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  Mystic Betrayal

  Mystic Series, Book 2

  J.L. Lawrence

  Mystic Betrayal is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  Copyright ©2018 by J.L. Lawrence

  All rights reserved.

  Cover Design by Rae Monet, Inc.

  Edited by Alicia Dean

  Interior Layout by Jesse Gordon

  Dedication

  To Mom

  Your unrelenting support and love saw me through

  this great writing adventure.

  I am one of the lucky ones that never questioned how much I was loved

  because you never let me doubt it.

  Now you do the same for my children.

  &

  To Grandmother

  You always saw my potential and

  pushed me to be the best at whatever I endeavored.

  You taught me how to become a great teacher and

  to have faith in others. I’m a better person because of you.

  Prologue

  She opened the ground with a wave of her hand and floated softly into the earth surrounding her. The fragrant dirt and grass filled her senses as it brushed against her skin. It usually brought her peace, but tonight she was searching for answers. As it closed in around her, she could hear the whispers and stories only she had the ability to interpret. No one could hide from nature itself. It surrounded and consumed every aspect of life.

  Sorting through the information was a challenge, but it wasn’t long before she reached her target. He appeared as a shadow completely cloaked in black from head to foot. A mask covered his face. He could walk within the Hell Realm. He seemed reluctant, almost afraid to enter. She watched the scene unfold as the masked figure entered the chambers of Lucian, himself. The King of the Hell Realm and permanently banished from all other realms. It was his banishment that began the War of the Realms, the Rising.

  “Well, well. Look who we have here. Have you come to grovel for your life? Or for your lover’s soul? You cost me a great warrior in Fury. Although most of that battle was his own stupidity.” The hooded figure kept his head down but didn’t speak a word.

  Lucian rubbed his bearded chin and paused as if trying to come to a decision. He looked like a movie star straight out of Hollywood, but that was his own disguise. Braxus, the Omega and chosen warrior for Hell, stood on his left side. He had been severely beaten, probably due to his latest losses. He had not been able to capture or kill the Mystic before she transitioned into full power.

  “What to do? What to do? I really don’t see any use for you anymore. Your only assignment was to bring us the Mystic. Why should I let you live?”

  Braxus snarled, “Kill him. I’ll be happy to gut him for you and feed him to our pets.” His eyes glowed red with rage and pain.

  “Silence. I do have some civility, you fool. She was basically handed to you and you couldn’t close the deal. If you weren’t the chosen warrior, you’d be dead. Now, back to my question.” Lucian seemed unusually cool. Anyone who failed him had a life expectancy of zero.

  The hooded man finally lifted his head. The mask was a skull with only the eyes visible. They were bright green and somewhat familiar. “You asked me to create a diversion and bring the Mystic to a place where she could be defeated. I can’t control the other elements or that Braxus failed. I did my part, so I ask that my life be spared.” His voice tickled her spine, but she couldn’t place it.

  Lucian walked over to a pit that stood in the center of the room. It was well known and used on the unfortunate souls that betrayed or annoyed him. “You make a convincing argument, especially since you had to keep your cover as well. However, you will now be part of a new plan, and I’m afraid this one will expose you for who you really are. Your punishment will be your banishment from all those that you love. Enjoy what little time is left of your freedom.”

  He simply flexed his hand, and the hooded figure was thrown from the room. She continued to watch as Braxus paced the small area. “Why didn’t you tell him anything?”

  “All in good time.” Lucian slowly looked around the room.

  “We still have many soldiers in the Human Realm ready to attack. Now that the Mystic is unattainable, what do we do?”

  A nasty smile crossed Lucian’s face. “We attack what can still cause her pain and take away any allies we can kill. Assemble the generals. It’s time for a new battle plan.” Braxus started to speak, but he was silenced.

  Lucian turned, and it was as if he was looking straight into her eyes. “Clever one, aren’t you. But not more powerful than me. Your mother should have taught you better manners. Allow me.” He snapped his fingers.

  White light stung her eyes, and her face felt like it had been slapped hard. Lucian might be trapped, but his power was immense. He would never allow the intrusion again, but at least she had gained some information.

  Chapter 1

  The ice blue wedding gown shimmered in the mirrored reflection. How could this be real? Kate shook her head, trying to focus her panicked mind. Am I crazy or just plain stupid? Who would plan a wedding in the middle of a battle? Then again, I could be dead in a few months and deserve a chance at happiness before all hell breaks loose. Right?

  Xander’s wedding gift had been her family attending the wedding. He and Rowena had worked everything out. It was risky, and she should have stopped it. Heaven knows she didn’t need any more deaths on her shoulders. But she desperately wanted to see her family one more time just in case it was the last time. A few of the details of their relationship had been changed and a few memory adjustments added in, but very minor in the grand scheme. They’d been able to create a heavily shielded area close to the Meadows.

  Her second surprise arrived this morning. Xander had also invited her FBI team to the wedding. The joy her family and friends brought to the day was indescribable. Seeing their faces, hugging them, feeling normal for a brief moment in time was more than she could have hoped for.

