The Wicked: Earth Angel, #23

By B.C. Burgess

In a fiery tale filled with villains and heroes, this installment of the Earth Angel series takes readers on a magical journey rich with emotion, intrigue, and danger. Fans of Twilight, The Red Queen, The Selection, and Harry Potter will devour this breathless fantasy set in a modern mystical world.

 

The wicked have always come for Layla, and her strength has always endured. But now Dreagan's power rivals the gods and goodnesses and, Layla must rely on the guidance of her enemy to defeat him. She is prepared to put her life on the line and trust the enemy but, she knows her companions will not be as agreeable.

 

Will she be able to convince them to follow the plan to destroy the Lord of the Underworld? Or will she be forced to do it on her own?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bandit Publishing
• Release date: Dec 27, 2021
• ISBN: 9781953071545

Book preview

Contents

Title Page

Title Page

the wicked

Earth Angel Series

Book 23

B.C. Burgess

Copyright

Copyright © 2021 B.C. Burgess

All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, store in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the above author of this book.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status or 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. Any references to historical events, real people, or real locales are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination, and any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

This is the Young Adult version of The Mystic Series.

Bandit Publishing

Madeira, FL

ISBN: 978-1-953071-54-5

Chapter One

Chapter One

The atmosphere crackled with electricity, and vibrant neon ribbons unfurled from the northern skies, blanketing Oregon in an unconventional aurora as Layla isolated herself with Finley behind impenetrable magic.

Five minutes felt like five hundred as Quin impatiently waited for her foggy walls to disperse, his lungs refusing to fully open as he paced around the misty interrogation room. With his steadfast focus on the seconds ticking by, he barely saw the anomalous sky or heard the amplified countdown or felt the launch of the volidom. And his frayed nerves barely improved when Layla reappeared, her aura bigger, denser and darker as her wings struggled to rise.

One large step put him next to her as the words what did he say danced on the tip of his tongue, and though he somehow refrained from breaking her no questions rule, the true test came when Finley opened his smug mouth.

Was it as good for you as it was for me, Quin?

A growl rumbled in Quin’s chest as he turned toward the akoskia he’d sworn to ignore, but Layla had already waved a hand, slamming Finley back into his cot. Then she took Quin’s arm as she rotated away from the prisoner.

Guards. Aradia… Her voice cracked, so she cleared her throat. Then she led Quin away from the scene while pointing behind her. Bind and shield him.

Though she steered the way, she leaned into Quin, robbed of her usual grace, yet it was he who struggled to keep up. Talk to me, Layla. Give me a sign you’re okay.

She halted and turned toward him, staring at his chestplate as she swallowed. Then she laid her palms on the alloyed metal and forced a smile. I’m okay.

You won’t look me in the eye.

She moistened her lips while downing another lump. Then her smile trembled as she met his stare and moved her right hand from his armor to his cheek. I’m okay.

He didn’t believe it. Not for a second. But if he contradicted her in front of the others, he’d end up pissing her off and pushing her away, so he refrained. For now. Tell me what you need.

I need to know our transportation to Greenland is in order. By my estimation, the trip should take around thirty hours, which will put us there Saturday morning. Someone needs to send an entosphere to Lorcan. Tell him we’re on our way to end this and could use some help. All available parties are to rendezvous on the shores of Melville Bay. We’ll move farther inland once we arrive and verify Dreagan’s in Arcanthia. Will you pass the message on to our communications task force? I need to speak with Alec. Then we can be done with this horrible day.

I already took care of Alec. I freed him from the cell and put him in a guarded tent between Emrys and Ryker.

I saw that. It’s a fantastic solution. This isn’t about that.

Standing on her toes, she urged him to lower his cheek so she could kiss it, and without another word, she dismissed him.

Unprepared to defy her, Quin headed for the communications commander, his steps distracted by his gaze on Layla, but her pace remained purposeful as she approached Alec’s guards then entered his tent. Quin’s stomach swished as he instructed the Crusaders to send a message to Lorcan, but instead of going out of his way to meet with the captain of the ship, he started his trek back to Layla while mind searching Weylin, instructing him to ensure their course toward the western bay of Greenland. Quin hoped to get in on part of Layla and Alec’s conversation, but he was only halfway to the tent when she emerged, her face paler than before, and she stayed mum as she took his hand, leading him to a spread of food beside the fire pit.

Her right fist stayed closed as she ate with her left hand, every bite forced down a swollen throat, and her gaze remained distant until it landed on Kegan and Brietta, who’d skipped their usual bedtime and had the bloodshot and baggy eyes to prove it.

You two need to sleep, Layla insisted.

We’re going, Brietta assured, letting Kegan pull her off the ground. That was really sweet of you to give Timber a burial.

Layla returned her gaze to flickering flames as she responded. I wish I could have given him more. Everyone we’ve lost deserves better. When this is over, we’ll find a way to honor them.

