Firebound: Spellbringers, #2

By Tricia Drammeh

Rachel's thirst for knowledge about the family she never knew drives her to keep a secret from the Alexanders that shatters Jace's trust in her. With her renewed dream-relationship with Re'Vel, she walks a razor's edge, putting the entire Alexander family - and Alisa - in terrible danger.

Alisa and Bryce are more in love than ever, but his jealousy and possessiveness threaten to push Alisa away. With his Claiming Words ringing in Alisa's ears, she tries to reconcile her sense of independence with her desperate yearning for Bryce. 

A dark enemy from the Alexanders' past is out for vengeance and uses Rachel as his target to get to the family he despises. When Alisa is caught in the crossfire, Bryce is willing to sacrifice anything to save her - even his own soul.

Book Two in the Spellbringers series, Firebound explores the bonds of magic, the depth of friendship, and the enduring power of love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Blue Flower Books
• Release date: Dec 12, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386891130

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

Firebound

(The Spellbringers: Book Two)

By Tricia Drammeh

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental.

FIREBOUND Copyright © 2014  by Tricia Drammeh

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author or except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

Contact Information: [e-mail]

Cover Art by Maegan Provan

First Edition, 2015

Published in the United States of America

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter One (Alisa)

Chapter Two (Rachel)

Chapter Three (Rachel)

Chapter Four (Alisa)

Chapter Five (Rachel)

Chapter Six (Alisa)

Chapter Seven (Rachel)

Chapter Eight (Rachel)

Chapter Nine (Alisa)

Chapter Ten (Rachel)

Chapter Eleven (Alisa)

Chapter Twelve (Rachel)

Chapter Thirteen (Alisa)

Chapter Fourteen (Rachel)

Chapter Fifteen (Alisa)

Chapter Sixteen (Alisa)

Chapter Seventeen (Rachel)

Chapter Eighteen (Rachel)

Chapter Nineteen (Alisa)

Chapter Twenty (Rachel)

Chapter Twenty-One (Rachel)

Chapter Twenty-Two (Alisa)

Chapter Twenty-Three (Rachel)

Chapter Twenty-Four (Rachel)

Chapter Twenty-Five (Alisa)

Chapter Twenty-Six (Alisa)

Chapter Twenty-Seven (Rachel)

Chapter Twenty-Eight (Alisa)

Chapter Twenty-Nine (Alisa)

Chapter Thirty (Rachel)

The Spellbringers Series

Glossary of Terms

Acknowledgements

About the Author

Note to Reader

DEDICATION

To my husband. I love you, Aaron-Haruna.

CHAPTER ONE

~ Alisa ~

Bryce crouched down and prepared for battle. When I mirrored his fighting stance, he laughed. We both knew who would come out ahead in the match. We circled each other, our steady gazes unblinking, our bodies poised to strike at any moment. His six-foot-four frame towered over me, but I refused to back down. He had the benefit of professional training and a vast repertoire of dangerous powers at his disposal. I didn’t have a single magical skill to speak of, so everything I’d accomplished in the sparring ring had been achieved the old-fashioned way: through hard work, dedication, and sweat.

The first time we’d faced off had been months ago. Although he’d defeated me in seconds, we both came out ahead in the battle. That long ago sparring session changed us both.

He lunged toward me and I darted out of his reach. He wouldn’t hurt me. In fact, I couldn’t wait for him to defeat me. I anticipated the moment he would inevitably overtake me, shivering at the idea of him pinning me to the mat, his body close to mine. The thought of his lips traveling the length of my neck shattered my focus.

Alisa, you’re not concentrating, he said, breaking out of his fighting stance and standing up straight with his hands on his hips.

Oh, so this is how it would be. We were going to take this training session seriously. I was disappointed to say the least. Naturally, I believed that since we were sparring without the benefit of an audience, this was merely an excuse for Bryce to get his hands on me. Although his physical displays of affection embarrassed and confused me, I craved his touch like triple chocolate brownie chunk ice cream.

Stop swinging your arms like that, Bryce reprimanded. It’s good you’re staying loose, but you don’t look ready. Come here. Let me show you.