  Xander had become her entire world over the last few weeks. His generosity and love overwhelmed her. He brought her flowers at least once a week and had given her several pieces of priceless jewelry mostly because he still felt guilty at deceiving her at the portal. She understood now that she would have done the same. With the fate of the world resting on his shoulders, he had to make the tough choices--even sacrifice his own life. He was willing to age and die to make sure she crossed over to the Meadows. Her fate was to save all the realms, not just the world as she had always known it. He shared her burden and she loved him more for it.

  These frown lines staring back at her would become permanent if she didn’t start focusing on all of the good for today. Her mother would be coming in soon, but she had this moment to reconcile all of her emotions. Above all, she would be marrying the man she loved more than life itself. Peace and happiness surrounded her.

  She twirled around the room. It was silly and girly, but she didn’t care. Today she looked and felt like a real princess. Her dress was gorgeous with an ice blue bodice similar to a corset that tied all the way down her back. It was strapless but the top connected to a massive layered skirt. It billowed out like the dresses from Civil War era. She had enough material to clothe an entire city. The train attached to the back and flowed at least twenty feet behind her. Pale blue gloves, matching sandals, and a tiara completed the ensemble.

  At least she had learned how to hide her tattoo so her skin was shimmering and clear. It glistened with power and excitement. Jane and Nikki had done fabulous work with her makeup and hair. Her hair cascaded partially down
her back in bouncing blonde curls. Her makeup was understated but powerful. Her eyes were decorated with pale blue and silver with a touch of mascara and lips painted the color of cherries adding to the glamor. She leaned in closer. Who am I?

  The past couple weeks of training had been difficult. She’d managed to put several holes in the walls, knocked Rowena off her feet twice, and blew up a table full of expensive artwork. She still couldn’t help but stare in awe at Rowena sometimes. The power inside the former Mystic was unbelievable and a little scary. Kate would eventually have even more power if she gained the full light for the battle. Xander and Rowena never gave up on her, and finally she began to gain control. After the wedding she would have to prove herself to the whole realm in a battle against their best warriors. But not today. Today she got to be the princess.

  New people had been arriving daily to witness the big event and begin training. She knew everyone was chomping at the bit to see her. All of her training sessions had been closed so far, so curiosity was at an all-time high. Her nerves were starting to show the wear and tear, but Angie kept her grounded. Kate still said a silent prayer of thanks every day for her best friend and former FBI partner. Angie had followed her on this quest and never looked back. Their bond was unbreakable.

  “Knock, knock.” Angie poked her head in the door, relieving Kate of her inner monologue about doubts and fears. Her mom stood on the other side of Angie. She jumped straight into her mother’s embrace and saw the surprise on her face. In retrospect she had always been more reserved with her family than she should have been.

  The simple truth was she didn’t want to say good-bye to her family or friends. She wasn’t ready to die without at least her mother knowing who she was. “Mom, I’ve missed you so much. Have a seat so we can chat for a minute before my final preparations.”

  Her mother sat down beside her and placed a hand on her knee. “Honey, you will never know how much I’ve missed you too. Your job causes me to worry constantly, but I know you are creating a better world for all of us. I’m so proud of you and love you so much. I wanted you to know that.” A tear trickled down her mother’s cheek. Kate felt the full love of her mother wash over her.

  “Mom, there is something I want to tell you about myself. I know I probably seemed a little weird growing up…”

  Her mother started laughing and then, seeing Kate’s face, laughed harder. “Oh Kate, I’ve always known you had special abilities like reading minds. Your Papa wasn’t the only one who could see you. I guess I didn’t do a very good job of supporting you, but you worked so hard to keep everything hidden. I thought you wanted so badly to be normal that I decided to help you hide it.”

  For a moment, Kate struggled with what to say next. Her mom had known all along and was trying to help her not condemn her. That part of her heart finally soared free and a weight was lifted off her shoulders. But she wasn’t done yet. Her mother still needed to know exactly what her daughter was.

  “Mom, I’m going to tell you something now that may be hard for you to hear, but you need to know.”

  Her mother placed her palm against Kate’s cheek and smiled. “So, tell me just how special my little girl is.”

  Kate cleared her throat to push emotions aside. She began with her last case and her adventures over the past few months. She told her about Xander and explained about the Guardian and Mystic. She briefly described the upcoming battle called the Rising. By the time she finished, she was worried her mother had gone into shock. She simply stared without saying a word.

  “Mom, are you okay?” Good thing she hadn’t added the chances of her winning the Rising or she may have pushed her over the edge. Some things were better left unsaid.

  “I…I…I’m not sure what to say. I mean your Papa always talked about some great destiny you would have, but I thought he was getting a little senile. I never imagined anything like this ever existing. So much pressure on you. It’s unreal, insane and yet the truth. I see it in your eyes. I might not believe or understand everything right now, but you never wasted time pulling punches. Promise you won’t shut me out. All I’m asking for is time to process.” She sat back down on the sofa and rested her head in her hands.

