The Keepers: Archer

Rae Rivers

A division of HarperCollinsPublishers

www.harpercollins.co.uk

Contents

Dedication

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN

CHAPTER TWENTY

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

CHAPTER THIRTY

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

Rae Rivers: About the Author

About HarperImpulse

Copyright

About the Publisher

To Ryan, who is the hero in my own real-life story, and my beautiful children who were all very tolerant of all the hours I’ve spent writing this book. Thank you, my angels.

To my dearest friend, Lisa. Running through ideas for this series with you was as much fun as writing it! Thank you for all the laughter, encouragement and input.

Lastly, thank you to the team at Harper Impulse for saying yes and for believing in my series – and me.

CHAPTER ONE

CENTRAL PARK, NEW YORK

She was under a microscope.

A silly notion, one she’d never admit to anyone. Her logical mind challenged the thought but Sienna Beckham knew – just knew – that she was being watched.

Sitting on the grass, she scanned the busy park. A casual, fleeting glance, nothing too obvious.

Nope. Nothing out of the ordinary.

Just the normal crowd – different faces than the day before, but normal nonetheless. Joggers, strollers, a few picnics, several ball games – all the same. The warm weather and sunshine had drawn out the nature lovers who appeared reluctant to leave despite the setting sun. The park, once lush and green, had turned a magical shade of orange, yellow, and red, a sign that fall had arrived with fervour.

Her instincts bristled; her gut clenched.

Paranoid? Crazy?

She pushed herself off the grass, drained the last of her water, and tossed the bottle in a nearby bin.

The sun hovered above the horizon, illuminating the tall buildings around the park in a gentle orange glow. The lake had turned a soft shade of pink. One last lap around the park and she’d make her way home to shower and change before heading out to Terroirs for drinks with two of her colleagues from the bookshop. She hadn’t wanted to go out tonight but it was Saturday, a day they were determined to celebrate.

She pulled her fiery red hair into a ponytail and set off at a gentle pace. Within moments, she was flying across the park with a feeling of lightness. Jogging always did that to her, but today she felt … different.

Hell, she’d always felt different, but today she felt strange.

Her parents?

The anniversary of her parents’ deaths loomed dangerously around the corner, threatening to jolt her back into a time she’d rather not remember.

But her uneasiness hinted at something more, something she hadn’t been able to identify all week.

With a shake of the head, she scolded herself for being so serious, for thinking too much, and concentrated on running with a clear mind.

She soon lost herself to the fresh air, the warm glow of the fading sunlight, the wind in her face, and the thoughtless running.

It wasn’t until she’d neared the end of the lake and rounded a bend marked with several large, overgrown bushes that he pounced.

Strong, powerful, and terrifying.

His hands grabbed her and in a fluid motion, she was absorbed into a clearing in the bushes, into him.

She tried to scream but the heavy hand covered her mouth, smothering her cries. She couldn’t breathe, couldn’t see.

The more she struggled, the more force he used. His aggression pressed against her back like hot lead, evil and angry, and terror took a powerful grip.

Oh, God.

She lashed out, her elbow connecting to his ribs. He grunted, and she broke free. Before she could move, he charged, and for the first time, she saw his eyes.

Black, cold, evil.

She’d seen those eyes before, and they smacked of the life she’d once shunned.

“What do you want with me?” she cried as he lunged for her. They tumbled to the ground, her arms beating, pushing, shoving.

But he was stronger and he hit back.

“Stop!” she cried. “You’re hurting me!”

“Be still, witch,” he snapped in a tone so cold that she felt the chill wash over her.

The result was instant. She froze and gaped at him. “Witch?”

“Surprised?” He grinned, without humour. “Surely you knew it was only a matter of time before we came for you.”

“I don’t know what you mean.” She blinked, trying to clear the fog in her mind.

He shook her, not caring as her head connected with the ground. “Feigning ignorance won’t help you.”

“Why are you here? What do you want?”

“We’ve come for you. For the book.”

And just like that, in a blink of an eye, the life she’d once fled came crashing down around her.

A life as a powerful Beckham witch, fiercely protected by three Keepers. She’d always known it would catch up with her. Now that it had, fear and a crippling sense of pain and loss threatened to choke her all over again.

“Let me go!” she yelled.

A slap to the face left her dizzy and confused and when she fought back, he continued with the punches until she stopped struggling.

Silent, she closed her eyes as fury washed over her, and began to tremble.

Her body quivered from the inside out as the trembling intensified… stronger, stranger, bolder.

With a soft cry, she flung out her arms, drawing on an inner strength that had been silenced for too long. Air whooshed past her ears with a force that made her wince. A moment later, without touching him, her attacker hurled through the air like a limp puppy.

Oh, God. Her powers. It had been so long since she’d used them and they almost terrified her more than the attack itself.

He flew backward, hitting the tree behind him, and stared at her, seemingly unsurprised. With a soft growl, he jumped up and began to circle her.

“Are you insane?” she snapped, struggling to her feet, her entire body shaking. Although shock still riddled her from the surprise attack, anger had wedged itself deep inside, enough to clear the murkiness that lurked. “This is a public park. There are people here. You know the rules.”

“We’ve taken care of that. No one will hear you cry.”

“Clearly, whoever sent you failed to warn you about messing with a Beckham witch.”

“Ah, but the witch walks without her mighty Keepers. A fact that has had many tongues wagging.”

An image of her Keepers came to mind. Three powerful warrior brothers who’d been her protectors, friends, and allies fending off anything dark and evil that had upset the balance of nature. Despite having run from them, from that life, she couldn’t deny the sense of longing that came whenever she remembered.

Dismissing all thoughts of her Keepers, she straightened her shoulders and summoned up a confidence she didn’t quite feel. “And yet it’s taken this long for someone to come for me. That makes you either super courageous or incredibly stupid.”

His eyes narrowed at the taunt. “You don’t scare me, witch.”

“We’ll see how you feel when I turn you into a toad,” she said, keeping her tone light. His eyes widened, and she almost smiled at the brief flash of apprehension. Almost. It wouldn’t help to tell him that toad turning wasn’t her style. Instead, she swallowed her own unease, her mind racing for an escape route.

A rustling in the bushes had her whirling around and her heart sank when two more men stepped forward. Like her first attacker, they were both dressed in black and wore expressions of evil.

“Who are you?” she cried, her voice quivering at the realization that this was one fight she might not win. Not without some help. Two years ago, she had sworn off her powers for good and hadn’t tapped into them since. But the three men outnumbered her in more ways than she cared to admit, and no amount of traditional self-defence would save her.

They circled her like a pride of lions, and she swore she could hear them growling.

Insane. Maybe she was crazy after all.

She shook her head, choking on fear, but refusing to back down. She wouldn’t go down without a fight. And just like that, they attacked.

****

Archer Bennett had known an attack on Sienna was imminent. The darker world had been quiet for far too long and he’d been biding time until the moment hit.

But now that it had, fear curled in his gut like an unwelcome visitor. Adrenaline soared through him, triggering every protective Keeper instinct he possessed.

From his perch in the trees above them, Archer watched as the three men circled Sienna, rage bubbling inside him. They’d set up the perfect ambush – at the edge of the lake, void of spectators, overgrown with a wall of trees and bushes – and she’d run straight into their trap.

Her screech pierced the air and tore through him, and he readied himself to jump. Sienna fought on, kicking and punching, reaching for half-forgotten spells – determined not to back down.

Typical of a Beckham witch.

It was no good – the men were closing in. Archer pushed forward, flew through the air with the rapid speed of a Keeper, and landed on the ground below with a soft thud.

Not waiting to determine if they’d sensed his presence, he launched himself toward them.

The fight was uneven, but he drew on his heightened strength, power, and hatred for the men preying on the frightened woman.

Bodies entwined, fists connected with flesh, and blood-curdling growls filled the air. A cloud of dust surrounded them, muffling the visual impact of the fight.

With a swift movement and a possessive roar, he lunged for Sienna and placed himself in front of her as – exhausted and unseeing – she crumpled to the ground. The three men growled and snarled while he swiftly scanned the lake behind them. With a sense of calm that always came when he tapped into a sacred part of himself, a sacred part of her, he slowly raised his arms toward the lake.

