Denai Touch: Excalibar Investigations Series (10 page)

Mel’s expression darkened. “I know. Jade’s been telling me about your case. I’m here in the city looking for one named Daphne Lucas.”

Cate frowned. “The name doesn’t ring any bells. Why haven’t I heard of her?” she asked. “Is she dark?”

“No. She went rogue and distanced herself from the rest of the coven about a decade ago, but it’s not that unusual. Some of us can’t cope with Seline and her set ways.”

“What was Lucas?”

“Touch telepath, worked as a bounty hunter over in Lorden.”

“Test results should be back tomorrow morning, but it’d be a pretty big coincidence if the dead Denai isn’t her,” said Jade.

“Never did like Bethany, I’ll help you find her if I can,” said Mel. “What do you think Phelps is looking for?”

“I think it was some kind of book, I saw a flash of a big, blue tome. Must be something important for her to try and use me to find it.”

Mel’s eyes widened. “Was it dark blue? With a silver, seven-pointed star engraved on the cover?”

“I think so, yeah. Why didn’t I see it before? It could only be the Grand Grimoire, it’s the only book that looks like that,” she said, feeling a rush of excitement. “But Mel, that’s been missing…”

“For nearly three thousand years. Yeah, I know — I was there when it happened — but it makes sense. That book is powerful.”

The Grand Grimoire was the magical journal which had been passed from Grand Mistress to Grand Mistress since the time of Denai herself, and was filled with all their knowledge of spells and Magickind. When the Covenant had attacked the coven’s home village and killed Cate’s great-grandmother, Ide, the book had vanished without a trace, leaving the McCray’s without the knowledge of their ancestors. The Covenant had thankfully never got their hands on the sacred book, but neither had anyone else.

“I know my mum and gran have spent centuries looking for it, but what makes Tasha think
I
can find it?”

“You’re the Goddess Marked, the incarnation of Denai’s power. It seems only right that you’d be the one to find a missing piece of your clan’s heritage.”

Cate laughed. “I can barely control my visions so finding the Grimoire would be incredible.” She looked over at Jason to see Angie giving him a sickly flirtatious smile. “Argh, I’m going over there to slap that bitch in a minute.”

“Why? What do you care who Talbot shags?” asked Jade.

“I don’t care, but goddess, why Angie? I thought he couldn’t stand her. He’d better not bring her home with him.” She glared over at Jason.

“Forget Talbot, maybe you should take her ladyship’s advice and find a nice hunky bloke to feed off,” Mel suggested.

“Do you share power during sex?”

Mel grinned. “Of course, it’s exhilarating. I’m a conduit, I naturally channel power and my Doug enjoys it too. Come on, there’s no shortage of fit blokes in here. Use your senses to find the most powerful one then live a little.”

“Too much information, Mum!” Jade exclaimed. “Cate, you could go home and dream about being Talbot’s virgin bride again.”

“Oh, shut up!” Cate couldn’t help but look over at Jason again as she sensed his eyes on her. She felt a flood of jealousy as Angie ran a hand up his thigh. Her eyes flashed and she felt power burning just beneath the surface. Someone screamed as several glasses on the bar exploded.

Crap!
she thought.
Get a hold of yourself!

“Angie is just doing it to wind you up. Ignore her,” said Jade. “This is normal. I told you your emotions are heightened.”

As Mel and Jade chatted away, Cate couldn’t stop herself from feeling envious of their close relationship; something she’d never had with her own mother and probably never would. Being a Denai was all about being in control of their emotions and, in turn, their powers. It was why Seline was so good at what she did; she never gave in to her sensitivities, but Cate had always found it hard keeping her feelings under wraps.

Tossing off her jacket, Cate headed to the dance floor with Mel and Jade and the three of them started moving to the music. She was surprised Mel was actually dancing; the beer must have loosened her up a bit. It was a great way of raising or channelling energy. The song was upbeat so she happily swayed her hips to it.

“Hey, forget about Talbot. If the idiot chooses that blow-up doll over you then to hell with him,” Mel said.

“It isn’t like that between us.”

“Right, that’s why you can’t stop thinking about your dream and why you don’t keep sneaking glances over at them.” Jade grinned.

Cate shook her head and found her gaze drifting back to the bar. “I just don’t want him to get hurt.”

Mel laughed. “Yeah, right. Talbot would never fall for her.”

Cate turned away, feeling power stirring inside her and her hands tingling with energy. Damn, it would be so easy to get Angie to go away. She’d never wanted to compel someone so much in her life. Why did seeing the two of them together bother her so much?

Maybe it was time to take Gran’s advice and find a sexy guy to dance with. She was young and single, so what the hell?

