WARLOCK_His Coven. His Magick. His Soulmate. Read online

  "He is so evil," Tannen muttered. "As evil a warlock as I've known."

  "He is Barabas returned, as I am Limner, and Vanya is Valeria. The ancient battle has resumed."

  "I feel a chill all the way through me."

  "As you should, Tannen. We need to stay vigilant, and I must call Vanya," Laszio said gravely, touching her name on his phone. "Thank goodness she has the scarf."

  "Laszio," Vanya exclaimed as she answered the call. "Now it's my turn to be surprised."

  "Vanya, forgive me, but I must get straight to the point. I'm going to ask you to do something, but I can't explain why until I see you. You need to trust me."

  "Okay."

  "I assume you're working."

  "Yes, I am."

  "Is your boss with you?"

  "Yes."

  "This will be surprising. Try not to react. Tell your boss you think you're getting the flu. Wrap the scarf around your neck, then go home and pack what you need for a few days. Tannen will pick you up. Things are happening, bad things, and having you with me is the only way I can keep you safe. Do you understand what I'm telling you?"

  "Unfortunately I do."

  "Don't panic. As long as that scarf is on your body you'll be fine, but you need to be here, with me."

  "To be honest, I'm not feeling very well. I was really tired this morning, and now I'm getting a tickle in my throat. Maybe I should talk to my wonderful boss and ask him if I can work from home for a while," she said, looking across at Lenny. "I'm sure he doesn't want to get sick either."

  "Clever girl," Laszio said softly. "I'll see you soon."

  Ending the call, he picked up the heavy sword, then stared down at his nephew.

  "I'm going into my sanctuary to consult The Book, and wrap this sword in a guard cloth. Not even Kalick will be able to find it. Have Elwyn sit with Anton when you leave to pick up Vanya. Take her to the private dining room and tell her I'll join her there."

  "Will do. Laszio, how long do you think this battle will last?"

  "Kalick has shown he's impulsive, almost desperate. I believe things will escalate and come to a head quickly. Hopefully I can defeat him before he is able to spread his venom into the coven."

  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

  As Vanya ended the call, she let out a sigh and looked at Lenny with a pained expression.

  "That was Sandy. She's just come down with the flu. We were together last night."

  "That doesn't sound good."

  "I felt bad when I woke up. That's why I asked if I could meet you at the scene. I felt I needed more sleep, and now I'm getting a tickle in my throat."

  "Nip it in the bud. You can work from home, and you should pick up some zinc. It'll bolster your immune system."

  "I will. Thanks for the suggestion."

  "I can't afford to come down with anything, so no hug goodbye."

  "Okay, thanks Lenny."

  "Vanya, just so you know, my nose is telling me the attack on Mary Cavalier is going to be a big story, so keep your laptop handy."

  "Absolutely," she promised, rising from the table. "Thanks so much for understanding."

  "Are you kidding? I need my Girl Friday fighting fit, and I sure as hell don't need to get sick."

  Grabbing her bag, she quickly unzipped it, and pulling out the precious pink scarf, she wrapped it around her neck.

  "Good idea. Keep warm."

  "I'm going to be extra careful. Okay, I'm off, and consider yourself hugged."

  Moving quickly through the cozy cafe, as she stepped outside she discovered the gray skies had decided to deliver their payload. It was raining, but the nasty weather was the last thing on her mind as she ran to the nearby taxi stand. Laszio feared for her safety. Just how much danger was she in? Climbing into the first cab in the line, she gave the driver her address and settled into the back seat. In spite of Laszio's concern, and her own burning question, she couldn't wait to see him. Closing her eyes she relived the warm tingles his fingers had sent through her body, and how his mesmerizing eyes had changed color and shone across the table at her.

  Lost in her delicious daydream, she couldn't see the taxi was headed in the wrong direction. A minute or so passed, and wrapped in the warmth of the memory, she Idly opened her eyes and glanced out the window.

  Her heart skipped.

  The taxi was driving into a bad neighborhood.