Controlled and deliberate. He had a message to deliver, a witch to protect, and three men needing a lesson on the consequences of messing with a Beckham witch and her Keepers.

A soft trickle of water had all three men glancing behind them as understanding dawned. Clearly, from the horror that quickly twisted their expressions, they knew all about the Keeper with the power to manipulate water. Before they were able to react, the trickle quickly turned into a loud rumble of waves as the water rose up to form a solid wall. Archer moved his hands in circular motions and the water instantly split into three separate balls, each one tightly compacted together to form a lethal weapon.

Sienna’s first attacker jerked toward her, hoping to use her as leverage against the inevitable attack, but Archer was too quick for him.

A ball of water bulleted through the air and hit him on the back with a force that sent him reeling against the tree with a rumble of filthy curses. In swift succession, two more water missiles flew toward his accomplices, knocking them off their feet with ease.

With another swift motion of the arms, Archer readied the water with a fresh supply of lethal missiles and hovered, hoping the dark forces had had their fill of chilly lake water.

Drenched, panting, knowing when to admit defeat, the men fell silent and glared at him, their bodies heaving breathlessly with unleashed adrenaline. There was a pregnant pause as they sized him up, weighed their options.

“You can’t protect her forever,” said the first attacker.

“I will always protect her,” Archer told them, his voice level and unyielding.

“Then you will both die.”

Sensing defeat, and without waiting for a response, they rushed for the bushes and vanished.

Archer dropped his arms, the water crashing into the lake with a loud splutter, and immediately lurched forward. He sank to his knees beside Sienna, silently scanning her body to check for injuries – an action that came as naturally to him as breathing. She seemed confused, disorientated from the vicious slaps she’d received, and her tiny body trembled from the shock of the surprise attack. Seeing her like this fuelled his anger and hatred for the men responsible and something cold and steely wrapped itself around his heart.

They’d be back. He knew that with every instinct he possessed. Defeating them wouldn’t be a problem – the challenge would be convincing Sienna to accept his help.

“Are you okay?” he asked, fighting against the urge to pull her into his arms.

“Don’t touch me!” she shrieked, scrambling away from him.

Her right hand shot out at the same time the excruciating pain shot through his head – a pain so powerful it threatened to cripple him. His head pounded from the vicious onslaught of heat channelled through her central power – fire. She’d done this before, damn her, and the pain had almost killed him.

A Beckham witch’s ultimate defence.

Eyes shut to ward off the pain and holding his head in agony, he sank to his knees with a guttural groan.

“Sienna,” he said between gritted teeth. “It’s me. It’s Archer.”

The mental violation and pain stopped the instant he said his name.

She gaped at him, shock unhinging her jaw. “Archer?”

“It’s me,” he repeated and struggled to his feet, still holding his head. Damn, she still had the power to fry his brain. He blinked, trying to clear the haze, and looked at her with a harsh frown. “Damn it, Sienna. What the hell was that for?”

“I thought you were trying to hurt me.” She rushed to him and cupped her hands over each of his. “I thought you were one of them.”

“Do I look like a bloody warlock’s minion?”

“I’m sorry. They rattled me, caught me off guard.” She fell silent and inhaled softly. “Archer, you’re here. You found me.”

“I’m your Keeper and I vowed the day you left that I’d find you.”

She didn’t reply and frowned when he grimaced. “Are you okay?”

Worry lined her features and her green eyes flashed with concern. She looked a mess, a complete contrast to her usual poised self. Her hair hung in a dull, dusty, tangled mess around her shoulders. Her right cheek, glowing and swollen, showed early signs of a bruise.

God, how he’d missed her. It had been so damn long.

Fire sparked deep in his gut as fresh anger washed over him. The two years he’d spent searching for her had almost driven him to the brink of madness. The constant worry, the daily longing, and the permanent reminders of her back home had been torture. Torn between the urge to hug her and throttle her, a quick nod was all he could manage.

“I’m sorry,” she said softly, tugging his hands away from his head.

“Promise me you’ll never try that voodoo mind fry on me ever again.”

“It’s the quickest defence I have against you, Archer.”

“You don’t need any damn defences against me, Sienna.”

“I’m still not agreeing.”

Stubborn minx. Nothing had changed. He ran his thumb across her swollen cheek and tried to ignore the rush of emotions that flooded him. He’d found her. After two long torturous and empty years, he’d finally tracked her down. The relief was immense and he had to resist everything inside him that ached to wrench her against him and never let her go. “Does it hurt?”

“He knew how to pack a punch but I’ll live.” Her shoulders fell, and she met his gaze. “They weren’t human, were they?”

“Not entirely, no.”

“Did anyone see us?”

“No. Our secret is safe.”

As it should be. And when it wasn’t, a little magic would usually rectify even the soundest memory, but only as a last resort. Surrounded by a world of ordinary humans where only a few selected people knew of their supernatural existence, they’d been bound to keep their presence a secret without harming anyone in exchange for being left alone.

It wasn’t always that simple but that was the agreement, the rule, and breaking it would initiate consequences Archer would rather avoid.

“It’s been quiet for so long. Why now?” Sienna asked.

“You’re a Beckham witch,” he replied, annoyed with the question. ‘It’s no surprise they’ve come for you.”

“That’s not who I am anymore.”

“You’ll always be a witch, Sienna, and they’ll be back for you.” The image of Sienna surrounded by the three men flashed through his mind, and he frowned. “They surprised you,” he noted quietly. “And you held back from using your powers.”

“You won’t understand.”

“Damn right I won’t. You come from a family of powerful witches. Those men were no match for your powers. Why would you hesitate to use them?”

Her age-old defences fell into place as the wall returned. He’d seen how her emotions had changed from relief to surprise, then horror as she’d realized that he’d finally found her, despite all her efforts at keeping him away.

Her eyes flashed with disbelief, and she stepped back.

“Sienna, don’t.”

“I have to go,” she said, pushing past him, heading for the opening in the trees.

He caught her wrist in one quick movement. When she lifted her eyes to meet his, he raised an eyebrow. “Seriously? You really think I’m going to let you leave?”

CHAPTER TWO

Sienna looked at the man she’d once considered a friend, trying to make sense of what had just happened. One moment she’d been running in the park, the next moment her life had been thrown back into the turmoil she’d tried so hard to get away from.

And Archer Bennett stood for everything she’d run from.

A world she was bound by duty and honour to defend, where grief and guilt were constant companions, and an intense, forbidden attraction that had almost destroyed them.

It was hard to determine which surprised her more – the sudden attack by complete strangers or Archer’s reappearance in her life.

Her heart slammed against her chest and she knew it had nothing to do with the attack and everything to do with the man. Physically, outwardly, he hadn’t changed at all. Tall, broad shoulders, short brown hair, and a face so handsome that it hinted at perfection. And he still wreaked havoc with her senses. But the way he clenched his jaw and the tortured look in his brooding green eyes gave her a glimpse of the anguish that lay beneath the layers, catching her off guard. He’d always had an intensity about him, but the darkness had intensified since she’d last seen him. It shouldn’t surprise her. He’d lost, suffered, mourned.

Like they all had.

In their world danger often lurked in a way that ordinary humans wouldn’t understand and often resulted in pain and suffering that came with the loss of losing one of their own.

Sarah. Their parents.

She sighed, refusing to think about the loss. The anguish that came with their memories always left her raw. “Why are you here, Archer?”

He shot her a look that questioned if she really needed an answer to that.

After all, he was a Bennett brother and destined to protect a Beckham witch at all costs. He still wore his ring – the ring of a Keeper. The heavy, antique silver ring symbolized everything he stood for, everything he was. Her Keeper, her Guardian. She’d never seen him without it and seeing it again now tugged at a part of her that she’d buried a long time ago – a part of her that was in complete contrast to the life she’d run to.

Sienna wasn’t just any witch. She was a Beckham witch with a powerful lineage. Her grandmother, Rose, had been one of the most greatest witches on earth. Scattered across the world in a combined effort to maintain the balance of nature were three orders: ordinary witches, who dabbled in spells and potions; elemental witches, who drew their energy from the elements of nature – and witches like Rose. Whereas most elemental witches were able draw their power from one element of nature, Rose was able to channel all four. Herself being the fifth - the spirit that bound fire, water, earth, air. In the witch world, the ability to draw energy from all the elements of nature was a rarity and any witch able to master such power was honoured, respected, and fiercely protected.

