Witchbane: Magic and Mayhem, #3

By Alesha Escobar

Lethal magic just dropped on Los Angeles, and the Department of Metaphysical Affairs doesn't like it.

 

The clandestine government agency that's tasked me with helping them keep the existence of wizards and vampires secret now has to track down a supernatural serial killer before he strikes again. Between trying to explain the bizarre deaths and rooting out traitors within its own ranks, the DMA has got its hands full.

 

My friends and I are the only ones who can help.

 

I've fought monsters and dark wizards with Sal, Lucas, and Alanna at my side. And though I suspect there's something more to Alanna's enchanted sword, Witchbane, I fear the day its deadly owner returns for it. But as long as we stick together, we can unmask any threat looming over the city and decimate it.

 

A sinister mastermind is behind much of the magical havoc, and they're out for my blood.

 

They'll stop at nothing to get to me, even if it means taking down the people I care about most. Ghosts from the past will come back to haunt me, and a painful revelation will rock my world and test my resolve. If I don't push forward, my friends will be destroyed—and the rest of the city right along with them. But they don't call me the Wayward Wizard for nothing. Armed with my magic and an accidental gift from the gods, I'm going to set things right, before the world comes crashing down.

WITCHBANE is the third book of the Magic and Mayhem Series, an action-packed urban fantasy with a snarky, cynical wizard hero, wayward magic, and a tight circle of friends who'll kick ass first and ask questions later. Fans of the Dresden Files and Nate Temple books will especially enjoy this series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alesha Escobar
• Release date: May 29, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215869314

Book preview

1

Lucas is gonna kill me in my sleep, isn’t he? I walk alongside Willy and watch a brilliant mist dance around her fingers. The elderly woman slows her steps and halts at the edge of the green path we’ve been walking. I take in the view of a sea of colors before us, its frothing waters gently swishing.

Shut up, hun, so I can concentrate. She nods toward a small island surrounded by the colorful sea. The only thing sitting on the shore is a giant metal cube. A network of wires and circuits run through the center of the object.

Is that Lucas’s brain? My jaw drops and then a grin crosses my face. Can’t blame a guy for asking a million questions when he accompanies a psychic into a robot’s mind.

Willy closes her eyes and releases the magical mist from her fingertips. It swirls in the air over the waves and toward the metal cube. I sense something, she mumbles.

I nod and watch the mist cling to the metal cube. I didn’t know a machine’s mind was like this.

Well, Lucas isn’t a normal machine, is he? Can you keep watch? I feel something else is here.

I clamp my mouth shut and let her do her thing. Far be it from me to meddle with a psychic’s work. This morning, my magical robot friend got hacked, with a message from his creator—bring me my automaton. The problem with complying is that Lucas doesn’t want to go back to Kenneth Cherish, and I’m afraid if he does, the wizard will either corrupt the automaton or destroy him. And that’s not happening on my watch.

Uh…Willy?

Yeah? Her eyes remain closed.

Is that supposed to happen? I point at three silver spheres with wiry legs like spiders. They climb along the large cube like arachnids, then they pause before running straight for us. The spider-spheres sprint across the foaming waters as easily as a horse galloping across land. Something tells me they aren’t here to welcome us.

Willy’s eyes snap open. No, Jack. That’s not supposed to happen.

My adoptive mother stands in front of me and plants her feet in the green earth. She raises her right hand, and clouds gather above us. A crack of lightning zooms down and fills her palm, and she directs the power toward the spider-spheres. Two of them stumble and flip over, tumbling down into the colorful sea waves and disappearing. The third one pushes forward and extends a wiry limb with sharp claws attached.

Willy, be careful! I shove her aside just in time to prevent the claw from skewering her neck. Instead, the sharpened talons dig into my left shoulder like a knife. A burst of pain fills my body.

The metal creature lifts me into the air, its claw still embedded in my shoulder. I let out a yell and try to call on my elemental magic. Perhaps a fireball would get this thing to release me, but as I reach for my power, Willy calls out to me from the ground below.

Don’t do it, Jack! You’re not psychic. You’ll trigger your power and burn my whole damn office down.

Lucas, buddy! I shout. We could use a little help.

The spider-sphere retracts its deadly claw and releases me. I hurtle toward the ground, but a gale of wind catches me and eases me back down next to Willy.

You okay, hun?

Yeah, I groan.

Bright yellow wires shoot out from the large metal cube. They lasso the sphere in mid-air, then pull it back toward the island. The wires lift the spider-sphere then smashes it against the shore repeatedly until it’s destroyed. The wires then fling the broken heap of metal into the sea.

