Rising Covenant (Living Covenant Trilogy Book 1) (19 page)

“You have a way with words,” I said.

“And don’t you forget it.” Aric linked his fingers with mine. “Come on, team. We have nothing else to do now but win.”

T
he three of
us walked to the front gate, Aric and I holding hands as Paris held her head high and matched our pace. The white walls of the brick mansion loomed above us, creating an ugly tableau in an otherwise perfect sky.

The men and women on the other side of the gate were atwitter, whispers flying as they noticed our arrival. They’d been expecting us. That didn’t mean they were ready for us.

“There are two people on the watchtower, Zoe,” Aric said, keeping his voice low. “They have rifles. I know you don’t want to but … .”

“I know,” I said. I briefly closed my eyes, power building faster than it ever had before. When I pushed the wave out, a huge ball of fire appeared in front of me and blew through the gate, not stopping until it collided with the watchtower.

The explosion was deafening, as were the terrified screams of the compound dwellers. Flames licked the walls of the watchtower, climbing quickly as the men on the top deck frantically tossed a rope ladder over the side. I had no idea whether they’d make it to the ground. I did know they weren’t taking their guns, even though they refused to abandon the weapons and clutched them to their chests.

As the two men started their ladder descent, I pushed out again, whipping the wind in their direction with enough force their guns blew out of their hands and clattered to the ground below. The wind wasn’t done. It continued its assault on the firearms, not relenting until they were pushed through the slats of the fence and tossed into the trees on the other side.

“That was pretty interesting, baby,” Aric said, glancing at me. “How do you feel?”

“I feel normal.”

Aric didn’t look convinced. “You just whipped up a windstorm and a fireball. That doesn’t seem normal to me.”

“I … .” What did he want me to say? Should I admit that for a second, right as the fireball hit the watchtower, I felt a surge of angry power? I didn’t think he would take that well. “I’m not trying to frighten you.”

“You’re not,” Aric said. “I’m … impressed.”

“I’m okay, Aric.”

“Keep it that way,” Aric said. “You’re never going to get that ring if you fall off the rails.”

Well, if I wasn’t motivated before … .

“Here comes Quinn,” Paris hissed.

I peered through the gate, frowning when I saw the man walking in our direction. He appeared composed, his face placid as he studied us. His eyes crinkled at the corners as he grew closer, and the hints of gray in his hair belied his true age even as his face made him appear younger.

“You must be Zoe Lake,” Quinn said, stopping before he reached the gate. He probably wanted to appear bold, but I could practically smell the fear wafting off of him. It was too bad Eddie was dead. He would probably appreciate the phenomenon.

“You must be Quinn Redford,” I said. “I can’t say it’s nice to meet you. Open the gate.”

“I don’t think that’s in our best interests,” Quinn said, pressing his lips together as he looked me up and down. “I’ve seen photographs of you from years ago, but you’re not what I expected.”

“I haven’t showered in a couple of days,” I admitted. “My hair is greasy, I’m not wearing any makeup, and I have blisters the size of bumblebees on my feet. I’m probably not making the best first impression.”

“Oh, on the contrary,” Quinn said, his voice silky. “Your entrance was … inspired.”

“Awesome,” I said. “I’m glad you approve. You need to bring my parents out right now. If you don’t, I’ll start burning bodies – even if they’re walking around.”

A murmur whipped through the crowd. Quinn did his best to ignore it, but the irritation on his face was evident.

“You’re in no position to make demands,” he said. “This is my home. I understand you’ve come to lay siege to it, but there’s no reason to be rude.”

“I’m always rude,” I admitted. “I can’t seem to help myself. If you’re expecting an apology, you’re going to be waiting a long time. I’m not sorry.”

“I see.”

“Do you? You lied to my friend and used her in an attempt to get close to me because you wanted me to activate a really old book you were convinced would give you the keys to unlock my power,” I said. “Then you sent a cadre of wolves to my home. When that didn’t work, you took my parents. From where I’m standing, I’m not the rude one for a change.”

“I suppose that makes sense … from where you’re standing,” Quinn said. “From where I’m standing, though, you’re an abomination. You should never have been born. It’s my job to wipe out an abomination for the good of mankind.”

“You’re a schmuck,” I shot back, not missing a beat. “You have no idea what I am. You’ve built it up in your mind, but the truth is a lot scarier than even you can fathom.”

