Fate Changer (The Lost Witch Trilogy #3) (24 page)

“Spying Lash?” Jericho asked without opening his eyes.

Lash shrugged and joined Jericho in the sand. “Just keeping tabs. Sarah’s very important to me. I would hate for anything to happen to her,” he said, looking at Jericho warily.

Jericho sighed and sat up, leaning his head in his hands for a moment before looking up. “You mean because you’re still halfway in love with her?”

Lash growled low in his throat and looked threateningly at the witch beside him. Jericho laughed and held his hands up. “I didn’t mean anything by it. I just happen to be able to read people’s emotions. If it makes you feel any better, you’re only half way in love now which if I’m not mistaken, is better than head over heels insanely all the way in love with her. By the way, that Jenny is a firecracker. And she is crazy in love with you. I envy you,” he said simply and Lash relaxed.

“Stop changing the subject. Sarah just asked you to tell her what was going to happen and you lied through your teeth to her. What’s the real story?” Lash said menacingly.

Jericho raised an eyebrow at him and shook his head. “Your kind is always so annoyingly dramatic. Have you noticed? Tone it down blood boy and relax. You’re right though. I did lie to her. She was about to have a nervous breakdown and so I told her what she needed to hear to get her through the day.”

Lash sighed impatiently. “Which was?”

Jericho rested his arms on his knees and glanced at Lash. “I told her that everything was going to be fine of course. That no one would die or be hurt and that Charles would be caught.”

Lash closed his eyes in pain and looked away. “And that’s all a lie. What’s the truth then?”

Jericho sighed and shook his head. “There’s going to be pain and blood and death. Did you really expect any different?”

Lash ran his hand through his straight black hair and looked down at his scarred hand for a moment, remembering his last bloody fight. “I was hoping,” he said softly.

“Just a little advice? If you care about Sarah as much as I think you do, don’t let her out of your sight.” Jericho said and then stood up, walking away quickly before Lash could ask him anything else.

Lash stayed on the beach for another half an hour staring at the angry waves and trying to figure out some way to save the people he loved the most in this world.

Chapter 21 – The Storm

Sarah watched everyone put on their coats and jackets and head out to their cars as if they were going into town to see a movie. Instead, they were heading out to ambush a witch so evil, he would destroy anything and anyone to get what he wanted. She watched under her lashes as Miranda kissed her children one last time, staring at their faces with so much love, it made her stomach clench painfully. She said a quick prayer that nothing would happen to the brave little mother. Beatrice held Telisa in her arms as she waved everyone off. And then they were driving down the gravel road. It was four miles to Charles’s beach house. They would all park in different areas around the house and move in from different angles, meeting up at the house.

Zane held her hand as they drove in the jeep with the two sisters and Agnes and Gretchen. It was a tight fit, but the fewer cars the better. They rode in silence, each thinking of their part to play and all wishing it was over.

They reached the wooded area quickly and Zane parked his jeep, helping the ladies out. He practically had to lift the elderly sisters up and out of the jeep and Sarah smiled at his kindness and patience with them.

They walked slowly down an old worn path that led to the beach. “Follow me. No talking from here on out if possible. We want to be as quiet as possible,” he warned and then led the way.

Sarah hated the slow pace they were taking and wished she could run as fast as she could instead. She hadn’t said anything, but when they’d driven through her lines, she had felt a strange feeling. Almost as if Charles was staring right at her, watching everything she did. She felt naked and vulnerable now. But most of all, she felt like she was in danger.

So did you have a nice intimate chat with Jericho on the beach this afternoon? You two looked like you were having a very nice time. Very cozy the way he was holding your hands.

Sarah forgot all about her morbid thoughts and grinned as she held tighter to Zane’s hand.

You are hilarious! Intimate chat. As if. No, we were just talking. Although he did ask me to break up with you and run away with him.

Sarah fought down a giggle as Zane’s shoulders stiffened and he looked back at her, his gray eyes turning to deadly metal.

He’s going to regret that.