  Pretending not to notice, she pulled her phone from her bag. Amazed it was working, and that it hadn't been taken from her, she turned off the sounds and quickly texted Laszio.

  I think I'm being kidnapped. I'm in a taxi. Just passed a street called Falconwood. Bad area. HELP!

  But Laszio was in his sanctuary concocting a potion to save his nephew.

  CHAPTER NINE

  Vanya frantically willed Laszio to respond, but as she stared down at her phone something caught her eye. Her bag was open, and she watched, spellbound, as her scarf unfurled itself. Slithering like a snake, it slid from her bag, across her lap, and through the small opening of the partition separating her from the driver. Heart racing, her eyes followed the flimsy fabric as it moved silently behind his neck, and she suddenly realized it was going to strangle him. Though logic told her to dive her head into her lap, cover herself with her arms and prepare for the inevitable crash, she couldn't take her gaze from the bizarre scene playing out in front of her. As the scarf coiled around the man's neck and began to tighten, she stared in abject horror as he tried to steer with one hand, while frantically grabbing at it with the other.

  Then out-of-the-blue, Vanya had an inspired thought.

  "Scarf, loosen," she shouted, then hastily added, "loosen but stay."

  To her surprise and relief the scarf followed her command, and taking a deep breath, she tried to think of what to do next. The cab came to an abrupt stop, and though still shaken, she leaned forward, pushed aside the plastic divider and glared at the cabbie. He was gasping and holding his neck, muttering incoherently.

  "Where were you taking me?" she demanded, doing her best to sound confident and ignore the fearful pounding of her heart. "Who are you?"

  "Just a c-cabbie," he sputtered. "This g-guy told me what t-to do and I c-couldn't say no."

  "I gave you an address. Why didn't you go there?"

  "It was the g-guy, I swear, it was the g-guy, and I'm feeling really s-sick."

  Looking out the window at the rough neighborhood, Vanya had no desire to climb out of the car, but she couldn't trust the driver, or could she? Desperately trying to decide the lesser of the two evils, she chose the car. The miraculous scarf was around the driver's neck and she could control it.

  "Turn around and take me to the address I gave you."

  "I d-don't remember it."

  "Thirty-seven Spaulding Drive. Do you know where that is?"

  "Yeah, yeah, of course."

  "If you don't get me there safely the scarf will strangle you."

  "This too f-fucking weird," he stammered as he turned the car around. "What the f-fuck is g-going on?"

  "Do as you're told and you'll be fine. Don't stop for anyone or anything."

  "I'm g-getting hot, like really f-fucking hot."

  "I don't give a shit. Keep driving, and speed up."

  "My f-foot, it won't work. I can't p-press the accelerator. Fuuuck."

  "Dammit. Stop the cab and get out."

  "G-Gladly," he exclaimed hysterically, screeching to a halt. "I want out of this f-fucking shit."

  "Scarf, leave him! Settle on the seat!"

  The scarf slid from his neck, throwing the car into park and not even bothering to turn off the engine, the driver jumped out and began running down the street.

  "You'll find it parked at the address I gave you," she shouted after him, climbing out of the back seat. "Thirty-seven Spaulding Drive."

  Praying the warlock who had commandeered the car couldn't mess with it, she slid behind the wheel, put it into gear, and burned rubber as she sped off down the street.

  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

  Waiting outside Vanya's apartment, Tannen could feel something was wrong, and knowing Laszio was in his sanctuary and unreachable he placed a call to Elwyn.

  "Hi, Tannen," Elwyn said answering the call. "Is everything okay?"

  "No. Vanya hasn't turned up."

  "Wasn't she just around the corner from her place at the Cozy Cafe?"

  "She was, and it's pouring. She would have taken a taxi. She should be here by now. Wait, there's one coming down the street. Elwyn—she's behind the wheel. Make sure Laszio calls me the minute he reappears."

  "At least she's okay, and yes, I sure will."

  Ending the call, Tannen climbed from his car and ran up to meet Vanya as she stepped from the cab.

  "Are you all right? What happened?"