“And with a threat like that, you still don’t want people to believe you’re an abomination, do you?”

“Believe whatever you want,” I replied. “I don’t really care what you believe. I want my parents, and I want them now.”

“And what happens if I don’t give them to you?”

“I’ll burn you alive.” It wasn’t an empty threat. I meant it. I wanted to avoid killing as many of the people in the compound as possible, but I had no illusions regarding Quinn’s fate. “Bring my parents to me now or I will start lighting magical matches.”

Quinn’s bravado slipped. “What will you give in return?” He wasn’t ready to give up – not yet, at least.

“What do you want?”

“I want The Archimage.”

“Done,” I said, reaching over and grabbing the book from Paris. I held it up so he could see it. “Go nuts.”

“Do you really expect me to believe you’re going to give me the most powerful book in the land and then let me walk away?” Quinn was dubious.

“This book can’t give you power,” I replied honestly. “It never could. I know you think it holds some deep, dark secret that will allow you to claim my powers for yourself, but that’s simply not the case.”

“And how do you know that?”

“Because I was born into my powers,” I answered. “The blood from my parents melded, so I’m capable of wielding power. You don’t have my blood. You can’t get it. This book is going to do absolutely nothing for you.

“Still, if you want it, I’m willing to trade it for my parents,” I said. “It will be my one and only offer.”

Quinn wrinkled his brow, feigning thoughtful consideration even though I knew he was chomping at the bit to get the book. “And what about my followers? Will you leave us all to our lives and promise no retribution?”

“Sure.” It was a total lie. He knew I couldn’t make that promise yet he wanted to hear the words because he was desperate to keep his followers from panicking.

“Bring the mages,” Quinn said, glancing at one of the men near the front door of the house. “I think we’ve struck a deal here.”

“Great,” I said, exchanging a quick look with Aric.

“Watch him,” Aric whispered. “He’s not done yet.”

“I know. I want to see Mom and Dad.”

“Then what are you going to do?” Aric asked, although I think he already knew.

“I’m willing to let the others go,” I said. “Teague and Quinn aren’t leaving this place.”

“I couldn’t agree more,” Aric said. “We are not spending the rest of our lives looking over our shoulders and jumping at every shadow.”

I squeezed his hand. “It’s almost over.”

“I hope so.”

“Me, too,” I said. “I want to go home.”

When the front door of the house finally opened, I wanted to cry out in relief when I saw my parents. Both of them looked a little ragged and shaken, and Mom’s face was murderous as Teague pushed her forward. It shouldn’t have surprised me that he handled their care. It only made me want to kill him more.

As they approached, Mom’s eyes landed on me and I saw a tear slip down her face. Dad was stoic – as always – but I could tell he was furious. They were next to Quinn before anyone spoke again.

“I’ll bet you’re surprised to see me, Zoe,” Teague said, his malevolent eyes sparkling. “I had you fooled, didn’t I?”

“No, I always knew you were an idiot,” I replied.

Teague scowled, viciously yanking my mother’s hair and sneering at me from the relative safety of the compound. “What did you say?”

I didn’t realize what I was doing until it was too late. I lashed out with my mind, smacking him hard. Instead of the magical “slap” I used to be able to dole out, a gaping wound opened on the side of Teague’s face and sent him reeling.

Aric sucked in a breath but otherwise remained silent as Mom shot Teague a condescending look.

“I told you not to mess with her,” Mom said. “I told you this would end badly for you. You never listen. But you’re a politician. Politicians never listen.”

I swallowed hard as I focused on my parents. “Are you guys okay?”

“We’re fine,” Dad said, rubbing his wrists. I could see the angry red marks left behind from the ropes that obviously bound them before Teague retrieved them. “We didn’t need you to come rescue us. I was just about to make my move.”

I smirked. Dad liked to watch action adventure movies and often fancied himself the next Terminator. “I’m sorry to have ruined your fun.”

“What’s done is done,” Dad said, his face immovable as he met my gaze. “What happens now?”

“Now? Now Quinn opens the gate and I exchange The Archimage for the two of you.” I lifted the book for emphasis. “Then everyone goes on their merry way.”

Teague, who was desperately trying to stem the blood flowing from his cheek, growled. “I’m going to kill you.”

“Shut up, Teague,” Quinn snapped. “We have made a deal. You will not go back on it.”

