Unbound: Spellbringers, #3

By Tricia Drammeh

Alisa and Bryce are keeping a huge secret, but when an accident illustrates how dangerous their secret has become, she's forced to make a choice between her family's expectations and the man she loves more than anything. 

Rachel's past mistakes have finally caught up with her. Her continued association with Re'Vel results in unspeakable tragedy and brings to question her loyalty to the magical community. With accusations from all directions and her heart in tatters, she finds out who her real friends are and finds her true strength.

Don't miss this explosive continuation in the Spellbringers series. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Blue Flower Books
• Release date: Dec 12, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386818786

Tricia Drammeh

Tricia Drammeh is a wife and mother of four children who lives in New Hampshire. Her published works include The Fifth Circle, The Seance, Better than Perfect, and the Spellbringers series. She is currently working on her ninth novel. When Tricia isn't writing, she can be found hanging out with her dog, devouring books, or drinking record-breaking amounts of coffee.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

~ Alisa  ~

MEETING NEW PEOPLE had always been stressful for me, but the guy standing on the doorstep rendered me speechless. As strangers went, he was stranger than most. He stepped across the threshold and placed his suitcase on the hardwood floor with a thud.

RJ, this is my wife, Alisa, Bryce said. I shook RJ’s heavily tattooed hand.

Bryce was beginning to annoy me with his persistence in referring to me as his wife. Sure, it gave me shivers every time the word rolled off his tongue, but I felt he should refrain from calling me his wife before it became a habit. I was afraid he would slip up in front of my parents. Our marriage was recognized by his family and other Spellbringers, but in the human world, I was just an eighteen-year-old high school senior who would be forced to sleep away from my new husband until I graduated in five months.

My parents didn’t know we’d become engaged, much less married. Though the marriage wasn’t legal yet, Bryce and I hoped to have our union officiated as soon as I graduated. I wasn’t looking forward to having to explain to my parents why I wanted to get married at the age of eighteen. While Bryce could certainly use his gift of Persuasion to ease the conversation, I wanted to obtain my parents’ blessing without resorting to the use of dark magic.

RJ flashed a smile. A large gold ring at the corner of his mouth glinted in the lamp light. Good to meet you. Never thought I’d see the day when Bryce would take a mate.

His British accent reminded me of Captain Jack Sparrow. No, it wasn’t the accent. RJ’s accent was too cultured. It was his liberal use of eye liner and his generally unkempt appearance that put me in mind of the greasy pirate portrayed by Johnny Depp.

Where should I set up?

You aren’t doing the tattoo until tomorrow. My mom wants to go over the spell with you first. Let’s take your stuff down to the basement. You can sleep in my room while you’re here. I’m going to stay at my wife’s place for a few days—sort of a honeymoon, if you know what I mean, Bryce said.

There he goes with that word again—wife. Heat crept up my neck. I wanted to kill Bryce with my bare hands, but I didn’t think I could pull it off. His six-foot-four, two-hundred-eighty pound build would be difficult for my petite body to defeat. Still, I might be able to hurt him a little before he took me down.

Stop plotting my death, babe, Bryce whispered across the psychic link we shared. I can read your mind now, remember?

His laughter tickled my thoughts and flowed through every nerve ending in my body. I kept forgetting about the link that formed when we’d completed the Bond. Bryce was a Spellbringer, so the magic necessary to form this link was his. Having no magic of my own, I was at a clear disadvantage. He could read my mind effortlessly, while I could only read the thoughts he sent my way. Oh well. No one ever said marriage was supposed to be easy. Or fair.

Before Bryce could head down the basement stairs with RJ’s luggage, Jerica came into the room. Bryce can you help me...well, hello, she said when she noticed the guest standing there.

Mom, this is RJ, Bryce said.

Jerica cast a wary glance at the pale, wild-looking stranger. RJ’s dark brown hair stuck up at odd angles, and his sideburns looked like caterpillars. Her eyes narrowed as she scrutinized his tattoos, not because she disapproved of his sense of self-expression, but because she suspected RJ was responsible for the handiwork displayed all over Bryce’s upper body. Bryce’s opinion of tattoos was this: the more, the merrier. Jerica had differing views.