He walked over to me and grabbed my arms. I sighed, resigning myself to a long afternoon of tedious drills and lectures on concentration and positioning. Bryce used my arms to spin me around until my back was pressed up against his chest. He wrapped his arms around my waist and bent down to kiss my neck.

Now you’re ready, he murmured in my ear. No training today, Alisa. I just wanted an excuse to get you alone. Now you can’t escape.

How are you going to explain this if someone comes downstairs and sees us? Not that I really cared.

I’ll say it was all your idea. I’ll tell them I was only trying to run a few drills, but you distracted and seduced me. Bryce planted kisses along the back of my neck, making me forget what I’d asked him in the first place. I pulled away from him, laughing.

Can I ask you something? I asked. He nodded. Are you really going to drop out of training? You’re so good at what you do. Not kissing me, you idiot. Stop smiling like that. I laughed, punching him in the arm playfully.

You’re not dazzled by my mad kissing skills? he asked.

Maybe a little, I replied with a shiver. I mean, you’re an amazing fighter. Nothing against your dad, but Jace has really improved since you’ve been in charge of our training.

That’s only because Jace is afraid of what I might do to him, he said. This was probably true. Everyone was a little intimidated by Bryce, and his younger brother was no exception.

I can’t believe you’re willing to give up your training. Think of how awesome you’d be if you went back to WTB for another two years.

Don’t you want me to stay home? His eyes narrowed. 

Bryce, who had completed two full years in the Warrior Training Bureau, or WTB, was now certified to serve as a Protector; however, he’d always planned to complete the four years required to earn Warrior ranking. Though I wanted him with me more than anything, I hated the idea that he’d decided to give up on his chosen career.

Of course I want you to stay here. I just don’t want you to regret your decision.

I won’t. Besides, if I go back to school, who’s going to train you?

Since he’d come home for the summer, his father had allowed him to take over most of our training. Bryce was more than competent as an instructor, but I found myself slipping under his tutelage. It was hard to concentrate on martial arts when my mind kept skipping ahead to the time after our drills when we would inevitably find ourselves in a passionate embrace. 

Bryce usually matched me up with Jace or Rachel. He stood on the sidelines barking out orders and instructions. Just hearing his voice caused me to lose my focus and I’d lost more matchups in the past few weeks than ever before. If I didn’t learn to keep my mind on my opponent, there would be no point in continuing my training.

He smiled at me and reached out to pull me close to him. Tell me you don’t like our private training sessions.

Of course I did. That was the problem.

"I like training with you, Bryce—maybe a little too much. Don’t take offense, but I can’t concentrate on fighting if I’m wondering if you’re going to hug me or kiss me. Maybe we need a no kissing in the training room rule." I felt weird reprimanding Bryce; after all, he was supposed to be in charge when we entered this room.

Then I’ll just have to throw you over my shoulder and carry you into Dad’s rec room. I can have my way with you in there. He laughed and started to lower his lips to mine, but stopped when he saw the look of frustration on my face. No, you’re right. This is serious business. We need to remember that when we walk into this room. It’s my job to set the tone and I’ve been slacking.

So have I. I used to pride myself on how far I’ve come since I started training, and now I suck. Even Rachel can beat me these days. I didn’t mean anything against Rachel. She and Jace were my best friends. Rachel Stevens, a tall, majestic, bronze-skinned beauty possessed psychic abilities so powerful that she could barely control them. However, Rachel was new to the sparring ring and although in peak physical condition, she wasn’t a very accomplished fighter. Not because she didn’t try, but because, in my opinion, she was too tenderhearted to actually hurt someone.

It’s time for all of us to take our training more seriously. I don’t want to lose all of the skills I learned at WTB. When Mikael gets here, he’s gonna kick my ass if I don’t keep myself in shape. No way am I gonna let that happen. Bryce frowned at the idea of his best friend and former training partner beating him.

Do you think I can beat Mikael? I joked.

Bryce’s frown deepened. I seriously doubt you’ll have a chance to find out. You won’t have an opportunity to face him in the ring.

Bryce clearly remembered a time when Mikael expressed interest in me. He employed an effective method to discourage his friend from pursuing me—he lied to Mikael and told him I was only fourteen in order to prevent him from hitting on me.