“She just … .”

“Perhaps you should have kept your hands to yourself,” Quinn suggested. “I warned you about touching the prisoners. You wouldn’t listen, though.”

“He’s always been a moron,” Mom sniffed.

Teague raised his hand as if to strike her but the magic I shot in his direction lifted him from the ground and flung him backward. He didn’t stop until he rocketed into the side of the house, the sickening sound of his neck breaking accompanying his final fall. He slumped on the ground, his eyes vacant and lifeless as he stared at the nothing his future had become.

Quinn’s mouth dropped open, abject fear and surprise washing over his features. When he turned back to me, his hands trembled. “You promised to leave us unharmed.”

“Then he should have kept his filthy paws off of my parents,” I snapped, a red ember of anger growing in the pit of my stomach. “I warned you what would happen if they were hurt. He was going to hit my mother.”

“Your powers are impressive,” Quinn said, sucking in a breath and collecting himself. “I had no idea you were this powerful. The book said mages could control vampires and werewolves when the mood struck, but this … .”

“I’m more than a mage,” I said.

“And what are you?”

“Ticked off,” I said. “Open the gate and give me my parents. I’ve had just about as much as I can take here. I’m tired and I want to go home. If you want to keep your home, stop screwing around and give me what I want.”

I could feel the ember growing. Crap. I had to get control of myself before this spiraled.

“There’s no reason to have a meltdown,” Quinn said, widening his eyes. “I … someone open the gate!”

No one rushed forward to do his bidding. Everyone was too terrified of what I might do. Teague’s body was a reminder of what I was capable of, and no one wanted to risk it.

“Someone open the gate,” Quinn repeated, glancing around.

That was it. I wrinkled my nose and pushed some of the growing energy out of me. It landed on the gate’s latch, sparking, and the doors blew open. Even I was surprised by the spectacle.

“Zoe … .” Aric was at a loss for words, worry overtaking him. I was starting to share in his dread. We had to end this now.

“Send my parents over here,” I ordered.

“Give me the book,” Quinn countered.

“Dammit!” I stalked through the gate, not bothering to glance at any of Quinn’s followers as they scattered. I slapped the book in Quinn’s hand and motioned to my parents. “We’re going.”

They didn’t need to be told twice, scampering in Paris’ direction.

“We’re done,” I told Quinn. “I want you to tell these … morons … that it’s over and send them home.”

“Why would I do that? I have the book.” Quinn shook it in my face. “Your power will be mine soon. Perhaps you’re the moron.”

I arched a challenging eyebrow. “Perhaps. Why don’t you look inside the book?”

Quinn’s face slackened, but he wasn’t ready to give up on his victory just yet. When he opened the book, his eyes widened to almost comical proportions and he started flipping pages, frowning as blank page after blank page hurried by.

“I don’t understand,” he said. “What did you do?”

“I told you that book wasn’t going to help you,” I warned.

“This is my book! This is my power! What did you do, you bitch!” Quinn lashed out, slapping me across the face before I could duck. The slap echoed throughout the quiet compound.

The ember was a big ball now, and it hammered at the walls of my chest walls.

“You’re going to regret touching me,” I said, my temper flaring.

Whatever Quinn saw when he looked upon my face terrified him. He took an involuntary step back, raising his hands in an attempt to ward off the inevitable. I didn’t care. It was too late for him. The anger inside of me wouldn’t allow him to make an escape.

“You can’t do this,” Quinn howled. “We made a deal!”

“Perhaps I lied,” I said, narrowing my eyes. “Did you really think I would just let you go?”

“Zoe!” I swiveled, staring at my mother as her hand covered her mouth. “What’s wrong with her eyes?”

I had no idea what she was talking about, but I was beyond caring. “Don’t worry, Mom. I’m going to kill Quinn, and we can get out of here.”

“You can’t kill me,” Quinn screamed. “I’m forever!”

I didn’t get a chance to toss back a witty retort because Aric was already at his side. His face was full of a myriad of emotions, although love and fear were at the forefront.

“What are you doing?”

“Saving you,” Aric replied. He grabbed Quinn’s shoulders, turning the man quickly. Aric’s strong hands found Quinn’s neck and I knew what he was going to do before he did it. Aric snapped Quinn’s head to the side, breaking his neck and letting his body fall between us. His eyes never left my face.