It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Alexander, RJ said.

Call me Jerica. We’re so glad you’re here, she said, pulling RJ into a hug. He was practically an adopted son now, judging by her reaction. She was a psychic with the gift of Perception, so she formed accurate conclusions about anyone she met within minutes. I was relieved by Jerica’s acceptance of our guest; it meant Bryce hadn’t brought home a total freak.

Hey, can I get a tattoo? Jace asked, coming into the room.

Jerica shot her seventeen-year-old son a look that threatened violence should he choose to defile his body that way. No. Jace, can you carry RJ’s belongings down to Bryce’s room? He’ll stay down there for a few days while Bryce stays with Alisa.

"Hey, wait! That’s not fair. Bryce has tattoos and he gets to sleep with his girlfriend?" Jace gestured toward his older brother and rolled his eyes.

Bryce is twenty and he got those tattoos while he was away at Central. When you leave home, you can do what you want—and I’m sure you will, heaven help us. As for Alisa, Jerica said, her voice taking on a softer tone, she is your brother’s mate, remember?

I could feel my face turning twenty-seven shades of crimson as this discussion took place. Besides me, everyone in the room was part of the magical community. They knew how the marriage Bond worked. It was my decision to sleep with Bryce that formed the Bond in the first place. Maybe that’s why I was so touchy about the word wife. To me, the word meant more than spouse; it meant the girl Bryce slept with.

Bryce, sensing my discomfort, sent soothing thoughts my way. I smiled at him and was rewarded by a rush of love so powerful it almost took my breath away. I wondered how early we would be able to sneak away and go back to my parentless house.

As soon as I can manage it, Bryce whispered in my mind.

Oops. Forgot about the mind reading again.

THE ALEXANDER HOUSE filled up quickly.  Abe came home from a trip to the hardware store and Mikael arrived shortly after. It was obvious RJ and Mikael were good friends. They shook hands and slapped each other on the back. Within minutes, Bryce, Mikael, and RJ were huddled at the kitchen table reviewing a portfolio of tattoos. Jerica kept Jace away from their conversation. She didn’t want him to get too excited about the concept of body art.

Bryce sent me an internal message to ask if I minded if he got another tattoo. I shrugged. He could do what he wanted. I wasn’t his mother. But where would he find room for a new tattoo? His chest, stomach, and upper arms were full. On his back, he wore the brand of his Protector ranking. I figured he’d have to start working on his legs. Better him than me. I hated needles.

That’s gonna look bloody good, RJ said.

What is it? Bryce asked.

The Russian Coat of Arms, Mikael replied.

I thought you were French, I said. Mikael’s French accent was a novelty in our small, southwest Georgia town. He’d only been living with the Alexanders for six months, but he was undeniably part of the family.

My father is from France, but my mother is Russian.

Well, that explained it. The golden, double-headed eagle would look magnificent against his pale skin.

Jerica popped into the kitchen when she heard the telltale sound of the buzzing of the tattoo machine. The kitchen table was a chaos of tracing paper, ink bottles, and tubes. She seemed relieved that it wasn’t one of her sons being tattooed. Mikael beamed from ear to ear while RJ decorated his shoulder. 

Do you mind waiting awhile? Bryce asked across our link.

That’s fine. It’s getting late, though. It could be a couple of hours. By the time we get back to my house, I’ll be so tired I won’t want to do anything but sleep, I said.

Bryce thought it over for a second. Alisa and I need to head out. I’ll have to get mine done some other time.

No tattoos for Bryce today. I got my way without really trying. I didn’t have magic, so I had to use the skills I did have. We made our quick goodbyes and left.

IT WAS LIKE PLAYING house, only Bryce was my real husband, at least in the eyes of his family and friends. I made him dinner, cleaned the kitchen, did a load of laundry, and fed the cats. Too bad I would have to wait several months before we would live together, before these domestic tasks would become part of my life as a married woman. My parents were out of town, otherwise Bryce and I would have slept apart that night. The precious few days my mom and dad were on vacation were a window of opportunity for me to get a taste of what my life would be like eventually.

