Ravens & Roses: The Fate Binds Trilogy, #3

By Lea Ryan

Problems never seem to travel alone. Just as a demon council arrives in Fosters branch, Annabeth’s troublesome mentors, the Macdowell sisters, return from hiding. Not only that, her possessed ex-boyfriend decides to make his bid to take over the entire town.

In this final installment of the Fate Binds trilogy, AnnaBeth will fight for her life and the lives of everyone she cares about. The end will come down to her and how far she’s willing to go to set the world right again.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lea Ryan
• Release date: Nov 6, 2016
• ISBN: 9781540118868

Lea Ryan

Lea Ryan is an author of romance and paranormal fiction. She lives in Indiana with a husband and an equal ratio of cats to fish to human children. When she isn't writing, she can be found playing video games, drawing, or hiding in a quiet spot, dreaming of things improbable.

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RAVENS AND ROSES

Fate Binds Series, Book 3

By LEA RYAN

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Copyright © 2016 by Lea Ryan

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 publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

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Chapter 1

A trip to the mailbox. Seems like such a simple thing, doesn’t it? That is, unless you live in my world.

Fosters Branch looks like so many other small towns. There are good parts and bad. Unlike so many other small towns, this one is secretly run by witches, several of whom have a seemingly unquenchable thirst for power.

I've learned to expect anything, so the day the van showed up, I wasn’t overly surprised. Wary? Yes. But not surprised.

I went out to check my mail on a spring afternoon, and there was the van, red, shiny, sitting in front of my neighbor’s house like a really obvious surveillance vehicle. I tried not to look at it. I kept my head down and pretended not to see it.

As soon as I pulled my mail from the box, the passenger-side door opened and a well-dressed, attractive, older guy got out and moved toward me. He wore a black suit with a shirt the same dark gray color as his hair.

When he got close enough for me to see his eyes, I knew instantly he wasn't human. They were chartreuse, a bright yellowy-green, and under the intensity of his gaze, I felt...scrutinized.

My hand went to the protective necklace my grandmother left me, the one with the morning glory bloom inside. I was glad to have it with me, even though I wasn't sure how much protection it really offered.

I said, Good morning.

Good morning. He had a light accent, something like German but probably not actually German. You live in this house? He nodded toward Havens Path with her double eaves and the front yard flowers just starting to bloom.

Yes.

Your neighbor - you know her?

Which neighbor? A couple of people live there. I knew who he was looking for. Otherworldly things seek out otherworldly things. That was the way my world worked.

You know who I mean.

Do I?

A woman got out of the van, putting on aviator sunglasses as the light hit her. She wore all white, not a suit, but a pair of pristine slacks and a shirt with the top three or four buttons undone. She walked over and asked the man a question in a language I didn't recognize.

No, he answered simply.

She turned her attention to me. Ms. Montgomery, have you seen your neighbor lately? Deidre?

I saw Deidre every day. She was practically my best friend.

I said, I'm not answering any of your questions until you identify yourselves. Are you police or something?

Witch hunters, demon hunters, crazy people, ghosts, weird creatures - the possibilities were endless.

The man glanced at the woman. She nodded for him to go ahead. He looked back at me.

We know what you are. I guess there's no harm in telling you what we are, especially since you already know of our existence.

What am I?

He gave a sly, smug smile. AnnaBeth Montgomery, granddaughter of Eleanor Almarie. You walk the spirit plane, do you not?

Have we met? Because I feel like I'd remember you guys.

The woman offered her hand for me to shake it. I'm Rebecca Devash. This is my husband, Cyril. We’re members of the Midwest Demon Council.

Demon Council. Okay, this makes sense. What do you want with Deidre? I felt my friend peering out the window at us. She was afraid of these people and at that point, I didn't blame her.

Rebecca said, One of our responsibilities is to ensure that the use of magic doesn't get out of hand, so we make it our business to know who can do what and how they use those abilities.

They were here because of what happened the previous winter. Deidre and I, along with a host of other magical types, were involved in a bit of a magical tiff. Feelings were bruised. Stuff got broken. Deidre’s darkness took a vacation from her body and murdered a few people. You know, regular witch/demon stuff.

So, you're like the self-appointed magic police. I made no effort to keep my voice low.

Her eyes darted around to see if anyone heard me. The street was empty. Would it be possible to continue this conversation in your home?

You'll excuse me if I don't think inviting strange demons into my home is in my best interest. I can tell you this - if Deidre wanted to talk to you, we wouldn't be having this conversation, and if you've been spying on us, then you know she's my friend. I can't help you.

Well, allow us to tell you something, the man practically hissed. We keep our own in check and that one, he pointed to her house, has been out of control. We don't want to have to discipline her, but we will. I recommend you have a chat with her about following the rules.

What rules?

The ones that will ensure she remains free and out in the world. He stepped closer to me so that his face was very close to mine. And if there are any missteps for which you might be held accountable, you might want to cooperate.

