The Bonding

Published by Phaze Books Also by Eliza Gayle Taken by Tarot Submissive Secrets "Dragon's Fate" from Phaze Fantasies, Vo...

Author: Gayle Eliza

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Published by Phaze Books Also by Eliza Gayle Taken by Tarot Submissive Secrets "Dragon's Fate" from Phaze Fantasies, Vol. III

This is an explicit and erotic novel intended for the enjoyment of adult readers. Please keep out of the hands of children.

www.Phaze.com

Pentacles of Magick: The Bonding a novella of erotic romance by

ELIZA GAYLE

Pentacles of Magick: The Bonding copyright 2008 by Eliza Gayle All rights reserved under the International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, organizations, events or locales is entirely coincidental. A Phaze Production Phaze Books 6470A Glenway Avenue, #109 Cincinnati, OH 45211-5222 Phaze is an imprint of Mundania Press, LLC. To order additional copies of this book, contact: [email protected] www.Phaze.com Cover art © 2008 Kendra Egert Edited by Kathryn Lively and Denise Jeffries eBook ISBN-13: 978-1-59426-867-0 eBook ISBN-10: 1-59426-867-3 First Edition – March, 2008 Printed in the United States of America 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Warning: the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

Chapter One The vision of a woman filling the screen took his breath away. The tumble of blonde hair cloaking her shoulders and back surrounded an oval-shaped face with wide set, deep green eyes. Perfect white teeth nibbled on the lower edge of ruby lips. It was her, the woman he'd been warned about. The one he'd been waiting for. He'd known she would be beautiful and difficult to resist. What he hadn't expected was the sudden surge in his power at the mere sight of her. Every cell in his body sparked when he first spied her on the security camera, and with the seductive power rushing through his veins he couldn't turn away. "I'm sorry, ma'am, but Mr. Scott isn't available for visitors at this time. Might I suggest you contact his secretary and schedule an appointment?" He listened as his butler spoke in his clipped tone to the woman through the security speaker outside the front gate. She fidgeted nervously as she tried to convince Steven to let her in to see him. "Please, sir, could you explain to Mr. Scott that I have come a long way to discuss some urgent family business with him? It is of utmost importance that I contact him right away." Her voice flowed through the speaker like the softest jazz on a sultry summer night, and Graelen felt the impact deep in his groin as his cock tightened. "No, ma'am, I'm sorry, but…" "Steven, let her in." Graelen hadn't even realized that he'd walked over to the intercom until he pressed the button, cutting off his butler in mid-sentence. He knew he should have let Steven send her on her way, but for years he wondered what event would finally lead her to him. Despite the danger and risk she posed to his family, he had to know. Over the years he learned to control the cravings to use the magick at every obstacle, and he was certain he could certainly hold his own with the petite woman now holding court at his front gate long enough to find out what she wanted.

PENTACLES OF MAGICK: THE BONDING

"Ma'am, if you will return to your car I will open the gate for your entry." Graelen watched as a small, smug grin turned up the edges of her full lips just as she pivoted back to her car. Her heart-shaped ass, clad in worn denim jeans, clung to her like a second skin as her hips swayed ever so slightly. As she reached for the car door she bundled her coat tighter around her waist, reminding him of the cooler temperatures that arrived this week, and signaling the imminent approach of Samhain in just four days—the most difficult time of year for him and his brothers to resist the temptations of using magick. The ceremonies and traditions of this time called to them, luring them to embrace who and what they were. This was another uncomfortable indication that his mystery woman's appearance at his doorstep was all part of the prophecy his family feared. He should have sent her away and not even started what would likely be a fucked up chain of events. Yet, the power surge at her appearance intrigued him, and he had to know: why her and why now? He'd deal with regrets later. He listened intently as Steven ushered her into the library to wait for him. He paced the room, trying to work off some of the adrenaline the power pumped through his body. He had to calm himself before he went to her. It wouldn't do for her to see him this close to the edge, fighting the seduction of the powerful magick that currently enthralled him. It would be so easy to use this extra magick to get what he wanted. He could just do a short spell and his little beauty would tell him everything he wanted to know. It would be simple to take her before sending her back on her way. He shook his head clearing those thoughts from his head. Best to face this head on and meet the woman who would be my destiny. **** Rena couldn't believe she'd gotten in. She'd expected getting an appointment with the reclusive Graelen Scott would be next to impossible, and had planned out several clever ways to get him to see her. She arrived determined to do whatever it took to talk to him and get some answers. As she tracked around the library, waiting for Mr. Scott, she marveled at the luxurious furnishings surrounding her. From her research she learned the financial empire surrounding the Scott family was funded by many different avenues and products. Over the years they had gotten

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involved in so many different offerings that it was impossible to pin their fortune on any one business or circumstance. It seemed that whatever the family touched turned to gold, or in their case millions of dollars. A very lucky family, indeed. The dark mahogany furniture of the room, along with the forest green upholstery and accessories, spoke volumes about the kind of people living in this house. Men. The room was completely masculine. When she touched her finger to the chair behind the desk, she could almost see the man who sat here, and smelled the faint residue of his musky cologne mingling with the rich smell of the leather bound volumes lining the walls. Careful, Rena. Don't get yourself too wrapped up in this place. You're here to complete the research for your benefactor and get back to the museum as quickly as possible. Her gaze landed on a framed photograph of four men. Young men, early to mid-twenties, she would guess. All of them appeared strong and gorgeous, each in their own way, yet were similar in appearance. Drawn to the desk, she picked up the picture for a closer look. The two darkhaired men looked like twins. Despite their body language showing they were comfortable with each other and happy, their eyes spoke something entirely different. As if something was missing and they longed for something more. An alternate path? Now there's a creepy thought. Where did that come from? Placing the frame back on the desk, she turned her back on the picture, shaking off the weird vibe she'd gotten from it. From the corner of her eye she spotted a familiar book on the shelf and wandered over to take a closer look. Yes, it was a recent copy of the Tarot Pedia, not unlike the one she owned herself. Interesting to know Mr. Scott had an interest in the metaphysical. She reached to pick it up… "Find something that interests you?" Her arm jerked at the sound of the gruff, masculine voice behind her, and the book plummeted to the ground. She scrambled to pick it up, but in her haste her backpack slipped from her arm, landing next to her feet, its contents scattering around her. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you." The gentle timber of his voice was both courteous and patronizing. She dropped to her knees and began collecting her things, stuffing them back in her pack as quickly as she could. Her heart raced as she took a deep, calming breath, holding for a few seconds before releasing it slowly.

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"It's okay. I don't generally startle that easily, but it’s been a long day of traveling to get here." He knelt beside her, handing some of her belongings to her when his hand touched a lone Tarot card. His hands stilled and she heard a distinct intake of breath. "What is this?" He turned to look at her as he asked. She got her first glimpse of his jade green eyes surrounded by long inky lashes, and she thought she might melt on the spot. His jet-black hair was cropped short with a touch of spikiness along the top of his head. His perfectly shaped lips were currently set in a grim line, but she could still clearly imagine them soft against her own. He stared at her intently, their heads so close to be almost touching, and for a brief moment she thought she glimpsed a molten heat before changing to a sharper more assessing look. She glanced down, finally realizing he was holding that card in front of him waiting for her answer. "It's a Tarot card." "I know it's a Tarot card." A quiet sigh escaped his lips. "What I don't know is what you're doing with it." His voice, barely controlled fury, raised the hairs on the back of her neck as she fought the anger his brusqueness rose in her. She grabbed the card from his hand and waved it in front of his face. "This card is the whole reason I am here, Mr. Scott. You are Graelen Scott, right?" "Yes, I am. And what do you mean this card is the reason you are here?" As he gently pulled her upright again, she took a few deep breaths and started in on the speech she had practiced for hours. "Mr. Scott, thank you so much for agreeing to see me without an appointment. I'm Rena Gallagher from the Museum of Art History in San Diego, California. I am a staff historian there, where one of my specialties is Tarot History. Specifically Iconography, which encompasses many specialties, of which Tarot is a favored of mine." She paused long enough to take a shallow breath. "Six months ago I was commissioned to study an ancient deck of Tarot cards believed to be completely different from all other known sets. This card is from that deck." She watched him turn the card over again and again as if pondering the meaning himself. She couldn't take her eyes off his hands as he tapped his fingers against different elements of the card.

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"I was specifically tasked with constructing a detailed interpretation of each card, differentiating the variances between common interpretations of similar decks and anything standing out on these cards that were different." She peered up at him and took the glazed look on his face to mean he was bored with her speech, probably already tuning her out. She needed to switch tracks or he was going to throw her out before she could even get to the unusual details leading her to him and his family estate. "Mr. Scott." She waited for him to raise his eyes to meet hers. She needed his full attention. "The card you have in your hand, the Ten of Pentacles, has led me to your doorstep. After months of research a simple Boolean search revealed that parts of that card are part of the Scott family crest and have been for centuries." "Yes, Ms. Gallagher, that is true. But not a revelation. It's not a secret that during the Victorian occult revival certain members of our family were a little too deeply involved and developed our family crest based on this card. In fact, it was shortly thereafter the matriarch of the family was beheaded for her involvement. Despite her apparent lack of judgment at the time, her husband chose to honor her memory by keeping the new crest. All of which is public record for the research inclined." His voice lacked the enthusiasm she had hoped for as she grappled with the information he shared. He strode across the room towards his desk, distracting her from her thoughts and giving Rena a moment to appreciate the movement of his lithe body in his black fitted slacks and black silk shirt. She imagined the powerful muscles of his legs that would flex under her touch. He sat in the leather seat behind his desk and leaned forward, looking at her intently. He motioned for her to sit in one of the chairs opposite his desk. "The more important question, Ms. Gallagher, is how did these cards come to be in your possession?" He indicated the card with a slight wave of his hand. "Eighteen months ago these cards were stolen from our family safe right here in this house." The impact of his statement was like a sucker punch to the gut, nearly collapsing her into the chair. As her knees buckled she gripped the arm of the chair to steady herself. "Stolen?" She studied his face as he watched her, but there were no telltale signs of deceit. He was telling the truth. He leaned forward on his elbows as if he might whisper a secret to her.

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"That's right, Ms. Gallagher, and it's damn odd you showing up here out of the blue with the most important card in the deck." His words were as cool and clear as ice water. Shocked by the insinuation, she clenched her jaw, struggling to bite her tongue and not fly off the handle with words she would regret later. She couldn't afford to get kicked out of his home before she even got to the important reasons for her late night unexpected visit. "Mr. Scott, surely you don't suppose that I stole these cards?" He arched his brow at her statement. "As I told you I was commissioned to study the hidden meanings in these cards, and the card you have there, your family crest, has taunted me for months now." She eased back into the chair, taking deep breaths to release the tension that had built over the last few minutes. "And who, pray tell, hired you to study these stolen cards, Ms. Gallagher?" Rena shivered as his sarcasm snaked along her spine with every syllable. Her hands gripped the arms of the chair as she struggled to remain composed. "I'm not privy to divulge that information. The benefactor wishes to remain anonymous." "Convenient, wouldn't you say?" he retorted. This conversation was getting away from her, and she needed to get it back on track. She needed him to focus on what she had to tell him, not the actual location of the cards or why she studied them. "Mr. Scott, please. I wasn't aware of any issues with these cards being in my possession, but that's not the reason I am here. I'm here because of what I discovered in these cards." She reached down into her backpack and pulled out the black velvet sack that contained the rest of the tarot deck. She moved a few items on his desk to clear an area where she immediately began a detailed layout with some of the cards. **** He eased back in his chair, watching her delicate hands finger the cards one by one as she arranged a Celtic Cross layout on his desk. Her nails were clipped short and free of fancy polish, but the shape of her fingers and their graceful movements lured him into watching her every move. He fought an inexplicable urge to cover her hands with his own. "Mr. Scott—" Dragging his gaze back to her face, her eyes shone with purpose. "Please, call me Graelen." "Fine, Graelen, this arrangement is called a Celtic Cross layout."