  Kate wrapped her arms around her shoulders. “Everything will be all right and we will have more time to talk about everything. If you think of any questions, call me. I hope to see you again soon.” Kate didn’t have the heart to add that this could easily be their last time to see each other face to face.

  Her mother slowly got to her feet and walked down the hallway to take her seat. Her inner pain hit Kate hard, and she knew somehow her mother had figured out that this could be the last time she held her daughter. And it broke her heart.

  Angie walked over and placed her arms around her. “This has been a pretty emotional day for you so far and we haven’t even started the ceremony. On that note, I brought you a gift. I figure you probably can’t get too far being bonded and all, but in case you wise up.” She held up a pair of bright blue Nike tennis shoes.

  “Ha, ha, ha. You know, as maid of honor you should be supporting me not providing the means to run away.”

  “What? I can’t think of a better means of support than giving you keys to your freedom.” Angie covered her smile as she narrowed her eyes at her. Then they both collapsed in laughter. She didn’t know what she would do without Angie.

  “Thanks, I needed a break from the emotional.”

  “I know. I’m just perceptive like that. All kidding aside, I know you have your doubts about today, but it’s the right time. A celebration is what we all need to remember what we’re fighting for. What we’re all willing to die for.” They sat in silence for a moment. Angie was right.

  Part of her job as the Mystic was to inspire her people. Give them hope and something to hold on to. She would do just that. They would be joyous today and celebrate life and love. And soon, she would prove to them that she was the warrior that would lead them into battle.

  * * *

  Xander wrung his hands. He had been feeling Kate’s emotional turmoil throughout the day, but she blocked him out of her head. He hoped she didn’t change her mind. He didn’t doubt her love for him but couldn’t imagine the level of stress she was under every day. Everything possible had been done to create the perfect day. She had earned at least one day where she could be normal and be human. That aspect of her life was so important and she needed the connection to carry her through the battle.

  He stepped out of the small room to the side and stood in front of the priest. His stomach rolled as he glanced over the crowd. Everyone had turned out to see the wedding of the Mystic and Guardian. Most of them were not confident that their new leader could save them. How could a former human have enough power to defeat an all-powerful evil?

  They would learn soon enough. He had full confidence in Kate that she would prove her strength and ability. It had been difficult to step into the role of her trainer while still building their relationship. There had been a few moments of tension as he pushed her to gain control over her powers as quickly as possible. If they survived, he would take her on the best honeymoon offered anywhere in the realms. His love for her had grown beyond anything he believed possible. She was his first thought in the morning and the last thought before he fell asleep. He couldn’t exist in this world without her. At least they had today. He planned to make the best of it.

  Music played and caught his attention. He was struck speechless as Kate floated down the aisle. Her gaze locked on his, and she walked toward him without hesitation. The knots in his stomach eased and he stared into the eyes of the woman he loved. He lowered his eyes briefly to take in the rest of her beauty.

  Her pale blue gown sparkled against the shimmering glow of her skin. Golden hair cascaded past her shoulders in ringlets with a beautiful crown at the top. Her eyes were the brightest of blues ranging from turquoise to sapphire and danced with excitement. The rest of his doubts melted away. She was his world, and he wo
uld stand beside her until the end.

  Her brilliance was just as strong on the inside as her beauty on the outside. He said a silent prayer of thanks that his destiny had been tied to hers no matter what their future held. He would take one day of her love over a lifetime of never feeling her warmth. His heart raced as she stepped closer and closer. She reached out her hand. He knew their love was unbreakable.

  * * *

  Kate’s hands tingled with excitement as she placed her palms in his. As the service began, she barely registered the words that were spoken. The love shining from his eyes blinded her, and his mind opened to her completely. The love for her overwhelmed and humbled her. Her destiny had brought her his love and she would be forever thankful. She barely caught the moment for her to say her vows.

  “Xander, you have opened my world to endless possibilities. While we may have many obstacles ahead, you are my love, my life. I will walk through eternity with you by my side and never doubt that we were meant to be one. I gladly bind myself to you and pledge to love you with all my heart for as long as we walk this Earth.” Kate struggled to hold the tears back and say all the words in her heart.

  He took her other hand so he was holding both. His own eyes glistened with tears. “Kate, the moment you entered my life, a fire began inside me. You stripped away all my fears and taught me how great true love can be. You chased away all the skepticism and anger deeply rooted inside me. I’m a better man because your love washed over me and transformed me. I bind myself to you and pledge to love you with all my heart for as long as we walk this Earth.” Kate couldn’t stop the flow of tears trickling down her cheeks.

  Everything else passed by in a blur until the moment they kissed. When his lips met hers, the electricity sparked from her toes to the top of her head. It was a living presence wrapping around them and holding them in its warmth. For better or worse, their destinies were forever intertwined. She wouldn’t have it any other way. Her happily ever after was no longer a distant dream. It was her reality. What more could she ever ask for?