For the longest time, Sienna had embraced her heritage, her destiny, and her simple powers as an elemental witch. Until the day Rose had passed on her full powers to her and she’d run from it.

But now it had all come crashing around her like an unwanted curse.

“So you finally found me,” she said, closing her fingers around the chunky pendant hanging around her neck.

“It took a while.”

She glanced toward the lake, dark pink from the reflection of the sunset. “So why now?”

“You needed me.”

“Ah, ever the White Knight.”

He ignored the jab, never one for jesting about his duties. “They would’ve taken you, Sienna. Don’t you see that?”

“They surprised me, but I can take care of myself.”

“And yet you hesitated.”

“I was fine, Archer.”

“Then explain this,” he said and touched her swollen cheek. “Any other woman would be no match for their brutal strength and aggression, Sienna. You, on the other hand, have the advantage other women don’t. Why would you even let them near you? Why did you wait before using your powers to defend yourself?”

“Let it go, Archer,” she said and pulled away.

It didn’t take long for him to figure it out. His hand shot out to grab her arm, and he tugged her round so she was facing him again. “You haven’t used your powers since you left Rapid Falls, have you?”

No. For two years she hadn’t cast a single spell, she’d started fires with a match and not her mind, and she’d opened doors with her hands and not her thoughts. Protection consisted of a security company and a mace spray, not three burly Keepers and magic.

Her silence seemed to confirm his suspicion, and his eyes narrowed.

“Why?” His voice softened, and she heard the confusion that lingered. “Inheriting Rose’s powers made you one of the most powerful witches in the world. Why aren’t you taking advantage of that?”

“Because Rose’s powers scare the hell out of me!” Sienna yanked her wrist free and took a step back, needing the distance between them – and the masculine sexiness that still wreaked havoc with her body. Her pulse was on a runaway mission and parts of her tingled that had hadn’t tingled in a very long time.

Damn him.

“Sienna, they’re not Rose’s powers anymore,” he said softly. “They’re yours.”

She glanced away, knowing that he was right, and hating it. How could he know the fear that came with her powers, the anger toward her grandmother for passing them onto her without an explanation, or the guilt that gnawed at her for what she’d done the first time she’d tapped into her newfound powers?

Her gaze fell to his scarred hand, and she dragged in a deep breath.

“I have to go, Archer,” she said, knowing he’d never allow it.

“Like hell.”

No surprise. “You’re not a part of my life anymore, and I can’t go back. For the first time in years, I’ve known peace.” Liar, liar.

He studied her, adding a touch of frost to his gaze. “I’m one of your Keepers, Sienna, and that makes me a part of you until the day you die.”

“How did you find me?”

“Rose sensed you were in danger. Clearly, she was right.”

“My grandmother sent you?” Sienna had always known the older witch would one day give her away. Her hand returned to her necklace, and she frowned. “How …?”

He shrugged, and she tried not to concentrate on all that muscle beneath the ripped black shirt. “Emotions fuel her remaining powers and when she sensed you were in danger, there was enough anger and worry to frighten even me. A simple locator spell led us here.”

“That easy, huh?”

Something dark and angry clouded his features. “No, Sienna. Finding you has been anything but easy.” In two strides, he closed the gap between them. “Do you have any idea what it’s been like for us to lose you?”

“So you and your brothers lost your witch. Big deal. Find a new one.”

“It’s not that simple and you know it,” he said, tightening his grip.

She knew. They were all bound together by destiny and a magical connection that could only be broken by death. It wasn’t something she could easily forget, no matter how hard she’d tried. It was a life neither of them had asked for but had accepted as part of their duty and family legacy, as had their parents and generations of grandparents before them. And when it had become too much for her, she’d run.

Coward.

“Two years, Sienna. Two bloody years I’ve been searching for you. How the hell did you keep me away?” His eyes fell on her necklace and his jaw clenched. Before she could stop him, he reached out and closed his fingers around the bulky pendant. “It’s the necklace, isn’t it? That’s why I’ve been unable to sense you.” He looked up, dark eyes burning into hers. “That’s why it’s taken me so long to track you down.”

“I cast a spell on the necklace. It was the only way you’d stay away.”

Anger oozed off him in waves and his fingers tightened around the pendant. For a brief moment, she feared he would rip it from her neck.

She placed her hands around his, willing him not to. “Don’t.”

He fingered the pendant, glaring at it with a harsh frown. A pentagram with five points that symbolized the five elements of nature, that symbolized them. It was the perfect illustration of what they stood for. Four Keepers who each had the power to manipulate an element of nature. Earth, fire, air, and water. And she was the fifth element that bound them all together. Without her, their elemental powers were useless. Interlinked in a way few people could ever understand, they shared the same destiny and a mutual purpose of maintaining the balance of nature.

His gaze lifted to meet hers and the raw emotion she saw in his dark green eyes rattled her. “This necklace depicts everything we stand for. Everything we are. How could you use it to keep us apart?”

“I left that life behind. I can’t go back, Archer.”

“Sienna” he said softly, forcefully. “You’re a Beckham witch. That’s not something you can hide from.”

“I’m not that person anymore, Archer. I have a life here, one that doesn’t involve magic, evil warlocks, or powers so potent that I can’t control them. Or death,” she added, her voice quietening as memories of their last encounter resurfaced. Memories she’d run from. “I can’t be a part of all that anymore.”

She saw the moment it all fell into place for him. His expression softened, and they stared at each other in silence.

“My sister’s death wasn’t your fault,” he said softly, releasing the pendant.

Sienna took a step back, not wanting the discussion that would follow such a statement.

“You can’t hide from who you are.”

“It worked for the last two years.”

“Only because the balance in the paranormal world has been in our favour. That’s changed and you’re in danger.”

Ah, so he’d found her because his duty as her Keeper had him wanting to protect her. And what about the man finding a woman he’d almost made his?

“You have to come home, Sienna. We’ll help you, protect you.”

Something cold and determined washed over her, and she lifted her chin defiantly. “You’re crazy if you think I’m going to let another one of my Keepers die protecting me.”

“Sarah’s death was not your fault.”

Unable to stop herself, her gaze fell to his scarred hand. “But I hurt you. I hurt you all, and there’s no guarantee that I won’t do it again. I refuse to put you or your brothers at risk again.”

“And you’re crazy if you think I’m going to let you go off alone on this stupid Kamikaze mission. The fact that they’ve targeted you and tracked you down means they need a Beckham witch. They also know that you haven’t mastered your powers yet so they will come for you, repeatedly, until they have you.”

He was right. Few people ever messed with Rose because of the power she could wield. It was one of the reasons that she needed less protection than Sienna. But since passing on her powers, Rose was an ordinary witch like all others. Still in high regard because of her Beckham status, but her powers had lessened. Archer was right. To them Sienna, her full powers still untouched, was the inexperienced witch needed to unleash their own evil. They would be wary of her, perhaps a bit fearful because of her Beckham name, but it wouldn’t stop them.

Of course, that would all change once she learned how to channel all her powers simultaneously.

Never.

She stepped back, the familiar fear slamming home at the thought of ever using her full powers again.

Archer narrowed his eyes, and he reached for her. “You know I’m right. You have no choice, Sienna, I’m taking you home.”

She raised an eyebrow, refusing to be forced back to a life that frightened her. “You said it yourself, Archer. I’m a powerful witch. You might want to keep that in mind when you threaten to caveman me home.”

“Now who’s threatening?”

Her smile was slow, cheeky, and challenged him in a way that only he would understand. He straightened, readying himself for whatever she was about to throw at him.

“Sienna, don’t you dare,” he warned softly.

Apparently, he knew her well.

Although she loathed using her powers, she also knew that they were the only way she’d get away from Archer. Shoving aside the fear, Sienna drew on them and took a step back. Archer cursed when a wall of fire sprang to life in front of him, cutting him off. His reaction was lightning fast but she was faster and a moment later, a circle of fire surrounded him, a striking glow in the darkness.