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He compressed his lips to keep his amusement inside so as not to insult this silly woman who mistakenly thought he needed a Tarot lesson. She continued on to explain the traditional meaning and placement of each card. "I didn't find a lot of differences until I got to this card, the Ten of Pentacles." Her hand shook as she placed it down on the desk in the final slot of the layout. Graelen leaned across the desk to examine the card closely. "Uh, Ms. Gallagher—may I call you Rena?" She nodded her assent. "I don't see anything different about this card. It's been in our family for generations and, while it is a beautiful depiction, I don't see what has piqued your interest." His hand reached for the card and brushed against hers for a brief moment. A whisper of power sparked through his arm and his heart stuttered in shock. Her sharp intake of breath told him she had felt it, too. "There—there is a hidden story in these cards, and I believe this card is the key to the answers." Withdrawing his hand from the card, he stared into her eyes. His power stirred through his body with the familiar seductive call, and he knew his eyes had darkened. Something about this woman was pulling at him. "This—this card, when I touched it I felt something. A pull. As if being tugged into the scene on the card." He found himself physically drawn to her voice, her passion, as she reluctantly told him the story. The story of his family she had found depicted in the cards, the curse of he and his brothers lives. Four male witches born every other generation. Two sets of twins bound to carry The Power through the family line, if they could avoid the seductive call of the darkness every time they used their powers. The combined power of the four would be unlike any other, but the cravings created from using their magick would darken their souls piece by piece until the ability to tell right from wrong would disappear, and the magick would quickly destroy their life forces. Anger, greed, and lust, all luring them to the evil potential of their magick. He watched her fidget nervously with the card, her agitation growing as she continued through the family story she had managed to decipher from a seemingly typical deck of cards. "Until this card…" He sat forward placing his hand over hers, giving in to temptation as well as attempting to reassure her, to calm her

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obviously frazzled nerves. When his hand covered hers atop the Ten of Pentacles a streak of energy surged through her hand into his body, slamming him back in his chair pushing it against the shelves behind him. He gulped in air as magick flooded his body. In his fight to hold it in check he almost missed the difference. Instead of the dark weighty feel of his typical powers, this magick was light and bright with a different feel altogether. What the fuck? "It's true then? You are a witch." Her hands trembled as she knotted and twisted them together. He wanted to deny her claim, but as he sat there struggling to maintain his composure, a free flow of energy swept through his system, making it impossible to deny. And a closer examination of her eyes revealed she knew the truth. She obviously came here knowing and just needed some evidence to prove her theory. He decided to play along…for now. "Yes. I am a witch, and the story you just told is my family's history." Back under control, he pulled his chair to the desk and leaned forward tapping the Ten of Pentacles with his finger. "And what exactly do you think is so important about this card? It's just a simple depiction of a flourishing wealthy family." "You're right. That's what I thought the first hundred times I looked at as well. Until…" She bent down to rummage through her backpack, making the sexiest little grunting noises in apparent frustration, before finally pulling out a small magnifying glass. "Until I found something a little unusual. A symbol here in this banner." She pointed to a family banner placed on the wall in the background. "Rena, that symbol represents one of the brothers. There are four of them throughout the card." She shook her head furiously. "Hold on. Let me finish. That's what I thought, too. But more research and digging into the symbol tell things differently. In the 1800s when your crest was developed, that symbol didn't stand for a witch but a different being all together. An empath."

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Chapter Two "What? That's not possible." His patience appeared to wear thin. "There are four of those symbols in the family banners and they represent each male witch born to the curse. The damn curse that kept my brothers and me virtually apart since we became adults." He slammed his fist down on the table, scattering the cards. "Ms. Gallagher, I don't know what game you're playing here but I've had enough." He stalked around the desk and grabbed her arm. His anger seared her body like the sharp edge of a knife thrust into her arm. The emotions poured through her as she tried to sift through his pain and anger at the suffering he and his brothers had endured over the years. The pent up frustrations slammed into her body with the force of a Mack truck, and spots appeared in her vision as the blood rushed from her head. "What the hell?" He jerked his hand back from her arm as if he'd been burned. "What is going on here?" He shook his hand and arm, attempting to shake her off. She wondered if he realized that his dark emotions were now swimming through her system, fighting for purchase. She'd learned to fend off many different feelings from people around her, and for the most part was successful. But this—she hesitated, testing the sensations, seemed different. Stronger and aggressive. A battle waged within her as his passion and drive struggled to survive inside her. "I think I'm going to faint," she barely whispered, then suddenly pitched forward in the chair, noticing the unmistakable look of horror that crossed his face as she fell. **** Rena woke with a start. Her eyes darted around as she tried to figure out what happened and where she was. She couldn't remember where she'd last been. Looking to her right, her eyes fixated on a bureau with some books and papers stacked on top of it. As she continued to take in her surroundings her thoughts focused, and she remembered she had

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come to visit Graelen Scott to tell him what she'd found. The memory of his anger over her information rushed through her as she recalled his fury and distrust transferring to her when he touched her arm. The intensity arching between them in that moment frightened her. Lifting her head, she swung her gaze in the opposite direction to realize she was lying in a bed and she wasn't alone. Without looking at his face, she instantly knew that Graelen lay beside her. She'd recognize his aura anywhere from now on. His slacks molded to his lean, muscular legs and cupped an impressive package, considering his relaxed state. Wouldn't I like to know what he's dreaming about? She laughed at the incredulous thought. She barely knew this man yet she was wondering about his sexual dreams. She gingerly touched the soft tips of her fingers to her forehead searching for a sore spot. Did I hit my head when I fainted? Her gaze continued its path across his flat and likely rock hard abs, barely disguised under the thin cotton of his shirt. But what really caught her eyes were his well-toned pecs. She'd always admired men with welltoned torsos and ached to see what his would feel like under the pads of her fingertips. She didn't think one touch would hurt anything. Who would know? She eased her hand towards his chest, hovering just above his cloth covered flesh. Just as she was about to land her palm on his body, his hand snaked out and grasped her by the wrist, stopping her in mid motion. "I wouldn't do that if I were you," he snarled. "I bite." She jerked her arm, attempting to free it as her heart stammered. Adrenalin and fear rushed through her veins from the shock of being caught in the act. His quick reflexes and masculine grasp held her tight, leaving her speechless and gasping for breath. "I'm—I'm sorry. I didn't know you were awake." "Rena, you don't have to look at me like that. I wasn't really planning to bite you. At least, not so you wouldn't like it." She must have looked like a frightened deer caught in the headlights. She turned her head and attempted to regain her composure. His hand loosened and his thumb caressed the sensitive skin of the inside of her wrist. Lust shot through her body in a direct line to her sex, heating her blood. Rena's head spun when his lips replaced his fingers and trailed hot kisses along her arm. She barely knew this man, yet his touch scorched

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her soul. His controlled passion beat at her emotional barriers and she wanted nothing more than to lose herself in his arms. "Rena, look at me." She turned to meet his gaze, searching his jade eyes for guidance. "Do you still want to touch me?" She nodded. Boy, did she. Since she'd first looked into his eyes she'd had a hard time focusing on her job. Wrong or right, she yearned to touch this man. "Do it." He released her arm and lay back down on the bed. She spied his enormous erection, barely contained inside his trousers, and itched to touch it. But first she wanted to continue what she'd started earlier. Her hand trembled as she reached for him, gently resting her palm on his rock hard abs. Graelen sighed. "Mmm…" When his fingers came up to stroke down her cheek, she leaned into his hand, inhaling the scent of his skin. Warm, masculine spice. Her heart leapt when he touched her lips with a soft, gentle caress. She looked up to find him staring at her, bold need and desire blazing in his eyes, startling her. Oh God, that look. It drew her like a magnet. He pushed forward, bringing his lips so close. The warmth of his breath moved across her skin, tickling her. "I'm going to kiss you now. Are you ready?" He didn't give her a chance to answer, instead his lips pressed against her own, soft and gentle. Where she had expected hard and urgent he took his time tracing his tongue along the outline of her lips. The sensation sent a tremor through her body as her fingers curled around his shirt, nails scraping through the fabric. On a barely whispered moan her lips parted and his tongue slipped inside. With little thought to control or resistance, she kissed him back with a hungry need that would not be denied. Leaving her mouth burning for more, he traveled down her throat with gentle bites and scalding kisses, swirling his tongue against her bare skin. She squeaked in surprise when fingers brushed against her breast, sliding along the curved mounds before tweaking her nipples through her clothes. His large hands twisted and plucked at her tips until they ached and pulsed. She arched her back, encouraging more of his attention while her own hand found its way underneath his silk shirt to the silky, ridged skin of his stomach. The skin was warm and sprinkled with a fine dusting

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of hair that narrowed into his pants. Infused with sudden bravery, she trailed that patch, slipping her fingers underneath the waistband of his pants, her fingernails just grazing the head of his cock. "Careful, Rena, you're on dangerous ground again." She smiled and continued her path, attempting to wrap her hands around his thick sex, applying a tight squeeze as she did. His hips bucked off the bed, forcing her to release him. With a wicked smile she withdrew her hand just as he surged toward her, flattening her against the bed. "I should probably warn you that I am not an easy man." She looked into his now darkened eyes for the meaning of his words. His head dipped to lick the edges of her lips until she opened for his entry. His musky taste swirled in her head as his hand found the fastening of her jeans and deftly opened them, working the zipper down. "I take what I want, and right now what I want is to touch your pussy. Feel the deeper heat within." She sucked in a deep breath and her belly cramped with want. His bold and brazen way of telling her what he wanted far more of a turn on than she'd expected. His hand slid inside her simple cotton panties and he dipped his long finger into her center. "Mmm… so wet and hot, just like I knew you would be." Rena couldn't talk, the sensations were driving her wild as she wiggled and arched against his hand. Her fingers clawed at his chest and shoulders in a desperate attempt to get closer. She wanted more. His finger caressed her inner walls with subtle circling movements. "Are you going to come for me, baby?" "Yes" she whispered breathlessly, jerking her hips harder against him. "Good girl, Rena." He added another finger to her clenching sex. "Fuck my fingers." His rough words fueled her hunger as the sensations drove her closer to the release she needed. Rising to meet him, he increased the rhythm of his hand. His thumb circled and stroked her clit as his fingers thrust into her with more force than before. "Oh, God…" she couldn't stand it. "So close," she panted, "please don't stop". "Come for me, Rena. Come now." His hard voice vibrated in her mind pushing her to—

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"Graelen!" She groaned loudly as the shock of the orgasm shook her body as she squeezed her thighs around his hand. She bucked and rode his fingers through the exploding sensations until finally collapsing against the bed, exhausted. Graelen releasing his fingers from within her body shocked her back to the present. Realizing what had just happened and how she had behaved, embarrassment washed over her. What had she been thinking? What had come over her? Oh God, what must he think of her now? The heat of humiliation warmed her face as she stood up from the bed, adjusting her clothes. She took in the sight of his huge, lake-sized bed, covered in green silk sheets, and the man still lying there. He watched her flee with an amused look on his face, looking sexy as sin. He folded his hands behind his head and waited, and all Rena could think about was sex. That man and his bed were made for nothing but hot, sweaty sex, something she didn't have a whole lot of experience with. Sure, she'd had sex before, but nothing worth writing home about. Her instincts told her that sex with Graelen would be different. All consuming. Alarm bells sounded in her mind as she realized she was in way over her head with Graelen Scott. This kind of man knew what he was doing when it came to women. "I—Uh—" She didn't know what to say. "This wasn't supposed to happen." "Why not? You wanted it and I wanted it, so what's the problem?" His nonchalance flustered her even further. "Business." It was hard to speak with her throat constricted in fear. "Here for business." She was here for business reasons and she had to get her mind back on business. That damn card had tortured her for weeks and now she was close to the answer why. She wouldn't give up now. "Rena, do you want to explain to me what happened back in my office?" His demeanor instantly changed as he got up off the bed and stormed across the room towards her. The memory flash of his anger and pain flooding her body threatened to take over again. With all of her will she pushed it back and refused to succumb to it. "You're obviously an empath. What else did you leave out of your story downstairs?" She stared at him carefully, considering her response. After all, he'd just confirmed that he was indeed a witch. And she had no idea what that really meant. Did he and his brothers really have the powers alluded to in the cards, or was it a metaphor for something else? Could they command