  "Someone tried to kidnap me," she said breathlessly as they ran through the rain to her front door. "I want to grab my stuff and get to the club. Laszio was right. Things are definitely not safe."

  "Wait under the porch. Let me go in first."

  "Here's the key."

  Sliding it in the lock, Tannen cautiously opened the door and sent his powerful sensors into the apartment. Picking up nothing, he pushed it all the way open and gestured for her to enter.

  "I'm so glad to be here," she exclaimed, peeling off her thin jacket. "I'll change real quick and grab some things."

  "Don't worry, I'll be right here. Keep your bedroom door cracked though. I promise not to look. I just don't want my sensors blocked."

  "Sensors?"

  "Uh…"

  "It's okay. I know you're a warlock," she said, disappearing into her bedroom. "I can't believe I just said that and it didn't freak me out. Actually, that's not a hundred-percent true. It did a bit."

  "You're handling all this remarkably well."

  "I don't think I'm handling it at all," she called back as she threw the things she needed into an overnight bag. "I'm just sort of, going along with everything. I mean, what choice do I have?"

  "Can you tell me what happened in the cab?"

  "The driver was taking me into this bad area, but my scarf—I mean—I put my scarf around his neck and threatened to strangle him," she said, not sure if she should share her secret. "He claimed a stranger told him to take me and he couldn't refuse. He turned around to bring me back, but he said his foot refused to press down the accelerator. Then he said he was feeling sick. I told him to get out and I drove myself back here. Okay, I'm done," she declared, the mysterious box packed safely in the middle of her clothes for protection, but as she entered the living room, she stopped in her tracks.

  "Laszio!"

  Dropping her bag, she raced to the center of the room and threw her arms around the handsome warlock.

  "I'm so glad you're here," she exclaimed, sinking into his engulfing hug. "How did you get here so fast? I didn't hear you come in."

  "I'm so sorry," he murmured, holding her tightly. "I feel terrible. I should have waited until you were safely back at the club before going into my sanctuary. I should have picked you up myself. I'm so sorry."

  Sensing the arrival of some unwanted visitors, Tannen had moved across to the window, and staring across the street he spied a dark SUV with tinted windows pulling to a stop.

  "We have company."

  "I know. I can feel them," Laszio said calmly. "Vanya, where's the scarf?"

  "In my bag. Do I need to put it on?"

  "No, just hold my hand as we walk out and you'll be fine, but no matter what happens, don't panic."

  "That's reassuring," she murmured nervously. "Don't panic?"

  "Let me rephrase," he said with a soft smile. "Nothing's going to happen. You're with me. You don't need to worry."

  "Much better."

  "Tannen, are you ready?"

  "Sure am," he replied, and walking across to the front door, he opened it up, stepped on to the porch and extended his arms.

  Vanya watched in shocked surprise as red lightning crackled from Tannen's fingertips, hitting the warlock's vehicle. Quickly moving past him, Laszio walked her towards Tannen's car, but Vanya couldn't pull her eyes away from the SUV. All four tires were now flat, and it was cloaked in a pulsing red light.

  "Get inside," Laszio directed, opening the back door. "Quickly."

  As she climbed in, she spied Tannen marching towards them wearing a satisfied smile.

  "They'll be trapped for a while, and a bit warm," he remarked as he climbed behind the wheel. "I'm surprised they were such weaklings."

  "Vanya, are you okay?" Laszio asked. "Your heart is pounding. I'm so sorry this has happened, but you're completely safe. Take a deep breath."

  "I'm okay. It was just shocking to see that," she declared as Tannen started driving down the street. "What about your car, or did you take a taxi?"

  "Neither," he replied, looking at her solemnly. "In an emergency I can get where I need to be very quickly. When I heard you'd arrived here driving a taxi, I knew something was wrong. Tannen could have handled this by himself, but I didn't know that when I left."

  "I, uh, I don't know what to say."

  "It's a lot to process, and we have even more to talk about, but I'll try not overwhelm you."

  "I think that ship has sailed, but I'm fine. Honestly."

  "Laszio, which entrance do you think we should use?" Tannen asked, turning on to their busy street. "Should we go into the garage, or do you want me to park out front?"

