Page 20 of Bandit's Bounty

“So, Brady and his goons are just the tip of the iceberg,” I muse. “Blood witches are watching over a burial ground that may or may not contain Dream Walkers and if Death comes back…”

“No, she was emphatic that Deathwouldcome back,” Tucker interjects.

“Okay,whenDeath comes back,” I say through a clenched jaw, “if he gains control of that burial ground, dreams will turn into what, nightmares?”

Tucker’s face is pale but set in a stony expression as he nods. “That was the gist of it, yes.”

“Well, that’s not good. Have the old ladies found anything else in their grimoires?” Jabba questions. “I know Electra’s been scouring hers religiously, but it’s almost as though shit randomly shows up right before we need to know.”

“Makes it frustrating, that’s for sure,” I reply, groaning. “How can we protect the old ladies and the children when we don’t know everything out there we’re fighting against?”

“That’s why we’re here now, we need to plan,” Corbin informs the room. “Otherwise, we’re just sitting here with our thumbs up our asses.”

Despite the seriousness of the situation, his comment has everyone erupting in laughter. Now if only we hear how Dane is doing, that might turn this shitty day around.

Chapter Twelve

Sloane

Karsyn reached out and invited us to come out to their clubhouse since the men are still meeting. Electra, Jazzy and I, along with the brothers who stayed behind, head to the Spiked Raiders compound. I’m worried because of how quickly the others left earlier, but know that if he’s able, Bandit will tell me what’s going on.

If he can’t, he can’t. I trust him and his brothers to keep not only me, but Electra and Jazzy safe. “I hope Sage is there,” Jazzy suddenly says. “We haven’t been able to see each other much. Big Daddy says it’s because of club business. Do you know what that means, Sloane?”

I look over at her and see the earnest expression on her face. Since coming into this unique family, I have loved seeing how outgoing Cyrus’s daughter truly is. She positivelyadoresJabba and having seen the big man creating intricate hairstyles for her has given me an indication of how any future children Bandit and I may have will be treated.

“It means that the men of the club are handling something that they’re protecting us from,” I earnestly reply. “I think they also use that excuse when they don’t want to hear what we have to say about a situation,” I lean in and confide.

She starts emphatically giggling, and the merry sound is so contagious, I join in. “I think so too, Sloane,” she admits. “Do you think Sage is gonna be there?”

“Well, Karsyn is there so I imagine she has the kids there, too.”

“Maybe we can make cookies,” she murmurs to herself. “If my papa is in a meeting, he always likes cookies afterwards.”

“Then we’ll see if we can make some, as well as some real food,” I state.

I have no clue if Karsyn has the ingredients for cookies stored on her shelves, but surely if she doesn’t, we can send out a prospect for what we need, right? Plus, we’re going to want real food as well, although we could always order pizza and wings to be delivered.

My decision made, I see we’re at their clubhouse and the car is now parked. “Come on, Sloane, let’s go see if Sage is here,” Jazzy exclaims, pulling on my hand. Grinning, I get out of the car, Electra beside me, and we walk into their clubhouse and absolute bedlam.

“So, basically, you get visions but they’re not always accurate and clear enough to determine what’s going on or what they’re trying to tell you?” I ask Karsyn as we make another batch ofcookie dough. Her son, Asher, is comfortably napping in a porta crib that one of the prospects brought down and set up when Asher got tired.

“Pretty much. But it helps me know how we can protect the club and everyone in it,” she replies. “There’s a reason behind why each of us mated the males we did,” she supplies.

“Fate,” Harmony says. At Karsyn’s look she adds, “With some help from the goddesses, of course. I mean, neither Cyrus nor Corbin liked witches, and while I wouldn’t say they’d consider themselves besties with them now, they’re more tolerant because of me, Syn, and Electra.”

“I don’t really bring much to the table,” I mutter. “Former human turned wolf, big deal.”

Electra bursts out laughing. “Look, we’re elemental witches who can now shift into wolves. Perhaps there’s an ability the goddesseshaveendowed you with that hasn’t been revealed just yet. Regardless, you’re part of the family.”

Karsyn’s eyes suddenly turn opaque as she grips my hands in hers, pulling them from the mixing bowl I was working with. “She’s the third of the triad, her birth is foretold, but danger and intrigue surround her. Protection comes through fire, air, water, teeth and claws.”

I’m puzzling through her words, because in all truthfulness, they make absolutely no sense to me at all. I glance at her, worry gnawing at me when she slumps into the chair next to me while Harmony and Electra hover nearby. I’m so happy they’re here because again, I’m out of my element and have no clue how to care for her when she’s in this state.

“What was that?” I ask once I have my wits somewhat about me again.

“That’s Karsyn’s gift,” Harmony supplies. “And no, I have no clue what it means. She won’t either when she comes back to herself. But we’ll see if we can figure it out.”

“Should we finish with the cookies?” I question.

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