Destined Magic (11 page)

“I’m going to widen the picture. Look here, this white van parks in the alley. The windows are tinted, so it’s hard to see inside.
” Seth looked back at Garrett, making sure he noticed. “I’m going to fast-forward a few minutes.” Garrett nodded again.

Fifteen
minutes from the original time stamp, Elise and Brant walked out of the shop, each carrying a paper cup. The van doors opened, and four men wearing ski masks rushed toward the couple on the street. Brant looked up and stopped and pushed Elise behind him as the men started to circle around the couple.

Brant
linked hands with Elise, getting ready to port them away from harm. Then, one of the men shot Brant in the chest with a Taser. Brant convulsed and hit the ground. Elise leaned down to help him, but one of the men grabbed her and yanked her away. She began to struggle as two of the other men picked up Brant and hurried him to the van. The driver pulled a gun and motioned Elise to follow the others. She quieted and let the man holding her arm lead her to the van.

“This is where it gets really interesting,” Seth exclaimed.

Garrett watched the disk and couldn’t believe his eyes. “Wait, did I see that?” The fools let this show up on camera?

“Yup, they all ported away, except the driver. He’s the only one who gets back in the van.”

“So that’s how they knew to use a Taser to stop Brant from using his magic. They’re witches.” The electricity would short-circuit the magic Brant was trying to summon. It might even overload his system so much that he wouldn’t be able to use his magic for a while. “Did you run the plate on the van?”

“Yes, the van was stolen from
a lot not far from the coffee house. It was found abandoned early this morning. No prints turned up, according to the police.”

Garrett walked into the conference room
a short time later and noticed Mabel standing by the window. She turned when he entered. “I’m sorry to call you in, Garrett. This is a bloody mess. The human police are involved, and that is only going to complicate the matter.”

“
It appears things are accelerating at an alarming pace. Either Brant was being followed last night, or we have a spy in our midst.” Garrett clenched his hands into fists. How had this happened? What was going on?

“Yes, I’m afraid so. Any idea which it is?”

“Not yet, but I’m going to find out. At least, they didn’t kill Brant and Elise, which means they wanted them alive. Or at least they wanted Brant. Elise could have been in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
Great Goddess, please keep Elise safe.

“We’ll need more evidence to be sure. Do you think this is more of the
blood cult’s actions?” Mabel crossed to the table and flung herself into a chair.

Garrett sat as well. “It seems likely. Who else would kidnap a council member off the street?”
What did they want with Brant?

“Well, the
Blacksmith was at the ceremony last night.” Mabel stared at her hands on the table.

“You think Aiden is behind this? No, he would never take hostages. What would be the point? He can talk to my father any
time he wants. I can’t believe he is involved.”

“Check him out
anyway; maybe he is helping someone else. The council is in an uproar, and, frankly, I can’t blame them. This shows that nobody is safe from these people.” Mabel sighed.

“We’ll find them. We have to
.” Elise’s mom must be frantic. Where was she? Garrett expected her to be here demanding he find her daughter.

“I want you to continue with
your plan to pick up Gabriella’s sister tomorrow night. This all started with that anonymous phone call about blood magic being performed at the Blue Dolphin. I want to know why.”

“Do you think that is wise? I can keep Ella safe until we find
Brant and Elise.”

“Something is going on
, and we’re always three steps behind. I want Brenna picked up for questioning.”

“You’re th
e boss.”

“Yes
, I am.” Mabel glared at Garrett. “At least, for a little while longer,” she mumbled.

He
looked at her sharply. What was that supposed to mean?

§

Gabriella walked into Guardian headquarters and felt her good mood deflate. Everyone looked so dejected. Of course, the starkness of the government-like building would depress anyone. But usually a feeling of good humor filled the place as a reminder not to take things too seriously.

No one stopped her as she made her way down the halls toward Garrett’
s office. She was almost there when she heard Garrett swear.

“Dammit, they must be blocking their location with magic. Venetia tried all
morning, but all she sees is darkness.”

“We can send up the air witches to fly over the city
,” Damek’s dark baritone replied. “Maybe they can pick up a hint of magic and give us an idea of where to search.”

“We don’t even know if they are
in
the city. They could have ported anywhere.”

