Mystic Rising Read online

  Tears clogged Kate’s throat and filled her eyes. She read everything that happened to him. After the deaths of their family, he knew his daughters were next. He lured the demons out to the barn and trapped them inside. He’d endured unspeakable horrors and willingly traded his life to save his wife and daughters. She liked him already.

  The girls were more powerful than she first realized. Together they’d trapped the demons by combining energy and a spell. She’d have to kill the demons before leaving. She also needed to have a chat with these two brave and reckless girls. They’d saved their father but could’ve been killed.

  Randy whispered in her ear, “Convince them to call an ambulance. He probably won’t make it, but we should try.”

  “It’s not necessary.”

  Randy eyed her warily but stepped back. Chris muttered that she’d gone crazy.

  She summoned the energy into her body and shut out the gasps of her former team. Placing her glowing hands over his body, she cleansed the wounds and healed him. He screamed in agony while the three women stayed by his side, crying. After several minutes, the pain faded and the outside wounds closed. Repairing the missing skin proved to be the most difficult.

  Then she focused on his mind. He would never find peace after that amount of torture. She placed a finger on each side of his temple and removed the memories. She left enough for him to be cautious, but not overwhelmed. Since her journey into the Meadows and defeating the traitor, the attacks on innocent humans had tripled. It wasn’t her fault, but that didn’t alleviate the guilt. They were taking her punishment. At least she could protect this family. Nothing would ever harm or touch this land again.

  Once the man sat up, he met her eyes. “I knew you’d come. I prayed for you to save my girls. Thank you for saving me, too.” He lowered his head.

  “What the hell is wrong with all these people, and how did Kate do that?” Chris grumbled.

  Teri stomped on Chris’ foot and pushed him and Randy out of the room. Angie followed to keep them calm.

  Kate waited for them to exit, then turned back to the man. “No thanks are needed. How do you know what I am?”

  “My family has served the Council for generations as an informant. My wife and her sister served as leaders in a large coven of powerful human witches. They’ve traced our family roots to the Meadows. It’s why we were chosen. And targeted. My sister-in-law became too vocal about their connection, and my nieces’ powers were exceptional. They refused to listen to reason, until it was too late.

  “As you’ve now seen, my girls are powerful in their own right. And they don’t always listen.” He cut his eyes over in admonition. “I knew we were next and did the best I could.”

  “Thank you for serving so faithfully. I’m sorry you had to bear this burden on my behalf. I’ve placed a protective shield on your property. My Guardian, Xander, has stocked your pantry and we have a local who will bring whatever else you need. Despite your daughters’ skills, they did not kill the demons, only trapped them.” She met their eyes pointedly. The youngest lowered her head in shame, but the older sister glared back in defiance. So she didn’t like the reprimand. Tough shit. They’d have to talk before she left.

  “My daughters were misguided and wanted to save me, Mystic. I will be more forceful in the future.”

  “No, they saved their father and no fault can be given for that. I’d have done the same. But if you’re going to attack, make sure the plan is sound in the future. As we prepare for the final battle, I may not be able to easily return the next time.” She turned to the girls. “Stay on the property, preferably in the house.”

  Of course, the older one rolled her eyes, but the younger seemed wiser and accepted her warning. The mother had finally recovered her energy with Xander’s help. “Are you in need of our services, Mystic?” Her voice shook. “There are rumors that humans will now be added into the ranks for the battle. I offer our allegiance.”

  “Much appreciation for the offer, but your work is here. Keep the lines of communication open. Continue to support your coven and help them deal with the loss and fear. When the time comes, we will ask for your strength. Until then, stay safe. I do wish to have a conversation with your daughters before I leave.” She extended her hand and tiny steams of light hit each family member, branding them with the mark of a phoenix. “Call out if you need me. I’ll do my best to answer.” She angled her head toward the door and the girls followed.