Fire. Her central power.

“Sienna, stop this Hocus Pocus crap.” There was no mistaking the fury in his voice.

She raised the flames, quietly chanting a spell to seal the circle. She knew that if he chose to use his powers, she’d have a fair fight on her hands. Her magic topped his, but he was stronger, angrier, and hard-wired to protect her. That alone was a power on its own. The rage that burned in his eyes spelt trouble and when his gaze shifted to the lake behind her, she knew she had to leave. Quickly.

He lurched forward but stumbled back when the heat of the flames hit him. “Sienna!”

“Stop resisting and the flames will die.”

As there was no chance in hell he’d accept his prison of fire, she knew the flames would hold and keep him from following her.

“Don’t ever look for me again, Archer.”

His jaw flexed, and he clenched each fist. Slowly, he pinned her with a heated glare. “I will find you, Sienna. Don’t fool yourself.”

With a shaky smile, she backtracked away from him. “You’re the fool for thinking you could broomstick me back home.”

She turned away, needing to flee before he saw the crack in her powers as her body wasn’t yet strong enough to maintain them.

And the fear of losing control always lingered.

“Sienna.” The change in his tone had her glancing back at him over her shoulder. His eyes narrowed and his mouth curled into a small smile. “Game on.”

****

It was only later, when Sienna felt the syringe slam into her neck in the darkness of her apartment, that she wished she’d allowed Archer to take off her necklace.

This time, she really was on her own.

CHAPTER THREE

BENNETT ESTATE, RAPID FALLS, CANADA

When the cold arm wrapped around his neck with a vicious grip, Archer wasn’t surprised.

Thanks to his heightened senses, alive with warning, he’d heard and smelt the intruder the moment he’d entered his house. Driven by instinct and armed with exceptional reflexes, Archer whirled around and rammed his fingers around his attacker’s neck in a deathly grip. He charged forward, slamming the intruder against the wooden wall of the living room, not caring when the wood splintered beneath the impact, his arm shoved against his neck. The action sparked a series of choking gasps of air.

“Your name.” When silence met his question, Archer added more pressure.

“Hunter,” the intruder gasped between clenched teeth. “My name is Hunter. Now get off me.”

Like hell. “What do you want?” Archer demanded, adding another quick slam against the wall.

“I have a message for you.”

“And you had to deliver it personally.”

Hunter straightened his body in a brief act of bravery. “It’s about your witch.”

The mention of Sienna’s name fuelled Archer’s rage more than the attack itself. Go figure. “Leave Sienna out of this.”

“We know where she is.”

With lightening speed, Archer grabbed Hunter by the shirt and hurled him across the living room. The resounding crash resonated through the room with a sickening crunch of splintering glass. Three long daggers pinned against the wall rattled against the wood. Without flinching, Archer bolted and landed on his attacker with a low growl.

He spotted the branded tattoo on Hunter’s wrist, and his gut clenched. The mark of the one warlock he’d hoped would never return.

Warrick Brogan.

Damn.

“You’re here for Warrick,” he said, reigning in his searing anger.

“He’s issuing a challenge to the Bennett brothers,” Hunter choked, flinching at the weight of the solid man on top of him.

“And what challenge would that be?”

“He dares you to find the witch before he does.”

Archer’s stomach rolled at the mention of Sienna’s name in the same sentence as Warrick’s. The feeling was almost unbearable – blind fury and the instinctive urge to protect shot through his body, fusing together in intense heat.

“Tell Warrick that I have a message for him.” The colour in Hunter’s face had changed to a distressed blue. When his eyes started rolling back in his head, Archer softened his grip. After all, he needed a messenger. “If anyone so much as lifts a finger to Sienna, the Bennett brothers will retaliate with so much wrath that it’ll make hell seem like an attractive place.”

Hunter gave a sly grin. “Warrick wants the Grimoire.”

Of course. “Tell him to get in line.”

“But he wants the witch even more.”

“Like hell.”

“You won’t be able to protect her forever.” His words, said with such malice and confidence, hit Archer straight in the gut.

The Keeper of the Wise. His ancestral duty was to protect the Beckham witches from the evils of men like Warrick Brogan and his minions. So far, he’d already failed dismally where Sienna was concerned.

Two years later and she was still in hiding. Damn her.

He’d also failed his sister, his parents, and Sienna’s parents too, and their deaths had sparked a bitter quest for vengeance.

He leaned forward. “Touch her and you’ll die,” he said in an undertone that cut like a knife.

“Warrick won’t back down, Bennett.”

“And neither will we.” With herculean strength, Archer flung Hunter forward. “Get your evil ass out of my home,” he ordered and tossed Hunter through the jagged window. More glass shattered, and Hunter landed on the lawn outside with a loud curse.

“You’ll pay for this, Bennett,” Hunter said, wiping blood from his mouth with the sleeve of his shirt. “We’re coming for the Grimoire and the witch, and the Bennett brothers won’t stop us.”

Archer’s anger soared, and he bolted through the window, landing on the grass with the ease of a cat jumping from a four-storey window. “I dare you to say that again.”

Hunter stumbled to his feet with a string of curses that would make his mother blush. Not that men like him had mothers. No, they were the spawn of … evil.

A rustle of bushes drew Archer’s attention to the shrubbery beside him. A Golden Retriever circled their visitor with a soft growl.

“Ah, you’ve pissed off Levi.” Archer suppressed a grin at Hunter’s expression. The retriever’s growl deepened. “And Levi hates trespassers even more than we do.”

“Call off your dog.” Hunter quickly stepped back. “I’ll deliver your damn message, but you should know that Warrick won’t let this go.”

The dog’s low growl turned into a series of quick, loud snarls that sent Hunter soaring off and away.

Archer couldn’t blame him. In defensive mode, Levi did look rather frightening – nothing like the gorgeous, fury, friendly, and protective dog she was.

On edge with restless energy from the surprise attack, Archer blew out air and flexed his shoulders. His gaze travelled to the broken glass on the lawn, and he frowned. Broken doors and windows at the Bennett Estate was nothing new, but still sent a bolt of fury and resentment through him. Attacks from Warrick Brogan and others like him had been part of their life since they’d taken over the Keeper role from their parents before their deaths several years ago. But every time a dark force entered the estate uninvited, it stirred something vicious inside.

Situated in a small mystical town renowned for the production of ice wine, the mansion had been home to the Bennett family for decades, carefully restored by each generation. It was an impressive house, luxurious, and large enough to house several families. Thousands of trees, shrubs, and flowers filled their grounds. It was nestled in the centre of massive spans of land, surrounded by thick forests and a glistening river on the one side, and endless rows of grape vineyards on the other. The estate itself was very old, and steeped in magical energy. Storage buildings and underground tunnels filtered through the estate and the forest surrounding it. They’d all been abandoned or destroyed when the Bennett family had moved in.

Currently, the mansion was home to two of the three Bennett brothers. Still no sign of Declan.

Levi returned moments later, chasing an Aston Martin down the driveway.

Ethan.

When the car pulled to a stop in front of the house, the youngest Bennett brother emerged with a sheepish grin. “Seriously? Did you use Levi to frighten our visitors again?”

Archer smiled. “No. Levi offered. And it worked, didn’t it? One look at the crazy dog and he bolted.”

Ethan dropped to his knees and patted the cheerful dog. “Nobody messes with Levi, do they girl?”

Archer took in his brother’s ragged appearance and cocked a brow. Yesterday’s jeans and a rumpled blue T-shirt, messy sandy brown hair, and unshaven. A far cry from his immaculate appearance the night before. “Late night?”

Ethan nodded, his grin widening.

“Looks like you didn’t get much sleep last night.”

“Nope.”

Figures. With his carefree grin and endless charm, Ethan was never without a woman at his side. The youngest Bennett brother loved parties, alcohol, and women – and they loved him right back. The man had stamina that even put Hercules to shame.

Ethan’s silly grin disappeared as he glanced at the broken window. “So who was our visitor?”

Archer frowned, thinking about his intruder and every threat he stood for. “Remind me to arrange for some damn security,” he said, although he knew that ordinary security could do very little to keep the likes of Warrick and his gang away. Supernatural powers trumped conventional security measures any day.