Are you going to tell Mikael about us?

He already knows. He wasn’t mad at me for lying to him when I told him I’d fallen in love with you before I’d ever left for training last fall.

I was dumfounded hearing this. I’d always assumed the turning point in our relationship had been our first matchup in the ring. That had been the turning point for me.

BRYCE PICKED ME UP at noon the next day. We planned to drive into the city and spend the day together. I didn’t want to hang out around Oaktree because I didn’t feel quite ready to out our relationship. Some of my relatives would not react positively to seeing me with him. Of course, that would not deter me from pursuing a relationship with Bryce, but I could only take so much at one time. We’d already put ourselves out there as a couple in front of his family. I figured my parents would have to meet him at some point, but I sure wasn’t in a hurry for it to happen.

We were just coming out of the movie theatre with our hands intertwined when I ran into the absolute last person I ever wanted or expected to see. Becky. She and three other girls from my school stood gaping at us.

Alisa?

Um... It was funny how I relapsed into a bumbling fool when my family was around, especially her. Well, uh, this is Bryce. He’s actually Jace’s brother. You know, from school? Bryce, this is my cousin Becky. And Katie, Sydney, and Carly.

Becky instantly turned on the charm. She tossed her long, blond hair behind her and smiled. So, you’re Jace’s older brother?

Yes, Bryce said. And you must be the cousin I’ve heard so much about. He fixed her with a cold, penetrating stare, not even offering to shake hands.

Becky’s smile slid from her face. She made her excuses and left.

We’ve been outed, I told him. Mark my words, my parents and probably half the town will know about us by tomorrow.

Does that bother you? he asked, looking at me with concern.

Yes, but not for the reasons you think. I just don’t like being the talk of the town. I prefer to fly under the radar. I paused, noticing the look of disappointment on his face. But I don’t care what anyone says. I love you. So basically, you’re not getting rid of me that easily.

Get rid of you? Never. Bryce hugged me tightly, lifting me from the ground.

Never say never, I thought. In my jeans and unremarkable t-shirt, I felt very plain indeed. I’d always been a no-fuss kind of girl, never really getting the hang of makeup application and hair care. My long, dark hair was swept up in a simple ponytail, the perfect style to set off my ordinary and nondescript appearance.

Bryce, on the other hand, was the kind of guy women turned their heads to look at. I’d seen it happen several times in the few minutes since we’d left the movie theatre. Tall and muscular with dark brown skin, he radiated male perfection. Not only was Bryce exceedingly attractive with his strong, masculine features, he was formidable-looking as well. His biceps strained the sleeves of a shirt so tight-fitting, it left little to the imagination. I was almost embarrassed to be with him, certain that everyone who saw us together wondered what this incredibly handsome man was doing with such an ordinary little girl. 

Bryce pulled me close as we started walking again. I looked up at him, my attraction surging anew as I surveyed the goatee he’d grown in the few weeks since his return home. I felt so drawn to him, it scared me. Ever since the day of his return, the day he whispered the ancient words of the Fae in my human ear, I’d felt an unnatural connection to him. It was as if his promise to love and protect me was imprinted on my soul. My love for him overwhelmed me to the point where I feared I would be willing to go to almost any length to please him.

What do you want to do now? he asked, looking down at me.

I don’t know. Whatever you want, I guess. I felt self-conscious all of a sudden.

He laughed. "Alisa, if we do what I want to do, we’ll both be in trouble. Never let me pick. Not unless you’re ready to face the consequences."

My cheeks flamed as I realized what he meant. It hadn’t really dawned on me until that moment that as our relationship progressed, Bryce might be ready to take things to a level I wasn’t ready for. After all, he was nearly twenty. My thoughts strayed to where our relationship might end up if we continued seeing each other. Would I be ready when he was? If I wasn’t ready, would I be able to say no to him?

I stopped these thoughts in their tracks. We’d never gone further than kissing, and here I was imagining our eventual wedding night. Romance novels would be the death of me.

Wow. I don’t know what you’re thinking, but your face is beet red. God, I wish I had Rachel’s ability to read minds. I bet I’d be surprised by what I saw. Bryce leaned close to me as he said this, his breath hot on my neck. I shivered under the Georgia sun. Bryce laughed, clearly enjoying the effect he had on me.

