Page 103 of Locke

With a sharp blast of power from the enemy, the warlock beside him broke through Bram’s shield, causing Bram to stumble backward and fall into Tajah. Tajah’s body lit up with a fierce purple aura, protecting her from the attack. But another warlock quickly followed suit, unleashing an electrical charge aimed at Tajah. Yet, she glowed brighter still, as if the hit had never even fazed her. The air crackled and sparks flew as the two powerful forces collided in a dazzling display of magic andstrength. Bram could only watch in awe as Tajah stood her ground, unfaltering and confident in her abilities.

With a mighty roar, Beretta burst forth from the flames as a strong and sleek black panther. Her movements were graceful yet powerful, her sharp claws leaving deep gashes on the two warlocks who stood before Idris. But, before she could make another move, Idris’ face twisted into a wicked grin. His pale skin seemed to glow in the firelight, as his pointed features and the shimmering white, silver and black glitter on his cheeks gave him a menacing appearance. With a flick of his finger, he sent Beretta flying, slamming her against a nearby tree with a loud thud.

“Get out of here,” I spoke out loud to Delilah, my eyes not leaving Idris. “Delilah, run!” My voice was deep and slurred with my longer tongue, but I was pleased I could still speak. “Now!”

Delilah shook herself from her stupor and bolted.

“Hello, there, Emm. What a pleasant surprise,” Idris purred. His voice was sickly sweet, and condescending.

This wasn’t a pleasant surprise.

I could still hear Tajah. She was still chanting away.How much longer does it need to take?

“I’ll make this quick.” He opened his large cloak that was covering something or someone, and revealed a body.

Abuela!

Her hands were tied, a cloth around her mouth and eyes filled with anger.

Oh my gods! She’s pissed.

“Stop the ceremony and she lives.” Idris’ eyes narrow at me, and then to Tajah.

Tajah kept chanting. Her vision flickered to me and back to the book.

I gritted my teeth, letting off a low growl. “How do I know you won’t just kill her, anyway,” I snarled, and saliva dripped from my teeth.

Idris chuckled darkly. “You do not have the upper hand, darling, your bond, your tiny pack and the rest of your pathetic little rogues are dying. You are only delaying the inevitable.”

I balled my hands into fists.

“You know, if any of these animals had half of a brain, they would have taken up some necromancy. Figure out how to live without half their soul.” He wrapped a finger around Abuela’s hair. “Sure, it makes you a little manic, but you know what that’s like. Being mated to Locke, leader of this monstrosity.” His lip curled. “If I hadn’t lost my memory in that damned fire, I would have come back a lot sooner, but that is where you came in.”

I tilted my head, stepping forward, slowly while he villain monologued.

“Yes, yes, you were the one that responded to that bounty ad. Took some time to crack through your computer and that stupid firewall. But, with a little magic, and a little this a little that,” he giggled, “we found you. You led us right here.” He waved his hand around us like it was a magical trick.

My breath caught in my throat.I led them here?

Idris wagged his finger at me. “I knew Locke would meet his mate soon, but wasn’t sure how you both would meet. You know, magic can be limited.” He petted his hand until he pricked it with his sharp nail. He watched the blood run until it dropped onto the ground. “It’s rather poetic, I think. To think you could have captured him and brought him right to me?” He clapped his hands. “Gods, that would have been delightful! I should have just had you murder him, though.”

I snarled, my fur rising on my back.

“But you fell for it. You fell for that bond. It’s sickening, isn’t it?” His voice rose. “You still had a choice. I’m disappointed youdidn’t choose your family, no, instead you chose THEM!” He roared and grabbed my abuela by her hair.

His eyes grew manic, his cool tones in his voice had long vanished. The air crackled around him with anger. He gripped her hair and his teeth bared at her with contempt. “You just couldn’t help it. You had to fall for your soul mate. You chose him and he trusted you so willingly. So fucking sickening. All of you!”

I held out my arm, and I lunged forward to reach her. Idris already had his long sharp nail across her neck, ready to swipe.

Using my enhanced vision, I watched in slow motion as Abuela’s eyes softened. Her eyes closed and opened again, and tried my best to stare into her soul, to know what she wanted to say. But I didn’t know, not truly. She was standing here, staring at me. Did she really know it was me? I looked like a monster.

My heart thumped, one, two and before the third thump—

Idris’ razor-sharp nail, gleaming in the dim light, glided effortlessly across Abuela’s delicate throat, leaving a faint trail of crimson.

I could smell her scent entrapped into the blood as it dripped slowly. Then, like a roaring waterfall spilled down her neck.

I felt a surge of emotions coursing through my veins, causing a physical reaction that was impossible to ignore. My heart, once beating steadily, now seemed to pause, as if captivated by the sight of her. It was as if the world around me had frozen in time, the chaos and noise fading into the background.

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