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the elements and use them as a power source? She wondered which element Graelen would command. She had never shared her empathic abilities with anyone for fear of recrimination. She had a hard enough time dealing with it herself without the doubt and pity someone else would no doubt heap on her if she shared the truth. "Yes." Her voice was barely audible when she spoke. Admitting it turned out to be even harder than she thought. She watched him carefully for a response, and for a moment something flared in his eyes and then was gone. His face remained a carefully schooled blankness. "More, Rena, I want to hear it all." She shook her head no, unwilling to share everything about herself. "Graelen, I barely know you. To tell you all my secrets is to imply that we have a trusting relationship. We don't. We are strangers to each other, albeit with a common interest." She turned away from his reproachful gaze. She couldn't take the pressure of the intensity and questions that resided there. "You came to me, babe. You started this. You wanted answers from me, but did you really think it would be that easy? That I wouldn't demand the same from you?" The intimate moment between them disappeared in a haze of disapproval. "I don't know what else I can tell you? I studied the cards and the logical answer is the story I told you. What I haven't figured out yet is the meaning of the four empathic symbols. I had hoped you would have the answers." Rena suddenly felt an urge to leave the house. She needed to get away from him. His presence made her nervous and his touch completely threw her off kilter. She frantically looked around the room for her coat and shoes. "I think it's time for me to go." "No." "Yes, it is. I need to think about what happened tonight. Figure out how it fits the puzzle. That's what I do." She slid her feet into her slides and started towards the door. "Rena, stop. It's the middle of the night. You can't leave now." He strode over to her side and put his hand on her arm. Immediately she felt his concern clear to her core. Like a warm blanket on a cold night, he wrapped her up with genuine interest in her well being, lulling her to the safety of his arms. "Graelen. It's fine. I'm going back to my hotel for the night and see what I can work out. I'm not leaving town. I need to find the answers as

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much, if not more, than you do." She slipped herself free from his hand and walked to the door, picking up her backpack from the chair. Without another word she slipped quietly from the room. **** Graelen tunneled his fingers through his hair in frustration. He could stop her easy enough; with a thought he could lock down the house. But, he suspected holding her prisoner wouldn't get him what he wanted. And what exactly did he want? From the moment he heard her voice through the comm system he was entranced. The new sense of power she created within him had him on edge, and he wanted to use it. And, to complicate things more, he'd hardly been able to resist forcing himself on her, sinking his cock deep within her. His cock twitched and energy tingled along his spine as the vision of her supple body beneath him filled his mind. When he looked down his fingertips sparked with the excess energy, sending little vibrating pulses throughout the region. Maybe he needed some time to think things through as well. Yet, he didn't think letting her wander back to a nearby motel alone a good idea, and decided to follow her to make sure she got there safe. Keeping an eye on her from a distance might clear his mind as well as give him more insight as to what else she hadn't told him. He jerked open the bedroom door and headed down the stairs two at a time. When he exited the front door, he saw her car just passing the outer gate. He reached in his pocket for his keys. "Shit." He didn't have his keys and he didn't have time to look for them. He stood still as stone and opened himself to the elements—seeking, searching. A light breeze swirled around him, tickling his skin, awakening him to his surroundings. From nowhere came a female whisper on the wind. Trouble's coming. He jumped in his Mustang and, with a warm thought towards the engine of the car, his eyes darkened and the engine purred to life. A satisfied smile crossed his face as the power singed his nerves, giving him a jolt of sensation fueled by adrenalin that wasn't unlike a high from some of the finest designer drugs. Too bad it only lasted a few seconds. A man could get used to that. That final thought left him frowning. An attitude like that was exactly what could destroy him. Wishing for more every time he used was the first step towards becoming an addict, and with every passing year the urge to resist grew weaker.

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Graelen jerked the car in gear and charged after Rena. He followed her back to a small motel on the far edge of town only a few miles from his house. She was barely out of her car when a gunshot rang out and slammed into the window next to where Rena stood. Shards of glass flew into her face as her screams rent the night. Graelen was out of his car in seconds and threw up a protection bubble around Rena as more shots continued to fire in her direction. "Rena!" Graelen yelled at her through the constant racket but she was in full panic mode as she pressed up against his shield. He knew she would be safe for now and turned his attention in the direction of the gunfire. A rooftop across the street. Studying the fire patterns, he counted only two gunmen from the separate flashes when a shot was fired. Gathering his energy from the moisture in the air and focusing on his hands, he formed a large crackling sphere and flung it at the roof. It struck the edge of the building, sending bricks and electrical sparks in all directions. The gunshots ceased and he heard one male guttural scream from that general direction. Graelen gathered that he'd at least hit one of his targets. He started to run toward the building to cut them off, but without warning darkness began creeping through him, like black oil filling his veins. His motion slowed to a stop as he realized too late that someone nearby was using. Shit! He attempted to move his feet, his intent to run over to Rena, but the spell being woven around him rendered him helpless. He tried to use his own power to free himself but nothing happened. The only way to fight it would be to call up the dark magick, the kind he had to avoid at all costs. It was dangerous, but the only choice he had as he watched Rena alone. His protection shield wouldn't hold for long if he didn't break free. Taking a slow deep breath, he opened his mind to the deeper power within, and the tight binds holding it in began to unravel, allowing it to rise and weave through his body. His vision sharpened, becoming crisper and more focused as the hold on him began to recede. Glancing at Rena, he found her watching him closely. Her movements had calmed but she looked at him with fear, stark and vivid, glittering in her eyes. The spell had woven through him multiplying like a virus, weakening his power source. His body fought it, but he feared it wouldn't be in time. His protective bubble around Rena was deteriorating fast and he didn't have more than a couple of minutes left. "Hang on, baby, I'm going to get us out of this," he reassured Rena.

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"Graelen, I can feel it. It's so dark and heavy, it's taking control of your body." Her voice trembled with the fear he'd seen in her eyes. "What is it?" "Damn it, Rena, close your mind. Someone is using me to get to you. If you don't shut him out we will both lose." "I don't know how to stop it." Her voice rose with panic. "This power—this energy is more powerful than anything I have experienced." "Focus, Rena. You can close your mind to it. Take a breath and relax, then just imagine a door shutting in your mind. Open it wide and then slam it shut." He watched her take a few deep breaths and close her eyes, releasing the tension lines in her face. Convinced she would concentrate on the task he gave her, he once again turned inward and focused on breaking the spell. He had to trust that she would be strong enough to do as he asked. Whoever held him was a force to be reckoned with. However, even at this distance he could probably pull in power from his twin. He relaxed and let the spell continue to weave around his body, but freeing his mind to open to his brother Cash. Hear me, brother. I need your help. Only a few moments passed before he felt his brother join the connection. A dark power, stronger than before—something more powerful than he had expected—rushed forth to fight the damage caused by the spell. Its bonds began to weaken but it wasn't happening fast enough. The protection on Rena was nearly gone, and Graelen sensed a presence approaching her. He had to break it now! He seethed white-hot anger when, with one last push from Cash, he freed himself. Running over to where Rena crouched protectively on the ground, he quickly scooped her up in his arms. The presence was dissipating, but he wasn't taking any chances. I'm getting her the hell out of there. "Come on, baby, I've got you now." He carried her back to his car, setting her gently inside. After scanning the area to be certain no one else was around, he ran back and grabbed her stuff from the front seat. No way would she be staying in a motel alone. He needed to find out who was responsible for this attack and why. In the meantime, she would stay back at his house where he or Steven could watch over her. "Graelen, what the hell just happened? Why would someone shoot at me?"

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Obviously she was more coherent than he'd thought. She went straight to the important question. No tears, no incessant babbling, but directly to the analyzing of what had just happened. She was a rare woman indeed, one he wanted to get to know better. One he wanted to protect from whatever or whoever just happened. And one he knew was destined to destroy him.

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Chapter Three Rage burned through him as he watched the woman drive away with Graelen. The blackness flowed freely and the desire to destroy overwhelmed him. What is she doing here? And why would she help one of the evil ones? He had to find out their plans. With Samhain approaching all of their powers would be stronger, even his own. He would definitely need a boost, and he knew just where to get it. "Boss." He turned towards the voice calling him. "Charlie didn't make it. Whatever that asshole hit him with burned a hole right through him. He didn't stand a chance. What the hell is going on here?" His energy surged and built. "Your eyes, sir. They—They—Black—" The idiot backed up, holding up his hands. "You and Charlie failed to get the girl. It was a simple task. Not too much to ask for." He inched forward. "I'm sorry, sir—" "Shut up." He raised his hands to show the energy forming in his palm. "Clearly you were not the right men for the job. All that's left for me to do here is clean up the mess." He flung the energy at the coward cringing in front of him, striking his heart and absorbing the fear and shock emanating from the man. He looked down at the limp and empty dead body, the beginning of a smile tipped up the corners of his mouth. His power rolled through him like the churning seas of a hurricane. More. He needed more. **** Relief washed over Rena when they drove through the gates of his estate. The ordeal had scared her more than she cared to admit. She wasn't sure what was going on, but she would probably be safer with Graelen than at her cheap motel with its flimsy chain latch to keep people out.

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Neither had spoken the entire ride back to his home, the silence filling the car until it threatened to choke her. She assumed that, like her, he was trying to figure out what the hell happened back there. She doubted men firing on her from a rooftop, with weapons more powerful than varmint rifles, were just random criminals. The more likely scenario was that someone targeted her. But why? What would someone want from me? Generally people don't chase after historians. A loner like her didn't even get out much. She frequently spent days on end working in her office at the museum. And lately her obsession with the Tarot had kept her at work. She hadn't left the building for weeks until she decided to come out here. Wait. Her body stiffened as the possibility dawned on her. "Graelen, do you think this has something to do with the Tarot cards I brought you?" She turned in her seat leaning closer to him. She brushed his arm with his fingers and the same small spark of energy crackled between them. Her fingers tingled, and it was damned annoying. But she took a form of comfort in being close to him and his power, even if she didn't really understand it. He braked the car to a stop in front of the house killing the engine before turning to look at her. "You're playing with fire every time you touch me like that." She jerked her hand away, dumbfounded by his statement. "We have a lot to talk about, don't we, Rena?" He leaned in towards her body, stopping scant inches from her mouth. "Looks like you're not going anywhere any time soon." The planes of his face maintained his cool appearance, but the heat in his gaze gave away his true thoughts. "Like it or not, I'm in control now." His statement should have offended her, scared her even, but instead her already thrumming pussy pulsed and her nipples tightened to painful hard points of flesh. All she could focus on were his lips so close to her own. She noticed a tiny scar on the side of his lower lip, and without thought she reached up and ran her finger across the rougher skin. "No," she whispered across his mouth before tentatively touching them with her own, igniting the firestorm within them. His mouth slanted over hers with a rough, demanding pressure. His tongue pushed through her lips, seeking out the deep intimacies of her heated mouth. Her calm shattered with his musky taste and hungry kiss.

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She didn't understand this connection between them. But his close proximity had her body heating quickly in preparation. Thoughts of Tarot and guns fled her mind to be replaced with warm skin, biting teeth, and power. Yes, as the intensity of his kiss continued to devour her mouth more of his power seeped into her body. With every added touch her body sizzled from the energy he carried. His sexual wants and needs towards her flooded her system. As her body softened under the onslaught, his power changed. Something dark struck her mind. "Get out of the car, Rena." His sudden withdrawal startled her as his order seeped into her lust soaked brain. "Unless you want me to fuck you right here like a sex starved teen, get out of the car." Too confused by his sudden surge of anger, Rena grabbed up her stuff and fumbled for the door handle. Stepping into the night, she gulped in the fresh air in an attempt to clear her mind. Graelen stepped up behind her. Close. His heat seeped through her clothing to wrap around her. His head dipped with his lips almost touching her neck. She couldn't breathe as she expected his lips to sizzle against her skin. "Are you ready to dance with the devil?" His whispered words sent shivers along her spine. He hadn't touched her and yet his voice had malevolently entwined her. Something about this incredible man made her want to rip off her clothes and beg him to take her right here and now. For a brief moment she wondered if he had cast a spell on her. Could a spell cause her body to tighten at his nearness? Could a spell cause her pussy to clench every time he touched her? Without another word he grabbed her bags and walked through the open doorway of his house. That he expected her to blindly follow was clear and, despite her reluctance, she did just that. The man was too powerful and alluring for her to deny. At least, not yet. He saved her back at the motel, not to mention he held the answers to her questions about the meaning in the Tarot. And it was those answers she sought that had threatened her sanity for weeks now. She wasn't about to back down now. **** This time when she stepped into his home the butler wasn't there to escort her. In fact, the house had taken on a dark, eerie quality she hadn't noticed before. As Graelen led her down the corridor and up the back stairs she found her gaze wandering, absorbing the history of the house.