The music changed to something dark, slow and seductive. Swaying to the music, Cate closed her eyes, letting her senses roam around the club. Energy pulsed and her body moved with its rhythm. Her amulet sparkled as she felt her power stir. Looking over at Mel, her body flashed with faint red light and Jade glowed a shade of amber.

Cate started scanning for potential guys, noticing that all eyes were now on her. Smiling, she continued moving seductively; every witch should enjoy the attention she got from men. Surrounded by sparkling silver orbs, she felt her magic moving with her.

What the hell are you doing?
She was almost broken out of the hypnotic dance by the voice inside her head. Jason.

Enjoying myself. Why? I’m surprised you even noticed,
she replied tartly.

Hard not to when you’re drawing every guy in the club to you!
There was a hard edge to his voice.

Jealous?
Cate grinned.
I’m just dancing.

Turning, she saw Angie stomping towards her. “I hope you’re happy, bitch!” A ball of faint, blue, witch fire formed in her palm.

Cate’s eyes blazed with silver light. “Remember who you’re talking to.” Her amulet glowed and energy pulsed through the air as everyone in the club was compelled into a trance-like state, completely unaware of what was going on.

“I don’t give a fuck if you’re the Grand Mistress or Denai herself. This is all your fault!”

Cate laughed. “Right, it’s my fault that Jason doesn’t want you.”

“Of course he doesn’t, because he’s damn fool in love with you,” Angie said baring her teeth.

Cate kept her cool, despite being stunned by Angie’s words. “Do yourself a favour – go home before you do something stupid.”

Jason was suddenly at her side. “Do what she says. Go home, now.”

Angie glared at him. “I don’t know why you even asked me out. All you did was stare at her all night. She’s all you think about and the bitch doesn’t even have to compel you.” Snuffing out the fireball, she turned and strode away.

“Go, get back into position,” Cate said as she swayed a little giddily.

He slipped his arms around her waist. “Dance with me.”

She tried to pull back, but he kept a firm hold on her. Reluctantly, she let go of the compulsion, as she put her arms around his neck. Just being near him made any after-effects fade.

I’m sorry about Angie,
Jason said.

Don’t be, it’s not your fault and she’s such a bitch.

Their bodies moved to the music in sync with each other
.

I don’t know what the hell I was thinking. I can’t even stand her,
he said sounding annoyed.

Cate smiled.
That’s good to know.

They were so close now that she could easily see the faint glow in his eyes, just as she had the night before. Leaning down, Jason gently brushed his lips against hers.

Cate knew she should pull away, but found herself responding to his embrace. Silver-blue orbs began to sparkle around them as she deepened their kiss, feeling her magic respond to his. No kiss had ever felt like this before, like pure heaven. Everything around them faded as if time suddenly rose and the two of them stood on a balcony underneath the amethyst sky.

Oh shit!
Pulling away, she opened her eyes to find herself back in the club standing in the middle of the dance floor. “What the hell was that?” Looking around, Cate saw that everyone stood completely motionless — the entire club was now deathly quiet. Time really had stopped. “Did you do that?”

Jason shook his head. “No, I think that was you,” he said, groaning. “Ah, hell!”

Oh goddess, how the heck had she stopped time? Worse, what the hell was she doing?

“Cate, I…”

“Don’t! Just don’t.” Her face flushed red and her jacket flew into her hand as she turned and fled.

Jason watched as Cate hurried from the club and silently swore.

“What just happened?” asked Jade, looking confused.

That was a damn good question.

“Nothing,” he muttered, and turned to go.

She grabbed his arm. “Hey, what’s going on? Did Cate’s powers go crazy again?”

Jason didn’t have time to chat, he had to go after Cate and catch up to her before she got home. She’d probably lock him out of the house, unless he had the chance to talk to her first. He needed time to get his head around what had just happened himself.

“Your eyes look weird,” Jade said. “They’re kind of… swirling.”

Shit!
He really needed to get out of there before he raised any more awkward questions. “Must be the lights in here,” he said. “I have to make sure Cate’s okay.”

“Damn right! I think you upset her. Are you dating Angie now?”

“Gods, no! That was a misunderstanding.”

“Good. So when are you going to tell Cate the truth?”

Jason stared at her, fear gripping him. Could she really know his secret? Jade was a seer; she could see the truth and had visions. She had an affinity with crystals and could do more than just see things through them.

“What are you talking about?”

“Come on, Jason. We both know you’re in love with her. Why not just tell her?”

He almost sighed with relief. She didn’t know his secret, but she was right about his emotions. Feelings he’d foolishly given into tonight. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“You couldn’t be any more obvious, Talbot. Everyone can see how you feel, despite how good you are at hiding it,” replied Jade. “I don’t know what it is you’re afraid of, but you should tell her.”