Gabriella
reached the doorway and studied the man who was her Destined One. His red hair was a mess from running his hands through it. His jaw was clenched, and his amethyst eyes looked hard. Maybe, she shouldn’t have come. Would he be angry about her interruption?

“Hi …”

The change that came over Garrett’s face sent all feelings of doubt winging away. The color of his eyes warmed, and his face relaxed into a smile. “Ella. You’re here.”

“I thought we could get something to eat.”
She ran her hand down the red dress she had put on especially for him. Sometime yesterday, all her clothes had been moved to Garrett’s closet.

He started toward her
, and excitement zinged through her system. He looked so determined, she almost stepped back. Reaching her, he pulled her into his arms. His mouth came down in a kiss of desperate claiming. When they came up for air, Gabriella was clutching his shoulders to remain standing, her knees weak. The man could melt her with one kiss.

He steadied her and kissed her forehead. “I’m so glad you decided to come
, but you should have called me. It isn’t safe for you to be alone without some kind of protection.”

“If you’ll excuse me, I’ll leave you two love birds alone. You look lovely, Gabriella. Garrett is lucky to have you.” Damek smiled
, then slipped from the room.

“How are things going with the search?” Gabriella asked as she pushed a strand of red hair off
Garrett’s forehead. She chose to ignore the remark about her safety.

“Not good. We know
Brant and Elise were taken by witches, but we don’t know why or where they are being held. Let’s not talk about it right now. I didn’t realize how tied up in knots I was until you walked in the door. You make my world a better place, Ella.”

“What a lovely thing to say. Can you take a break for
a late lunch?”

Garrett glanced at his watch. “Let me tell Mabel I’m leaving. After lunch
, I need to visit my sister Meadow and pick up a potion she’s making for me. I’d love to have you come with me.”

“I’d love that
, too.” He always made her feel special.

“Then
, let’s go, beautiful.”

Lunch had been wonderful. Because of the late hour, they had missed all the crowds, but Gabriella noticed signs of strain on Garrett’s face. The kidnapping and Elise weren’t far from his mind. He drove Gabriella and himself down the highway away from London in one of the Guardian’s vehicles.

Gabriella
hated to add to his worry, but she couldn’t help but wonder what the Guardians planned to do about her sister. The letter said to meet Brenna tomorrow night at the Blue Dolphin.

A
part of Gabriella’s heart still wanted to save Brenna even though she had sent those men after her. Was it too late? Did Brenna really want her dead?

“You’re awfully quiet over there. Is everything okay?”
Garrett asked, interrupting her thoughts.

“I could ask you the same thing. I was thinking about my sister. I want to go meet her tomorrow night.”

Garrett’s jaw tightened, and he gripped the steering wheel tighter. “No. You are not going to put yourself in danger.”

“Garrett, we don’t know for sure that those men were sent to kill me.”

“They were sent to collect you for one of their blood-cult ceremonies. That means cutting you up slowly so your pain and terror can feed their madness. I’m not going to let that happen. You are not going.”

“But what chance will you have of capturing Brenna if I don’t go? She will run at the first hint of a trap. I am the only one who can draw her out.”

“I am aware of that, and I have a plan. That’s why we are going to see Meadow.”

“Potions won’t capture my sister.”

“Ella, I don’t want to argue with you. I’ve had a hard day already. Can we just enjoy the ride to Somerset and visit with my sister?”

Gabriella bit her lip and nodded her head. Garrett was right
. She didn’t want to argue either. They could discuss her sister later. Then, maybe he would tell her what kind of plan he had worked out.

She l
eaned over and squeezed his leg. He glanced over at her and put his hand over hers, holding her to him. Warmth slowly spread through her.

“Have I told you lately that I love you?”
Garrett asked. Gabriella froze. He loved her.

“No … you haven’t
.” Did she stutter?

“I love you. I think I have from the moment we met. I meant every word we said during the binding ceremony. This lifetime and the next.” He patted her hand resting on his leg. Tears sprang to her eyes
, and she blinked them away as a wellspring of emotion washed over her.

She squeezed his thigh. “I love you too, Garrett.”

“Whatever comes, we will face it together. Everything will work out.”

§

Garrett knew he wasn’t being the best company. His mind kept circling to Elise being kidnapped. Why didn’t she leave Brant and port to safety? Even with one of the men holding her arm, she was strong enough to port right into Guardian headquarters. Was it because they were in a public place and she feared exposing their race? Their laws made exceptions for emergencies. His stomach churned, and he regretted eating the roast beef sandwich at lunch.