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The front of the mansion held priceless antiques, lending itself to a typical old money, formal feeling. But here in the back of the house it held items that intrigued her. Items she was certain were part of a history they didn't normally share with anyone. She noticed books with ancient leather bindings that she would love to get her hands on, statues she was sure would honor any museum to carry, and priceless memorabilia that— She stopped cold in her tracks, goosebumps rising across her flesh as a familiar touch brushed through her mind, calling to her in much the way that damned Tarot card had. "Graelen, wait." She turned around to search for what had touched her, and there on the wall above the hall table hung a tapestry. The fabric was weaved with rich gold and green colors and a woman's figure was silhouetted against a mountainous background. The tapestry appeared quite old, threadbare in some spots and some damage and fray around the edges. Nothing remarkable about it stood out to her, but she was drawn to it anyway. She set down her things on the carpet and moved towards it for a closer inspection. "Rena, what is it? What are you doing?" Graelen's voice questioned from behind her, but she brushed it aside. She had to go to the hanging. She needed to touch it. Graelen mumbled something else under his breath, but she was too involved with the touch on her mind compelling her to move forward. Standing in front of the old tapestry, she focused on the sharper details—the woman featured in the scene was lounging in a garden, reading a book. There were faint symbols on the book she could barely make out. Leaning closer, she realized it was the same four symbols from the cards. The ones that stood for empath. Oh, my God. Yes, despite Graelen's rejection of her theory of the symbols, she knew she was right. The empathic symbols from the card were repeated here. Now she just needed to figure out what it meant and why did it draw her in. Her hand reached up, and the instant her fingers touched the fabric Graelen wrapped his arms around her waist and molded his hard body along hers. The shock of emotion was instantaneous as she felt the pain and heartbreak of forbidden love from the tapestry blend with the lust infusing her from Graelen. It took her breath away as she fought a well of desire flow through her body. Her nipples tightened as his rock hard

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cock nestled along the seam of her ass, the heat radiating through the fabric of her pants. Her breath grew choppy as his hands roughly moved across her belly toward her aching breasts. She could feel his loss of control to his lust and she could do nothing to stop it. Hell, she didn't want to stop it. Only one thing could quench the fire coursing through her now. She had to have him…now. His hands plucked and pulled at her nipples, creating a fiery blend of pain and pleasure. A needy whimper escaped her lips as his head dipped toward her neck. "Oh yeah, baby, you need this as much as I do, don't you?" His breath stroked her ear, increasing the helpless sensations coursing through her. She arched her back in an attempt to push her breasts harder into his hands. "I can't wait. I have to have you now." His hands reached for the buttons of her shirt. But instead of unfastening them as she expected, he grabbed the edges and ripped her shirt apart. He quickly pushed her bra upward, allowing her flesh to spill freely into his hands. His fingers went straight to the hard tips, giving them each a fierce pinch. The quick flash of pain took her breath away. She thought for a moment she should be upset that he would be so rough with her, but as liquid flowed from her pussy she could hardly protest an action that so clearly turned her on. His large hands pulled and twisted as his thick, erect cock pushed against her backside, forcing her harder against the table. She thought to bring her arms down and grip the table for support, but he grabbed them when she moved them and forced them back over her head. **** Graelen growled at her warningly. He didn't want her to move just yet. He had to show her he was in control of this situation. But first, he needed to get control of himself. Every time he touched her the energy he got from her mixed with his magick, leaving him with an uncontrollable urge to get closer, to touch her, to fuck her. As if he could become one with her. She chose that moment to wriggle her tight jean clad ass against his burgeoning cock effectively cutting his thin thread of control. "You shouldn't have done that, baby." Before she could even whimper a response he gripped the waist of her jeans and deftly unfastened them, then yanked them down around her ankles. Her sharp intake of breath only fueled his desperate actions as he grabbed her waist and flipped her

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around, seating her on top of the table and pinning her hands behind her back. His lips swooped down to hers, feeding on her taste and the power they created together. He thrust his tongue deep in the hot cavern of her mouth. The sensation was like a drug oozing into his system, luring him to take what he wanted. Any way he wanted. With one hand he forced his own pants open, relieving the pressure of confinement as his cock enlarged. He slid his hands between her silken thighs, spreading enough for him to fit his hips into the vee of her thighs. When his tip touched her engorged clit her hips jerked and a low moan sounded in her throat. His head dipped to her breasts again to nip at her breasts. His teeth grazed and bit all around the soft creamy flesh. A particularly hard bite had her hips pushing against his length as soft cries and pleas came from her. "Tell me you want it, baby." He looked down into her molten eyes to watch her response. Her breath came in hard pants as the tips of her teeth gripped her lip in a nervous movement. "Rena. Tell me. Tell me you want my cock inside you. Tell me how much you need it." She cast her eyes downward, a tiny little whimper rolling from her lips when she tried to speak. "Look at me, Rena. Don't turn away. Tell me." "Yes." A mere whisper touched his ears. But it wasn't enough. He wanted her to tell him exactly what she needed. His own need to hear her submission kept him from sinking deep into her slick folds. "What, Rena? Tell me. Tell me what you want." He hesitated a moment. "Say it." "Yes, I want you to fuck me, Graelen. Fuck me now!" As the last of the words left her mouth, Graelen slammed his cock deep into her wet, warm pussy. Without hesitation he withdrew to the tip and thrust in again, lifting her ass off the table and her pussy further onto his cock. His control completely lost, he continued to bury himself over and over again. He pumped hard with little thought of anything other than the fist tight grip of her body that held him with every plunge of his hips. As his orgasm built within his body, his movements quickened and he lost his grip on Rena's arms. Her hands wrapped around his ass and urged him to take her even harder. All the while, her whimpers and moans indicated she was close to coming herself. He was faintly aware

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of knickknacks falling from the table and wall around them, but was too lost in his pleasure to care. His balls tightened painfully against his body as Rena screamed and writhed when her orgasm hit her. Her muscles clamped even harder around his cock, forcing his own orgasm to suddenly explode from his body. He gripped her hair and pulled her head back, exposing her slender neck as he pistoned his hips with the urgent need to come deep in her body. When Graelen was able to release her hair she slumped forward against his chest. Her breath kissed his skin as she panted for air. He wrapped his arms protectively around her as he soothed her hair, and he worried if he'd been too rough with her. His needs were straightforward to a man like him, but likely confused a woman of her temperament. He slid his fingers through her silky hair, breathing in her feminine scent as well as the smells from their intense coupling. Within moments her breathing slowed into a nice steady rhythm and he realized she had drifted off. Smiling, he gently swung her into his arms to carry her to his bed. She needed to rest, because when she woke his already hardening cock would demand more from her. He looked down at her forgotten bags and saw one of his family's Tarot cards had fallen from her pack. The implication of that card lying there slammed into his chest as common sense flooded his head, forcing him to remember that her presence here was destined to destroy what was left of his family. An occurrence he wouldn't allow. Anger simmered to the surface as he considered how easily a sweet face and sensual body had lured him. Well, he would show her what happened to women like that. When she awoke she'd be shocked to see that she was no longer in control. Instead she would have to face one pissed off witch.

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Chapter Four Rousing from a deep sleep, Rena's lids flicked open. Disoriented, she couldn't remember falling asleep or even where she was. With a slight movement of her hips she groaned with the tight, aching pains in her body. Dawning swept over her as she remembered the desperate lovemaking with Graelen in the hallway of his house. When she'd touched the tapestry a firestorm had taken them. She smiled as she recalled every delicious detail of his rough, dominating personality. Never before had a man taken her in such an urgent and demanding manner. It had been a scene right out of her wildest fantasies. She couldn't help but wonder if he would be up for more. She giggled. This time she would do the taking. She attempted to move and suddenly realized that her arms and legs were bound to the corners of the bed. Fear and confusion knotted inside her. Her gaze frantically searching the room to find she was utterly alone. Instinctively she struggled against the bonds, chafing her ankles and wrists in the process. Minutes later she relaxed her cramping limbs. She needed to think, come up with a plan to get free. Rena needed to know what the hell had happened. Where had she gone wrong? "Graelen!" she yelled for him but clearly he wasn't here. "Where the hell are you?" A quick and disturbing thought flickered into her mind. What if Graelen wasn't the one who did this to her? What if he was in some sort of trouble, too? In the aftermath of last night's shooting she didn't know what to expect. At those terrifying thoughts she renewed her struggle to free herself. After what seemed like hours she collapsed against the bed. Her nude body was covered in a film of sweat, her wrists and ankles ached from the abrasions, and the rest of her body continued to feel the effects of sex with Graelen. The man had a ravenous sexual appetite, all consuming and powerful. She could nearly feel his large hands gripping her thighs, burning their imprint forever in her memory.

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She valiantly fought the stinging sensation in her eyes, but ultimately lost the battle as a single tear slid down her cheek. "What's wrong, Rena, don't like having the tables turned on you?" Her head whipped around at the sound of his voice to find Graelen lounging against the post of the bed. "Graelen." Her voice cracked as she tried to talk. "What the hell is going on? Are you okay?" Laughter rolled from deep in his chest, filling the room with its mocking sound. Comprehension snaked along her spine as her brain struggled to keep up with the truth that stood before her. "You did this? You tied me to your bed and left me for hours?" Shock yielded quickly to fury as she renewed her fight against the bindings. "You're wasting your time, baby. Bondage is my specialty and you won't get free until I say you can." His features hardened as he spoke, leaving Rena to ponder what the hell she'd gotten herself into. Using her most authoritative voice, Rena made her demands clear. "Graelen Scott, I demand that you release me now. This game you are playing is ridiculous." She fought the restraints at her ankles and her wrists, only to watch the corner of his mouth twitch with exasperation over her futile efforts. "I assure you, Ms. Gallagher, I hardly find the fact that you are here to destroy my family a game." Stunned by his latest statement, she watched his scowl deepen as she frantically tried to rack her brain for what the hell he was talking about. "Did I miss something? Did we have a conversation that I've completely forgotten?" Her blood boiled and was about to spill over in a full-on mad. She pulled harder on the bonds, ignoring the pain shooting through her limbs. She wanted to get free so she could hurt him. Maybe knock some sense into him. Never mind he had about a foot and a hundred pounds on her. She didn't understand what kind of crap he was pulling, but he sure wasn't going to get away with it. "What the fuck are you talking about?" "Who was shooting at us last night, Rena?" He clenched his mouth tighter, giving him a sinister look. "How the hell am I supposed to know? I didn't have any trouble until I came here."