  Off the kitchen, they had a sun room with a small sofa. The girls took a seat. Opposite them was a lovely pale blue armchair where she sat. “Let’s start with names, shall we? I’m Kate. And you are?”

  “I’m Sarah and this is my older sister Lizzie.”

  “How old are you?” She figured starting with easy questions might open them up.

  Sarah appeared to be the only one wanting to converse. “I’m fifteen and she’s seventeen. Almost of age. Can we join you in the battle? I want to fight. I’m ready. Mother says I’ve got more power than she’s ever seen. I can help.”

  “Speak for yourself, brat.” Lizzie finally decided to speak. “I’ve had enough of this shit. I didn’t ask for it. I don’t want it. All I ask is to be normal and not laughed at by my friends. As soon as I turn eighteen and this battle is over, I’m outta here to live my life. Got it?”

  Kate definitely got it. Hadn’t that been her exact dream most of her life. Eventually, she’d learned better. Lizzie would have to encounter those same lessons. Sarah swallowed to hold back the tears. Grief saturated both of them. They were close with their cousins. One wanted to fight and the other wanted to hide. Both normal ways of dealing. She’d seen into both of their futures and destiny had given them a difficult path, but also the chance for happiness.

  “I appreciate your desire to help, Sarah. But this battle is for heavily trained, seasoned warriors. We need the next generation to be strong. If I put everyone in the battle, who would carry on the traditions? Focus on your craft, learn everything you can. Grow your powers and you will be a valuable asset to the Council. Beware, your beauty and power will make you a target. Many will covet everything you possess.” She tried to keep her warning light, but treachery would eventually leave scars.

  Lizzie wasn’t quite as open to her advice and didn’t have any desire to fight. Yet, deep inside she had the heart of a true warrior. One day she’d find something worth fighting for and give it her all. The one thing she’d be willing to die for. What an interesting future they could have. I’ll have to keep a close eye on this one.

  She sent her next piece of advice straight into Lizzie’s mind. “We’ll meet again for a much higher purpose, my friend. I spent my life trying to be normal. I wanted it more than anything, but I learned that some of us have a destiny bigger than our own desires. Don’t hide from who you are. Embrace it. Gain knowledge and make good choices. There will come a day when you will see me again, and I’ll give you a choice. It will define your fate. And your sister’s. Be prepared to choose wisely. I’ll answer your call.”

  “I don’t need you or any of this. I’ll never call out your name or ask for help. I control my own destiny and will create a life I’m proud of. I don’t mean to sound harsh, and I know you have the weight of the world on your shoulders. You don’t need a snotty teen giving you grief. You’ll never know how much I appreciate you saving my dad, but I’ll remove myself from this life and never look back.” Sincerity shined in her eyes and washed over Kate. This young girl needed freedom, but loved her family. And she would find it for a while. She’d chosen the darker path.

  Kate stood and placed a healing hand on both of their shoulders. She still spoke directly to Lizzie. “I wish you the best of luck with your endeavors. When the day comes that everything is spinning out of control, we’ll meet again. I’m the Mystic. Deep inside, you know I speak the truth.”

  “Maybe. Just so you know, I’ll do everything I can to never see this day you speak of.”

  Laughing, Kate nodded. “Fa
ir enough.”

  They walked back into the main room. The family had found closure and had no further need for her. Her former team, on the other hand, had so much turmoil in their minds, she put them on mute in her own. She couldn’t blame them. But come on. They had to have suspected something.

  “We’ll leave you to heal and grieve. Before I go, the demons will be terminated. As long as you follow my instructions, your family will be safe.” Xander opened the door, and they stepped onto the porch. The cool night air caressed her face.

  Miranda, the mother, grabbed her hand. “We will send you everything we have, Mystic. I swear it.”

  “That’s all I’d ever ask. Take care of your family.”

  Sarah lunged forward and hugged her. She patted her back, and then returned her to her father. Emotions were piling up inside, and she needed a break. Unfortunately, the night was still long from over.