“What did he want?”

“Warrick Brogan sent us a message.”

The mention of the warlock’s name was enough to jar the expected reaction from his brother. Any trace of amusement vanished and thick silence hung between them.

“Gargamel’s back?” Ethan frowned. “What does he want?”

“The Beckham Grimoire.”

“Oh, hell. They’re starting that again?”

“They never stopped. They were simply biding time until Warrick’s numbers were up. According to Fly Boy that I sent through our window, Warrick’s numbers are up. That’s not all,” Archer said in a soft tone that had Ethan look at him. “They want Sienna.”

“They won’t find her.”

“Apparently they know where she is.”

Ethan gave a brief snort. “We’re her Keepers. If we don’t know where Sienna is, then how the hell would they?”

Archer shrugged his shoulders, not bothering to hide his concern. His brother knew how he felt about Sienna, how her disappearance tormented him.

And two days ago, Archer had found her – only to have her blindside him and vanish again. He swore that if he ever saw her again, he’d wring her pretty little neck himself.

Keeper’s promise be damned.

“Still no sensing her?” Ethan asked, rolling up his sleeves.

None. Zero. Zilch. “No. She still wears her necklace. Until she removes it, I can’t track her or reach her.”

The necklace blocked him from her in a way that drove him crazy. He’d always had a connection to her unlike his brothers, until she’d cast a spell on her necklace, severing their connection eternally.

“Rose could do another locator spell?”

“Sienna’s already covered that angle, but I’ll chat to Rose again.”

“Any readings from Fly Boy?”

“Only that he works for Warrick.” Archer spun around to face his brother as a thought struck him. “If they know where she is, then I should be able to sense her through him.” He’d been too surprised to discover Warrick’s name that it hadn’t occurred to him at the time of the attack.

Ethan looked doubtful and glanced at the mess on the ground. “Not unless Fly Boy left a gift behind. Without something of his, you won’t make the connection.” He knelt, reached for a piece of broken glass, and studied it in silence. Straightening, he turned to look at Archer with a wide smile, and held out his hand to reveal the blood stained glass. “Blood should work?”

“You bet your ass it’ll work.”

Several minutes later, Archer’s fingers closed over the bloody glass with such force that his knuckles turned white. “Oh, God.”

Ethan’s gaze shot up to meet Archer’s, and he frowned when he saw his brother’s expression. “What’s wrong?”

“They have her.” Archer swallowed, trying to get a grip on the emotions triggered by the thought. “Those bastards have Sienna.”

CHAPTER FOUR

Damn. Her attackers had given her Rose Thorn.

A useless herb for most, but to witches, the tiny plant had the ability to weaken and strip her of her powers.

Sienna was furious. For two years, she’d packaged her powers in a neat little box and stored them away until the day she’d need them again.

Today, she needed them – really needed them – but the herb had ravished her, destroying any chances of accessing them. For now anyway.

The loss of control unnerved her. It was one thing choosing not to channel her powers. Being stripped of that choice was another thing entirely.

She glanced around the room, trying to make sense of where they’d taken her. An abandoned house – sparsely furnished, darkened windows. The stuff horror movies were made of. Of everything, the quiet surroundings frightened her. Without her powers, she had little chance of freeing herself from these men and a little neighbourly assistance would have been nice.

“She’s awake,” her first attacker said, the man from the park, motioning toward her.

“Who are you?” she asked, but had to clear her throat. God, she was so thirsty.

“Call me Harper.”

She eyed Harper, sizing him up. Where he lacked height, he made up with bulk and attitude. The man had a menacing aura around him that had Sienna immediately on edge. She glanced at the other two men skulking in the background. It didn’t take rocket science to figure out who was running this circus.

Trying not to wince, she struggled to her feet, but her legs buckled beneath her and she slumped against the tattered couch. Before she could try again, Harper had his booted foot on her back.

“Down, witch.”

“Brave to mess with a Beckham witch, aren’t you?”

“Stupid to walk without your Keepers, aren’t you?”

“What do you want with me?”

He smiled, but the smile held more evil than amusement. “Warrick Brogan has big plans for you.”

The warlock’s name sent an instant chill down her spine and Sienna had to concentrate on masking her surprise. It was hard to think that the man had once been a friend to her and the Bennett brothers. Now, the mention of his name made her stomach clench. “Warrick Brogan can kiss my ass.”

“Now who’s brave?”

“I’m not afraid of you.” She was pleased that her voice sounded steady, even though her insides were rolling.

Harper waved the syringe at her. “You should be. Without your powers, you’re no challenge to us.”

“And without me, my powers are of no use to you so why am I here?”

“You haven’t figured it out yet?” He sat on the table in front of her, the ancient wood creaking beneath his weight, and leaned closer. “You’re a witch from a lineage of even more powerful witches. What’s the one thing we could possibly want?”

The Beckham Grimoire.

Sienna’s heart sank. Of course. She should’ve known this was about the damn book. She was destined to keep her family’s Grimoire safe – a thick book of handwritten notes that listed all the rituals, spells, potions, formulas, and magical properties ever used by a Beckham witch. To someone like Warrick Brogan, the book was lethal.

And everything her parents and Archer’s parents had fought for, and eventually died for, would be for nothing.

Their vision of a life where supernatural people could live in harmony with ordinary people would truly be up in flames.

Over a century ago, six families: the Bennetts, the Beckhams, the Brogans, and three other, ordinary families had founded Rapid Falls, a small abandoned area once thought to have an abundance of mystical energy. Over time, they’d established a thriving community.

Their agreement had been simple. They lived and worked in harmony and kept any supernatural tendencies a secret. No harming humans, no public displays of supernatural abilities. For the longest time, their agreement had worked, until a few generations later; Warrick’s parents had developed a different vision. Instead of a peaceful existence, their vision consisted of freedom, control, and exposure. A feud had broken out, altering their friendship circle forever. In the end, her parents and Archer’s parents had lost the battle.

Sienna still remembered the fire as vividly as though it had just happened. The image of her house engulfed in thick orange flames and the horror of knowing their parents were inside had affected her forever.

When suspicion had fallen on Warrick’s parents, they’d left town. Then, in a brutal car accident, they died – leaving Brogan and Warrick as orphans, and taking the truth of the fire to the grave.

It hadn’t been long before the two brothers had made it clear that they shared the same views as their parents and would do anything, hurt anyone, in order to have the freedom and control their parents had fought for.

Like hell.

She would die before she handed over her Grimoire.

“I don’t have it,” she said firmly, shoving away the anger and resentment stewing inside.

“But you know where it is and according to the legend, we need a Beckham witch to open it. Warrick seems to think you’ll also know the location of all four stones.”

“Chasing the book is like chasing a rainbow. You’ll never get close, and you’ll certainly never hit gold.”

“It exists and we’ll not only find it, Sienna, we’ll open it.”

She touched a hand to her pounding head, willing the pain away. The blinding headache only clouded her already murky thoughts. It was hard enough to think clearly with Harper pointing a syringe of Rose Thorn at her. The damn headache had to go.

She knew precisely why Warrick wanted the Grimoire. She was simply surprised he’d taken so long to come for it.

Two years ago, in a desperate attempt to bring an end to the wicked hold the Brogan brothers had on everyone, Sienna and her grandmother had cast a spell. Mason Brogan, the older and bigger evil of the two brothers, was spelled into an abandoned underground church tomb deep inside the forests of their hometown, cursed to live as the dead until ever freed. As for the younger brother, Warrick Brogan, they’d cast a spell on him to diminish his powers, underestimating his evilness.

Warrick had retaliated, killing Sarah Bennett, her fourth Keeper and dearest friend. That night had altered the course of their lives and the reality of Sarah’s death had sent everything reeling out of place.

Without his brother or his powers, Warrick had simply vanished.

Until now.

If Warrick ever got his hands on the book and the four stones that were the key to opening it, he’d access the spell binding Mason, and could then unseal the curse.

“Have you found the other stones yet?” Sienna asked, her stomach rolling at the thought.

He grinned, meeting her eyes. “We’re working on it.”

