Page 112 of It All Started with a Bite

“Are you guys okay?” Didi asked anxiously as she helped a groaning Marcus to his feet.

“We’re fine.” I grimaced at Bo’s limp. “Though Bo might need to see a vet.”

“I do not!” my dog protested. “It’s just a scratch.”

“You’re bleeding.”

“We’ve got bigger problems,” Gavin said grimly. “We can’t get into the ballroom. There’s some kind of magical barrier stopping anyone from going in or out.”

Like things couldn’t get any worse.

I scowled. “What about Samuel and the others?”

“We lost contact with them a few minutes ago,” Didi said darkly. “Nigel’s coordinating with the supernatural task force, but it will take a while before help gets here. From what we could see through the windows of the ballroom before the barrier went up, it’s chaos in there. Those vampire mercenaries are using silver-tipped and wolfsbane-coated weapons to fight the werewolves. The witch in the red dress is overpowering the other guests with magic.”

Another tremor shook the mansion. The sounds of fighting echoed from below.

“Let’s go.” I headed for the door, my wolf prowling restlessly under my skin. “And someone grab that knife. We might need it.”

Didi scooped up the silver weapon. “What about him?” She jerked her head at Marcus.

The Holt heir’s face had hardened. “I’m coming with you. Camilla killed my father.” His stutter was gone, fury making his eyes burn amber.

“Fine.” I gave him a stern look. “But you do exactly what we say.”

Marcus nodded.

We ran for the stairs and followed the sounds of supernatural warfare to the ballroom.

35

White Wolf

I feltthe wall of magic before I saw it. All the hairs rose on my body.

Judging from the others’ reactions, they felt it too.

We turned a corner and came in sight of the hallway leading to the ballroom. Pale light crackled eerily at the end. Blood pounded in my veins as we bolted toward it

My stomach plummeted when I reached the barrier. The scene beyond was pure bedlam.

Werewolves and vampires fought each other viciously across the floor, their formal wear in tatters and their faces twisted with rage. Other supernatural creatures clashed between them, banshees lashing out at fae and pixies while dwarves and dragon newts went at each other with axes—which had materialized from somewhere unknown—and fireballs. The witches were hurling spells at anyone who got in their way and seemed oblivious to the friendly fire they were incurring.

I swallowed. It had already begun.

“What—what’s going on?!” Marcus said numbly.

“Camilla activated the curse,” I said grimly, scanning the ballroom.

“There!” Didi pointed.

Camilla stood on the dais previously occupied by the string quartet, the crystal skull glowing ominously in her hands. The witch in the red dress was beside her, along with more vampire mercenaries. Camilla laughed cruelly as she watched the supernatural elite of Amberford tear each other apart.

Dread knotted my shoulders when I caught a glimpse of Samuel and Gregory Tremaine lunging at each other’s throats in the melee.

“Snap out of it, dammit!” Samuel roared at Gregory.

I blinked. Samuel sounded like he was in control of his senses.

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