It would be torture when my parents returned and I would fall asleep each night in my childhood bed, longing for the man who completed me. These weren’t just the melodramatic sentiments of an overly-romantic teenage girl. The marital Bond between a Spellbringer and his mate created serious challenges and limitations. It was more than a white dress and a ceremony; a piece of paper; a courthouse; or a ring. The Bond was more than the intimacy of the physical relationship. It was a contract between two souls that could never be broken. Bryce and I would be together as friends, as lovers, as partners for the rest of our lives. 

Don’t you think the kitchen is clean enough? he asked, coming up behind me as I stood at the sink. He wrapped his arms around my waist and kissed my neck. Come to bed. Please.

I was powerless to resist and defenseless against the lust that swept over me the second he touched me. I turned to face him. He pulled me against him and lowered his lips to meet mine. Our kiss was scathingly passionate, leaving me flushed and heated. We left the kitchen and headed up the stairs. I sat at the end of my bed while he removed his shirt, revealing broad shoulders, a muscular chest that tapered down to six-pack abs and a narrow waist. His dark skin was adorned by multiple tattoos, and thanks to my crafty intervention there wasn’t any new body art to look at tonight.

Can you close the door? I feel weird with it open. It was unsettling having the door open. Not because I was afraid my parents would come home, but because I could see family pictures hanging in the hallway. Nothing was more of a mood killer than gazing at images of my relatives.

Bryce pointed one finger toward the door and it closed automatically. The lock clicked. Like my new trick? he asked.

Maybe. Where’d you learn that?

Bryce had used his gift of Absorption on more than one occasion to ‘borrow’ powers from other Spellbringers. He could be sneaky, so I had to watch him.

The Bond releases any dormant powers, he explained, moving closer to me.

That’s not fair. It didn’t release anything for me. I inched away from him.

You have a link to my mind. What more could you want?

This. I grabbed his hand and pulled him toward me. I laughed at the look of surprise on his face.

Do you want me to turn off the light? he asked, pointing his finger at the light switch. He was such a show-off.

"Leave it on. I might have some tricks to show you." For the first time in my life, I knew magic. I had power I’d never imagined—at least where Bryce was concerned.

DESPITE THE FACT THAT Bryce had declared the following several days our honeymoon, we had family obligations. He couldn’t leave RJ unattended and ignored while he entertained me. Besides, important and life changing events were due to take place and I wanted to provide moral support to all involved.

When we arrived at Bryce’s house, Mikael and RJ were outside smoking cigarettes. It disturbed me that RJ had such a negative influence on Mikael. Jace stood nearby, watching the two fools as they filled their bodies with cancerous substances. He cast envious glances at Mikael’s freshly decorated shoulder.

Mikael, I scolded. What do you think you’re doing? What would Jerica say? Or Rachel?

It’s not a habit, Mrs. Alexander, he said. I looked around for Jerica, but then realized he was talking to me. It’s just one cigarette. Are you going to tell on me?

I might. Are Rachel and Jeffrey here yet?

A strange look flashed across Mikael’s face. He turned away from me before answering. Yes. We’ll be ready to begin shortly.

He didn’t seem happy for some reason, and I wondered if he and Rachel had had a fight.

Bryce answered my unspoken question. Don’t ask. There are complications. It’s not unusual for a Protector to fall in love with the woman he has been assigned to guard. Look at my parents—that’s how they ended up together.

He told you he was in love with Rachel? I asked as Bryce led me indoors away from the toxic fumes of cigarette smoke.

Not in so many words. I overhear things and sometimes use a little Perception. Plus, I’m familiar with the look of longing he wears on his face. I used to see that look in the mirror all the time, Alisa. I waited a long time for you. He grasped my hand in his.

I hope I was worth the wait.

Every second. I would have waited forever if I had to. Bryce sent words of love along our connection and it was a good thing we were able to communicate this way. We wouldn’t have been able to hear over the sounds of a crying infant, noisy conversation, and deafening music. The place was bedlam.