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"Exactly. Now that I've had time to think about it, it seems like someone was trying to scare me off of you or make sure they got you away from me." "Graelen, you're not making any sense." She twisted and fought, desperate to free herself. Her lip trembled as she returned his glare. "Stop pulling on the ropes like that. You're just hurting yourself." He walked forward, stopping at the edge of the bed. His fingers wrapped around her bare arms as he attempted to still her body. The shift was lightening fast as sheer black fright rolled through her, swamping her own thoughts with his. Yes, the anger was still there, but more importantly his anxiety for his brothers touched her. More deeply than she wanted. The thought of his enormous burden tore through her insides as she fought to absorb his pain. "Rena, stop. Doesn't it hurt to take that from me?" "I can't help it. The shields I've built over the years to protect myself don't work with you." She sucked in air in shallow pants. "Something is happening here. It's as if—as if your power, your magic, even your strength are combining with mine. Bonding together. I see everything now." "You shouldn't be here. It was a mistake to let you in. Things are confused now. Your role in all of this is unclear." "My role? I only wanted answers to the questions that have plagued me. I was compelled to come here by them. That's not fair, laying the blame on me." "Prophecies don't lie, Rena." "No, but they are misinterpreted all the time." Her body trembled with her words, her voice catching in her throat. "You're being a damned fool letting your so-called curse rule you instead of—" "Please don't do that, baby. I can't take it." She saw the concern, raw and vivid, blazing in his eyes. "What are you talking about now?" she sobbed. It was all too much. She wasn't sure she could take another reproach from him. Her own anger dissipated quickly as she sorted through his emotions. Somehow she was linked to his fear for his family and his internal struggle broke her heart. "Your tears, baby. They're killing me." His hand swept across her cheek to wipe a tear she hadn't known had fallen. She turned her head into his hand wishing it were her body curling into his. Her

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overwhelming need to comfort this man rode her hard. She wanted to prove to him that she would never cause him or his family harm. Her lips brushed his palm with a whisper of a kiss. The heat she found there seeped through her as lust curled tight in her belly. She no longer cared that she was tied to his bed. Only that her body ached for his. "Graelen, please." "I know, Rena. I need it, too. But more importantly, I need it on my terms." His voice lowered yet somehow sounded firmer, more in control. "Can you give me that? Do you want to?" Instinctively she knew exactly what he wanted and her body wept to do exactly as told. To others he may appear calm and cold, but his emotions churning inside told her the real story. "Yes, sir." Her voice so low she wondered for a moment if she'd spoken the words out loud, until she noticed the wry grin he tried to hide. "Be sure, baby. Because despite my reservations about you and your motives, I plan to have you every way that a man like me can." A chill swept over her at his words, hardening her nipples to tight peaks. Her reaction to his words didn't go unnoticed as his hands reached for her breasts. His fingers pinched and rolled the tips tightly with a constant increase of pressure and pain streaking through them as he serviced her nipples. She bit her bottom lip, attempting to stop her cries, but a low moan sounded deep in her throat. "You want this, Rena, don't you?" She hesitated a moment. "Tell me. Tell me what you need, baby." Instead of waiting for her answer, his hands stroked down her belly, heightening her arousal to a fever pitch as her body screamed and ached for more. When his fingers slipped through the blonde curls surrounding her sex, the muscles clenched in anticipation of that first touch. Liquid fire pooled between her lips, readying her for his thrusts. Bypassing her bud, he slid through her moist folds, spreading her cream throughout the area. "Dear Goddess, Rena, you are so fucking ready for me." Without further warning two fingers were roughly thrust into her passage, setting off a storm of sensation against her sensitive tissue. "Oh. Oh. Please." Her body shook as the build up gathered around the fingers he ruthlessly continued to pound into her flesh. "Please what, baby?" His strokes taunted her continuously as she wriggled and fought the bonds trying to rub her clit against his hand.

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"Take me. Use me. Fuck me." A deep smile crossed his face as his devilish intent sparkled in his eyes. He removed his fingers from her body, leaving her close to coming with no immediate relief apparent. "No. Oh, Graelen, please, please don't stop." She heard her own needy cries trembling from her lips, yet nothing could have kept her from begging. It was a humiliating feeling as her cheeks burned. He pulled his shirt over his head, revealing a strength and power in his muscled torso she had only imagined the first time. His tawny skin rippled over the bunched muscles as he unfastened his pants, letting them fall to the ground. His blue boxer briefs strained under the pressure of his engorged cock, the tip of which was visible at the edge of the waistband. Her heart beat frantically in her chest at the sight when his fingers dove to the waistband, shoving his briefs along the smooth muscles of his thighs.. Her gaze was riveted on the thick shaft jutting out from his dark patch of hair as he approached her. Before she even had time to wonder what it would feel like in her mouth, he covered her body with his own, nesting the tip of his sex right into her slick opening. She gasped her pleasure as she bucked her hips upward, attempting to lodge him deeper. Instead he eased back onto his knees, removing his cock from her pussy. She whimpered in agony at the loss. **** His feisty historian was making him crazy. He hadn't felt this out of control since he was a horny teenager. Good thing she was still tied up or there would be no stopping her. The little whimpers and moans escaping from her plump lips went straight to his head as he realized he couldn't hold back any longer. He needed to come and come hard. In one smooth thrust he filled her tight cunt with every inch of himself until he felt his balls slap her ass. He knew he should take his time so as not to scare her to death, but her gasps and sexy exclamations spurred him to heights he couldn't come back from as he continued his ruthless thrusts into her body. He pounded his hard dick mercilessly into her pussy as his release welled in his balls, drawing his sac tight against his body. Her teeth sunk into his shoulder as her muscles spasmed around his cock with her orgasm. "Well, it looks like you've got her in the right position, but I don't think you are supposed to fuck the enemy, brother." His brother's voice seeped into his lust filled brain as his balls emptied all he was and all he had into her spasming body.

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"Ah, fuck. Cash, get the hell out of my room!" He managed to roar the words as his body was racked by incredible sensations. His cock continued to pump into Rena as he noticed her eyes glazed over in the throes of passion. He doubted she'd even heard Cash's voice. Damn that fucker. He was going to kill him for this. "Graelen. Stop." His body stilled instantly at her words as he realized he must have been hurting her with his brutal fucking. "Graelen, what's wrong? Your anger. It's pushing at me." Her voice came out in breathless little pants as she tried to recover. He slipped from her body and quickly rolled off of her, noticing Cash had wisely left the room. He deftly removed the bindings from her wrists and ankles, gently rubbing the chafed skin. Her arms trembled under his touch as unexpected guilt swept through him. Damn this woman. She had him tied up in knots after just one day and now his brother was here and pissed on top of that. He pulled her into his arms and lie back in the bed with her cradled against his body. "I'm sorry, Rena, I didn't mean to hurt you. I hadn't intended to be so rough." "You didn't hurt me like that, Graelen." She twisted her body around so that she faced him. Her eyes were soft and full of concern. "You got upset and angry at the end. I felt it and it scared me, is all." Of course, how could he have forgotten that she felt his emotions. His little vixen empath knew too much. "It was my brother, baby. Didn't you hear him come in?" Her body stiffened in his arms as she frantically glanced around the room. "Don't worry, Rena, he left. But he didn't go far. I sense him very close by." "You don't like him being here, do you?" "His coming here was a mistake. One he knows better than to make." She snuggled back into his body, letting their energy meld together, leaving behind only traces of the lighter magic he felt when he was with her. "Why is he here? Has something happened?" Her astute perception of the situation astounded him. Or maybe she knew all about him and his brothers and had expected this would happen. Was there a plot beyond his own peril? Damn, what the hell had he been thinking, taking her to bed not once but twice? No wonder Cash was so pissed at him.

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He eased himself from the entanglement of her silken limbs. It was time to have a heart to heart with his twin. "Last night when I used magick to free myself, I had to borrow from Cash to get enough power to break the spell. It's likely that danger is what made my reckless brother come here." There was a critical tone to his voice. Her brow furrowed as she contemplated what he'd just said and why. "The cards. They foretold a story of the witches with the dark power. When used together can destroy themselves as well as those around them." She hastily donned her clothing that Graelen had left atop the bureau. "Unless…" "No Rena, there is no unless. The only way to break the prophecy is to not use the magick. Particularly together. It's why we all live so far apart." He stepped into his slacks, casually dressing himself as he watched her fumble with the buttons of her blouse. "Every generation of twins has tried to find a solution and failed." "But, Graelen, I think there's another way—" "No." He raised his hand to still her words. "I don't think you appreciate the danger we pose. The four of us have had to live with this legacy all our lives, nobody understands the risks involved like we do." Her spine stiffened at his words as she completed dressing. "Maybe what you've needed are fresh eyes to look at the problem." "No. It is what it is." She sighed. "You know, Graelen, your ego is amazing. How do you live with yourself everyday? What an ass." At that she stomped into the bathroom. Graelen shook his head in exasperation. She was going to drive him crazy. He couldn't figure out her game. What was the point of approaching them at this angle? What purpose did she strive for? Well, he wasn't going to figure it out right this second because right now he had to go kick his brother's ass.

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Chapter Five Cash stood in front of the fireplace, stoking the fire with his magick. His casual dress of jeans and a black t-shirt belied the stress evident in his rigid posture. His back was ramrod straight and his movement with the fire jerky. The moment Graelen stepped into the room the familiar cloak of darkness oozed around him, slowly seeping into his body, searching for his soul. His brother was using, and using a hell of a lot more than was safe. His heart constricted in his chest at the realization of how close his twin was to the edge. How could I have not known that? "You give yourself too much credit, brother. Not everything I do has something to do with you." As usual Cash knew just what he thought. "Damnit, Cash. If you're this close to losing control you shouldn't be here and you damn well know it." He strode across the room to his desk, putting some distance between himself and his brother. He hated this. His gut clenched. Hated that he had to keep this distance between his family. But together the seductive call of the magick was twice as strong, nearly impossible to resist. "It's a good thing I am. What the hell do you think you're doing? Fucking the one woman who holds the key to our destruction." Anger lit up Graelen's body in an instant as he struggled to tamp down the darkness. "Cash, you have to trust me. Don't you think I know why she's here? What we've all known was coming for years." Graelen braced his hands on his desk as the fire of rage burned through his blood. His Rena was smack dab in the middle of all this— Wait, his Rena? What the hell? No. He slammed his fist down on the desk and energy flew straight at Cash. Cash flung his hands up in defense, just catching the plasma ball before it slammed into his chest. "What the fuck is wrong with you, Graelen? Are you trying to kill me?" He flung the energy into the fire and the flames leapt at the extra fuel. "Graelen, you've got to get her out of here now. Before it's too late. This isn't going to end well."

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"Cash, you don't understand. Something's not quite right here. Last night someone tried to hurt her. I don't think they wanted to kill her, though. They could have done that if they wanted to before I showed up." "Jeez, Grae, are you that blind? Her hot little pussy got you twisted up already? She's the bait." "Shut the fuck up, Cash!" Graelen stalked around the desk, his anger propelling him closer to his brother. "You should have stayed away. I have everything under control." Cash's eyes blackened as the darkness rose. "You call this control? Give me a break." Graelen was so focused on hurting his brother he barely noticed the office door slam open. "Graelen, what's wrong?" Rena ran toward him, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Stop. The anger. The pain." Her words were incoherent as she ran blindly into his arms. He thought to comfort her by wrapping his arms around her waist, but the energy immediately fused them together as his anger and frustration flooded her body. She shook under the onslaught and even he felt weakened, unsure he could withstand the transfer. "What the hell is going on? You two are lit up like a Christmas tree." His voice was heavy with sarcasm, yet Cash moved forward as if to help them, touching Rena on the shoulder. "Wait. Just give us a minute and I'll be able to explain." Graelen staggered over to the couch, half carrying, half dragging Rena with him. "Graelen, what can I do?" There was a slight tremor in Cash's voice as though some emotion had finally touched him. Graelen didn't even turn around. His focus was Rena and her well being. The force of energy that had just swamped her body was enough to take down two men her size. Her face had paled yet he could feel her heart beating strong against his own chest. "You okay, baby? You can't keep doing that." He stroked his hand soothingly along her arms, marveling at the tremors he got just from touching her silky skin. "I don't imagine it's very safe for you to keep doing that." "Graelen, the cards. The story. I think it's what I was born to do. You need an empath to save you." Her voice died away as her lids fluttered closed.

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"No, Rena, you can't be right this time. Someone would have told us. Someone in our family would know about this if it was even a remote possibility." She shook her head but didn't open her eyes. She obviously needed rest to recover. "What is she talking about?" Cash's contemptuous tone threatened to ignite Graelen's anger once again. Rena flinched under his hand but remained still. Taking a few slow, steady breaths, he reluctantly let go of Rena to face his brother once again. "You, little brother, need to get that temper under control." He stared into the still blackened eyes of his brother, hoping to reach past his anger and find some reason there. Slowly, his brothers lightened to their normal vivid green. "Such a demanding big brother." There was an edge to his voice Graelen didn't recognize. He raked his hands through his hair as he guided Cash back over near the fireplace. "She's an empath. Our anger causes her physical pain." His brother opened his mouth to say something but Graelen waved him off. "There's more. She not only feels it but when I touch her she actually absorbs it. Taking it away. Taking the darkness away." Graelen proceeded to tell Cash the entire story behind her visit. The Tarot cards, her mysterious benefactor, the attack, as well as her empathic theories. "What a load of horseshit. Please tell me you aren't buying this crap. She is so setting you up." Cash paced around, waving his hands during his little tirade. "Setting all of us up." "No, Cash, I think I know our family history better than anyone. Apparently someone has filled her head with fantasy and sent her here to distract us. The question is who?" Cash stood frozen in mid-stride. "You definitely think someone else is behind this? Are you kidding me? Why can't you see what is right in front of your face?" Cash waved and pointed to the couch Rena rested on. Her eyes were open, watching them both cautiously. Graelen paused before answering, realization slamming into him as he watched her lie there helplessly. Oh, Goddess, she is right. How could he explain to his angry twin that when she absorbed his emotions, his darkness receded. Not only receded, but lightened him, giving him a sense of balance. A balance he had never known.

