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Julian picked up a beignet and sighed. “No reason to be sorry. It is what it is. Sometimes the good doesn’t get away with staying in the light without visiting the darkness. Sometimes the world needs to be reminded that evil exists. Makes them appreciate the rest.”
As the sweet, powdered goodness coated over his tongue, he was reminded of a time long ago. It had been far too long since he’d been to New Orleans. “Delicious.”
“I trust you,” she admitted in front of the others.
Julian smiled. If all else failed, they’d formed a little trust between them.
“I trust you to pick the right witch,” she clarified and bit into her po boy.
“Same,” Rafe told him.
“Consensus. I like this. See Grey-man. We’ve got a plan.” Julian reached for his water. “Teamwork. I like this.”
“It appears we’re off to see a witch.”
* * *
Julian had never been a fan of witches. Sure, he knew how the vampire had saved the wolf. Magick. Dark High Priestess magick. Ilsbeth had been a long reigning High Priestess for a reason. She dealt with demons. Quid pro quo. Spells for money…favors…blood…even wolves.
The Alpha knew that one day he might come face to face with Ilsbeth again. But it wasn’t going to be today. Still, anything having to do with witch magick deserved caution.
As he stepped out of the car and reached for Cassia’s hand, a protective emotion rushed over him, one he usually reserved only for family. Something about the chameleon was influencing his wolf. But logic won over and he brushed it off, focusing on his surroundings. Though he didn’t sense evil, the sizzle of magick crackled in the air.
Vampires. Wolves. Witches. Most paranormal creatures, ripe with their own special magick, lived their life in the light. Like the humans they walked among, they kept to their business, enjoyed their lives, rarely causing harm to others. But also like humans, a small percentage fell into darkness, never able to crawl out of the pit of destruction that followed.
They all shared the craving for something they didn’t have, something they coveted. Their desires drove them to do whatever it took to attain their goal. Once humans or paranormals allowed evil to settle in their hearts, they rarely found their way back to the light.
Julian had never met Samantha Macquarie, but he’d heard the prophesy long ago of a ginger witch who’d rule New Orleans. A novice, she’d quickly ascended to lead the grand coven. But he could have never imagined her being strong enough to hold onto her title, or that the mighty Ilsbeth would fall so fast and hard.
And though it was rumored Samantha helped Ilsbeth recover from her time in Hell, Julian suspected Ilsbeth would once again try to claim her crown. Though Samantha had bested demons, would she ever be able to keep Ilsbeth from taking New Orleans once again?
Like many ancient creatures, it appeared Ilsbeth had grown stronger, strong enough to save Rafe. He suspected Ilsbeth would grow to covet the young witch, her power. And though Viktor had trusted her enough to help with Rafe, would she continue down the path of helping others or return to the way of the demons?
Today, however, Julian found solace knowing Samantha still ran New Orleans. As he stepped toward the mansion, he sensed her wards. “Feel that?”
“Yeah.” Cassia shot him a look of consternation. “You sure this is the good witch?’
“Ilsbeth’s energy remains,” Greyson grumbled.
“She has a distinctive vibe, but we’re good.” Rafe bounded up the steps. “She’s not here. It’s cool.”
“She’s not to be trifled with.” Julian turned to them. “Never underestimate her.”
“Listen to the Alpha,” the vampire suggested. “She’s gone after wolves before.”
“Whatever.” Rafe rolled his eyes and laughed. “She’s not getting me. I’m her son.”
“I don’t sense evil though,” Cassia noted as she placed her palm against the home’s wooden exterior. “Just pure power.”
The sound of the great wooden door creaking open drew Julian’s attention. He stepped in front of Cassia, shielding her from whatever lay beyond it. Several dozen black moths fluttered into the night.
“I’m so sorry.” A woman dressed in a long grey gown waved the remaining insects away from her face.
“We’re here to see Samantha Macquarie,” Greyson told her.
“Yes, yes. Please, come in. The High Priestess is expecting you.” She gestured for them to enter and quickly shut the door. “Sorry again about the moths. We’re deep into training our baby witches and we had a mishap.”
Julian looked to Cassia who raised her eyebrows at him. A corner of his mouth ticked upward.