Then I saw Rachel. The madhouse that was the Alexander home was an oasis of quietude compared with the churning emotions I could sense within my friend. Confusion and panic flickered across her beautiful, bronze complexion. So with an apologetic message to Bryce, I left him standing alone and joined the one person who needed me more than he did.

CHAPTER TWO

~ Rachel ~

MY MOTHER WAS SURPRISED, but pleased when Jeffrey decided to come home from Atlanta to ring in the New Year. She wondered why a twenty-three-year-old man who lived in the big city would choose to spend the biggest party night of the year stuck in a boring, small town, but she was thrilled he was coming. She probably wouldn’t be so thrilled if she knew why he’d gone to such herculean efforts to get time off work in order to come home.

Getting folks to cover a holiday shift wasn’t easy, but his desperate appeals must have swayed his coworkers. My older brother was home within forty-eight hours of the phone call that promised to change his life.

Now, Jeffrey, don’t get your hopes up, I’d urged over the phone the night before he came home. You can’t trust a Demon. It may not work. Unfortunately, there’s no way of knowing until we try it. Are you sure you want to do this so soon?

"If it were your magic at stake, wouldn’t you be desperate to get this reversal over with?" Excitement spilled through the ear piece on my cell phone.

Jeffrey would have been surprised at how I’d reacted to my powers when I first found out I was a Spellbringer. I felt like my abilities were freakish and somewhat evil, and struggled for months to come to terms with the fact that I possessed a magic which our preacher at church often spoke against. In many ways, I still struggled with the moral issues surrounding the execution and control of some of my more questionable gifts, such as Persuasion and Telepathy. My tendency to slack off on training stemmed largely from my ambivalence about my magic. There were more gifts to be found. I could sense them lurking inside me, but I kept them suppressed. I’d already had enough surprises in life. I sure wasn’t anxious to discover any more.

Jeffrey, just remember you’re taking a risk having the Demon Mark removed. Right now, you’re safe from Hunters. The moment the spell is reversed, your magic will be like a beacon to any creature who wants to steal it. It might take a long time for you to learn to control your powers. You’ll have to be protected night and day.

It’s worth the risk. I just want to be the person I was supposed to be—the person I was before I got the stupid tattoo in the first place. His voice oozed hurt and outrage.

I couldn’t pick up on his feelings by using my magic the way I could with everyone else. My skills as an Empath were closed to him. The tattoo—the Demon Mark—suppressed his magic and rendered him immune to my powers.

I understood his feelings of anger, having experienced them myself. It was our father’s fault that Jeffrey was in the position he was in. Before our father’s death, he gave Jeffrey a series of symbols and strongly encouraged him to have them tattooed on his shoulder. We could only assume that our father knew what would happen. We just didn’t know why he chose to deceive us.

Your powers may not emerge right away, I said. I don’t want you to be disappointed if they don’t. Or they could come in a rush. I don’t want you to be scared if that happens. I felt responsible for my brother. After all, I was the one who told him he was a Spellbringer. Up until a few weeks ago, he didn’t know. And I was the one who told him about our father’s duplicity. Not only that, but I was the one who’d obtained the counter-spell from the Demon Re’Vel. Should anything go wrong, I would feel guilty for the rest of my life.

Everything will be fine, Jeffrey said. "I don’t harbor any unreasonable expectations. I know the risks. Stop worrying about me. You’re my baby sister. I should be worrying about you. Now, don’t let Mama drive you crazy. I’ll be home tomorrow."

His carefree laughter drifted across the many miles. I smiled. And I prayed.

BY THE TIME JEFFREY, Antonio, and I arrived at the Alexanders’ full house, I was twitching with anxiety. It seemed as if everyone in the magical community was there. When my gaze fell on Jace, confusion and anxiety rushed over me. Over the past few days, I’d begun to doubt our relationship. I loved him with all my heart, but I feared that wouldn’t be enough to keep us together. He smiled at me and I looked away.

Everything okay? he asked across our link.

I’m just nervous. I deliberately refrained from elaborating and let him assume all my anxiety stemmed from Jeffrey’s situation.