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Could it really be true? Was his little vixen born for him. His balancing half. Did he dare hope that there was an empath out there for each one of them? "Graelen," her voice was fragile and shaking, "the pain." "I know, baby. I'm so sorry I did that to you." "No, Graelen, it's not you. It's him." She looked at Cash. "I can't absorb his anger. His fury is beating at me, breaking me down. I can't take it." Graelen strained to hear her whispering voice. "Graelen, what did she say?" There was a bitter edge of cynicism in Cash's voice. "Cash, you've really got to simmer down. Your anger is painful for her." He faced his brother. "Look at her. She can't recover as long as your anger keeps pushing her down." "I thought you said she could absorb the anger. Take it away." "She absorbs my anger, Cash, not yours." "So, you really are buying into this story. Well, if it's true, then why won't she tell you who sent her to you?" Graelen winced at his brother's tone. He didn't know what he could say that would convince him. He just needed some time. "I'm taking her back to bed now. She needs time to recover and you need time to get yourself under control." "Wait," she spoke with quiet, but desperate firmness. "Let me talk to your brother. Alone." Graelen hesitated for a second, letting her request sink in. "No." He scooped her up. "That's not a good idea." "Graelen, stop. Put me down right now." She wriggled in his arms, fighting like a hellcat and forcing him to put her down on her feet. "I want to talk to Cash and that is what I intend to do." Grae growled at her. Looking over at Cash, he noticed him struggling not to smile or worse, laugh out loud. Without another word to his twin or her, he left the room. **** "I take it you're not to happy to see me here with Graelen." She watched him roll his eyes. "I think that's an understatement." She peered at Cash's face. If not for the slight shadowed growth covering the lower half of his face, it would be all but impossible to tell him and Graelen apart. Except for the eyes. Cash had a hard look about

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his eyes, probably born of the anger he carried around like a badge. It was difficult to see a face nearly identical to Graelen's looking at her with such hatred. "What are you doing here?" He glared down at her. "I—" she fidgeted. Something about him just made her nervous. "What do you want with my brother?" "I—" "Who sent you here? When are you leaving?" She gave up trying to answer as his rapid-fire questions continued. He was on a roll and she thought to let him finish, until his anger began to build to a painful level again. "Cash, stop!" He stiffened as though she had struck him. "You're hurting me again." "Well, maybe if you would answer my questions, I wouldn't be so upset." "Are you kidding me?" Her hands went to her hips in obvious annoyance. "I tried to answer your questions but you just steamrolled right over me." As their voices rose, so did the emotional level in the room. With his anger beating against her body, weakening her, Rena desperately began building shields in her mind, weaving them layer after layer. She imagined strong bands of steel protection wrapping around herself in a last ditch effort to stop the pain. He didn't stop with his accusations and she watched his eyes darken, and energy begin to crackle around him. She was running out of time before she would collapse under the onslaught. "Rena, are you even listening to me?" His voice came to her as if muffled in a towel. Her arms and legs grew weak. She couldn't get her shields built fast enough and she was fading. It wouldn't be long before she would be unconscious. The dark heavy feeling from Cash raked over her skin as she frantically worked to fend him off. When the tip of the darkness edged across her belly, she knew there were only seconds left. With the anger and hatred oozing up her breasts she got the last of the shield complete, and with everything she had left she slammed it into place fighting off the wave of grim emotions. When her guard crashed into place, shielding her from the hellish onslaught his emotions had become, all of his energy gathered and rebounded, slamming back into his body. He flew across the room, smashing into the wall above the fireplace. His body crumpled to the

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ground in a heap and Rena landed on her butt. "Holy shit! That was new." Her body spent but unable to leave Cash, she struggled back to her feet and staggered over to his limp form. "Cash. Cash! Are you all right?" She moved his hair to check his pulse and found his heart thumping strong and wild. Oh, thank God. He groaned in response before rolling over on to his back. "You forget to tell us something?" He winced when he sat up. "Nothing like that has ever happened before." One eyebrow raised, he gave her a patent look of disbelief. "Don't give me that look, you're the one who was beating me down with that hatred you harbor. Maybe you got what you deserved." She moved back over to the couch. She didn't want to fight with him anymore. "That was an impressive display of power from such a tiny woman." "Don't be such an idiot. That wasn't my power. I don't have power like that. That was simply you getting back what you sent out threefold. You know. Ever heard that saying before?" He smirked. "Yeah, I might have heard that a time or two in my life." Satisfaction pursed her mouth as she desperately tried to hold back her grin. "I still don't trust you." "Cash, you don't even know me." "Exactly." **** Rena climbed the stairs, anxious to get back to Graelen. She'd woken a short while ago, restless and in need of caffeine. She'd gone down to the kitchen in search of coffee. Turning the knob on the door, she eased it open, trying not to wake him before she got back in the bed. A quick glance around and she discovered he was no longer in bed or anywhere else in the room for that matter. She hadn't seen or heard anyone up and about on her trip back and forth to the kitchen, so where would he be, she wondered. She poked her head back out into the hall, looking for any sign of life. She eased her barriers down, seeking out his emotions, searching for him. She was surrounded by blankness, not even Cash seemed to be around. After the constant presence of Graelen, she found it a little disconcerting to be alone again. Had she gotten that used to him already? It had only been a couple of days. Her skin crawled. She needed to find him, if only to reassure herself that he was okay. She rushed down the stairs to search for him, looking

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into each room only to find them empty. Still, she felt nothing, and as the minutes ticked by her anxiety ratcheted another level. She picked up her pace, beginning to run through the house. She had to locate him. Something was very wrong. Out of breath from her mad spree, she sat down at the bottom of the stairs. What did I miss? Where had she not searched? She got up and retraced her steps to the kitchen, looking with a closer eye for signs someone else had been here. Other than the aroma of the fresh brewed coffee she had made and the few dishes she'd used, the room was spotless. It was then she noticed the two doors at the far end of the room. A pantry, she presumed. Walking across the room, she yanked the door on the right open. Very much like ripping off a Band-Aid, just do it. When nothing fell from the closet she let go of the breath she didn't realize she'd been holding, a long sigh escaping her lips. Inside the large, walkin closet was shelf after shelf of food supplies. Everything from jars of peanut butter to nacho chips. She'd have to keep this in mind when all was well again. Closing the door, she leaned against it, letting her head fall back onto the wood. Get a grip, Rena. There is no need to panic. She gripped the knob of the second door, pulling it open. Stairs. Winding down in front of her was a staircase leading into a pitch-black space. She searched the inside doorway for a light switch, not wanting to go down into a darkened basement. When her fingers touched on the switch she flicked it on, watching a soft yellow glow illuminate the stairway and not much else. Knowing she didn't have much of a choice, she began her descent into the basement. She walked with her mental shield completely down, trying to sense any sign of Graelen, Cash, or trouble. At the bottom of the steps there was enough light to see where she was going as well as get a partial look around. Her feet stepped on cushioned carpet, an unexpected sensation for a basement. She could make out low-lying furniture that were likely couches in the far corner, and here in the middle of the room stood a large pool table. It seemed the basement wasn't a basement at all, but a men's playroom. She snickered. Why am I not surprised? Continuing through the room and beyond the other toys, she headed for the double doors at the end of the room. These doors were made of heavy steel and they didn't just ease open. This was it. If trouble was to

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be found she imagined it would be inside the steel fortified room. With a sharp intake of air she pushed her shoulder against the door as hard as she could. When the door popped open easier than she'd expected, she found herself falling down onto her hands and knees. A wall of hot, humid air slapped at her, surprising her. The smell of chlorine assaulted her senses. Chlorine? She raised her eyes from the floor, squinting to adjust to the brightness, taking in her first look of the room. Her eyes widened at the sight before her. Where a normal estate like this might have included an indoor swimming area, not here. No ordinary pool for Graelen Scott. Before her was an elaborate swimming grotto complete with caves, waterfalls, and a black bottomed pool to mimic what one would find in nature. The area was breathtaking. Having grown up near many natural springs, surprising her family with a natural talent for swimming and diving, Rena grew giddy at the sight before her. That was when she noticed the man swimming across the length of the larger pool. His bare, sleek muscled arms sliced through the water, propelling him to the other side at a good clip. Unable to resist, she ran along the pool's edge, catching up with him before hastily removing her clothing and diving into the water, arching her body to place her right underneath him. When his hands reached around her waist to pull her to the surface, she couldn't resist a satisfied smile. Breaking the water's surface she choked on some of the water that ran from her hair to her face. "What the hell, Rena? You trying to scare me to death?" His booming voice sounded angry, but the undeniable spark of humor was what she saw in his eyes. "Me? What about you? You could have left me a note or something letting me know where you were. I just spent the last thirty minutes scared witless because I couldn't find you. And not only couldn't I find you, but I couldn't sense you, either." She stopped and stood still. Reaching out. "I still can't. What's going on, Graelen?" "It's the water, it shields me." "What do you mean it shields—oh, water is your element. I was wondering about that. Wouldn't have pegged you as water, though." "Yes, Rena, and in this room with this much water I am pretty hard to get to. Just being here restores all the energy you've been stealing from me these past couple of days."

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For a moment she was shocked, thinking she was robbing him of his crucial protective energy. Until, she looked into his eyes and realized exactly what he was referring to. "Ohhh. You—you are incorrigible, teasing me like that." She dove for him but he easily moved from within her grasp. He swam over to the edge of the waterfall and dove underneath it, reappearing on the other side. She followed. As she moved closer to the waterfall the water warmed quite a bit, soothing her own sore muscles. When she came up on the other side of the fall she realized it was a spa on this side tucked inside the cave. It was hard to even imagine that she was still inside a house. There were exotic plants blooming sweet smelling flowers among the bank of rocks, the light filtering into the cave even resembled bright sunshine. Graelen had created a paradise in his home. "You like?" "Oh, Grae, it's incredible. I have always been drawn to the water but this—" She waved her arms around. "This is beyond anything I could have imagined." "Good, I'm glad you like it. I spend a lot of time here whenever I can. My magick is strong here, and it makes even simple spells work better." She arched her brow, curious to learn more about his magick. "So what exactly can a water witch like yourself do?" "Almost anything I want." The look on his face pure mischief, and she wondered what he was up to. She didn't have to wait long to find out. She startled when long, warm fingers stroked her foot, caressing her ankles before traveling up her leg. She looked at Graelen all the way across the spa, not moving an inch. "How?" "Water is mine to command. To bend and use as I will. As long as I respect it, it will do as I wish. I can shape it, convert it and move it." The fingers she felt on her legs continued to move up her legs, skimming the surface with a light sensual brush. She gasped at the sensation. She tried to remind herself it was just water but it didn't feel like water. It was the same impression she got when Graelen ran his hands across her body. As the caressing water continued to move, her pussy throbbed, aching to be touched. "Oh, Grae, you should stop."

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"Should I really? You really want me to stop?" Just then a thick finger glanced across her clit, shooting a streak of pleasure throughout her. She pitched slightly forward before the water caught her, cradling her head above the surface. More fingers touched her, massaging her backside, streaking up and down her thighs. When the first touch of what felt like a tongue swiped across her swollen labia, she cried out with the need to come, caught herself, and held on to the sensation. Part of Rena's mind concentrated on the hot tongue lapping at her slit, while the other part pictured how many pairs of hands were touching her. One. Two. Three. With Graelen's magick he could give her— "Ohhhhhh…" One of the fingers massaging her bottom dipped into her crease and began pushing its way into her smaller, tighter hole. Graelen chose that moment to walk forward and join in, dragging his calloused finger across her clit. Rena screamed, unable to hold it back this time as her orgasm exploded, muscles clenching tight within her. Graelen continued to stroke her as she rode out her orgasm hard against his hand. Thinking of three men taking her all at once pushed her farther than she thought, it was a while before she could catch her breath. When she finally collapsed she realized she was now cradled in the warm embrace of his arms. "Let's go to bed, Rena." **** She heard the water of the adjoining shower shut off and she jumped back in Graelen's bed to wait for him to join her. And this time she wouldn't be tied up. She smiled as she recalled their fast and rough lovemaking. Too bad he wasn't lying next to her now. Her body craved more of his demanding touch. "Already awake, I see." His voice rumbled through her, further inflaming her need. "Mmm hmm." She rolled towards his voice and drank in his appearance. Low riding faded pants molded to his form. His chest was uncovered and her gaze roamed over every smooth, golden inch. She admired the hard contours of bone and sinew, the tightness of his abdomen that trailed beneath the waistband of his pants, leaving her with an uncontrollable itch to rip the pants from his legs, freeing his cock for her exploration.