We will, Brietta agreed, sweeping her fingers across the top of Layla’s head on her way to her tent. Goodnight.

But Kegan lingered. Today was tough. Since we’re just traveling, as long as it’s okay with you two, I’d like to assign the bulk of my and Bri’s responsibilities to the Crusaders for the next twenty-four hours.

Good idea, Layla approved. We’ll only come to you with matters we can’t trust to them.

Thank you.

She waved her closed fist. No need. Go take care of yourself and Bri. I’m sorry about your grandpa.

He nodded, diverting teary eyes. Likewise.

After acknowledging Quin with a glance, Kegan rushed to catch up with Brietta, and Layla forced down another bite while scanning the volidom. Where’s Skyla?

She went to her tent, Aradia answered.

Weylin had put the ship’s crew on course and stood nearby, stuffing his face in preparation to take up the next few hours of guard duty, but Aradia’s answer had him spinning in a circle, as if to make sure Skyla had really retired. She didn’t eat, he noted.

She took a plate with her, Banning countered. She said she was done with this day.

Weylin’s mouth hung open as he stared at Skyla’s tent, his food unchewed. Then he nudged Banning and handed him his plate. How do you feel about taking the first shift?

Emrys will take it, Layla offered, looking to the back-up guardian for a protest, which he didn’t give, so she waved Weylin on his way. Take a break.

He threw a cautious glance at Quin as he headed for Skyla’s tent, but halfway there, he was intercepted by Dahlia, who took him by the hand, full of questions and concern and accustomed to having access to his companionship at any given moment. He hadn’t been in a relationship since his teens, so he never passed on Dahlia unless another woman had reserved his bed for the night. But this time was different. Releasing Dahlia’s hand, he told her they’d catch up later. Then he left her behind, tossing one last glance at Quin before knocking on the frame of Skyla’s tent. She granted him access, and Quin looked away, initially unsure how he felt before deciding it wasn’t his business. He’d already said his piece, Weylin had long ago earned his place, and Skyla had proven she could take care of herself. Diving into a relationship in such trying times was risky, as the urgency fueling their heat could simmer once the world softened, but on this front, Quin had no room to lecture them. He and Layla’s entire relationship had danced around the drama of dangerous do-or-die situations. He could only hope she’d still love and need him when life became dull. He’d kill to find out.

Back off, Emrys barked, drawing everyone’s attention to a scuffle between him and Ryker. Just because you’ve upgraded to a tent and taken Tristan’s place in the guard rotation doesn’t make you him. We’re not friends. Got it?

The two of them stood toe-to-toe, similar in so many ways as their auras flared with heated tempers, but while Emrys leaned in, his body hard and begging for a fight, Ryker leaned back, his jaw flexing as he chewed his cheek, talking himself out of conflict.

Got it, Ryker offered, breaking eye contact as he stepped back, but he wasn’t fooling anyone. The situation had wounded him, and he struggled to save face when reminded he was friendless.

Layla didn’t seem to notice the conflict, her gaze on the colorful sky as she finished eating. Then she grabbed a bottle of wine while looking between Aradia and Banning. You two need to take a break. Let Emrys and the Crusaders handle things for a while. We’ll see you in the morning.

They agreed, so after making sure Quin had gotten full, Layla passed him the alcohol then took his empty hand, her right fist remaining tightly closed. Quin refrained from blurting questions, even as they headed for Ryker, who noticed her incoming lights and tried not to look so defeated, straightening his shoulders while running a hand through his hair.

Sorry about that, he scrambled to explain. "I overstepped by assuming he’d want to talk. I mean… I did toss him across Maganthia’s arena."

Layla motioned toward the fire, where several new recruits from Oregon settled in to have a drink and digest the difficult day. None of those people were close to Tristan, know anything about Willa’s guardians, or witnessed the way you challenged Quin. That kind of anonymity should give you the opportunity to find a kindred spirit, which is something we all need in times like these.

He blinked, stunned by her mercy. Then he cleared his throat and bowed his head. Thanks.

I’ll introduce you, she offered. Then you can get to know them while helping Emrys keep an eye on things.

She followed through, escorting him to the newcomers and revealing his name, but she left the rest up to them, stoically walking away to use the latrines, wash her face and brush her teeth, all one-handed. Once she and Quin reunited, she resumed her grip on him while making her way to their tent. Then she halted outside the entrance and waited for Emrys to join them.

I’m sorry, he offered, sounding a lot like Ryker. That was uncalled for. He didn’t even do anything wrong. He was just being friendly. I snapped. I shouldn’t have. I should have kept my cool.

Layla barely blinked, as if she’d reached a point where she could no longer express the intense emotion wreaking havoc on her aura. I didn’t call you over here to lecture you.

Oh. You’re not upset about it?