My unpleasant feelings intensified when I saw Mikael. He was not only my Protector, but the man who’d recently expressed his interest in me. Though I liked Mikael, I was in love with Jace. Mikael was kind, patient, and loyal, but Jace was my soul mate. The fact that we were able to form the type of psychic link normally reserved for Bonded mates proved our magical connection was special. Despite my recent doubts, I knew Jace and I were meant to be together.

Why is Mikael looking at you like that? Jace asked, breaking into my thoughts.

Like what? How should I know what he’s thinking or why he’s looking at me? I asked.

I moved to stand near Jerica and her newborn baby. Jace’s new little brother, Cayden, was just a few days old and unbelievably precious. I focused all my attention on the baby and ignored both Jace and Mikael.

Jeffrey was greeted enthusiastically by everyone present. Abe introduced him to RJ, the tattoo artist. The Demon Mark could only be reversed by tattooing the counter-spell on the opposite shoulder. It had been determined that as soon as the final word was complete, both the original and the new tattoo would disappear instantaneously, thus removing the offending Mark. Obviously, only a Spellbringer would be able to execute this particular type of body art. A human would freak out if their newly completed work vanished before their eyes.

I waited anxiously, feeling completely alone amidst this large group of people. My thoughts were racing and I had a borderline migraine. The front door opened to reveal the newest arrival. My self-serving instincts kicked in against my will. It was not my intention to pull Alisa away from her new husband, but when she offered me a comforting hug, I clung to her. My tears wet her shoulder as I wept silently.

Let’s go in the family room, Alisa whispered, steering me away from the crush of people before anyone could notice my emotional distress. God, this place is so crowded, I can hardly move. I don’t know how Jerica can stand it.

When we were alone in the other room, I spilled my guts in a massive rush. I couldn’t seem to stem the flow of words that fell from my lips. Alisa, my life is a train wreck. Now that Jace and I are back together, I don’t know if I really want him at all. I love him, but not the way I loved Re’Vel. I know I shouldn’t love a Demon, but I did. I can’t be honest with Jace about Re’Vel, so I couldn’t form the Bond with him now even if I wanted to.

Oh, Rachel, Alisa said. Of course you feel confused. You’ve been through so much. It’s not your fault. Just give it time. You don’t have to make up your mind about Jace right now.

I took a deep breath and continued my tirade. It gets worse. Now Mikael has decided to throw himself into the fray. Only, he knows about the Demon and he doesn’t care. He told me all he needed was an hour alone with me and he’d form the Bond and make me forget about everyone who came before.

Alisa was shocked into silence by my revelations. I...I don’t know what to say. Well, did Mikael actually say he loved you, or just that he wanted you?

I thought for a few seconds before answering. He said he wasn’t afraid to love me, but I don’t think he straight out declared his love for me.

Then that’s not good enough. As far as I’m concerned, if he hasn’t told you he loves you with all his heart, then he’s not even a contender. She lowered her voice and looked around the room for signs of eavesdroppers. Rachel, I’m going to say something that no one else will agree with. Hopefully, my sneak of a husband isn’t reading my mind right now. I’ll kill him later if he is. Look, I don’t want to see you hook up with a Demon. I don’t want to see you get hurt. But you told me Re’Vel has changed, and it seems like he has. If he loves you enough to release your brother from the Demon Mark, then maybe he’s not evil anymore. God, I know I shouldn’t be encouraging you, she scolded herself out loud.

Her voice was barely a whisper when she leaned close to me. Rachel, I love you. You’re my best friend. I trust your judgment completely. I want to see you end up with Jace for my own selfish reasons. If you two get married, we’ll be sisters. But if you choose another, I will support you. We’ll still be best friends even if you choose Re’Vel. I’ll always stand by your side. 

How could I possibly deserve such a goodhearted friend? With tears in my eyes, I pulled her into a hug. I love you, I said, my voice shaking with emotion.

Hey, quit trying to steal my wife, Bryce laughed, entering the room. Mikael and RJ followed close behind.

Alisa and I disengaged from our embrace, our special girlfriend moment broken by the three inept fools. RJ smiled at me. I hadn’t completely formed my opinion on the man who would soon be responsible for tattooing the reversal spell on my helpless brother. RJ looked a little slovenly and unclean in his black skinny jeans and ripped up Sex Pistols t-shirt. I hoped he took better care of his tattoo equipment than he did his personal appearance.