  "It doesn't matter. The episode is over now. They won't be waiting for us."

  "Then the garage it is."

  "How do you know it's over?" Vanya asked. "What if they—?"

  "Hey, not only is it over, Kalick just made a mistake. Three in fact."

  "Who's Kalick?"

  "The warlock behind all this. He forgot to tell his minions to disable your phone. That surprises me. The second was sending them to your apartment after he realized you'd taken control of the taxi. It was a knee-jerk reaction, but even worse, he should have known I'd race to your rescue. He could have set a trap. I was ready for anything, and there was nothing waiting, just a group of weak underlings."

  "What exactly does all this mean?" Vanya asked, her head spinning. "Why is it happening?"

  "A demonic warlock, Kalick, is after control of my coven, then all of the covens that follow the light, but now I know he's not up to the task. He's impulsive and careless. He can be beaten."

  The car had reached the club, and driving into the underground parking garage, Tannen pulled into his space.

  "Maybe we should bring in a Guardian," he suggested as he turned off the engine. "What do you think?"

  "I agree. He can patrol here and the fire escape. It was compromised once, it can be compromised again."

  "I forgot to ask how Anton's doing," Tannen continued as they climbed from the car. "Were you able to help him?"

  "He'll be fine. He's awake, but he's drained and needs some TLC. He'll be staying until he's better. I blame myself. He's a slow learner. I should have spent more time with him."

  "At least he's okay. That's what matters," Tannen said. "You go on ahead. I'll stay down here and call in a Guardian."

  "Thank you for everything," Vanya said gratefully. "That red lightning was amazing."

  "Just a harnessing of energy," he said modestly.

  "Laszio," she murmured as they headed to the elevator, "Who is Anton, and why is what happened to him your fault? It seems you blame yourself for everything."

  "Anton is my nephew. He was victimized, and as for blaming myself, it's my coven. I'm responsible for the well-being of my members."

  "Ah. That makes sense, and what's a Guardian?"

  "I'll tell you, but there's something I must do first."

  They had entered the elevator, and as the doors closed, Laszio put down her bag, slid his hands into her hair, gripped it tightly and locked her eyes.

  "Are you ready for me to kiss you?"

  "So ready," she whispered, and closing her eyes, she waited to feel the magic of his lips against hers.

  CHAPTER TEN

  Sinking into the sweetness of Vanya's lips, a vague feeling of a long-ago memory rose up from Laszio's soul, and as the kiss grew fervent, the feeling gave way to foggy images. But they quickly faded as her carnal longing washed over him. He sensed her warm aching heart, and as she pressed her body against his, he tightened his hug.

  Vanya knew him. She knew his commanding kiss, his powerful hold, his smoldering need and his musky scent. As a flood of moisture soaked her sex, she was filled with a sense of belonging. She was home, and when he pulled back, she uttered a moan of disappointment.

  "I never wanted you to let me go."

  "You needn't worry," he purred. "I have as many hugs as you want, and you'll have them for eternity."

  The elevator slowed to a gentle stop, and taking her hand he led her into a hallway lit by a soft glow from a hidden source. The floor offered thick burgundy and gold carpet, and approaching the end of the hallway, double doors suddenly materialized and swung open

  "After you," he said softly. "You'll be here until the danger passes, but…"

  "But?"

  "If you want to stay longer I'd be happy to have you."

  "That depends on you, Laszio."

  "It does?"

  "Wherever you are, that's where I want to be," she said, her eyes sparkling up at him. "I feel it in every part of my being. It's inexplicable, but it's there."

  "It's not inexplicable," he purred, bringing her into his arms as they entered his suite. "You know your family legend is our history, and after eons apart we're finally reunited."

  "Yes, it's true, it's all true. I feel weak and strong at the same time, and I want you. Please…?"

  Effortlessly he swept her up, and carrying her into his bedroom, he stood her on her feet in the center of the expansive room, then waved his arms in the air. The drapes closed, the fireplace ignited, and as the lights went out, scattered candles gave birth to their tiny flames.