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For way too long, Grant felt powerless to act, to move, to think. But he gave himself to his wolf. Though he didn’t shift, more fur sprouted down his arms and across his chest.
He growled heavily and was about to complete the shift and attack Landris, when the wizard broke eye-contact with Natalie. She stopped in her tracks and as Landris shifted his gaze to Grant, he also waved his arm then drew his fist in a downward motion along his side.
A wave of power hit Grant and he flew back several feet. At the same time, he found he couldn’t shift. He lay on his back on the hard, stone-paved floor but the thick sensation inside his mind was gone.
He sprang to his feet.
“What the hell are you doing?” Natalie shouted at Landris, her face pink with anger. “You’re supposed to be helping us and why were you trying to seduce me?”
Landris didn’t answer her question. Instead, he turned to Neil. “You may retire. I won’t hurt them or disrupt their bonding path.”
Neil bowed and at the same time took two steps back. “Thank you. I owe you a tremendous debt of gratitude.” He then headed to the elevator and slid the louvered metal door to the side. He began to ascend, leaving them alone with Landris.
Grant levitated swiftly to stand beside Natalie once more. “What the hell was that?”
“A simple test to get a taste of you both, of your power and your relationship. As I understand it, we don’t have much time. You’re in a battle with the wolf, Kryder, who I know is one of the vilest members of our Five Bridges society. He won’t rest til you’re both dead. Neil was right. At the very least, you need this spell. I apologize if I hurt either of you. Do you wish me to continue?”
“Yes, of course,” Natalie said.
But Grant wanted a few answers. “We both thought you were dead.”
Landris levelled his gaze on Grant. Once more, he felt the wizard’s power flowing in his direction like a tangible wave of energy. “Forces were at work twenty years ago and I had to go into hiding. You and Natalie are two of only a handful that know of my continued existence. If you leak the truth of what you see here tonight, I will have you both killed. Do you understand?”
“Yes,” Natalie said quietly.
“It won’t be a problem.”
“Good.” Landris met his gaze once more. “Ask them. All those burning questions setting a blaze through your mind.”
The man offered, and Grant took him at his word. “What is this wave of energy I feel coming from you.”
“A wave of energy. Next question.”
“Can you create an invisibility spell specific to me? To Natalie?”
“For you both singularly and together. Next.”
Natalie asked, “Do you employ a fae to keep you informed of future events?”
“Yes. She’s enhanced with low, safe dosages of sapphire flame.”
“You’re serious? You would do that to her?”
For the first time, Landris smiled. “You don’t know this woman. She devised the use of the drug. I don’t require it of her. But it helps and that’s something the two of you must keep in mind. She’s seen parts of your path over the next two nights. She’s seen you both dead and she’s seen you both alive. Your future shifts about almost with each breath you take. But one thing is certain: You must work together or perish. I’m done with your questions.”
“Just one more and on this I insist,” Grant said.
“You insist? You realize I could cover this floor with your blood and you wouldn’t have an inkling I was coming for you.”
Grant ignored the threat. “Why are you willing to do this for us? I sense you’re driven by self-interest so what’s it to you?”
“You’ve taken my measure I see. And correctly so. Self-interest is the sum of life. Nothing else matters or even makes sense. But very well, I’ll answer. I need Kryder dead and you’re my best chance at getting the job done.” He glanced from Grant to Natalie then back.” His gaze narrowed. “But I must say I’m disappointed.” His lip curled. “If you’re the best Savage can offer, then your territory is doomed.”
“I’m not the best. I don’t claim to be. But I don’t care about your opinion of me. You and I appear to want the same thing, though I don’t need Kryder dead. Death Valley would serve.”
“Then you’re a fool. Kryder would walk out of the Death Valley Penitentiary the same hour he arrived, then he’d come for you. But it doesn’t matter. I’ve seen enough, and I’ve changed my mind. I’m not interested in working with either of you.”
~ ~ ~
