AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Although Zander and I hadn’t always gotten along, witnessing the once proud alpha’s suffering was terrible. “Lola’s right,” I acknowledged. “It’s horrific. It’s like watching a human turn feral. Unless we can figure out how to reverse the spell, he’s dying.” I paused. “The hunters are working with a dark witch named Giselle.”
Giselle’s name seemed to strike a nerve in Eleanor. Her eyes narrowed, and her jaw clenched. “That bitch,” she hissed. “She put a curse on one of my ex-boyfriends years ago, and I’ve been itching to settle the score ever since. If she’s helping those hunters, then count me in on this fight.”
I suppressed a wry smile. Funny that Eleanor’s personal vendetta against Giselle seemed to be the key to winning her over.
“I’m glad you’re on board,” I said. “Right now, we need to find the witches helping the hunters and convince them to stop strengthening their forces. Do either of you have any ideas?”
Julia sighed, her expression turning somber. “Unfortunately, the witches who work with hunters are part of a closely guarded coven. Tracking them down won’t be easy, especially for a shifter like yourself. However,” she continued, “I can attempt to contact them through magical means and persuade them to meet with you. I can’t promise anything, but it’s worth a try.”
“Thank you, Julia,” I said, grateful that she was willing to help. “Every step we take toward dismantling the hunters’ support system brings us closer to a safer world for all paranormal creatures.”
The sun dipped low in the sky as we strolled back toward Lola’s shop. Residents walked down the streets, talking and laughing. It was moments like these that reminded me of what was truly at stake here—our shared sense of community, safety, and acceptance.
“Look.” I addressed Julia and Eleanor again. “I know you have doubts about this plan, but I’m determined to put an end to the witches’ alliance with the hunters. Shifters and humans have lived harmoniously in Blackwood Creek for years, and it’s time to show the supernatural world that peaceful coexistence is possible.”
Julia nodded thoughtfully, her eyes filled with quiet resolve. “I understand where you’re coming from, Ridge. Even if we can’t contact the hostile witch coven, I want you to know that we appreciate your offer of protection here in Blackwood Creek. It’s not easy for us witches to find a place where we can settle down without fear of being hunted or ostracized.”
“Speak for yourself,” Eleanor snapped, rolling her eyes. “I was doing just fine in Canada before I had to come down here and babysit Lola’s magical training.”
“Regardless,” Julia continued, shooting her sister a stern glance, “we’re thankful for your hospitality. A lot of witches travel frequently to stay under the radar, but I hope we can call Blackwood Creek home for a while.”
“Of course,” I said. “You’re both welcome to stay here as long as you like.”
“We’re all at risk,” Tori said. “We need to support one another if we’re going to succeed.”
Julia offered me a warm smile in return. Eleanor, on the other hand, crossed her arms and stared off into the distance. “Fine,” Eleanor muttered begrudgingly. “I’ll stay for now, but once Lola’s training is complete, I’m going back to my life in Canada.”
“Fair enough,” I said evenly. Not everyone would be as eager to embrace this new vision for Blackwood Creek. We all had our own paths in life, and it was important to respect each other’s choices and boundaries.
As we approached Lola’s office, twilight enveloped the town. The streetlamps flickered to life, casting a soft glow upon the brick buildings and cobblestone streets. It was a picturesque scene.
“Blackwood Creek has the potential to be a sanctuary for supernatural creatures from all corners of the world,” I said. “And I won’t rest until we’ve secured that future for everyone who calls this place home.”
My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I fished it out of my pocket. Glancing at the screen, I saw it was the care facility where my Aunt Lucille resided. My lungs constricted as I excused myself from Julia and Eleanor to answer the call.
“Hello?” I said.
“Mr. Blackwood, this is Nora from Pinecrest Care Facility,” the woman on the other end said, her tone professional. “I’mcalling to inform you that your aunt’s condition has been deteriorating over the past few days.”
Dread sank into my gut like a stone, weighing me down. With everything going on in town—Tori, the hunters, and now the witches—I hadn’t visited Aunt Lucille recently. Guilt gnawed at me as I gripped the phone tighter.
“Is she lucid? Can you put her on the phone for a minute?” I asked, hoping to hear her voice, even if just for a moment.
“Of course, Mr. Blackwood. Give me a moment,” Nora said before briefly placing me on hold. I heard the faint rustling of fabric as the phone was handed over.
“Lucille?” I said softly, listening carefully for any sign of recognition in her voice.
“Hyde, Hyde,“ she mumbled. She continued to ramble about nonsensical things, and I struggled to find a way to connect with her.
“Lucille, it’s Ridge. I’ll come visit you later today, okay?”
Her rambling didn’t cease, and it seemed as though my words hadn’t reached her. She mentioned “Hyde” again, her voice cracking as she began to sob. My heart ached for her.
“Thank you for letting me know, Nora,” I said once the nurse had taken the phone back. “I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
After ending the call, I stood there for a moment, trying to process the information. Aunt Lucille’s fear of Jaxon Hyde was becoming more apparent, and I needed to find out why. Although, it wasn’t just fear; it seemed like guilt was weighing heavily on her conscience, as if she wanted to confess something but wasn’t sure why. I’d ask Jaxon about her, hoping he could help shed some light on the situation.
“Everything okay?”