My gaze strayed from the tattoo artist and landed on my Protector. Mikael winked at me and smiled. This was his calling card—he winked at everyone. Therefore, my pulse should have remained steady and my skin cool. This was not the case. My heartbeat increased substantially and I felt warm and flushed all over. 

Bryce put his hand on my shoulder in a show of support. My mom wants us all in the kitchen. She wants everyone present to lend their magical energy as the spell is read. When RJ begins, though, only Antonio and my mom will be there. Is everyone ready? He gave my shoulder a quick squeeze before putting his arm around Alisa and steering her out of the room.

RJ cracked his knuckles and left the room, leaving me alone with Mikael. Before I could escape, Mikael stepped in front of me, blocking my path.

How did you sleep these last two nights, Rachel? he asked. Did you think about my proposition?

No. I didn’t, I lied. Please move out of my way. My brother needs me. 

"I need you," he said.

We all have needs, Mikael. Desire isn’t enough of a reason to tie yourself to someone for the rest of your life. My voice was but a whisper. I was incredibly anxious to escape this man who made me feel things I shouldn’t feel.

What about love? Is that enough? 

Mikael, I’m sorry, but I need to be with Jeffrey. Can we talk later? I begged, hoping later would never come. I didn’t want to hurt him by rejecting him, but eventually I’d have to do just that.

You’re right. I apologize. Now is not the right time. He stepped aside and allowed me to ease past him. I could feel his gaze on me as he followed me into the kitchen.

Jace looked livid when he saw me enter with Mikael. His anger and jealousy lashed a furrow into my mind. What the hell were you and Mikael doing, Rachel?

Talking... just, you know.

"Yes. I think I do know. Is it the same kind of talking you did with Re’Vel? If it is, I would hate to get in the way."

He slammed the door shut on our connection and stormed from the room. Mikael watched him go and for some reason, I felt embarrassed by Jace’s behavior. Or maybe I was embarrassed because I allowed him to steamroll over me with his manipulative, childish tantrums.

Jerica’s watched her retreating son for a moment, but she quickly refocused her attention on the task at hand. I blinked away the tears forming in my eyes and tried to concentrate on Jerica’s words.

I want Bryce, Abe, and Antonio to put up the barrier first, she instructed. As the men of the house, the Alexanders were responsible for securing the home. As my brother’s Protector, Antonio Fernandez would perform the spells necessary to protect Jeffrey specifically. As the three men spun intricate weaves of blue energy, I watched the emotions playing on my brother’s face: fear, excitement, and unbridled joy. I prayed everything would work out for the best. Not just for Jeffrey, but for everyone.

Once the protective barriers were complete, Jerica asked everyone to produce the green, healing waves of light and energy that would hopefully aid in a favorable outcome. She read the counter-spell in the heartrendingly beautiful language of those who were our magical ancestors. The ancient Fae’s long ago alliance with the race of human beings resulted in a magic-wielding people known as Spellbringers. I was a half breed. My mother was human and didn’t know about her late husband’s heritage or her children’s birthright.

I wasn’t a very proficient Spellbringer. My laxity in training left me woefully lacking in the skills necessary to execute a spell, so I was unable to spin the waves of energy the others could create. I merely closed my eyes and soaked up the healing light surrounding me. Selfishly, I prayed this purifying energy would alleviate my stress and emotional pain.

My eyes flew open when Jerica said, It’s time. Silently, the room cleared of all but Jerica, RJ, and Antonio. I gave Jeffrey a reassuring smile, then started to follow the others.

Can Rachel stay? Jeffrey asked. Please?

Of course, Jerica said. And so it was decided that I should remain to bear witness to the event that would alter my brother’s life forever.

JERICA’S SERENE CALM seemed a little strained the moment RJ began to lay out his equipment. To my immense relief, his tattoo machine and supplies looked meticulously clean. He scrubbed everything, including my brother, with antiseptic soap. Even Jerica could not find fault in RJ’s methods. He was organized, hygienic, and professional from the moment he opened his case. Jerica’s unspoken complaint, I believed, had more to do with his work habits. Specifically, his insistence upon listening to music while he worked. And not just any music. Loud music.