Finally
, he turned off the highway onto the road that led deeper into the country. Seeing the trees and green fields calmed him. When he turned onto the dirt road surrounded by greenery, the turmoil of the day slipped away. He lowered the windows of the car and breathed in the smells of the many plants.

Gabriella seemed to be enjoying the atmosphere as well. She smiled and couldn’t take her gaze off the tree
-lined road.

“It’s beautiful here. They certainly live far out, don’t they?”

“They live in an old hunting lodge. Brencis’ cousin, Grigori, and his wife, Melisande, own the property. Lycans like to live surrounded by their pack.”

“It must have come as a shock when your sister’s Destined One turned out to be a lycan.”

“You have no idea. The council was in an uproar. Witches and lycans normally do not associate with each other. But the laws governing Destined Ones are very precise. Under no circumstances can a destined pair be kept apart. Then, there was the shock of two lycans being chosen to be Guardians. I thought Councilman Luften was going to have a coronary. But having lycans on the force has helped tremendously. Their senses are amazing, and they are immune to magic. Well, except for Brencis, poor fellow. They are the natural predators of evil witches. Nature always seems to have her checks and balances.”

“Everyone is taught about
lycans in Magic Creatures 101, so I had heard of them. But I thought they were extinct like so many other creatures. It was only when I met the rest of the Guardians that I realized they weren’t. Brencis seems so protective of Meadow. I thought it was adorable the way he lay at her feet during the ceremony.”

“They are extremely protective and possessive. Meadow doesn’t seem to mind
, and as her older brother, I appreciate knowing she is taken care of. Ah, here we are.”

Garrett
pulled up to the gate and reached over to finger the intercom switch. A crisp male voice came over the speaker. “May I help you?”

“Garrett Amhurst to see Meadow Solovyov
.”

“Please proceed.” The gate slowly lumbered open.

§

Gabriella craned her neck to see the grounds around the
three-story Tudor building. The forested darkness called to her, and a whisper of awareness told her she was noticed, as well. No wonder Garrett’s sister lived here. It was a hidden earth witch paradise. A flash of silver in the woods caught her eye, and she shivered. The forest was also a lycan hunting ground.

Garrett kept his arm around her waist as he led her to the door.
Only a moment later, the door was opened by a mature woman with long brown hair braided at her neck. She greeted Garrett warmly and introduced herself as Rosie, the cook. She led them down the hall into a room that had floor-to-ceiling windows. The late afternoon light filtered in, filling the room with warmth.

“If you’ll wait here, Meadow will be in any minute. She was in her workroom out back
, but I called to let her know you are here. Can I bring you a spot of tea and some biscuits?”

“That would be lovely,” Gabriella gushed.

Rosie smiled and hurried off. Garrett went to the windows and looked out at the lawn and forest behind it. Curious about the estate, Gabriella followed him. To the side you could see the edge of a kitchen garden. A man wearing a floppy hat walked by with a rake. Gabriella thought he might be the gardener. But there was something about him. He moved with grace and power in his stance. Could he be a lycan?

“Here you are.” Rosie pushed in a teacart laden with goodies.

Gabriella looked over the assorted pastries and was glad the ride from London had been a little over an hour. Otherwise, she would still be full from lunch. Garrett sat on a small Victorian chair next to a round table, and Gabriella took the chair on the other side.

Rosie quickly handed out cup
s of tea, followed by a plate of sweets. “Miss Meadow should be here shortly.”

“Thank you, Rosie.” Garrett winked at the older woman
, and her face quickly turned red. “You’ve outdone yourself once again.” He took a sip of tea.

“Mr. Garrett is too kind. If you’ll both excuse me, I need to check the roast in the oven.”

“Of course.” Garrett nodded his head.

Rosie had just left the room when Garrett’s sister walked in. Gabriella recognized her from the ceremony.
Her eyes were the same color as Garrett’s.

“Garrett, Gabriella, it is so good to see you.”

Garrett stood, and Meadow hurried over to give him a hug, her small frame enveloped by his broad shoulders. Gabriella rose, and Meadow surprised her by turning and hugging her, as well. Gabriella’s breath rushed out with the hard squeeze of Meadow’s arms.