  * * *

  The barn wasn’t too far from the house. The girls had created an excellent demon trap. She’d asked Angie to stay with Teri, Chris, and Randy back at the house while she eliminated the demons. Angie argued that they needed to see.

  Kate wasn’t sure it was a good idea. “I guess we need to start somewhere and if they have a mental breakdown, I get to blame you.”

  “Don’t even think about it. You remember how hard all this was to believe? The moment the demons entered our apartment, the walls in your mind began to crumble and the truth crept in. They are so much like us and need to see. You shielded most of that last case from them. Don’t do that again.”

  “You can’t be serious. Are you saying show them the demons inside? It’s risky and could send them running the other way.”

  “Yeah right. You trained them. They won’t run. Besides, what’s the risk? They’re in the presence of the Mystic.” She snickered and Kate took a deep breath.

  “Shut up and keep them back. I don’t need Chris doing anything stupid.”

  “You’ve met him, right?” Angie walked over to Teri and gave them a little background information and let them know the bad guys were still in the barn.

  Xander pulled her against him. “Angie’s right. If you are going to recruit humans, how are you going to prepare them unless you are totally honest with them and let them see? It’s all or nothing. I’ll follow you either way.”

  “I know.” She reached up and cupped his cheek. “But it’s hard to let go and ask them to die for the cause.”

  Opening the barn doors, she lit up the room and held the traps in place. Angie and Xavier brought the three agents safely inside. Their horrified gasps spoke volumes. She remembered the feeling.

  One demon threw itself against the trap barrier. His eyes were red and all his teeth were razor sharp, still carrying the blood of the man he’d mutilated. He howled and snarled, throwing nasty comments in her direction. The second demon appeared calmer and accepting of his situation. His eyes were black and his ears more pointed. However, the bloody horn protruding from the top of his head provided the biggest distraction. Her stomach turned over from the memories of the torture.

  “What the hell is going on, Kate? Is this what we were tracking on our last case and why you sent us down a different alley? What is it?” Chris’ ragged breathing would soon bring on a full panic.

  Randy didn’t seem much calmer but maintained control. He stayed protectively in front of Teri whose eyes were wide and full of fear. Kate worried that shock would settle in soon. They needed a familiar place to talk. She just had to eliminate the two asses in front of her first.

  “Chris, trust me. I will explain everything, but right now I need you to observe in silence.” He stayed quiet, but clearly wasn’t happy.

  Stepping in between the traps, she raised her arms and let the tattoo stretch across her chest. The phoenix wings spread with the swords crossed in the center. The golden hue surrounded her body. The demons stopped snarling and trembled with fear. They were in the presence of their destroyer. She gave them credit for not begging.

  Each hand pointed to one of the demons. With a flick, she waved the traps away, then created two jet streams of energy and fried them to a crisp. They turned to dust, and she brought in a wind to remove their remains from the barn.

  She didn’t have to silence her former FBI team since shock had already taken its toll. She motioned them to her, and they were too afraid to refuse. “I need you to trust me one more time. Will you take my hand?”

  Teri complied first and smiled her acceptance. Chris and Randy hesitated but followed suit. They each had their doubts, but didn’t question their loyalty to her. She accepted that as a sign that everything would eventually be okay.

  She hoped.

  Xander reached for her shoulder while Xavier slid his arm around Angie’s waist.

  Taking a deep breath, she took them to the place she’d always consider home.

  Chapter 2

  The apartment in Nashville hadn’t changed. Kate had continued the payments in case they needed to come home. Angie suspected that Kate had also kept it for her to have a place outside the Meadows when the battle was finished. Humanity would be much easier to face when not surrounded by immortals.

  Xavier squeezed her shoulders tightly as he followed her thoughts. She wanted him to have the world, instead she’d given him a death sentence.