Sarah bumped her hip into Zane’s and grinned.
He was teasing silly. He admitted he better not because he knew you’d hunt him down and melt him.

Zane looked at her sharply and then relaxed.
Oh really. Then he’s smarter than I give him credit for.

Sarah raised an eyebrow at him.
He also told me that he knew everything was going to turn out well today and that I shouldn’t worry about it. I was about to have a nervous breakdown and hearing him say that saved my sanity.

Zane looked at her worriedly and then quickly turned back to the path.
Speaking of everything turning out fine. You remember your part clearly, right?

Sarah frowned and nodded. Her part was nothing. It couldn’t get clearer than that. She was to stay out of the way with the sisters. Zane had originally wanted her to stay back at the house with Beatrice, but Jericho had supported her when she insisted on coming.

Stay with the sisters. Got it. Zane, no risk taking please. I don’t want anything to happen to you. You’ve been hurt enough. But do keep your eye out for Miranda. I’ll never forgive myself if Charles hurts her.

Zane sighed heavily, and squeezed her hand in his. She didn’t want those children to grow up without their mother. She knew what it was like and she wouldn’t wish it on anyone.

I’ll do everything I can Sarah. You know that. But I won’t be able to concentrate on protecting everyone and getting Charles if I’m worrying about you too. You know that, right?

Sarah nodded and looked away.
I do. I’ll be careful, I promise. I love you Zane. By the way, thanks for finding me. Loving you has been the best experience of my life.

Zane paused and ignoring the sisters and his mom and grandma, he pulled Sarah into his arms and kissed her passionately, making the older witches gasp and his mother whisper his name in exasperation. Agnes remained silent.

Sarah felt dizzy when he finally let her go, but stronger and happier too. Zane touched her cheek one more time and then turned and pushed on. A few minutes later, they came to an opening in the trees that led to a stone path that headed down to the water.

Zane turned and held his hand up. He turned back and watched the house. He was waiting for the car carrying Jenny, Teresa, Jericho and Ethan to show up. As soon as the car stopped and everyone got out, they would move toward the back of the house. Zane would get them through the security system and then he, Agnes and Gretchen would move through the house in order to come up behind Charles while she and the sisters would go up to the widow’s walk on the top of the house and create the lines they would need to keep Charles from escaping.

Sarah felt her energy begin to swirl through her as her adrenaline kicked in. She felt it slipping down her arms and into her fingers. Zane looked quickly at her and raised an eyebrow. She winced and shrugged. Sometimes she couldn’t control her power and this was turning out to be one of those times.

Zane reached down and held her hand, acting as a release valve for some of it as he syphoned some of her energy away. She smiled in gratitude and then frowned as she saw the car holding Jenny and her mom drive up to the house. Lights went on in the house immediately and she stiffened. Zane’s power kicked in and she felt power emanating from him as he let go of her hand and signaled for them to walk forward. They moved quickly and quietly down the beach and towards the back door as their plan went into effect. Sarah frowned and wished she knew what was going on with Teresa and hoped that Jericho and Ethan were able to protect her from any further damage.

Zane reached the back of the house first and glanced in the windows, noting the rooms were vacated. He quickly opened the door with his mind and motioned for all the women to move inside quickly. He quietly shut the door behind him and then motioned for Sarah and the sisters to move upstairs before he walked toward the front of the house.

Sarah grimaced and hurried up the stairs. She glanced back at the sisters who were falling behind due to the exertion of all the stairs, but she felt an urgency to get the lines done as quickly as possible. Her part might be small, but it was crucial and she was going to make sure it was done right. Sarah felt her energy move to her legs and she ran as fast as she could, bursting through the door to the widow’s walk. She hurried to the front of the house and leaned over the edge, trying to see what was happening with Jenny and Teresa. The trees and the structure of the house prevented her from seeing anything though. She sighed impatiently, giving up. She turned and raised her hands to begin the lines, when she saw the door shut suddenly and lock automatically.

And then Charles was walking towards her from the opposite side of the house. Sarah felt all air leave her lungs as if she’d been kicked in the stomach. This was a disaster.