Thanks, Lucas. Willy brought me with her because of my connection to the automaton.

We’ve been here long enough. She lightly touches my injured shoulder. Let’s get out of here.

A pull in my stomach is followed by a whirlwind of colors. A blinding light takes over as we leave Lucas’s mind. I take in a deep breath as my eyes blink open. My gaze sweeps across Willy’s office, just to make sure that it’s real and I’ve truly returned. She’s comfortably sitting behind her desk, I’m hanging halfway out of my chair with an aching shoulder, and Lucas is standing next to me wearing an apologetic expression.

Willy’s red lips curve into a smile as she studies Lucas. How do you feel, handsome?

The tall, muscular, blond robot smiles back at her. Better, though I assure you that my earlier malfunction was rare…a glitch. I’ve fortified my programming and I’m confident I won’t kill Jack in his sleep.

She raises an eyebrow. Well, clearly Kenneth slipped something inside your head and he’s able to sabotage you. The question is, can he control you remotely?

Lucas frowns. I don’t believe he can.

I rotate my still-aching shoulder. Well, we set off some kind of alarm system while we were rummaging in your mind, Tin Man. It felt too real.

My maker will come for me, Lucas says with an edge of worry that I don’t often hear in his voice.

I lean over and reach into the bowl of chocolates on Willy’s desk, grabbing a few pieces. Kenneth has made that clear enough, but we’re going to be ready.

My adoptive mother crosses her arms and glares at me. You’re going to be ready? What you should be doing is handing Lucas over to the Akashic Academy and letting them deal with Kenneth. That man is dangerous and unpredictable.

I shake my head, knowing that I’m running the risk of her calling in a spirit to whack me upside the head and knock some sense into me. Willy, you know Lucas belongs with us. He’s our friend. Now, if you don’t want to help, then fine, but I’m going to do everything I can to make sure he stays free.

Please, Lucas pleads. Just as you said, Willy, I’m not a normal automaton. If Kenneth is as dangerous as you believe, it would do none of us any good for me to fall into his hands.

She stares at the all-too human robot then rolls her eyes, finally relenting. All right. I know about your plan to ambush him in the Nowhere Dimension. If you get yourself killed, Jack, so help me I’ll send your ghost to the longest line at the DMV.

Fair enough, I say.

She sighs and runs a hand through her shoulder-length white hair. I might as well give you some crystal mojo if you’re going into that realm. I’m not even sure how Kenneth is transporting himself in and out of there, but then again he’s always been a talented technomancer.

Thank you, Willy. Lucas inclines his head in a gesture of gratitude.

She retrieves her mahogany box from her desk drawer. Thank me when you’re back in one piece and this is all over.

Willy flips open the top and pulls out a small Aquamarine crystal and a large Golden Calcite stone. She holds up the Aquamarine crystal, and a glowing mist, similar to the one she used while in Lucas’s mind, flows toward me. I breathe it in, and the scent reminds me of a fresh ocean breeze.

This is for clarity, to keep you grounded, she says.

Clarity, I repeat. Got it. And Lucas?

As an automaton, he doesn’t need it. The Nowhere Dimension only affects human minds.

The Nowhere Dimension is a parallel plane of existence that doesn’t abide by the rules of this realm. Plus, if I stay there too long, it can drive me insane. I look to Lucas, who’s been watching me breathe in the crystal mist with fascination. The automaton’s eyes light up in recognition at the Golden Calcite.

That’s to amplify powers, he says.

Willy jabs a finger in his direction. Yeah, so don’t go turning on my son, you hear? If Kenneth tries to…if you think you’re being taken over, you have to let us know.

I understand your concern, but Jack is my friend, and I would never hurt him.

I pray that is so, because I’m a vengeful bitch.

She lifts the Golden Calcite and commands its magic to flow toward me. My fingers tingle with warmth and power as the stone imbues me with enhanced magical strength. Once Willy slips the stones back inside her mahogany box and puts it away, I gesture toward Lucas.

I’ll meet you out front, buddy.

His gaze goes from me to Willy, and a touch of uncertainty is in his eyes. All right.

Once Tin Man’s out of the office, I straighten my back and look Willy in the eye. I wanted to ask you something, and I want you to be straight with me.

She folds her hands in front of her, a tell that she’s nervous. Okay…if it’s about my past as one of the Three Sisters…

No, it’s about my father.

Oh. She waits in silence.

Baltazar Maune told me he was the one who found me when my family’s home burned down that night. He brought me to you. You didn’t care to mention that to me?

Jack, what mattered was that I took you in that night. I raised you.

And what about my father being Kenneth Cherish’s lab partner? They were practically best friends. I’m going to sling magic against a guy that my father probably thought of as a brother. That’s some important info to leave out, you think?

