my eyes. Although not one hundred percent myself, I feel lighter. I saunter to the bathroom, careful to avoid the mirror or anything else that dares to reflect my image.

I’ve been hibernating in bed for five days without a shower or food. It’s safe to say I’m far from being at my physical peak. Good thing I was spelled, or I would have died of malnutrition. I tug at the bottom of my tank top, lifting it over my head, and steal a glance at my arms. Too skinny by my standards. My stomach growls in loud agreement.

I tug on the glass door of the shower, opening it slowly, and reach in. I twist the brass knob until I’m sure the temperature is scorching. Steam drifts up from the tile floor, assuring me it will be hotter than I prefer. I slip under the cascading sheet of water, delighting in its cleansing caress. I resolve to never fall into the rabbit hole of despair again. Climbing out is way too much work.

Micah’s face trespasses in my mind, launching my need of revenge into overdrive. He will pay for what he’s done to me and everyone I care about. I’ll face every obstacle head-on and pummel anything or anyone that tries to get in my way. Nothing will deter me. I will get Valen back, and Micah’s death will be my restitution.

C hapter 2

I climb into my dark wash jeans and toss my favorite black t-shirt on. Catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror, I can only cringe at the pale, emaciated person looking back at me. Okay, so I’m exaggerating about the emaciated part, but I’m used to seeing sensuous curves. This new look is too trim for my liking.

I wipe my hands on my towel before chucking it across the floor in irritation. Grabbing the concealer, I slap it under my eyes repeatedly. The thick, dark circles are the only physical evidence of my accumulating stress. I coat my eyelashes with mascara multiple times, happily watching them grow with each swipe. After a quick glide of lip gloss, I maneuver my hair into a messy bun, and make my way to the library.

Halfway down the stairs, a cloud of laughter floats towards me. My heart thumps loudly, visualizing everyone in the room waiting for me. I could kill Martello for providing an audience. I’m not ready to face everybody at the same time.

I grip the banister, and consider retreating to the safety of my own room; however, the fighter in me refuses to turn back. After all, I did promise myself I would face every obstacle, including those of my own creation. I straighten my shoulders and continue down the