“Sarah. You came to me sooner than I expected. And you brought friends with you too. Were you planning a surprise party to celebrate our love?
No?
No matter. The important thing is, you’re here with me now,” he said, walking slowly towards her as if he were stalking her.

Sarah swallowed sickly and realized that their plan had totally failed. She was up here alone with Charles and no one was there to help her. She called out to Zane with her mind and then quickly threw up an energy shield as she moved back from Charles, frowning at him. All she had to do was play for time. Zane and Lash would figure out what was happening and they’d come to help her. Hopefully sooner than later.

“Charles, I’ve come to tell you my decision,” she said in a smooth, confident voice as her hands began to shake.

Charles smiled agreeably, his pale blond hair lifting in the wind. He was dressed in tan khakis and a brown fur lined coat. He looked like any other wealthy New Englander, except for his eyes. They glowed and she felt sick as they tried to peer into her mind.

“No need darling. I already know your decision.
You’re here.
You’ve come to me. That’s all I need to know. Now that that’s settled, let’s say goodbye to Maine for a while. I’ve been dreaming of showing you my favorite places in Europe. Come darling, take my hand. Let’s start our lives together with a kiss,” he said, holding his hand out to her.

Sarah’s hair crackled with electricity and she felt her power slip down her back and arms and legs. “No,” she said quietly. “I don’t want to kiss you. I don’t want to be with you. I refuse to go anywhere with you,” she said firmly, watching as Charles’s eyes turned cold and he lowered his hand.

“I didn’t want to break you Sarah. I told you that. Your power is very tempting it’s true, but I wanted more from you. I wanted more for us. I’ve finally found my equal in you,” he said, almost pleadingly.

Sarah shook her head, sending her hair flying as a loud pounding pulled her attention to the door.

Charles sneered. “Your friends Sarah? Good, let’s invite them to join us. Maybe this will convince you that your place is at my side,” he said angrily.

Sarah held up her hand to stop him, but he used his mind to whip the door open, revealing, not the two sisters who had been right behind her, but her father, Race Livingston. Sarah’s mouth opened in surprise but she controlled her reaction to the sight of her father and removed all expression from her face. He was just as much a danger to her as Charles was if not more so.

Charles looked pleased to see him. “Ah Race, join us. Your daughter has come to me, just as I told you she would. I’m glad you’re here. Now that you and I are friends again, I want your blessing on my union with Sarah. I know it would mean as much to her as it does to me,” he said with a cruel, wide grin.

Race looked back and forth between Charles and Sarah, but made no comment. “Charles, you should know she came with back up. You’re in danger here. You should leave immediately,” he said, walking toward Sarah.

Charles raised an eyebrow and sniffed derisively. “I just met the senior citizens. I’m not impressed.”

Sarah bit her lip, worrying about the sisters but Race shook his head. “No, not them. The two who came with your daughter and her mother. They’re impressively powerful. They’re waiting for you in your living room.”

Charles looked stunned for a moment, but then recovered quickly. “Did you say my daughter’s
mother
is here? Did I hear you correctly?”

Race nodded, looking at him closely. “Yes, she said her name is Teresa and she wants to talk to you.”

Charles looked away from Sarah and Race and massaged his chin for a moment before answering. He looked at Sarah with narrowed eyes and then his face cleared. “I haven’t seen Teresa in many years. I’d love to catch up with her. Darling, do you mind postponing our departure for a little while? It looks as if I have a reunion to attend to. This shouldn’t take long. As a matter of fact, I want you to come with me. You’re acquainted with my daughter I believe. This will be fun,” he said, motioning her to the door.

Race held up a hand and she stopped. “Actually, Sarah hates Charlie. It might be best if they don’t see each other. Why don’t I take Sarah to the kitchen and get her something to eat while we wait for you to finish your business?”

Charles looked as if he was considering it, but then shook his head. “No, I want Sarah with me. It’s been too long since I’ve seen her and I’m jealous of every second she’s away from me.”