I see you’ve uncovered some things…

Things you should’ve just sat down and told me about, Willy. I shoot her an accusatory glance. I would’ve much rather found out about all this from her. It just makes me feel like she has even more secrets—dangerous ones. What else hasn’t she told me?

She leans back in her black leather chair. Jack, there are events from the past that you don’t understand. Remember when you found out my birth name and that I was coven sister to the two women who founded the Dark Coven? You lost your shit. I didn’t even have a chance to explain myself and how I’ve reformed. Believe me, I’m still paying for my past sins, and by the gods, I’m not done.

My gaze softens, because she has a point. Wilhelmina Carter used to be Mila Richter. She changed her name and started a new life here in the United States for a reason. But still, there was always a cloud of secrecy surrounding her, and I’m just worried that one of those secrets will come back with a vengeance.

I’m a grown man. I can handle family history, just like Lucas and I will handle Kenneth Cherish.

She waves a hand through the air, indicating that she wasn’t going to argue with me on that. So, your friend Alanna has her first sword lesson with Xander tomorrow. It was nice of you to volunteer my storage room to be her practice area.

I figure with the number of protective shields and wards on the shop, it’s better for her to swing an enchanted sword here instead of in my apartment.

Very well, she grumbles.

I rise out of my chair and lean over to kiss Willy on the cheek. Despite her flaws and her past, she was a damn good adoptive mother and always had my back, even when I was framed for murder. My phone buzzes in my pocket and I pull it out and check the text message. It’s from Nicolai Tarasov, asking if I’m up for some spirit magic training. Looks like Alanna’s not the only one taking on lessons. I quickly reply with a yes then look up at Willy.

Lucas and I need to go to Grey Haven. I’ll call you later.

Be careful, hun.

I gently pull away and exit her office, making a left turn and heading down the hallway toward the shop, where we sell New Age trinkets and books to regular humans who love forking over money for mystical items. The real magical artifacts we keep in the back room, reserved for actual wizards. Up until recently, I worked the front counter and rang up customers, but now a dark-haired blood wizard has that honor.

I wave to Zara, who’s chatting with Lucas and giggling like a schoolgirl. Hey Zara… I approach the counter and stand next to Lucas. He at least looks to be in a better mood now that he’s chatted with the young woman.

Jack, she says with a grin, look.

My gaze follows to where her manicured finger is pointing, and I spot a new addition to the items sitting on the sales counter. Right next to the Inner Journey to Unlocking Your Power book is a stack of saran-wrapped pound cakes.

Ooh, I say, remembering how I devoured the chocolate cake she had made me for my birthday. You made it yourself?

She nods, glowing with pride. Willy said I can sell them and keep the profits. I don’t know if I should give them a name.

Just call it cake. It’s good cake.

She chuckles and reaches for one, then hands it to me. This one’s for you.

Thanks. I’ll drop it off at home and eat it tonight.

Lucas quirks a smile. You should see inside his refrigerator. It really will be the only thing he eats tonight.

I place a hand over my heart in mock offense. I’m going grocery shopping soon. I’ve just been busy.

Zara takes another wrapped cake and opens it. I wish you could taste this, Lucas. You really can’t eat food?

I don’t have a stomach or a digestive system.

But the question should be, she breaks off a small piece, do you have taste buds? Come on, open up…

Lucas’s eyes widen. He’s probably trying to figure out how to be nice while also declining the cake. He looks to me, but I nudge him encouragingly, mainly because I want to see what happens when a magical robot who doesn’t eat food actually eats a piece of cake. Go ahead, Tin Man.

Don’t swallow, Zara says, placing a small piece of the dessert into his mouth. The automaton closes his cakehole and cautiously chews.

Well, do you taste anything? she asks.

If he explodes, I’m not cleaning up the mess, Zara.

The automaton gasps and smiles. I can taste it. It’s delightfully sweet and fluffy. This is magnificent, Zara.

Yes! She breaks into a wide smile and grabs a nearby napkin, holding it to Lucas’s mouth. Now spit that out before it gets stuck in there.

He obeys and she folds the napkin and tosses it into the waste basket. Thank you, Zara.

Her eyes water. Oh…Lucas…

Both the automaton and I frown.

What’s the matter? I query.

Have I upset you? Lucas asks.

She wipes away a tear and shakes her head. No, it’s just that I overheard you both talking with Willy. I’m worried about you, Lucas.

I raise an eyebrow. And me?

She snorts. You can handle yourself, Jack. But Lucas is just so sweet and…

I assure you, I am capable of taking care of myself, Zara. Besides, I have you, Jack, Alanna, and Sal.