  “You’re wrong. You gave me life and light. Even for a limited time that’s better than the dark. I do agree that it will be much easier to live out our lives in this realm. There will be sorrow but also so much joy. You need to believe in that. It’s part of what we’re fighting for in this battle.”

  She nodded and tried to let it go, then gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. The shell-shocked faces of her former team brought back her clarity. One crisis at a time would serve her sanity well. She’d missed them more than anyone could know. She sensed and understood their fear of Kate and the things they’d witnessed. It had been hard enough for her and she used to spend a lot of time in Kate’s head. It wasn’t fair to ask them to join the fight. Nothing ever was.

  “Are you okay, Ang?” Kate sent her waves of reassurance.

  “Absolutely. Just get caught off guard by some of the sadness at times.” And she meant it. She’d follow Kate anywhere and had no doubt that she’d stay beside her until her last days on this earth. Daunting but comforting.

  Time to lead her friends to the same conclusion. She sure hoped Kate had something creative up her sleeves. This crew tended to be thick-headed on a good day.

  Kate took a deep breath and met their intense stares. “Guys, I brought you here to our old apartment to provide some familiarity. What I’m about to tell you will not digest easily. It didn’t for me either. But there isn’t time for me to do this any other way. Demons and magic are real.”

  “What the hell, Kate? Have you gone mental? Is this the same type of shit those two goons have been spouting?” Chris pointed at Xander and Xavier. “I’m not stupid. I realize those two things in the barn were something a little different, but we’re not in some superhero movie. And you have some kind of new weapon that fries people. But you don’t really believe in this, Kate. Right?”

  “Wrong, Chris. I used to be just like you. I even got agitated when I found out. You know what you saw wasn’t human. I see the confusion in your mind. I’ve always seen what’s in your mind. It’s one of my many abilities.”

  “Stay the hell out of my head. What am I saying? This is ridiculous.” He started pacing the room. Angie wished she could comfort him. It didn’t take any special abilities to recognize Xander and Xavier wanted to kill him. But they all stayed back and trusted Kate to lead them to the truth.

  It seemed right to be having this conversation in the same room where she and Kate were told the exact same thing. Kate hadn’t believed either, but she had. She’d wanted the adventure so badly, she’d done her part to convince Kate everything was real. Kate had spent a lifetime wrestling all the gifts inside her and conquered them to some exten
t. The price for the adventure had been high, but Kate found her way. Maybe it was easier to be the outsider looking in and not on the front lines.

  Teri still hadn’t muttered a word. Very odd. Had she known all along and had become the outsider having her worst fears confirmed. She’d love to have Kate’s ability right now and examine her head. Randy scowled in disbelief, but she sensed fear below the surface. He stayed close to Teri with one hand on her at all times. They didn’t trust Kate. Mostly because they didn’t want it to be true. Randy actually braced himself for an attack. It broke her heart that they’d brought so much doubt and fear into their life.

  “Calm down, Chris. Randy, stop looking like I’m about to attack you. I find it insulting that you’d ever think I’d harm you.” Kate stared them down with her hands on her hips, looking like an angry school teacher.

  When they remained silent, she turned to Teri. “You’ve been unusually quiet. I sense little shock. Care to share with the group, why that is? Tell the truth, please.”

  It took a few moments, but she finally stepped forward. “I always knew you and Angie were communicating somehow. The way you knew each other’s thoughts and could cover each other without saying a word. In our last case, I noticed it more than ever. Sometimes, it felt like you were shutting us out. Also, it was spooky that you could interpret all of our moods before we did, or could calm us by being near us. A light shined inside you long before the golden glow that surrounds you now. When you left, I literally felt the loss of your support and guidance like something had been ripped away. I knew in that moment that you’d embraced a higher calling. I didn’t understand what or why, until now.”

  She paused and reached for Kate’s hands. “I may not understand all of what you’re saying, but I want to know your story, if you’ll trust us.”