I had to admit the guy was scary. He was obviously used to people jumping when he told them to. He probably expected me to run inside with my tail between my legs. Little did he know, he wasn’t dealing with some newbie. I was accustomed to people trying to intimidate me.

The only misstep here is your lack of manners. I'll talk to her after you get in that shiny van of yours and drive off.

A grin spread across Rebecca’s face, this one not smug, more like threatening. Pointed canine teeth like small fangs emerged, giving her a cat-like quality.

Come, Cyril. We can give the girls space for now. To me, she said, We’ll be back, Ms. Montgomery, and we’ll have our conversation with Deidre, regardless of whether access can be gained in a civilized manner.

With that, the dapper demons returned to their van and rolled off in a relatively quiet huff with Cyril glaring at me through the passenger-side window as I waved goodbye.

Grumbling to myself, I went to Deidre’s front door. Before I could ring the bell, the door cracked open. Deidre’s face appeared in the darkness.

Are they gone? she asked.

Yes, but they're going to come back. What the heck is going on?

She looked relieved and then came outside. We sat on the front porch steps.

They’ve been calling for a while. This council or whatever sensed the fight at the Benatine, and they tracked me down. They've been threatening me.

What can they do to you?

They say they lock away the ones they can't control. There's a place in New York, catacombs beneath a cathedral, and somewhere inside is a dungeon. That's where they put the bad ones. They put them there forever.

They didn't seem like they wanted to lock you up. Maybe just talk to them. Tell them it was a one-time thing.

This would've been fine under regular circumstances, but even as I spoke those words, I knew if she hung out with me, our fight with the coven wouldn't be a one-time thing.

Justin, my first love, my cursed love - his power was growing. I could feel it in the atmosphere wherever I was at any given time, like barometric pressure that never abated.

I heard he'd taken over Fox Willow, one of the founding family mansions, and was hanging out with the rest of his would-be coven, which consisted of his annoying girlfriend, Ivy, and a guy named Reginald.

What were they doing there? I didn't really want to know. I didn't care so long as they left me alone. I didn't care, except for the times I longed for the old Justin. I still did, occasionally, despite my love for Christoph.

At the very least, they'll want to monitor me, my friend was saying, like probation.

I think they're already monitoring both of us. Just talk to them. You're making the situation worse by ignoring them.

She nodded, then brightened. Will you talk to them with me?

What could I say? Part of this drama was my fault.

I reluctantly agreed.

So she went inside to call them, and I carried my mail back to my house. As I crossed my yard, I noticed Poe, my crow, watching from the corner of my roof. I once suspected him of spying on me for someone else, and now it seemed he was watching me again.

Can you fire familiars? I reminded myself that he was my grandmother’s raven and continued on. When he decided the show was over, he flew away.

Chapter 2

I met Christoph at the front door that evening when he arrived. He came in and immediately took me into his arms and kissed me. His short, dark hair was damp from a shower, and his smell of soap and light aftershave set my mind at ease. I felt safer with him around. He was always stronger than me.

He'd spent most of that day supervising the spring gardening at Reau House, a job he did not enjoy for several reasons, one of which being that his brother, Justin, used to handle it. Everything plant and earth reminded him of what he lost, what we both lost to Madame Baxter’s failed attempt at world domination.

I asked, How did it go?

Fine.

I could always tell when he had Justin on his mind. Do you want to talk about it?

He shook his head. Nope. He gave me a quick peck on the forehead and let me go before walking into the parlor and planting himself on the sofa. So, what do you have to tell me?

He had an annoying habit of reading my mind, not usually the exact wording of thoughts. But intentions and emotions? I might as well be shouting.

It can wait. I went to the kitchen to get him a beer. He had enough to worry about at that moment. I could at least let him have a drink first.

Just tell me now. I know it’s bothering you. That means it’s already bothering me.

I relented as I returned. Some demons stopped by looking for Deidre today. A Demon Council, actually.

Demon Council. He repeated the words as if they might make more sense coming out of his mouth instead of mine. What did they want with her?

They want to talk to her about what happened with Justin. Apparently, they can sense when she uses her abilities, and she went overboard. Well, we went overboard. They didn't seem too keen on us, either. They’ve appointed themselves the magic police. I agreed to go with Deidre to meet with them.

He nearly spit out his beer. Are you crazy?

Probably.

Well, I should go too, then.

No, Christoph. That's too much. They'll feel threatened with both of us there.

Maybe you're right. I have another bit of news to share while we're at it. The sisters are on their way back.

How do you know? I haven't felt anything.

Vestra and Madeline. That was all I needed.

I don't know; I just feel it.

There was a knock on the door.

I asked, Are they here now?

I didn't think it would be this soon, he said. I thought we had a while.

The doorbell rang. Another knock.