I decided to change the subject to something a little less stimulating. Are you ready for your new brother or sister? I asked. Abe and Jerica weren’t exactly old, but I’d never really thought of them as young either. At least not young enough to start all over again with a new baby.

Well, I’m worried about my mom, Bryce said. I just hope she’ll be okay. It’s going to be strange having a little brother or sister who’s twenty years younger than me.

Yeah, I can’t imagine having a baby around. I’m really happy for your parents, though. Your mom is just...glowing. I smiled at the thought. Hey, I never thought about it before, but will she still be able to be a First Watcher?

Sure. Why not? She was First ever since I can remember. She supervises other Watchers in the area, so there are no physical requirements. Besides, my dad can help her and so can I.

Bryce seemed content to stay home. After Jerica’s announcement, he decided to attend college for at least a year so he could live at home and help protect his family. I was pleased with his decision for many reasons, most of which were selfish.

I’m sure your parents will appreciate the extra help, I said, grateful he was basing his decision on family instead of on our relationship. I didn’t want Bryce to give up on his training because of me, but I couldn’t say that to Bryce. Maybe his decision had absolutely nothing to do with me and I was just a pleasant diversion while he was in town.

You know my mom isn’t the only reason I’m staying home, right? he asked. Someone has to stay here to look out for you. That cousin of yours is a piece of work. I won’t leave you here to face her all alone.

Thanks, I mumbled. My lack of friends and Becky’s hostility toward me were not secrets. Bryce knew everything about me, but it made me squirm to hear him openly acknowledge the fact that I was a social misfit. My lack of magic already made me feel like I was beneath him, but the fact that I didn’t even blend in with my peers was downright shameful.

What’s wrong? he asked, sensing my sudden depression.

Nothing. Pushing my self-doubt aside, I focused on having fun. I vowed to enjoy every moment of our time together, because I’d learned a long time ago that you never knew when something good would come to an end. If our relationship was destined to be short-lived, I didn’t want to look back and regret wasting any of our precious time together.

CHAPTER TWO

~ Rachel ~

My mother held the dish so tightly, I feared it would snap in two. Her anger penetrated my woefully inadequate magical security and hit me full force. After months of training, I still couldn’t control my Empathy and a migraine seemed imminent. But I couldn’t back down from our argument. Not when the stakes were so high. It would be helpful if I could tell her the truth, but completely impossible. She could never know who I was. It would kill her.

"Young lady, I don’t know what’s gotten into you, but I raised you better than this. How dare you argue with me? When I tell you no, that means no." She turned her back on me, and began washing dishes with renewed vigor. I rolled my eyes.

I’m sorry, Mama. I just thought...

You thought what? You thought I’d leave a seventeen-year-old girl home alone while I went to Atlanta? Have you lost your mind? She shook her head and muttered to herself.

But... 

She tossed a clean pot into the draining board and turned back around to face me. The look on her face dared me to argue further. You haven’t seen your brother since New Year’s. I can’t believe you don’t want to see him.

The unfairness of her words brought tears to my eyes. My mother thought I was being selfish, when in fact, my concern for Jeffrey was the main reason I didn’t want to visit him. My inability to control my magic could draw Hunters, and although they wouldn’t harm my brother, they might draw the attention of others who would be very interested in discovering his whereabouts. Jeffrey’s magic was suppressed thanks to a spelled tattoo, rendering him defenseless. Demons could tap into his abilities and use Jeffrey’s magic for their own evil purposes.

My mother continued her tirade, It’s because of Jace, isn’t it? You’d choose your boyfriend’s birthday party over your own family?

I couldn’t think of a response. Oh, if only Jerica hadn’t invited my mother over for a Fourth of July/ birthday party. Frustration brought my headache to a whole new level of agony.

Mama, I... I closed my eyes and tried to call on my gift of Persuasion, but the headache had become debilitating. I couldn’t decide whether it was my physical pain that prevented me from tapping into the gift, or my deep aversion to using Persuasion on her once again. Was it okay to use the dark gift if it was a matter of life or death?

