AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Or worse. Illness, death, tragedy… I’m sure you know that I introduced you to Olivia, hoping that if she freed you from your curse, you would pass the diary into my hands for safekeeping. Such a powerfully magical object should be protected from Mathias.”
“Why did Richard Gray suddenly appear at your party?”
“When Olivia began searching for her father, I suspected Gray might be him. I floated word ‘round the magical underground types that I had information he might want. When he turned up on my doorstep, I asked if he had any children. He supplied me with Olivia’s name, age, and London address.”
The wizard took much time to learn about his daughter, but never bothered to meet her? He claimed he steered clear for her protection, but… “You let him stay to reunite father and daughter? ’Tis doubtful your motives were that touching.”
He shrugs. “The bottom line is, Olivia is your mate. It’s no coincidence that one Le Fay woman is the instrument of your torture while another completes you. I’ve no doubt Olivia is the key to ending your curse.”
“And if you help me break my affliction, you obtain the Doomsday Diary more quickly.”
Bram shoots me a self-deprecating smile. “Yes, but Gray likely knows more about the diary than anyone on this plane of existence.”
I sigh and steeple my fingers. “My cooperation, if I give it, does not come without a price.”
“Naturally.”
Bram has nerves of steel. I respect that. Though he looks calm, the future of Bram’s Brethren—indeed, magickind—rests on his ability to persuade me, a warrior who loathes magic, to teach wizards to fight like men. Olivia’s life depends on evading Mathias. She will never be safe until he is dead. If Bram’s forefathers could defeat the dark wizard once, I have little doubt he and his ilk could do it again.
“Olivia is protected, no matter who threatens her, what it costs, or how many die.”
“That’s a given. She’s critical to both sides.”
I resist the urge to swear. ’Tis too telling while negotiating with someone as wily as Bram Rion. Instead, I cross my arms as if I have not a care. “I trust Richard Gray not. When he returns, I want him watched. He must never be alone with her.”
Suddenly, Bram bursts out laughing. “You have balls of steel. At the thought of their mates in danger, most wizards exhibit panic levels somewhere near atomic. Yet you sit there like a stone. No wonder history recorded you as a great tactician.”
Except when it comes to my cock. ’Tis possible, Olivia is a liability I should not carry. A mistake I should not have made. But I do not regret her—even knowing that, because of her, I sit squarely in the middle of a war I care little for, that the very woman I seek to protect might betray me to please a parent who has never troubled himself to find her.
“Let us bypass the pleasantries. You want me to teach you and your fellow Brethren to fight like warriors in…months? Weeks?”
“Days, if possible. Wizards have abilities that allow us to master skills faster than humans, but we still haven’t a moment to lose. Mathias will do anything to obtain Olivia and the diary.”
“Then this place must become a fortress, guarded with everything possible.”
“We have spells and enchantments around it, some placed here by Merlin himself. It’s tight.”
“Perhaps I am old-fashioned, but I want eyes in the very topmost tower scanning the land in every direction, every moment of every day.” High-powered rifles and rocket launchers would please me greatly, but they are bloody difficult to obtain and would be useless in the hands of the untrained. “And only those you trust, who have a vested interest in succeeding.”
“Done. If the Doomsday Brethren are well-trained, Olivia and the book will be safe.”
“Think carefully before you agree. What you suggest will require eighteen hours each day of sweating dedication. You will hurt like you never have in your life. You will cry and beg for mercy, and I will have none.”
“You will find us up to the challenge.”
“Shock, perhaps. Ice, too. If Lucan can channel his anger…” I shrug. “Duke looks far too privileged to sweat for hours on end. Tell him to leave his designer clothes at home.”
Bram cracks a smile. “Of course. And what is your assessment of me?”
“When I have finished with you, you will no longer resemble magic’s pretty boy. But you will be ready to fight.”
“That’s what’s important.” Bram stands and extends his hand across the desk. “Do we have a deal?”
* * *
After I agree to train the Doomsday Brethren and consume breakfast, I journey upstairs to find Olivia lounging on our bed, reading a book. She mumbles something unintelligible to herself, then flicks her wrist. “Damn it.”
“What troubles you?”