An iPod dock sat on the kitchen table. RJ cranked the volume up as high as he could without shattering every window in the house. He bobbed his head rhythmically to his favorite tunes. The calm, ritualistic, healing atmosphere Jerica created was dispelled the moment Sublime’s Santeria came blasting out of the speakers. Despite the loose references to magic in the songs RJ chose, Jerica didn’t seem to appreciate his taste in music. She crossed her arms and clenched her jaw, and I imagined she was cursing her older son for bringing this particular tattoo artist home. Perhaps they should have chosen an old hippie-looking guy who burned incense and listened to New Age music. That would have been more in line with the mood she tried so hard to create.

She may have cracked a small smile when Steppenwolf’s Magic Carpet Ride began to play. Of course, it could have been a grimace of pain due to the deafening volume. Many, many, many songs later, RJ came to the last word of the counter-spell. He paused to turn off the music. Even he had respect for this monumental step in the lengthy process of Jeffrey’s reemergence into the world of magic. He looked at Jerica and she gave a slight nod.

As he tattooed the final symbol on Jeffrey’s shoulder, my gift of Prediction kicked in. I looked into my brother’s eyes and knew his powers would rival my own.

CHAPTER THREE

~ Rachel ~

WHEN THE BUZZING OF the tattoo gun ceased, everyone in the room went still and silent with expectancy. At first, I thought it didn’t work. Both tattoos stubbornly remained etched upon his shoulders. In my mind, I counted to five. Nothing. Did Re’Vel trick us?

Suddenly, the air was sucked from the room. Everything was still. Then the air was released in a sonic boom. Fire ripped across the kitchen table, scorching a foot-wide path not only on the wooden surface, but on the far wall as well.

The room filled with a cacophony of shouts and exclamations of worry. When I glanced at Jeffrey to see if he was okay, I noticed both tattoos were gone. He stared at his open palm like he’d never seen it before. For some reason, I was impressed by the fact that his magic chose to manifest in fire. It seemed fitting somehow.

Mikael burst through the kitchen door and reached my side, checking me for signs of injury. He tried to pull me from the crowded room, but I resisted. You’re not safe here, he said. "Your brother’s gifts are uncontrolled. Let Antonio and Jerica take care of him. I will take care of you."

Rachel, are you okay? Jace’s voice drifted across our link.

Bryce and Abe appeared in the doorway, looking at Jerica with concern. She waved them away as Antonio extinguished the fire Jeffrey had inadvertently created with his magic.

Mikael gently pulled my arm. Rachel, please, you’re not safe right now. It will be dangerous when the rest of his powers manifest. Let’s leave the room while Jerica cares for Jeffrey. I lacked the emotional stability to resist, so I allowed him to lead me from the kitchen.

As I entered the living room, Jace said, I’m glad it worked, Rachel. Across our link, he added, I’m sorry I doubted you. I guess you were right about the Demon’s intentions.

Alisa hugged me. I’m so happy for you and Jeffrey.

Jace tried to embrace me, but I felt uncomfortable hugging him when Mikael was watching me so closely. I pulled away from him and sat down on the sofa. Mikael came to stand behind me, and the hairs on the back of my neck stood up.

My emotions were all over the place. I felt petty and selfish for worrying about my complicated love life while my brother was going through a life changing transformation. I tried to put my own troubles aside and focus on Jeffrey.

Jace seemed irritated by Mikael’s continued presence. You can go back in the kitchen now. I’ll keep an eye on Rachel, he said aloud. His internal message to me was, Tell him to leave, Rachel. I don’t like the way he looks at you. Get him out of here, or there’s gonna be a fight.

I won’t leave my ward. It is my duty to protect her, Mikael replied.

Jace cursed across our link and his lack of control caused his emotions to spill into my mind. As a result, my head hurt so badly the room was spinning around me.

Bryce entered the room and pulled Alisa into a protective embrace. I watched their intimate exchange, wishing my life could be so simple. 

RJ, equipment case in