Go on upstairs and get ready for church, she snapped. I don’t want to look at your face until we’re ready to leave.

I staggered up the stairs, praying my migraine pills would kick in quickly. I couldn’t imagine listening to our pastor drone on. Not with the headache I had. Not for the second time that day. My mother was very strict in her practice of religion, and it was for that very reason I couldn’t tell her the truth about my magic. She thought it was evil to believe in or play with magic, a belief I shared up until recent events forced me to change my opinion.

Rachel. Jace’s voice drifted through my mind across the special link we shared. What’s the matter? No matter how far apart we were, he could always sense when I was upset or in pain. Magic was just part of the special connection we shared. We were tied together by love as well.

Migraine, I replied, digging through my purse in search of my pills. I swallowed two dry.

How did it go with your mother? he asked.

Not well. She thinks I’m a sneaky little liar. She says I only want to stay behind because it’s your birthday.

Isn’t that part of the reason you want to stay? he teased.

"Of course, but I can’t tell her the whole reason, so what is she supposed to think?"

Rachel, you’re going to have to tell her the truth one day. You can’t keep it a secret forever. And what about Jeffrey? Shouldn’t he know the truth about his heritage? 

I sprawled out on my bed and closed my eyes against the painful light streaming in through the slats in my mini-blinds. What am I supposed to tell her? That her own husband lied to her? That she was married to a Spellbringer, but didn’t know it? Should I tell her she didn’t know my father’s real name, or that he worked for a Demon? If she found out that everything about her life with him was a lie, it would literally destroy her. She thinks my father was a saint. She’s tried to live a godly life, so if she finds out she gave birth to two Spellbringers, how do you think she’ll react? My mental tirade wouldn’t help my headache, but once I got worked up, I couldn’t stop.

You’re still her daughter and Jeffrey is still her son. She’ll be shocked at first, but she’ll get over it. She loves you, Rachel. Jace’s presence inside my mind was soothing and my headache began to subside.

I know she does. That's why I can’t bear to disappoint her, I replied.

You should come over tonight. I know how to make you feel better.

I can’t. Church, remember? Besides, after the way I argued with my mother, I’ll probably be grounded.

You could use Persuasion, he suggested.

To get out of being grounded, or to avoid going to Atlanta?

Both.

I’ll only use Persuasion as a last resort. I’m going to try a different tactic. Maybe she’ll let me stay at my aunt’s house...

Jace interrupted. That might not be safe. My mom said your house is safer than anywhere else, at least while you’re asleep. You could use a protection spell at your aunt’s, but it won’t be the same.

I already knew all this. Mr. and Mrs. Alexander put up special protection spells to ensure my safety. These spells masked my magic from Hunters and helped prevent the Demon Re’Vel from entering my dreams.

We can talk it over with your parents tomorrow, assuming I’m allowed out of the house. And stay out of my head while I’m in church, I demanded. I’m not supposed to have lustful urges while we’re praying.

Lustful urges? Jace sounded very hopeful.

A few, I admitted, shamefully. Really, more than a few. Lately, Jace had become very hard to resist. My yearning for him had become nearly as difficult to control as my wayward magic.

THE FOLLOWING MORNING, I begged my mother to allow me to go to Jace’s house. I shifted from one foot to the other, silently praying she’d relent. At last, the rigid anger faded from her face and her posture relaxed.

Don’t be too late getting home. Are you packed? she asked.

I gave a little nod. My lungs felt constricted from my increasing anxiety. Yes, I’d packed, but I was still hoping I wouldn’t have to go. In less than twenty-four hours, my mother expected me to hop in the car and bring every Hunter in southern Georgia along for the trip. Well, she didn’t know about Hunters, but the end result would be the same. Without protection, I’d be a magnet for danger. I thought about asking the Alexanders for my necklace back, but I didn’t know if it was still at Central. Besides, Re’Vel’s claiming spell was inscribed within, and while the magical protection of the necklace may ward off Hunters, it would create a beacon for him to find me.  

Thank you, Mama, I said, hugging her. I sent Jace a message across our link, then ran upstairs to get ready.