“I
’m so happy you found your Destined One. Being mated to Brencis is such a blessing. I’m glad to know my big brother will be as happy.” Meadow pulled over a chair to the little grouping by the tea tray and sat down.

“I’m sure we will be after we get this
blood-cult business behind us.” Garrett sat down and smiled at Gabriella as she returned to her seat.

“It must be difficult for both of you to have this
situation interfere with your bonding,” Meadow said. She poured herself a cup of tea and sipped daintily.

“We have all the time in the world to bond with each other, don’t we
, Ella?” Garrett reached over and squeezed Gabriella’s leg. Her cheeks grew hot, and she nodded in agreement.

“This doppelg
änger potion is very tricky. It could be dangerous.” Meadow sat forward. Doppelgänger potion? Why would Garrett want that? Gabriella wondered.

“You’ll have to add three hairs and some nail trimmings from the person whose form you want to take
,” Meadow explained. “Don’t drink it until you absolutely have to. I think it will last around three hours. After that, you will return to your own form whether you are ready or not.”

“I don’t understand. As an e
arth witch, Garrett can change his shape to any creature that walks on earth. Why does he need a doppelgänger potion?” Ella asked.

“
You’re right. I don’t need a potion. It isn’t for me to use. It’s for you,” Garrett said.

§

Gabriella sat sulking in the passenger seat. Garrett pulled up to his townhouse and parked. They had argued about the potion most of the way home. Garrett had finally put his foot down, and still she refused to use the potion.

How could he let Gabriella go to the Blue Dolphin tomorrow night without some kind of disguise
for protection? The one way to circumvent Ella’s vision was to change places with her. Garrett planned to take her shape and meet with Brenna. The other Guardians would be prepared to port in at any moment.

Garrett had tried to include Gabriella
, and that’s why he asked Meadow for the potion. He could have put Ella to sleep and left her safely at the townhouse. So much for trying to be a partner. He was damned if he did and damned if he didn’t. Gabriella made it abundantly clear that she wouldn’t use the potion even if it meant walking into danger.

Garrett
exited the car. He walked around and opened Gabriella’s door before offering his hand. She took it but refused to meet his gaze while getting out. Garrett’s jaw clenched. He was so frustrated he wanted to shake some sense into her. Why couldn’t she understand he wanted to protect her?

Garrett followed her into the house and watched in silence as she immediately headed upstairs. Sighing, Garrett went into the kitchen and poured himself a glass of wine. He’d have to figure out what to do about dinner. There was nothing in the refrigerator except a few eggs
and vegetables.

A knock on the door drew him from the kitchen. What now? He glanced out the front window and groaned. Two police officers stood on his front porch. He set his wine down on the coffee table and opened the door.

“Good evening, Officers. Can I help you?”

“Garrett Amhurst the third?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“We’d like to ask you a few questions about Elise Delaire and Cu
rtis Brant.”

“Of course, please come in.” Garrett waved them to the front room before calling up the stairs. “Ella, we have company. Please come down, sweetheart.”

Gabriella walked to the landing and looked down.

“The police are here to ask us a few questions.”

Gabriella bit her lip and nodded. She started down the stairs, and Garrett noticed she had removed her shoes and was now barefoot. He loved the flash of red on each toe that matched her dress. When she reached the bottom of the stairs, he slid his arm around her and pulled her into his side. He felt her tremble slightly and gave her a quick squeeze of reassurance before leading her into the front room.

“This is my wife, Gabriella. The last time we saw Elise and Mr.
Brant was at our wedding ceremony.”

The officers
shook hands with Gabriella, and she encouraged them to take a seat. Garrett sat on the couch with Gabriella tucked into his side and his arm around her shoulders. She curled her legs up and covered her feet with her skirt.

“Ho
w well do you know, Curtis Brant?” Officer Jenkins asked. Garrett noticed the way the man looked admiringly at Gabriella.

“Not very well.
” Garrett tried to bring the officer’s focus back to him. “Mr. Brant is fairly new to the board of directors of Wishmakers, Inc. Most of the board is my father’s age. Brant is closer to my age so he worked hard for his job. I didn’t see him often unless I was reporting to the board as a whole.”

“
What about you, Missus. Did you know Mr. Brant?”

“No.” Gabriella shook her head.
“I met him at the wedding reception. He was invited because of his affiliation with my new father-in-law.”