“I can’t.”

“Why not?”

“You wouldn’t understand.”

“Try me. If it’s rejection you’re worried about, then don’t be. I’ve never seen her with anyone the way she is with you. She cares about you more than you realise,” she said. “I don’t understand what’s holding the two of you back.”

If only you knew,
he thought. “Jade, just stay out of this, okay?” Jason said. “It’s not your concern.”

“Cate is my best friend, my sister witch, and I’m not about to let anyone hurt her.”

Jason sighed. “I can’t be with her, not like that.”

“Why?”

This was getting tiresome. “Just back off and stay out of it,” he snapped. Static flashed around him as he turned into the elements and teleported out of the club.

Moving through the air, thoughts raced through his mind. What the bloody hell had he been thinking? First he’d asked Angie out, someone he couldn’t stand. The date had been a complete disaster, just as he had known it would be. He was out of his fucking mind!

All he’d been trying to do was get his mind off Cate, that stupid dream he’d had of them being together, of her knowing the truth and accepting him for what he really was. Like that was ever going to happen! She could never know; it was too dangerous. His feelings for her were getting to be a big problem. They were too much of a distraction.

All he had wanted was one night to forget about her and the constant struggle of pretending not to be on the run, of not wanting her. Angie had been right and Jade could see it too. Did everyone know how he really felt?

Jason had done his best to hide his true feelings over the past several years, concealing his love behind friendship, but now they were giving him away. Both Cate and Jade had seen his eyes as they truly were. He’d become so used to projecting a glamour over the centuries that it had never been a problem. They only glowed when he felt strong emotions, and thanks to being half Denai he knew how to keep them in check. What had changed? Was he reacting to Cate somehow or her powers?

Her powers, her aura, everything about her were growing stronger now she was in transition. Both his body and magic had been drawn to her from the beginning. The temptation was overwhelming at times and hard to resist. He wanted her with every fibre of his being and it ran far deeper than any attraction.

Some Elementals liked to be fed on, due to the feeling of ecstasy it created, and Cate’s Touch stirred him in ways he never knew were possible. Jason had steered clear of transitioning witches before and never gotten too close to any of the McCray’s for fear they would learn his secret. But, of course, some of the Grand Mistresses had known. Marina had confided in them or they had figured it out on their own. Cate was unaware of what he really was and he planned to keep it that way. The less she knew, the safer it was for both of them.

But then, in the club, when he had watched her dancing and drawing men to her, it had pissed him off that she’d flaunted herself. True, he’d warned guys off in the past. The thought of her being with anyone else infuriated him despite the fact he knew it was impossible. What had he been thinking?

He tried to avoid touching her, but couldn’t seem to help it and with the music playing he’d lost himself in her deep blue eyes. For a stupid moment he couldn’t stop himself from sampling the forbidden. She had felt and tasted incredible, just as he’d known she would.

Damn it!
he cursed again. How would he ever be able to walk away from her now? How could he go back to the way things were after that incredible kiss?

But he had to — it was the only option. They could never be more than friends. There was no hope for them. He had already stayed here far too long, it was making him complacent. After her ascension he had to walk away. It was the best thing for both them.

Looking down, Jason saw Cate stalking through the streets. She was moving quickly, her heels clattering against the pavement. Damn her! She knew how dangerous it was to be walking alone. Her magic was like a beacon; silver orbs shimmered all around her, yet she seemed completely oblivious to it. Seline would have his head if anything happened to her.

He never should have left her, thinking she’d be safe at home. He shouldn’t have been surprised she hadn’t stayed there; the team often went to the club for a drink to relax after a long day. Fate was a cruel bitch, bringing them together once more.

“Cate?” Jason materialized beside her, making her jump.

“Not now, Jason,” she snapped. “Just leave me alone.”

Like hell
that
was
going to happen.

“I’m sorry. I should never have kissed you.”

“Damn right!” She spun around to face him, looking furious. “What did you think you were doing?”

He hadn’t exactly been thinking at all. “I – I don’t know, but you kissed me back, so don’t blame all this on me!” he said defensively.

“I was…” Her eyes began to glow and he could feel her magic burning.

It was like a magnet to his own powers, which came from the elements, that energy she needed to fuel herself. “It was a mistake, okay? Let’s just forget about it and go home.”

Cate put her hands on her hips. “Forget it? You kissed me!”

“You weren’t exactly protesting, were you?”

Suddenly, invisible waves of energy rippled through the air, violently flinging Cate across the alley. She hit a nearby dustbin and fell sprawling on the ground.

Two burly-looking males, dressed in black leather, emerged from the shadows. Jason smelt sulphur and knew immediately they were demons. From the look of it they were low-level and probably not too bright. He almost pitied them; they really had no idea what they were up against.