Jace insisted on picking me up. Even though our town was relatively safe thanks to the safeguards put in place, my sporadic leakage of magic posed certain dangers. The Alexanders insisted extra precautions should be taken until I gained better control. As always, Jace came inside and talked to my mother before we left. Their small-talk got on my last nerve, but I tried to act patient. 

My mom wants to talk to you, Jace said, the moment we stepped outside. She has a bad feeling about you going to Atlanta. 

Abe and Jerica were out on the patio when we arrived, so we immediately went around to the backyard to hear what she had to say. Jerica’s hydrangea bushes were a riot of purple, pink, and blue, and I wondered if she used a little magic to make them bloom so brilliantly. Humidity rose from the cement patio in waves and I began to sweat immediately, not just from the heat, but from apprehension as well. I wondered what Jerica’s Perception had told her.

Bryce and Alisa smiled at me from across the glass-topped table where they sat sipping iced tea and holding hands. She smiled at Jace too, and made a joke about his t-shirt featuring the latest foulmouthed rapper. Bryce’s mouth pulled into a frown before he leaned over to capture her lips with his, effectively diverting her attention from his brother.

Have a seat, sweetie, Jerica said, motioning for me to sit down next to her. She poured a glass of iced tea and handed it to me. Abe and I have given this a lot of thought, and we have a few ideas. First of all, Jace told me what you said about your necklace, and you’re right. I don’t think you should ever wear it again.

I’d suspected she would say this, but it still hurt to hear it. My father had given me that necklace.

What about a different suppression spell? Jace asked.

It might work, but the Demon Re’Vel could still find you, Rachel. Suppression spells are just a precaution—they’re not foolproof. Your magic is so powerful, the spell may not work at all. I don’t think we want to take that chance.

Jace told us you’d considered staying with your aunt, but I don’t feel good about that unless Abe and I can set up protection spells ahead of time, Jerica said.

I shook my head. No way could anyone get into my aunt’s house without her knowing. My aunt lived next to the biggest busybody in town. Nothing happened in that neighborhood that she didn’t know about.

You could stay here with us, Jerica offered.

Jace nodded and beamed from ear to ear. I couldn’t imagine my mother allowing that to happen. Even if I used Persuasion to get her to agree, my relatives would swoop down on the Alexanders like the wrath of God.

No, I replied, avoiding Jace’s incredulous stare. I don’t think that’s possible.

It worries me how easily Re’Vel was able to access your mind, Jerica said, frowning. He’s manipulative and cunning. There’s no telling what he might do if he’s able to communicate with you.

Abe weighed in with his opinion on the subject. Rachel, I think you may want to consider the use of Persuasion. I was shocked by his suggestion. You have this gift for a reason. I know we’ve cautioned you not to use it, but I think in this situation, you have cause to use your gift.

Jerica looked at me closely. You need to be careful. If there’s any hesitation when you’re using Persuasion, you run the risk of creating an even bigger problem. Once your mother builds up a resistance to your power, you may never be able to use Persuasion on her again.

You need to get it right, Rachel. I believe it would be extremely risky for you to go to Atlanta, not only for you, but for Jeffrey as well. Abe’s tone of voice raised a big, red flag. It was the most serious I’d seen him in a long time. My heart beat irregularly just thinking about the task ahead of me.

You can do it, Rachel. Jace held my hand and smiled reassuringly. Turning his attention back to his father, he asked, Is she really safe staying home alone, though? Should one of us stay with her?

Abe flashed a huge smile and replied, Nice try, son. Maybe Alisa could stay with you, Rachel. With Warriors posted nearby, I believe you’re perfectly safe in your home, but it might be a good idea to have someone with you. Magical creatures aren’t the only ones who could harm you, after all. Humans are sometimes even more dangerous.

I’ll stay with you if you want me to, Alisa said. It’s up to you.

I nodded in favor of her offer. I’d seen Alisa fight and trusted her without reservation.

Well, then I think we’ve found our solution, Jerica said. I don’t know anything about using Persuasion. Jace, you’ve used it before. Any insights?

Rachel’s better than me, Jace said. Really, I have nothing to offer.

I’ll be happy to work with you, Rachel, Bryce said, surprising everyone in the room. Abe and Jerica looked at their