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She licked her lips and dragged her gaze back up to his brilliant green eyes that were twinkling with amusement as he stood watching her perusal. "Like what you see, baby?" She nodded and scrambled off the bed, sinking onto her knees in front of him. She watched his rapidly growing erection as she contemplated her plan. Wait for his permission, or take what she wanted? "I need you again." Her simple statement resulted in a deep groan from Graelen. She spied the glowing hunger in his eyes just before she lowered her lashes to focus once again on the bulge in his pants. Feeling quite bold this morning, she decided to go for it. Her shaking fingers fumbled with his buttons for a moment until finally she was able to glide his zipper down, freeing his rigid shaft. His hands slid through her hair, grasping tightly as he wrapped it around his hands. She pulled in a lungful of air just before he tugged her mouth onto his cock head, his size stretching and filling her with an intoxicating blend of submission and control. Her tongue made sweeping, swirling motions around the tip devouring the salty essence of his pre come. "Oh, fuck, baby." His voice was harsh and uneven as his hips bucked forcing himself deeper in her mouth. As their essences bonded together, as they did every time they touched each other, her mind crowded with unfamiliar images. Two young men racing around a track trying to out do one another, then the men were fighting in a boxing ring, not each other but rather as a tag team against two much larger men. The larger men looked plenty capable of winning the match, but together the two men seemed unstoppable. The next image of them stopped her cold. The same two men in a bed with a beautiful red-headed woman between them. The three of them engaged in rough and raw sex. The woman was on her knees on the bed while one of the men stood in front of her, brutally thrusting his enormous cock deep into her throat. She had a leather strap buckled around her head with a ring over her mouth, holding her mouth in perfect position for his driving sex. Her torso and arms were wrapped in a black leather harness and the second man was gripping the harness along her back for leverage, enabling him to pound himself mercilessly into her pussy. Yet despite the near violence of the scene, tenderness was evident in the way the men

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gazed upon the submissive woman and in the way their hands touched and glided across her slickened skin. She sensed a gratefulness in them for the gift they were receiving. Rena discovered a much darker side of herself, realizing that watching these two men ruthlessly fuck their companion was the most erotic image she had ever seen. Her cream slicked her pussy and the top of her thighs. When the man grinding his cock into the woman's backside turned in Rena's direction she was shocked to see the man was none other than her lover, Graelen. His sharp features and intense green eyes—wait, hat's not— On a sharp intake of breath understanding bloomed in her mind as she realized she was seeing and feeling Cash's memories and emotions. Graelen had managed to link Cash into her mind, so while she sucked Graelen's thick cock, Cash shared with her some of his thoughts and memories. This kind of power added a whole new level to the unique intricacies of twins. She smiled inwardly as she placed another swipe of her tongue around Graelen but heard both men moaning from the pleasure. Holy hell, Cash could feel everything his brother could. Each and every sensation as she licked and teased Graelen's engorged member. Overwhelmed with arousal, she didn't know what to do. Could she do this? She started to pull off of Graelen to object, but his grip on her hair tightened and he held her in place. "No, Rena, don't pull away. Let me share this with my twin. It's what I need." She wavered, trying to comprehend what she was hearing. "Please, Rena." His words came out on a harsh broken sigh, letting her know just how much this meant to him. Her own emotions shifted, opening her to him further. It was a slippery slope and she was definitely falling. She loosened her head and neck in a show of submission as she took him in as deep as she could and gripped the rest of him with a tight fist. Both men groaned when she relaxed her throat, taking another inch deeper into her mouth. The musk and salty taste of Graelen built her own arousal to a near frenzy as more moisture leaked onto her bare thighs. His flesh jerked in her mouth as she began a gentle sucking motion to go along with the circling motion her tongue created on the sensitive underside of his erection.

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Cash's demanding voice invaded her mind. Touch yourself, Rena. Her hips jerked forward at his command as she slowly slid one hand down her torso to the patch of damp curls guarding her pussy. Her fingertip grazed her clit, halting her movements as a zing of delicious sensation pulsed through her. "No, not there, not yet. Keep going." Following his instructions, she guided her finger slowly, inch by inch, inside. The sensitive tissues vibrated inside her as inner muscles grasped around her. "Very good, Rena, now harder." Adding more force to her stroke, she did as she was told. Graelen's hands alternately caressed her scalp and tightened their grip on the hair, creating an erotic fusion of pain and pleasure. Her own moans of pleasure vibrated against his taut skin as his body shuddered against her. "That's it, Rena, suck it harder." She increased the pressure on his already heavy cock as his hips pumped him in and out of her mouth. With every reaction from Graelen she received an equal if not stronger response from Cash. His body was on fire and she felt the fever through Graelen. The heat building in her mouth coincided with the pulsing need of her own body. She dared a glance up at his face to find his features contorted in pleasure. Her fingers sought out and found his scrotum and lightly scraped the area with her nails, digging a little deeper when she reached his inner thighs. "Oh hell, Rena, you're fucking killing me." His desperate moans were strained as she felt the head of his cock swell deep in her mouth. She suckled him harder, scraping the velvety skin with her teeth. "Now, Rena, now! Come for us. Rub your clit and come for us." This time she heard both men plead with her. Cash's voice still edged with darkness and need where Graelen's graveled voice carried a softer emotion. But, clear from them both was the need. They needed her to come with them. She strummed her thumb across her sensitive nub of flesh once, then twice before ecstasy ripped through her forcing a scream from her lungs that vibrated across the cock in her mouth muffling the sound. "Oh, Goddess, yes!" Graelen's control was gone. "Fuck!" His breath came fast and hard as she relentlessly caressed him with her mouth and

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hand. She wanted his come. She needed him to know that she was more than just his empath. She was his woman. She belonged to him. He released his connection with Cash, unwilling to share the moment he bonded with anyone. Her uterus clenched again when the first blast of semen erupted into her mouth. His wild cries rent the room as he came long and hard giving her it all. She didn't stop when it ended. She continued to lick and suck until he pulled back from her releasing his still hard cock from her mouth. "You're mine now, Rena." In the throes of a passion induced euphoria, Rena let down the rest of her mental guards to give Graelen a gift. The gift of her total submission. Expecting a soft flow of emotion, she instead was blindsided with a white-hot searing pain roaring through her body. Her blood-curdling scream reverberated around the room and she gripped her belly and collapsed forward onto Graelen. "Rena." Graelen pulled her into his arms tight. "What is it?" Her body, racked with a pain she couldn't bear, shook violently in his arms. "It's Cash again. Cash is hurting me."

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Chapter Six Graelen rushed down the corridor to find his brother to do the only thing he could to save her. Find his brother and make him leave. That traitorous thought sent a slice of bitter coldness through his body. For his entire life all of his focus had been to find a way to keep his family together. Yet now, when his brother fought the darkness more than ever, he would be forced to choose between his twin and his woman. He'd hoped that allowing Cash to share Rena through a mind link would bond them, if tenuously. But Cash was even darker than he'd first thought. His emotions were out of control. Graelen had to face the facts that his brother was addicted and dangerous. Why now? Why here? a warning voice whispered in his head. Was he missing something? Something important that would affect their lives. What the hell good did it do him to have this fucking power if it couldn't help him at times like these? Graelen opened the door to his study to find Cash pacing the room like a caged tiger. He didn't even need magick to feel the angry emotions swirling around him. "What the hell is going on here?" Cash swiveled around at the sound of his voice. Black eyes as dark as coal met his own, sending a shiver down his spine. "It's the woman, Grae. She has spelled you and you can't see the truth. Now she is trying to get to me." Graelen took a deep breath before responding. His brother was wound so tight he couldn't even see what was happening to himself. "You can still say that after the gift she just gave you?" He had to accept how far his brother was gone. "No, Cash, that's the darkness talking. You're giving in, getting too close, too often. You're losing control." Cash's features distorted into a snarl. "She is stealing your power. I tasted it back there."

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Graelen shook his head, unsure how to explain what was happening with Rena. Frustration from them both filled the room. With emotions this high there wasn't much left he could do. Except… "Let me show you. Let me share the experience with you." Cash took a step back. Graelen wasn't above capturing his brother and forcing him if he had to. "I don't believe this, Graelen. I don't believe the answer for us lies simply in a sexy submissive empath." Graelen tamped down his own rising anger. Anger wouldn't get him to listen. "I'm not talking about sex, brother. Bond with me. Let me show you the truth." "No. It's too dangerous," said Cash. Graelen shook his head. "No more dangerous than what you are doing to yourself right now. Look at you. You're using. And not just a little when it's necessary. You're using a lot." He approached his brother cautiously. He had to get through to him. He held up his arms in front of his brother, waiting. Several tense minutes later Cash finally gave in grasping Graelen's forearms and they locked together. Graelen imagined a whirlpool of energy surrounding them, traveling in a clockwise motion from their heads down to their feet, then back up to their heads, and back down. Once the vortex centered around them, Graelen was ready to merge. He pictured his twin clearly in his mind. He watched Cash, empathized with him, felt himself merging within him. He imagined what his brother felt like at this moment with the darkness swirling uncontrollably within. He imagined the sights he'd seen, the smells he sensed, the motivations and ways of thinking he would have. Becoming those thoughts, Graelen merged with him by dissolving the distinctions that made them separate. Once merged, he felt all of his brother's anger and pain over the years of isolation. The bitterness of not being able to use his gifts for so many years, hen the agony of giving in to the allure of the darkness he could never escape. Staggering, painful thoughts. But more importantly he could show Cash what happened to him when his anger transferred to Rena. Temporarily make him feel those same sensations. The balance her light gave to his darkness. He poured everything he had into him. **** "Graelen, wake up."

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As consciousness permeated his tired brain, he realized someone was shaking him. "What the hell happened to you two?" "Rena, what are you doing in here?" He sat up, rubbing his forearms and looking around for Cash. His brother was a few feet away, stirring awake, rubbing his own arms where they'd locked together. "When all the emotions died, I rushed in here to see if you two were still alive. You scared the hell out of me." She sounded reproachful, but warm happiness glowed from her eyes. "I had to show Cash the truth. Unfortunately the method in which I had to do it was a bit extreme." He smiled at her quizzical expression. "Long story, my sweet. I'll tell you about it sometime later." "Cash, you okay now?" "Yes, I'm fine." His voice sounded strong but subdued. Something was still on his mind. "What is it?" He knew Cash had something else to say. "We need to know who sent her here. Some of the pieces to the puzzle are missing, and I'm certain her benefactor is the key." "Nobody sent me here. I came on my own when I couldn't find the answers I needed the research." "No, Rena, Cash is right. There is more to this whole thing than just your curiosity." She frowned at him. "I don't believe in coincidences." "You two are the most paranoid witches I have ever met. What is it going to take to get you to trust me?" "Rena, I trust you." Graelen grazed his fingers across her cheek, watching her fight the tears welling in her eyes. Sharing herself with them both during their amazing encounter drained her, although she probably wouldn't admit that. "You want us to trust you? Then tell us who your benefactor is. I'd be willing to bet that a curious woman like you would never rest knowing her source was anonymous." Cash's words struck a nerve as she averted her eyes and fidgeted nervously with a button on her shirt. "He's right, baby, isn't he? You know who he is." "It doesn't matter. Who he is has nothing to do with all of this." Her voice raised in agitation. "I know you say the cards were stolen from your family, but I'm completely sure that Reverend Cunningham had nothing to do with that. There has to be another answer." Two audible gasps sounded in the room as anger anew flooded Graelen.