“Now guys, why don’t you run along and I won’t have to hurt you?” Anger simmered just below the surface. How dare they attack his witch! But he kept his cool; he wouldn’t strike just yet. He’d give them a chance to run.

Are you alright
? he asked silently.

Glancing over at Cate, Jason saw her lay there, unmoving. Now he was really pissed off. Attacking her was one thing, hurting her another.

“Out of our way, pretty boy. There’s a price on that bitch’s head and we’re going to have a payday.”

Price? What did that mean?

Jason grabbed the first demon by the throat, ignoring the fireball that hit his leg. “What price?” With a flick of his wrist, the other one burst into flames, disintegrating to ash with a scream. The demon struggled, trying to wrestle free. As if this piece of filth was any match for him.

Jason squeezed harder, making the fiend choke. “What price?” he repeated and his eyes flashed with rays of power. “I won’t ask you again.”

“Raven – she put out a reward. Whoever brings her the Goddess Marked will get a load of cash and be a member of the Covenant when it returns to power.”

“Raven wants to kill my witch?” he asked furiously.

“No, she wants her brought in alive.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know. I swear! I just want the money and the power. Raven’s still a bad-ass in the underworld and we’re not the only ones who don’t want that witch over there reaching full power.”

Jason gritted his teeth. Every demon, vampire, and other Magickind out to make a name for himself or to impress Raven would now be after Cate. She’d never be more vulnerable than right now and it was the perfect time for the Covenant to strike. This was one thing he’d always feared would happen.

“Listen up, mate. I want you to send a message to everyone who might be out to get my witch and that is, if you want her you’ll have to go through me,” Jason snarled. “Forget the Denai coven. Their vengeance will be nothing compared to mine.” He squeezed tighter and power burned within his gaze. “Are we clear?”

“Yeah...”

“Good.” Jason dumped him on the ground. “Now fuck off before I change my mind.” The demon turned and fled.

Jason hurried over to where Cate was staggering up, blood pouring from the side of her head. Damn, he should have just killed the bastard.

“What happened?” she asked feeling dazed and unsteady on her free.

“Couple of boys trying to act like big demons.” He held out a hand. “Come on, let’s go home.”

Jason pulled her tight against his chest; in one stupid moment he could have lost the only person who had ever meant anything to him. Sometimes he forgot how fragile her mortal body really was, no matter how strong her powers might be. She could so easily be taken away and it terrified him.

“I’m still angry with you,” Cate muttered, trying to pull away, but he kept a firm grip on her.

“We’ll talk about it later. Let’s just go home and I’ll…”

Jason felt her tense and his senses went back on high alert as a cold, icy feeling filled the air. “Fuck!” he muttered as a figure moved towards them.

The question was, had it come for her or him?

Jason shoved Cate behind him as the figure move closer. She wiped the blood seeping from the gash on the side of her head. She was weak and needed to feed, but he didn’t dare give her the energy she so desperately needed. No, if it was what he thought, he was going to need all of his powers to fight it off.

Cate, I need you to get out of here,
he told her.

No, I can fight,
she insisted.

You’re hurt, go. Get Ian to heal you.

I may be pissed at you, but…

Just fucking go!

A male, around seven feet tall with long, black hair streaked with white lightning bolts, and black eyes with no irises emerged from the shadows. This was the one thing he dreaded: a Deva. Jason couldn’t risk Cate getting caught in the crossfire or seeing something that would raise questions he couldn’t answer.

Cate, please go! I’ll explain everything later. Just let me handle this.

A wave of invisible energy hit him, causing him to stagger back. “Go, now!” Jason hissed.

But she didn’t budge. Another invisible blast slammed Jason against the wall, hard. It stunned him for barely a moment, before he moved his hands in a circular motion, calling the power of all the elements to him as he prepared to strike. To hell with the consequences, he had to kill the creature before it turned its attention to Cate. Energy crackled between his fingertips, sending sparks through the air.

What are you doing, fool?
A voice echoed through his mind.

Jason frowned.
What?

It couldn’t be the Deva talking to him; they weren’t known for chitchat. Another blast of energy sent him crashing through a brick wall. The air was knocked out of his lungs, but the fall barely winded him.

“No!” Cate cried. A burst of silver fire suddenly shot out of her hand, striking the attacker in the chest.

What the bloody hell was that?
Jason thought as he leapt to his feet.

Cate slumped to the ground, the fire having drained all her energy, something suddenly flung the creature away.

What the hell is going on?

Forget the Deva, go and take care of Cate.

Jason cast his senses out to find the unknown presence, but felt nothing.
Who are you?

Just go, Talbot, and do your duty.