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“I need you and Lucian. I’ve failed Benedict. He threatened to kill me,” Mariah cried as she wiped her cheeks.
“Are you harmed?” Lucian demanded.
“No, I got out in time, but Benedict’s lost control. I don’t know what to do,” Mariah whispered.
“Get in your car and drive to us, Mariah; I’ll make you a room and run a bath. Come straight here. Do you have your keys, honey?” Maggie asked.
“Yes, Benedict insisted I keep them on me,” Mariah replied.
“Then come here, now, Mariah. I’ll kick my brother’s ghostly arse when I see him,” Lucian said firmly.
“Okay,” Mariah whispered.
She hung up the call and watched as Benedict threw himself over and over at the barrier, trying to break free.
The only problem was, Mariah thought as she hauled herself upright. Benedict wasn’t a damn ghost!
Mariah rose to her feet as she stared at the man she’d been falling in love with. He was crazed now, beyond reasoning, and Mariah knew she had lost him. From behind her, chanting erupted, and Mariah twisted and saw the four witches standing holding hands. They raised their hands together, and something shot from them and hit the inn.
“What was that?” Mariah demanded as tears rolled down her eyes.
“A freeze-time spell. It will slow events in the Black Cat down. It was also a repelling spell. Nobody will visit, not even the most determined, until we fetch help. Benedict only had ten hours left before he turned, remember? We’ve given him and Lady Catherine time. Come, Mariah, we need to plan, and we don’t have the luxury of piddling about!” Edith said as she helped Mariah to a car that was parked up.
Lucian
“So Benedict is acting out of character?” Maggie asked as she touched Lucian’s shoulder.
“Yes, very much so. He would never dream of attacking a defenceless, innocent woman. It is beyond him to imagine it,” Lucian replied as he rose from their bed.
Maggie watched unashamedly at his naked body. Ever since he had regained his life, they had spent every minute possible in bed, showing how much they loved one another.
“Lucian, are we going to lose him? Because I think Mariah is in love with him,” Maggie asked.
Lucian pulled on his breeches and scowled.
“No, I will regain my brother. I shall not fail him a second time!” Lucian said with such promise that Maggie didn’t hesitate in trusting him. Lucian sent her a wicked grin.
“While I cherish your bare skin, my darling, I doubt Mariah will. Come. Get dressed. We are needed.”
Maggie blushed and dashed out of bed and into the bathroom. Lucian’s chuckle followed her, sending more heat to her cheeks.
Mariah
“How did you know?” Mariah asked as Rose-Marie drove towards the Jekyll and Hyde.
“We sensed it happening, and we’d seen omens. Tonight had been pre-ordained, and the signs aligned. The spell we did, Mariah, will slow time within the inn, which gives us until this evening to formulate a plan to rescue Benedict from himself. We require more allies, though, and while I understand it is the early hours of the morning, please, can you approach those out of place in time?” Prudence said.
Mariah turned to her in surprise.
“The Rakehell Six?”
“Yes, them. We need thirteen bodies to hold the Black Cat. Whether they realise it or not, the Rakehell Six have a spot of magic about them because of their contact with higher powers. Mariah, we require them to save Benedict,” Hillary said.
“Should I call now? It’s only half-past two in the morning.”
“Mariah, yes. Today is going to be confusing and needs planning. The components for spells need collecting, and we have to explain their role very carefully. So please contact whoever you have and ask them to meet us,” Edith urged.
“I have the Duke of Monmouth.”