No. Sometimes we snap when times are tough. Besides, you and Ryker won’t really be even until you’ve launched him across the battlefield.

Emrys smirked. Good point.

Not that I’m suggesting you do that.

Understood, he laughed.

I wanted to thank you for guarding us while my family rests.

He laid a fist over his heart. It’s an honor.

And a relief, she added. As soon as someone from my coven wakes up, you’re free to do whatever you’d like. We’ll see you tomorrow.

With that, she ducked into the tent, not giving anyone time to say another word, and she pulled Quin in with her, but then she let go of his hand, leaving him standing near the entrance, stunned by the entire day, especially the past hour.

Removing her dagger from its sheathe, she sat on the stool at the foot of the bed, and her right hand finally relaxed, allowing her to pull something from within her palm and compare it to the pommel of her blade, but she was far from transparent in her intentions. She held her weapon close, her hunched left shoulder aimed at Quin, successfully hindering his view as she concentrated on her comparison. Then she slouched and ceased her attempt to hide.

Patience spent, Quin lost his battle to bite his tongue. I need to know what’s going on, Layla.

She raised her tired gaze to his, and he was struck breathless by how much the day had aged her. She had dark bags and wrinkles, the likes of which he’d never seen on her, and her glossy and bloodshot eyes not only held the knowledge of countless lifetimes, but the knowledge of the deities. Quin was terrified to delve into the depths of the Heavens’ wisdom, but he would never leave Layla to carry the burden alone, so he dropped to one knee, pleading with her to share.

Tell me what Finley said.

Eyes trained on his, she moistened her lips before swallowing, and he braced to hear the answer, but then she closed her eyes and turned away, dancing around the details. I need to track down Dreagan and use my dagger on him.

There’s more, Layla. I can tell.

There’s always more, Quin. Now take off your armor.

He blinked, trying to decide if he should be pissed or aroused. What? Why?

She vanished her own attire, leaving herself nude as she looked at him. Really? That’s what you’re going to break the no questions rule over? Your clothes?

He scanned her naked profile, feeling irresponsible for how tempted he was to risk their future for carnal desires. Layla.

Quin.

You’re trying to seduce your way out of this conversation.

I’m glad you noticed. Now strip, and I’ll give you something.

"Is that what you call it? Something?"

A smile tugged at her lips as she held up her right hand. I’ll give you what’s in here.

Intriguing.

More intriguing than my naked body?

No, but the combination is irresistible. Of course… you knew that.

I suppose I did. Come on. Keeping her fist closed, she took the wine from him. Then she moved to the bedding and sat, drinking from the bottle as she watched him discard his armor.

Once he was down to shorts, she waved him closer, so he crawled into bed with her, still unsure if he was taking a risk or ensuring success.

He reclined, resting his head on one arm while running a finger down her spine to the scar that stretched across her lower back. Then he used magic to release her braid, his bonded light giving away his fascination as he watched her dark curls fall over her shoulders. So this is how it’s going to be, huh? You get to tempt me with everything good to prevent me from being involved in the hard part?

She turned her head to the side, peeking at him out of the corner of her eye. Then she pulled her hair over one shoulder, urging him to continue caressing her back while she took several more drinks. Once she’d gotten her fill of wine, she offered him the bottle, but he refused, so she pulled the stool closer, using it as a table for the booze and his satchel.

Shifting toward him, she scanned his body. Then she leaned in, pressing her forehead to his abdomen before kissing her way to his heart. Her freed tresses had fanned out, blocking his view, so he gathered them in one hand, getting them out of the way as she nuzzled his pecs, but he had to let go when she straddled his hips.

I guess that’s a yes, he whispered, unable to resist a glance at her breasts, but the gorgeous view didn’t make him forget.

She shook her head no, her eyes shiny with contained tears as she pulled his hand to her heart. Then she tilted his palm up and opened her fist over it. He barely felt the impact but immediately discerned that she’d passed him a stone. After closing his fingers around it, she urged him to pull it in for a closer look. Then she cuddled his torso and kissed his neck.

Careful not to fumble the gem, Quin wedged it between two fingers and lifted it toward a light hanging from a rafter, but as soon as he realized what he held, his eyes widened, and his fingers turned to butter, nearly dropping it despite his precautions.

This is Ava’s Eye. He took one more look at the perfectly round, turquoise stone, its magical depths boasting floating clouds and a silver starburst. Then he tucked it in his sweaty palm and closed his fist around it, just as she’d kept her fist closed around it through dinner. You got this from Alec.

She propped herself up on his chest, laying her hand over his as she nodded her confession, but Quin wanted more.

Did Finley know this stone was on the ship?

She nodded again. Then she pressed the back of his hand into his pillow, holding it there as she leaned over him. "He said I need to replace the gem in the pommel of my dagger with it. This is the key to ending Dreagan. I have to fill the starburst with my blood and make the switch before I use the kris on