I groaned, rolled my eyes, and got up to answer the door. I said a prayer as I turned on the front porch light.

Please don't let it be them. Anyone but them. I would even take the Demon Council over those two. But no. I knew as well as Christoph, maybe with less warning, but I knew. Our mentors, our tormentors were back.

The two old women stood there, grinning, luggage at their feet, taxi driver peeling off like he was driving a getaway car.

Chubby, dark-haired Madeline threw her arms wide like she wanted to hug me. I did not want to hug her, so I stayed where I was.

I asked, What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be off, hiding in some undisclosed location?

I was still bitter about them abandoning us with Madame Baxter. They had proven themselves worthless in a time of crisis, because they served only themselves. Shamelessly.

We thought it best to keep a low profile, said Vestra, tall and thin with her blonde hair in a bun. You wouldn't mind if we stayed with you, would you?

Mind? Would I mind if you stayed with me? I couldn't believe their nerve. Their clueless expressions irritated me all the more. Yes, I do mind. You're the most manipulative, evil people I’ve ever met.

Madeline feigned offense. We are just old women. We don’t take up much room. We wouldn't be any trouble.

What happened to the twins? How much trouble do they think you are? Assuming they’re still alive, that is. Are they alive?

Shortly before they left town to dodge a murder investigation, they adopted a pair of creepy boys from an orphanage. This was a means to an end, of course, not some act of charity.

The two old women swapped ages with the boys so that they could escape undetected. The plan worked. As little girls, they sauntered out the front door of Reau House, right under the noses of the cops.

Now that the boys were no longer needed, they were probably in an unmarked grave or abandoned in some nursing home, their youth stolen from them.

Madeline shrugged. You know, boys will be boys. What can you do?

You could give back their childhoods for starters.

Vestra waved away the concern. Don't worry about those two. They're fine. Set them up in a nice, little house in the countryside with plenty of room for them to run.

And how old are they? I asked.

That's none of your concern. Vestra's tone turned hard, and I knew not to push the subject any further. Those two, while incredibly obnoxious, were also very powerful.

I felt Christoph’s warmth behind me.

Vestra and Madeline lit up when they saw him. He, on the other hand, did not light up. They pushed by me, into the hall and hugged him. He tried, unsuccessfully, to back away.

Seeing them together in a parent-child capacity was kind of funny. Of course, this affection wasn't real. More likely, they used it as an excuse to force entry, but I wasn't about to let them set up shop at my place. Havens Path was a sanctuary, my sanctuary, and the old bats weren't welcome.

Once I had enough of watching Christoph protest and squirm, I intervened. Alright, ladies. Time to go. I urged them toward the door, and Christoph helped.

Vestra looked genuinely shocked and appalled. What do you mean? We've already set down our suitcases.

And they had. I didn't even notice them haul the luggage in, but there it sat, neatly arranged in my entrance hall.

Our taxi has left! We’re stranded.

Christoph bent to pick up a couple of suitcases. I grabbed some, too, and we moved toward the door.

He said, Lucky for you, I brought my car. I'll be happy to drop you off at the Buxbury.

Vestra sneered and enunciated with disgust. A bed and breakfast?

A perfectly nice bed and breakfast owned by a woman you probably coerced into being your friend.

Madeline asked, But what about Reau House? That’s our home.

I said, Correction - Christoph’s home. Remember? You signed it over to him before you skipped town.

Vestra snarled. Ungrateful brats. After all we've given you. AnnaBeth, you wouldn't even know what you are if not for us.

That was true. They showed me how to use magic. However, they did so with the hope that I might marry their son and make their family even more powerful.

You're right, I conceded as Christoph popped the trunk on his chocolate brown Mercedes. I tossed in the suitcases I was carrying. You've done a lot of things. Few of them were good, and all of them were selfish.

We're homeless! Madeline cried with dramatic flourish. I decided right then that if she fainted, I would leave her lying on the driveway.

Vestra elected to hang onto her dignity. Very well. We’ll do as you wish for now, but we are not done, Ms. Montgomery. This was our town long before it was yours.

I don't want to own anything but my house. I just want to be left alone.

Madeline sniffed and wiped the last of her tears away and put a hand on my shoulder. Justin is having a party tomorrow night at Fox Willow. You should go.

Why?

He would like to see you.

Christoph butted in. Have you spoken to him?

Vestra replied, No. We just know, dear. You should both go. See if you can talk some sense into him.

Christoph stopped to kiss me before he got into the car. I'll call you after I drop them off. I should probably head back to Reau House for the evening, you know, keep an eye on the place.

Okay. Be careful.

You be careful. You’re the one with the demon problem. He grinned and shut the door.

I could hear the old women squawking at him as he reversed out of my driveway. I sighed and looked up at the starry night sky, wishing that I could’ve held onto the peace just a while longer.

Chapter 3

I woke the next morning to a phone call. That’s always a bad sign. You’d think