“Even if you find the book, you’ll never be able to open it.”

“They all warned me that I’d never catch a Beckham witch, but here you are.” He kicked at the rope around her ankles. “Bound, weak, useless.” Pleased with himself, he started to chuckle.

“I’ll never help you.”

“You will or people will die. You’re a witch so you’ll never let that happen.” He trailed a calloused finger along her jaw and down to the silver necklace around her neck, his touch light, yet harsh at the same time. “Beautiful necklace.” His fingers clasped around the solid pendant and toyed for a moment before yanking it off her.

“No!” Eyes widened in disbelief as her hands flew to the spot on her neck where the necklace had hung for the last two years.

“A family heirloom?”

His mocking tone stirred the lull inside of her and fury sparked a sudden burst of renewed strength. Sienna pushed at his chest and he stumbled backward. Stronger than her, he recovered with the speed of a demon and pounced.

His slap was brutal. “You’re weak, Sienna. Nothing you do can harm me.”

“I won’t always be weak,” she said, hating that he was right. The effects from the Rose Thorn still ravaged her and until the dreaded herb left her system, she would never be able to fight him off.

“But just to be sure …” he said with a wicked smile and brought the syringe toward her.

She baulked in fear, panic taking its destructive grip. “You can’t!” She tried to back away from him, but stumbled against the couch behind her. “A second dose so soon could be deadly.”

He grinned and closed in on her. “A gamble.”

“No!” she screamed as all three men held her down and injected her with the dreaded herb. The affect was instant and her body went completely limp. She fought for consciousness, tried to claw her way out of the blackness.

And lost.

Much later, she resurfaced long enough to hear the shouting, breaking glass and violence - terrifying sounds that rattled her to the core. She tried to open her eyes, to make sense of the chaos around her, but sleep beckoned.

Then silence fell.

Confusion reigned and she couldn’t move, couldn’t fight back. Alone. She was so alone and at the mercy of these three men.

And out of the darkness, she saw him.

Archer.

“Sienna,” Archer murmured, kneeling beside her. “It’s over.”

“Archer?”

“It’s okay, we’re here. You’re safe now.”

Strong arms drew her in as the blackness engulfed her again.

Her Keepers had found her.

CHAPTER FIVE

BENNETT ESTATE, RAPID FALLS, CANADA

“Archer?” His name, whispered in the darkness, had Archer bolting from the chair in the corner of the bedroom.

“Sienna.” Archer sat on the bed beside her, relief washing over him. A quick study along the length of her reassured him that she was fine. Pale and thin, but she was awake – and safe. She looked lost in the massive bed and for a moment, he wasn’t sure if the bed was ridiculously too big or if she was simply too damn small. “You had us scared to death.”

“Remind me to hunt down every last Rose Thorn tree and destroy it.” She grunted and tried to sit up, blinking to clear the cloudiness. “That herb packs a powerful punch.”

“It’ll take a while for the affects to wear off and for your body to heal.” Archer reached for her, adjusted the pillows. Her arms felt tiny in his hands, almost as though they were silly little branches that could be snapped without any effort at all.

She settled back against the pillows and ran her fingers through her long hair, the colour of fire, in an attempt to tame the wavy curls. “Where am I?”

“We brought you home.” And about time too. The huge mansion nestled on a quiet estate in the hills had never been the same since she’d left. Private, peaceful, surrounded by forests that had frequently been her favourite escape over the years.

Green eyes widened in surprise, and she quickly glanced around the bedroom. “Here? To Rapid falls?”

“It’s the safest place and it’s your home.”

“Was my home.” She covered her face with her hands and released a frustrated groan. “Dammit, Archer. Why did you bring me here? This is the last place I want to be and you know that.”

“That’s a conversation we’ll have when the Rose Thorn is no longer mulling your senses.”

“The Rose Thorn doesn’t change how I feel about this place.”

Her words stung but he kept a straight face. Her determination to stay away surprised him. She really hadn’t wanted them to find her. It annoyed him until he saw the underlying fear in her eyes.

She was scared.

Of coming home? He knew she carried her own demons and coming home meant facing them but did she really think she could run forever?

He of all people knew all about relentless demons. They always caught up in the end.

Sienna massaged her temples and looked at him, the frown that creased her brows softening. “You found me again.”

He dangled the necklace in front of her for a brief second but quickly palmed it when she reached out. “No way, Sienna. The spell you cast on the necklace keeps me from sensing you. Until Warrick’s off your back, it stays with me.”

“Dammit, Archer. Give me my necklace.”

“So that you can disappear again? Hell no.”

Sienna winced at an attempt to settle back into the pillows. Not caring for her reaction, he manoeuvred himself behind her and pulled her into his arms. Surprisingly, despite the tension and uncertainty he sensed in her, she relaxed against him. “I think we’ve already established that you need us, Sienna, and you’re better off here than with Warrick and his bootlickers.”

“He’s gathered some minions?”

“It appears so.”

“They’re after the Grimoire.”

“I know.” His gut clenched at the thought.

“Archer?” Her voice was soft, barely above a whisper, and chased away all thoughts of the warlock. “Just so you know, I didn’t take off my necklace, they did.”

“Why didn’t you?’

“You would’ve come for me.”

“Of course.” And it had nothing to do with the fact that he was duty bound to protect her. How could he explain that ever since their parents had died in the fire on the estate, that she’d become the very essence of his world? She was his best friend and knew him in a way that few others did. They’d always shared a special connection but the tragedy of losing their parents at such a young age and in such a horrific way had cemented their bond forever. He pressed his face into her hair and inhaled. The action stirred heaps of memories and against his will, his body stirred viciously in response to her.

“Thank you.”

He tipped her head back so that she faced him. “Would this be a bad time to give you grief about running again?”

“Hell yes.”

“Two years, Sienna.”

Two long, frustrating years. Damn her.

“After your sister died, I had to leave. And you let me go, Archer.”

“Had I known you were planning to vanish, that would have been different.”

“I did what I thought was best at the time and I could never bring myself to return. When this is over, I’ll be leaving again.”

The thought brought a fresh bout of unease but he simply nodded, not surprised or even willing to challenge her. “We’ll see. For now, I’ll leave you to rest.” He made a move to go but a gentle palm placed against his chest stopped him.

“Please stay. Just for a minute.”

He toyed with the idea. He had to track down Ethan and devise a plan. A fierce warlock was after their witch and the brothers would stop at nothing to protect her. In order to do that, they needed a game plan.

“Please.”

Her simple plea tugged at the wall he’d erected around himself, a wall developed to keep some distance between them. But resisting her would take an ocean of strength he didn’t have. With a small sigh, he nodded and relaxed against the pillows. “Just for a minute.”

****

Two hours later, Sienna finally stirred. As she swept the cobwebs out of her murky brain, she became vaguely aware of the hard bulge of muscles beneath her cheek.

“Rise and shine, slumber queen.”

The voice had her bolting forward, and she whirled around to face Archer. For a moment, she gaped at him until her mind started piecing everything together and it all came rushing back to her. “You stayed?”

“You asked me to.”

With a quick glance, she took in his neatly cropped brown hair, the dark eyebrows drawn together in a slight frown, and the brooding green eyes coloured with concern. “How’re you feeling?” The tenderness in his voice was a far cry from his piercing war cries when he’d come to her rescue.

“I’ll live.” She sank onto the pillows beside him, embarrassed she’d slept in his arms. Such an intimate act belonged to lovers, not estranged friends. She cast a quick glance around the spacious room, one she’d often occupied. Against the far wall was a massive fireplace that was now a big gaping hole in its emptiness. Come winter, her Keepers kept her fire roaring, a gesture she’d always appreciated in the cold winter nights. Large windows covered with drapes blocked out the late afternoon sunlight that usually streamed across the four-poster bed. Not much had changed since she’d left. The realization that they’d kept the room the way she’d left it, untouched, tugged at something vague and guarded inside.

“Rose was worried sick. She hated the way things ended between you before you left.”