She lets out a shuddering breath. My cousin Damon used to talk about Kenneth all the time, how he was someone you didn’t want to go up against. Even Damon, as horrible and cutthroat as he is, walked on eggshells around Kenneth Cherish. I just don’t want you two running after him in the Nowhere Dimension and he ends up taking you away from us.

Lucas places a gentle hand on her shoulder. When the time comes to face him, I won’t be alone. Don’t be afraid.

I nod in agreement. And Kenneth taking Lucas or hurting him is not going to happen. I promise.

She sniffs. Don’t make promises you can’t keep.

Hmph. I intend to keep this one. I will use my powers and skills, both natural and supernatural, to protect Lucas.

2

After dropping my cake off at the apartment and hopping into my Corolla, Lucas and I make it down to The Ruined Oak. As we exit my car and head toward the building, my shoulders tighten and my stomach ties into knots. Although I have just as much right as any other wizard to pass through the doorway and head down to the Grey Haven Gateway, that won’t necessarily stop Mishka Tarasov from trying to blast me into next week.

Lucas glances at me as he walks at my side. If you’re worried about Mishka, Councilwoman Grimm has forbidden him to retaliate against you.

I open the door and enter the lobby. Yeah, but when has Mishka ever obeyed the law?

Lucas smiles and waves to Gary, who sits at the reception desk wearing an all-black ensemble and sipping a cup of tea. Good morning, Mr. Whitetower.

The wizard grins. Hello, Lucas…Jack.

We make a beeline for the doorway leading down to the lower level. I notice that the Enforcers Miki and Darryl aren’t here at their usual post. Lucas and I head downstairs to the dungeon, and my head swivels from side to side as we stroll down the large hallway, with its red velvet carpet and black leather furniture.

So far, so good. We haven’t been ambushed yet.

Lucas gives me a concerned glance. Don’t worry, Jack. You’ll be fine.

I pat him on the shoulder. I wish you knew what paranoia felt like, Tin Man.

We approach the bar area and Roy is sitting at the counter, sipping on a drink and scrolling through his phone. He looks up and spots us, his eyes brightening.

Hey, you two, how’s it going?

Lucas’s eyes glint with excitement. Roy, I just had cake!

The bald man cackles. What? How?

Technically, he just chewed a piece then spit it out, I explain.

Roy sighs and raises his glass to us. Congratulations, Lucas. Jack, can I get you anything?

I shake my head. We have appointments in Grey Haven. Maybe on our way out?

Of course.

Lucas and I halt at the large doorway just across from the bar. The Gateway is visible only to wizards, and with few exceptions, only wizards are allowed admittance. As we step through and enter Grey Haven, the familiar blaze of light surrounds us and our feet step onto the cobblestone pathway. The sun in this realm sits high in the sky and shines down on us, and the scent of jasmine wafts toward me as my mind becomes clear and focused.

As we walk the cobblestone pathway past the surrounding forest, I notice that Lucas is scrutinizing the purple and orange leaves. I smirk. Looks like I’m not the only one who’s nervous.

Tin Man’s gaze becomes downcast. In an hour and a half, I must subject myself to Poppy Grimm and her automaton, Betty. I know all they want is to dissect me and steal any secrets they believe are embedded in my programming. What if they want to remove my heart?

That’s why I’ll be there with you, Lucas. I’ve got your back. I might get my ass handed to me trying to defend you, but I’ll at least try to make sure they don’t cross that line.

He smiles. Thank you, Jack. You’re a good friend.

You’re not too bad yourself.

We walk in silence the rest of the way into town.

The main street is bustling with vendors and pedestrians, with a giant sign announcing the Grey Haven farmer’s market. A group of professors and students from the nearby Akashic Academy are scattered about, patronizing the vendors’ stalls and buying wares. Lucas and I snake our way through a tight crowd to make it to the private gym Nicolai asked to meet him at. It’s a gray, three-story building in the same Art Deco style as all the others in Grey Haven.

This won’t take long. Nicolai said it would be less than an hour. I press the comm button near the front door and look up at the security camera. Lucas frowns, clearly not thrilled with the idea of his upcoming examination down at the Council Hall.

Yes? a female voice asks through the intercom.

Hi, it’s Jack. Nicolai asked to see me. I’m not sure if I should mention I’m here to learn from the young man how to control spirits, but I set the thought aside when the door clicks and unlocks.

As soon as Lucas and I step into the foyer, a woman with jet-black hair, dressed in athletic gear, approaches and greets us. I’m Natalie, she says in a cool voice. He’s on the third floor. Come.