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"Reverend Scott Cunningham III?" Graelen looked at her to answer his question, but the deer in headlights look of shock on her face told him all he needed to know. "Well, fuck me. Damn it, Grae, we should have known he was up to something." "Wait, you know him?" She looked thoroughly confused as she swiveled between the two brothers. "Yes." Cash shook his head and turned toward the fireplace. "The good Reverend you're so sure of is our uncle." She shot him a look of disbelief as Graelen struggled with his fury. She was part of the prophecy after all, an unwilling participant, but still a pawn in his uncle's game. "Rena, I'm afraid you've been caught up in a family legend my uncle refuses to let die. One he and his religious cronies have been using for years in an attempt to get rid of us all." "What legend? Are you talking about the story in the cards?" "Yes, Rena. What you call a story of the cards is referred to as the curse in our family." He sighed heavily; his heart ached over her involvement. "Your interpretation was close to the truth but missing an element we've feared all our lives." "Which is?" "You," both Cash and Graelen echoed. "I don't understand." She hesitated. "I thought you agreed that I'm meant to help you." She looked between the two. "I felt the difference I make with you, I know it's right." "Right or wrong, the slimy bastard is using you in an attempt to get to us," Graelen said. "But—But why would he do that?" Graelen smiled indulgently at her. It would take a while for her to understand the depth of his uncle's treachery. "Because he believes us to be truly evil." Graelen scrubbed his hands over his face as he pondered what would be his next course of action. "Not all witches are created equally. And, unfortunately, some of them want to wipe out part of the race." "You are not evil. I know that for a fact. I've felt it. Who and what you are courses through me every time you unleash your emotions," she reminded him, her tone commanding. "You're right, baby." He pulled her into his arms, seeking to soothe her hurt pride. "We aren't innately evil, but the power we carry inside has

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the capability of manifesting itself into a destructive force. One that will destroy us." "I don't understand." Her wide-eyed innocence sucker-punched him right in the gut. "Of course you don't," Cash interrupted. "Your bedtime stories as a child didn't consist of a vicious legend about you and your siblings foretelling of an inevitable outcome that would lead to their deaths as well as the destruction of innocent lives." Graelen cringed at the familiar pain in his brother's voice. "You weren't reminded every night, at the tender age of five, that the world would be better off without you and your brothers. And you didn't grow up hating women because you were told the one that got close would be responsible for the end." "Cash, that's enough!" Without thought Graelen called his magick, his only way of getting his brother away from his woman. He bound his brother with a mere thought, but it didn't appease Cash's anger as the dark rage continued to grow within him. "Graelen, look at me." He raised his head to meet Rena's gaze. She blinked as her eyes grew wide, no doubt at his appearance. He was lost in the thrall. The magick was in control. Despite the fear in her eyes, she grabbed hold of his hands, interlacing her fingers with his. Within moments the magic and anger winked out of his mind, leaving him to face a weak Rena and shocked Cash. Narrowing his gaze on his brother, "You aren't the only one in this family who suffers, you know." Graelen scooped up Rena before she fell down. He needed to find a better way to control his anger before he ended up hurting her. "Graelen, you can put me down now, I'm fine." And it was true. He looked her over and just that quickly her color had restored and he couldn't even tell the two of them had just mentally roughed her up. "How?" "Honey, I've been dealing with this kind of thing all my life. Well, okay, maybe not this exactly." She motioned to the two brothers. "The magick is new, but the anger and helplessness is not. Have you looked around lately? The world is full of hate and anger that I defend myself against on a regular basis." He gingerly placed her back on her feet and she wriggled out of his arms. "I'll admit the emotions coming from a couple of witches like you is far stronger than anything I've experienced before, but I learn quickly

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and can adapt. You don't need to treat me like a weak kitten. I know how to take care of myself." "She's right about that, brother. I've got the bruises to prove it." Graelen's head swung sharply toward his brother. "Whoa, don't look at me like that. You've got the wrong idea." "Enough, you two." Rena stepped between the two of them. "I think I need to contact the dear Reverend and let him know that I won't be his pawn in this mess any longer and that I will not provide him with any more research services." "No!" Both he and Cash vehemently rejected that idea at the same time. "I'll be the one to contact Uncle Scott," Cash stated with controlled venom. "It's time one of us had a heart to heart chat with him." Cash started to gather up his things, preparing to leave. "Cash, I don't think that is such a good idea." Graelen worried that Cash confronting Scott would end badly. "No, for once, Graelen, you have to listen to me. I can't stay here and we both know it." He shrugged into his black leather coat, sparing a longing glance at Rena. "You have to protect Rena. Let me do this." Graelen struggled with his need to protect them both, and the anger and frustration built along with the desire to punish his uncle. Trapped between the warring situations, he reluctantly gave in to Cash's request. He would let his brother handle the situation for now. "Take care of yourself, brother. Be cautious when you confront him. But keep quiet about knowing Rena. I have an idea how to use this whole thing against him." Cash smirked. "I will." They looked at each other, then Cash strode to the door. In the meantime, Graelen had a feisty empath to deal with. **** Rena headed for the door. "Where do you think you're going?" "I think it's time I went back to work as well. I was only to be gone a few days, and I imagine the work is getting backlogged. It's a long flight, so I'm going to try and get some rest." Graelen looked at her in disbelief. Did she really think he would just let her walk away? "Rena, my uncle is not a man to be trifled with. He is far more dangerous than you are thinking. You carry a piece of my power now.

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Eventually he will figure that out, and once he does you will be in as much danger as the rest of us." "But—" "I don't think so." Graelen jerked her into his arms, pressing her soft body against his hard frame. His lips captured her mouth with an unexpected urgency, forcing his tongue between her parted lips. Unable to wait another minute, his hands deftly began removing her clothes so he could get to her skin. His hands caressed her soft, curving flesh until he reached a tightly beaded nipple. She arched her back into his hands while his mouth sought that heated tip. Nipping with his teeth, he increased the pressure until she writhed in his arms, her little whimpers of pleasure soothing his soul. "Please stay, Rena." Her body stilled at the seriousness of his words. His cock strained for release but he would deny himself the freedom of burying his cock in her body until she agreed to stay. "For how long?" She had no idea how sensuous her voice sounded when she asked him that question. It was like a cool drink flowing over a parched throat. "Forever." The prolonged anticipation of her answer grew unbearable. This was one time she held all the control. He couldn't force her submission. Although for her own safety he would hold her there against her will. "For now, Graelen, for now."

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Epilogue The Reverend paced the perimeter of his compound. His anger bubbled close to the surface, and in an attempt to control his urges he walked. Movement would help clear his mind and heart. The use of his magick left him cold and dark for days. He abhorred the necessity of it. He frequently didn't remember what had been done while he was under the influence. It was a by-product of touching the dark magick of those boys. For years he'd searched through the history of their family records, seeking a way to bind them. But so far, nothing. It seemed an impossible feat, until now. Every instinct he had screamed Tarot. The answer was in those fucking cards. It was just a matter of time before he figured it out. When his sources informed him that the historian he'd hired to dissect the family Tarot had traveled to New England, he'd followed her to learn what she was up to. He waited her out on his own family estate. Unfortunately some of his employees had gotten carried away and forced him to reveal his presence. Why had his nephew protected the woman? What did she have or represent that would feed his darkness? He'd meditated on those thoughts for days, seeking answers. The extra power his nephew had used from his brother pushed Scott to pain. To protect himself from death, he'd broken the spell with nowhere for the darkness to go but back inside himself. The resulting suffering and madness he'd been forced to endure for twenty-four hours had come close to killing him. Waking up with dust and grit in his mouth, he'd found himself on the dirt floor of his cellar with no idea how he'd gotten there or how long he'd been out. The last thing he remembered was his nephew taking the woman. The dark aura swirled inside him, churning his anger and hatred throughout his system. His throat ached and burned from his thirst. Rolling onto his back, he stretched his stiffened limbs. Thank God his instincts brought him home at times like this. Those boys did this to him

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and would continue to do so if he didn't find a way to soon end this. It was up to him to break this evil curse contained in the four men. One by one, Graelen, Cash, Dennison, and Noah had to be extinguished. For centuries his family had been tainted by an evil that needed to be destroyed, but by its very nature protected those who harbored it. He was close this time. His instincts cried with the knowledge. He'd found a strong coven that could help. "Excuse me, Reverend." His lieutenant's voice sounded pulled him from his thoughts and plans. He turned back to glare at the man for intruding. "Not a good idea to interrupt me right now, Giles." "I'm sorry, sir. I wouldn't under normal circumstances. I—" "What is it?" He cut off the man from what would no doubt become a drivel of ass kissing if allowed to continue. "She has arrived. Ms. Gallagher is waiting for you in your office." "Ah. That I will allow this time. But be warned that next time you might not be so lucky. You might want to think twice or even thrice before interrupting again. It could be painful for you." "Yes, sir." He slunk back, easing his way in the general direction of the house. So the historian had returned, no doubt to discuss her findings. He couldn't wait to hear what she had to offer up with regards to his two nephews, Graelen and Cash. The elder twins. Cash was a headstrong troublemaker already well on his path of destruction. It wouldn't be long before he turned. After connecting briefly with his brother, he'd disappeared. None of Scott's considerable resources had been able to turn up his whereabouts or even a whisper of what he was up to. It was troublesome to say the least. Graelen, on the other hand, had holed up with Ms. Gallagher on his estate. No one in or out until now. **** Entering the room noiselessly, he took a moment to take in her appearance. Her long blonde hair was pulled into a simple ponytail, the ends just brushing her shoulders. She was dressed in a conservative style with a white blouse and long denim shirt that fell to her slim ankles. Even her shoes were plain brown loafers. If Scott hadn't recognized the intelligence in her eyes at their first meeting he would have dismissed her outright.

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"Ms. Gallagher." He paused to observe her further as she turned toward him. Her petite features were partially hidden behind her glasses. You could tell a lot about a person by the way they dressed. And right now Rena appeared nervous. "It's nice to see you again. I really appreciate you coming all the way out here to give me an update." He shook her hand and was again pleasantly surprised by her firm, confidant touch. "No problem, Reverend. I'm sure you must be anxious to see what I have found." Her reply lacked a ring of conviction. "Indeed." "I'm not sure you will be happy with my findings." He arched his brow at that statement. "Well, first off, I have discovered that these cards are directly tied to the Scott family. As in Graelen Scott." She hesitated. "Yes, I know who he is." "Upon learning that these cards depicted the Scott family history, I opted to go there and discuss these with Mr. Scott and see what information he could offer. Imagine, if you will, my surprise when Mr. Scott informed me that these cards were stolen from his family last year." Her comment contained a strong suggestion of distaste. "And you're wondering if I knew that?" "Yes." He admired her simple, straightforward approach, even as he realized she would no longer be useful to his quest. "Does it matter?" "Of course it matters. My work was everything to me and you ridiculed that by bringing me unknowingly into your scheme." Her tone chilled. "This scheme you have against the Scott brothers is wrong. I can prove it in time." He snorted. "You really have no idea what you're talking about, Ms. Gallagher." His voice hardened. "You should have stayed in your museum like you were supposed to. Now things are complicated." Something in his demeanor or voice must have frightened her. She started taking steps backwards. Stupid move. His magick came up. Motivated by her fear, his energy built. He took a few steps forward and stopped cold. His nephew Graelen stood in the doorway. "Don't even think about it, Uncle. She is protected. Trust me, you won't like what happens the next time you try to hurt her." "How the hell did you get in here? Evil such as yourself shouldn't be able to cross the wards of my threshold."

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Graelen laughed. "What? You're not happy to see me? Maybe you should rethink your definition of evil once and for all before someone else gets hurt. I'm only here for one thing, and then I will go. I've come for my brother. Where is Cash?" "I don't know what the hell you're talking about," he countered icily. "I haven't seen your good for nothing twin in years and that's too soon for me." "Two weeks ago he left with plans to visit you, Uncle. He hasn't been heard from since." "And you think that has something to do with me?" He watched as Graelen's eyes blackened as dark as midnight. Energy crackled the room from them both. "Stop it, both of you, before someone gets hurt." She stepped in between the two of them. "Get out of my house now." Despite his strong magick, he knew his nephew to be the stronger witch. Now was not the time for confrontation. He was a patient man and he had some new information to think about now. "Let's go, Graelen. Cash isn't here. I can't feel even a trace of him." The Reverend caught the look that passed between, them telling him what he needed to know. He watched them go as he reviewed what had transpired. There was a bond between the two of them. She was of the prophecy and he'd led her straight to them. Interesting… Now, Cash was missing and somehow played an important role in this puzzle. This called for drastic measures. He needed to find Cash before they did, and he knew just the woman for the job. To be continued…

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About the Author Eliza Gayle is an author of contemporary erotic romance and co-owner of ScrapFairy Designs, creating book trailers and MySpace identities for authors. Please visit her online at www.ElizaGayle.com.

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