Page 81 of Cursed Touch
“We’ll all keep her safe,” Brandy replied as Serena said, “You know we won’t let anything bad happen to her.”
“How about nothing happen to all of you?” Max stated, his arm wrapped firmly around Claudia’s waist.
Claudia turned in Max’s arms. “We survived Benito’s compound, and everything on this guy says he’s more of a talker than a fighter.”
“Can we get this started before I either piss my pants or change my mind?” Vanessa asked.
Brandy gasped. “Whoa.”
Carter peered down and noted vines were wrapped around Vanessa’s arms, and an ethereal glow was emanating from her. “I think she’s ready to go.” He chuckled and kissed her temple.
The others said quick good-byes to their mates and headed in to take out the first round of Olsabir’s followers. Ethan cleared the humans hanging around, but Carter did not get to do much with the swift work of Ryan, Peter, and Joel.
He pulled the knife he had been given from the demon in front of him a second before it burst into flames. Carter moved the knife from one hand to the other and stretched his fingers. “I never would have guessed stabbing someone worked so many muscles.”
Ryan laughed and slapped Carter’s shoulder. “That’s why I use my magic whenever I can.”
“I keep forgetting I can tap into it.”
Max saddled up to them. “There are at least two other animals around here, werewolves from what I can tell.”
Peter lifted his nose in the air and emitted a low bark.
“Peter says one of them is a rat, but he smells them,” Max said.
“Serena said they came across a lycan but no others. We should probably head their way in case there are any they missed,” Ethan said.
“Wouldn’t you know if there were others?” Carter asked as they made their way down a hall.
Ethan rubbed his temple. “Usually I would, but until the threat’s gone, I don’t trust anything. I don’t like that they are facing them solo.”
Chapter 37
A wreath of flowers decorated her head as they moved down a long hall. Vanessa’s heartbeat thrummed at her neck. Her pulse was strong and steady, reminding her she was alive and how much was at stake if they did not accomplish the removal of Olsabir.
Georgia and Claudia growled at her back, and the others paused. Magic filled the space around them as a young man stepped from a room. His eyes crinkled on the edges as he stared right at them, only he did not see them.
“Human,” Serena whispered and tapped her temple with two fingers.
Vanessa watched his eyes go blank before he shook his head and glanced around.
“Where the hell am I?” he muttered.
Another wave of magic flowed from Serena, and Vanessa watched his eyes fill with anahamoment.
“I should turn myself in.”
They stepped out of the way when he moved toward them, never seeing the two witches, werewolves, and nymph past the barrier hiding them.
“What’s he turning himself in for?” Brandy asked.
Serena shrugged. “Ethan tuned in and said he saw a jewelry shop, so my best guess is he’s responsible for the damage at your shop.”
Brandy wrapped her fingers around Vanessa’s upper arm when vines unfurled. “Whoa, girl. Remember, he was just working for Olsabir. He’s the real reason we’re here.”
Vanessa sucked in a deep breath, and the vines wrapped her in a caress. “You’re right.”
The hall became musty the farther they walked, and the smell of rotting flesh filled her nose. Each of them shared a look as Claudia and Georgia growled deep in their throats. The sound was menacing, and she was thankful to be on the beautiful wolves’ side.