Her grandmother lived in the guesthouse on the Bennett estate. It had been Rose’s home for decades and when Sienna’s parents had died, it had become her home too and she’d loved it. Since fleeing home – fleeing Archer – Sienna hadn’t been back and realized now with a pang of sadness how much she’d missed home. The warmth of her grandmother’s touch, the laughter she’d shared with the three brothers, the massive forest between their homes, and the feeling of … belonging. She’d left in such a rush, confused, and riddled with guilt and anger.

Sienna shifted her gaze to meet Archer’s, realizing how much she’d missed him. “I know, so did I. I need to see her.”

“We didn’t want to wake you, but Rose was here earlier and will be back later.” A scarred hand reached out to stroke the bruise on her cheek, and she inhaled quietly at the reminder. His touch was gentle and warm. Soothing. It surprised her and she shook her head, trying to reconcile the kindness in his eyes with the hatred she’d witnessed there when he’d fought off her attackers in the park.

“Are your brothers here?”

“Only Ethan, and he’s been busting at the balls to see you again.”

“Are they mad?”

“We’re all mad, Sienna, but Ethan won’t rag you about it.”

“And Declan?”

His gaze hardened, and he slowly shook his head. “We haven’t seen Declan since Sarah died.”

“What do you mean you haven’t seen Declan?” The idea of the three brothers having lost contact was absurd – not the brothers she’d once known. They were inseparable, best friends.

“He went off the rails after Sarah died. It was better for him to leave.”

Sienna met his eyes, searching for an explanation of the hidden anger she heard in his voice. “Where is he?”

“No idea.”

“You’re angry with him.”

“Hell, yeah, but I’m mad at you too, yet here you are.” His tone had softened and she sensed he’d done it deliberately, not wanting to discuss his brother. He stood and moved to the window, ripping open the curtains.

Sienna groaned as bright sunlight destroyed the haze around her. “Jeepers, Archer. That’s harsh.”

“You need food. You look like you haven’t eaten for a month.”

“Ouch.”

“Can you stand?” he asked, stepping closer but not touching her.

She nodded and tried to stand but stumbled against him. Strong arms flew out to steady her and gratefully, unashamed, she leaned into him, drawing on his strength. Judging by the rippled muscles and broad shoulders that struggled beneath his grey shirt, the man was all strength. Not that she’d forgotten.

“Damn, I’m such a girl,” she said against his chest. She was a mess and trying to make light of it. After all, weakness was an attribute she despised, an emotion she always resisted. A meek reaction to an unexpected attack was no different.

“Sienna, you were kidnapped, drugged, and bludgeoned,” he said, tipping her head back so she was looking at him. “It’s okay to be upset by what they did to you. You don’t have to hide it from me.”

Of course not. Besides, he’d know if she was hurting. Their bond went far deeper than the magical connection they shared.

“I’m okay. I’m still trying to shake off the Rose Thorn and I’m a little pissed at myself. I should’ve known they’d be back.”

“You made it easy for them. They’re after the book and the four stones. Everyone knows that a Beckham witch is the only one who’s able to use the stones to open the book. Imagine their delight when they discovered you’ve been separated with your Keepers.”

When he said it like that, she felt crazy for ever having contemplated walking alone. “Thank you for helping me.”

“I will always be here for you, Sienna.”

And he would. They all would. Individually, they were powerful in their own unique way. Together, they were ruthless.

Their magical connection was something she’d always treasured until the day she’d used it to almost kill them.

“Sienna,” Archer said softly, his thumb stroking her chin in a gentle movement. His dark eyes were full of an intensity that kept her captive, unable to look away.

Wow, the man was mesmerizing.

Sienna felt something vaguely familiar roll through her, quiet and unsettling, and realized with a harsh intake of breath that it had nothing to do with the Rose Thorn. No, this had everything to do with Archer.

His finger trailed along her jaw, his heated gaze never faltering from hers.

“You’re safe here, Sienna, and you’ll be fine now that you’re back in my bed.”

“You mean my bed.”

His lips twitched with a hint of a smile. “It’s my house so technically, my bed.”

“I was never in your bed, Archer.”

“It was close.”

“But it doesn’t count.”

He edged nearer, his body almost touching hers, heat radiating off him in a way that sent her heart racing. He dipped his head beside hers as his fingers toyed with hers. “Oh,” he breathed against her cheek, “it counts, Sienna. Everything that happened between us counts.”

“No.”

Her whispered denial came out in a breathless whoosh of air. Everything inside her tingled at the intimate act and her racing heart was a dead giveaway to the effect he had on her.

“Your heart is pounding.”

“You can tell that by simply touching my hand?”

“I can hear it.”

Of course. “Archer, stop it.”

His hand slid to her hip, pulling her firmly against him. “Still want to tell me it doesn’t count?” he whispered against her ear.

The closeness of him, his scent, and his touch sent a familiar thrill straight through her. She closed her eyes and quietly exhaled.

He was right. Everything counted. Everything.

Including the fact that he’d never tried to stop her from leaving. Memories of their fight two years ago tumbled back and she shut her eyes to ward them off.

“Sienna?”

Not trusting herself to speak, she merely shook her head and stepped back.

He didn’t push, thank God, and released her. “I have some work to attend to. Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Yes.”

“You’ll find some painkillers on the nightstand beside your bed. That’ll numb any pain for a few hours. I also bought you a new phone. They trashed your old one.”

“Thanks.” She glanced down at the male shirt she wore and slowly closed her eyes. Lovely. “Where are my clothes, Archer?”

“Binned. They were all kidnappy and gross.”

“Do I dare ask who undressed me?”

He didn’t reply but a small smile toyed at the corner of his mouth. God, the man was breathtaking when he smiled.

“You undressed me.”

“It was either me or Ethan,” he replied, catching the pillow she tossed at him. "You’ll find fresh shirts in the drawer.” He nodded at the wooden chest of drawers against the far wall.

“I can’t walk around all day wearing nothing but your damn shirt, Archer.”

He grinned. “This way, you can’t leave the house. For now, you need to lay low.”

She raised an eyebrow and folded her arms across her breasts, issuing a sly challenge.

His eyes narrowed. “Don’t even think about it, Sienna.

“I need to see my grandmother. She won’t be very impressed if I arrive on her doorstep wearing nothing but your shirt.”

“You’re not leaving the house. At least not until you’re stronger. Rose will come here.”

So he wasn’t going to make this easy for her. She dragged her fingers through her red mass of untamed hair and sighed. “Fine. I’ll wear your shirts. For now.”

“Good. Ethan will be home later, and we’ll all have dinner.”

She tossed another pillow at him as he walked out the door. “With a bare ass wearing nothing but a damn shirt. How Sharon Stone of me.”

CHAPTER SIX

The silence of the forest was comforting, a brief respite from the crazy turn her life had taken since her attack in the park a few days ago. Sienna knew the path between her grandmother’s cottage and the Bennett estate by heart, a path she’d walked for years. Her feet crunched along the forest debris along the ground, the sound noisy in the silence around her. The smell of pine needles filled the air, triggering old memories of when she’d played in the forest with her Keepers at a time when they’d been nothing more than friends.

And now she was at odds with them all.

Sienna felt the weariness wash over her at the thought and settled her gaze on the stone walled cottage ahead. The sound of water gently trickling nearby hinted that she was close. When she’d been a child, the rocky stream that surrounded Rose’s cottage had often given Sienna the impression that they were on their own island. An island in the middle of a magical forest.

Her heart thudded noisily in her chest when the cottage came into view. A double story cottage with a thatch roof. Rose’s white rose bushes, her pride and joy, edged along the neat wooden picket fence that ran along the front of the house. The chimney that peeped out through the thatch hinted of years of use, black with age. The front door was open, a sign that her grandmother was home. Conflicted with excitement and sadness, Sienna stopped in front of the cottage and simply stared. Sweet Rose with the strawberry blonde hair, kind eyes, and fierce spirit. Sienna knew she shouldn’t blame her for losing control of her powers the night they’d spelled Mason into a tomb. The fault was all hers for channelling them in the first place, but seeing Sarah die in front of her had evoked such devastation that something inside her had snapped. She opened the small wooden gate, the soft creaking of the aching hinges a dead giveaway of her arrival. Rose appeared in the doorway dressed in a long flowing blue skirt and a white blouse. Rose’s hair, several shades lighter than her own, hung loose around her tiny shoulders in a flutter of soft waves.

