Thats why I asked you to come over, my boyso I can give you something important.
Standing, she walked slowly and stiffly to an antique sideboard and slid open a drawer. She reached inside, withdrew a small wooden box, and returned to sit beside Kalen. Handing the box to him, she nodded for him to open it.
Curious, he raised the little hinged lid and peered inside. Wow, he said, touching the cool metal object. It was a silver pentagram pendant about the size of a silver dollar, attached to a matching chain. Excited, he lifted the necklace and studied the swirling design etched into the pendant. A Sorcerers amulet?
Exactly.
Awesome! This is mine?
Yes. Its been in my family for generations. The story goes that it was blessed by Druid priests to protect the wearer from all harm, no matter how great the source of evil. Again she hesitated, a shadow of sadness in her blue eyes. It wouldve been your mothers, but she didnt inherit the gift. And then she married your father and he turned her mind against the arts and eventually against you. . . . Well, it doesnt matter now. Its yours. Perhaps I shouldve given it to you already, but I thought you were too young to understand the responsibility of owning it. Of taking good care of it.
And shed given it to him today because she was running out of precious time.
The pendant shook in Kalens grasp. So I just wear it? Thats all?
Wear it and never take it off, Kalen. Her bony fingers grasped his knee. Not to shower, to sleep, to play ball or ride bikes. Not for any reason, ever . Is that clear?
Yes, maam, he croaked. Fumbling with the clasp, he lifted the necklace, reached behind his neck, and fastened it after a couple of tries. There. Mission accomplished. Im safe from all the creepaziods in the world. He tried a cheeky grin, hoping to lighten things up.
Grandma returned his smile, and though the shadows in her eyes remained, she seemed happy enough now. That you are, little hellion. Run along and join your friends, she said with a throaty laugh. Youre practically vibrating with impatience.
Leaping to his
feet, Kalen grabbed the box and gave his grandma a quick kiss as she rose. Thanks! I promise not to take it off!
The heavy visit at an end, he once again looked forward to his Saturday and all the promise it held. Jogging to the front door, he yanked it open. And suddenly stopped. Turning, he faced the woman he loved more than anyone on earth, hurried back to her, and impulsively threw his arms around her middle. Hugged her close and breathed in her sweet scent.
I love you, Grandma.
I love you so much, my boy. Always will. She kissed the top of his head. Go on now, have fun. The day is wasting!
Grinning at her, he turned and dashed out, down the porch steps, his heart light. Hed think about the bad stuff later. Everything would be cool. Right?
It might have been. If only hed kept his promise.
And if only hed known that the lingering warmth of her love, enveloping him like a cozy blanket as he pedaled away, would have to last him for the rest of his life.
One
Right this second the Alpha Packs beloved resident Fae prince, Sariel, might by dying. On top of that, Aric Savages mate had nearly been killed a short while ago by the witch Beryl before Aric ripped out Beryls throat, thereby putting an end to any information they might have gained from her.
The danger surrounding them all increased daily. Hourly. A traitor walked among Kalens friends and colleagues, slowly drowning in the darkness clogging his lungs. Overtaking his soul.
And its all my fucking fault . . . because the traitor is me.
As Aric tended to Rowan and the prince was rushed to the infirmary, Kalen hung his head. He tried to find comfort in the fact that Arics mate was all right, but it didnt work. Then he wanted the earth to swallow him when Nick Westfall, the Packs commander, ushered everyone into the conference room and demanded to know, How the fuck did Beryl get out of Block T?
I let her out. His voice caught. God, Im so sorry
Why? Did she seduce you, or was it Malik?
Kalen died a thousand deaths during the questions that followed his confession and the truthful answers he supplied. In Kalens wretched lifetime hed suffered abuse and humiliation. Isolation. Starvation. More horrors than most people ever had to face.
But none of those were worse than almost achieving his dreams of a home, a job, a family of sorts, and most of all, acceptance among those who were as different as himself. Almost. Before Malik, king of the Unseelie and Sariels evil sire, decided that Kalen BlackSorcerer, Necromancer, and panther shifterwas exactly the sort of powerful ally he needed in his quest to rule the world.
And that hed begin by taking over Kalens mind. One wicked suggestion at a time.
Facing them all, Kalen whispered his admission. Not her. Malik. He resisted the urge to squirm under Nicks hard gaze.
He gained control of your mind long enough to make you let her out?
Yes, sir. I think Beryl spelled me back at the house where we caught her. My defenses are . . . crumbling. I cant keep him out for very long at a time.