“Gran?”

Rose’s face brightened at the sight of Sienna, and the older woman rushed down the porch steps to embrace her granddaughter. “I’m so glad you came!”

Sienna didn’t reply but held onto her grandmother for the several moments it took to regain her composure. Holding her again was like gold.

Rose pulled away and gave Sienna’s outfit a quick once over. “Sienna, dear, you starting a new fashion or something?”

“Archer’s afraid I’ll run so he won’t give me any new clothes.”

“So you traipsed through the forests in his shirt and gumboots?”

“It’s not far and no one saw me.” With a wide smile, she pulled her grandmother into her arms again. “I missed you so much.”

Rose wrapped her frail arms around her granddaughter and smiled. “I knew you’d find your way back home.”

“More like home found me.”

“And in the nick of time too.” Rose pulled away to reveal bold green eyes filled with love and wisdom. She grimaced at the fading bruise on Sienna’s cheek. “Are you okay?”

“Yes. Archer gave me some painkillers that have taken the edge off the aches and pains.”

“Do you know who did this?”

Sienna followed her grandmother into the kitchen and inhaled the familiar smell of home. Earthy and fresh, with the faint aroma of herbs. Typical of a witch’s kitchen. Some of Sienna’s happiest childhood memories were of her time spent here. “He said his name is Harper.”

“And you couldn’t fry his ass?”

Sienna shook her head and filled the kettle. “Rose Thorn.”

“I’ve had a dose or two of Rose Thorn in my life time,” Rose replied with an all-knowing nod. “Wicked herb. Is he one of Warrick’s minions?”

“Yes. Has Archer filled you in?”

Rose sank into the chair at the kitchen window and sighed. “Of course. I’m glad you’re home, Sienna.”

Sienna offered Rose a warm smile. “It’s good to be back.” Her time away had been fraught with constant worry for her grandmother. Rose had aged, and even though her powers as an ordinary witch were still strong, her body wasn’t.

“You still have some clothes in your old room,” Rose said, giving Sienna’s shirt and gumboots another glance.

“Ah, I could do with some knickers.”

Rose chuckled merrily as Sienna disappeared through the house.

Sienna’s smile quickly faded the moment she opened the door to her bedroom. It smelt musty, starved of air, as though it had remained sealed since she’d left. It was exactly as she’d left it. Only dustier. The bed was still made, the curtains still drawn, and memories of her life still splashed across the room. Sienna swallowed, trying to push away the emotions that suddenly choked her. She wondered how she’d ever had the courage to leave.

With a brief shake of the head to clear her thoughts, Sienna quickly gathered a few items. She opted for only the essentials, as she’d have to haul everything across the forest. Also, a huge load of clothes would look awfully suspicious – a dead giveaway that she’d gone to see her grandmother.

Naughty, naughty.

When she returned to the kitchen, Rose’s expression brightened. “Tell me about your trip,” she said, placing two steaming mugs of coffee on the kitchen table.

Sienna reached for the coffee with an appreciative smile, not commenting on her grandmother’s choice of words. She’d hardly call a two-year absence a “trip.”

Several hours later, when Sienna suggested that she stay over, Rose wouldn’t hear of it.

“You’re better off with your Keepers, Sienna.” She glanced out the window. “And the sun is setting so you’d best be making your way home. It’s almost time for dinner.”

Sienna would have argued, but as fatigue still reigned, dinner and sleep sounded like an attractive idea. “I’ll come see you tomorrow.”

“Of course.” Rose placed a hand on Sienna’s arm, her touch light and gentle. “I’m surprised the boys let you come here alone.” When Sienna remained silent and simply reached for her gumboots, Rose’s jaw dropped. “Sienna, they don’t know you’re here?”

“If they knew they’d be here.”

Rose gave a low chuckle. “Archer’s going to pop a vein, girl.”

“As if I care.”

The expression on her grandmother’s face cooled. “You don’t fool me, Sienna.”

“I’m fine,” Sienna replied, never having doubted it. She’d always been transparent with Rose.

“And Archer?”

The smile disappeared. “Archer’s also fine.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“I know.”

“You two were always together.” Rose’s eyes were ripe with concern. “It must have been hard to be apart for so long.”

“He was my best friend.” Always had been. After all, his parents had been her mother’s Keepers. At first, they’d spent every day together as neighbourhood friends. Later, after their parents’ deaths when he’d inherited the role as her Keeper from his parents, they were inseparable. But their attraction had grown to the point that it bordered on the forbidden. “I miss him. I miss the way we used to be.”

Rose stood and embraced the younger woman. “Are you ever going to tell me what happened between you two?”

“Nothing happened.”

The older woman pulled back to look at Sienna. “Did it have something to do with Sarah’s death?”

“Mostly.”

“I know Sarah’s death was hard on you both but I suspect it had something to do with The Circle’s curse.”

Yes. “No.”

“It may be hard for you to understand why The Circle forbids a witch to get involved with her Keeper, Sienna. They don’t want that kind of emotional connection interfering with your choices in maintaining the balance of nature.”

“Those old hags shouldn’t have a say in my love life!” Sienna snapped and then quickly drew herself back. Challenging a bunch of ancestral witches that governed the rules around witchcraft was not something she usually did. “And besides, my leaving after Sarah’s death involved a lot more than just my relationship with Archer.”

“Sarah’s death wasn’t your fault, Sienna. That was all Warrick Brogan.”

“She was there because of me.” Her tone had taken on an edge of venom to it, despite her resolve not to. “And when Warrick killed her, I lost it to the point that I hurt my Keepers. That’s not something that’ll ever leave me.”

Rose placed a wrinkled hand on Sienna’s arm. “It was a mistake, Sienna.”

“I almost killed them!”

“But you didn’t.”

“I could have. I was so angry, so devastated when Sarah died. I destroyed the tomb with powers I had no idea how to control and once I became weak, I drew my strength from Declan and Ethan to the point that I almost killed them. What kind of witch does that make me?” Sienna turned away, struck with the images of the chaos she’d created that night.

“The reason witches have that connection to their Keepers is for that very reason, Sienna. We’re supposed to be able to draw energy from each other.”

“Not to the point that I kill them. I couldn’t stop,” she said, her voice filled with the anguish that had taunted her for years. An image of Archer trapped in the fire in the tomb whilst trying to stop her came to mind, ripping open old wounds. “And Archer was burned in the fire I created. His hand still carries the scars.” Unlike the rest of his scars, this one would never disappear as it was caused by a witch, by her.

Rose’s hands came up to cup Sienna’s face so that they were facing each other. “Sienna, you made a mistake. One that you can’t change but eventually, you’ll learn to live with it.”

“I wasn’t ready.”

Everything fell quiet, the elephant in the room having reared its head. For a moment, neither of them spoke, but when her grandmother wrapped her arms around her, Sienna couldn’t help but let her.

“You have to trust me, Sienna,” Rose said quietly against her granddaughter’s hair. “Receiving such power is enough to frighten anyone. I know because I was also once in your position.”

“How did you learn to control them?”

“With practice, a lot of whiskey to numb my nerves, and plenty of time spent alone in nature.”

Sienna gave her grandmother a brief smile. Rose might be heading toward seventy, but the old woman still loved her whiskey.

“You simply need some time, Sienna. Play with your magic, practice your skills, and embrace them. They’re a gift.”

“They’re nothing but a curse.”

“Sienna, don’t say that.”

“Magic destroys, Gran. My parents, Sarah, the way I harmed my Keepers.” Sienna pulled back, the familiar urge to run making her feel agitated. “I should leave before Archer comes looking for me.”

Rose placed a gentle kiss on Sienna’s cheek and pulled back to look at her. “You don’t understand why I transferred my powers to you, Sienna, but one day you will. You have your own destiny to fulfil, just as I did. But it’s your journey to discover.” She pulled away, offering a weak smile that was oddly comforting. “Your Keepers are waiting.”

Sienna glanced outside at the fading afternoon sunlight and nodded. “Yes, I should go.” She hugged Rose one more time before making her way to the door. She hesitated in the doorway and turned to look at her grandmother. “What would it take to break The Circle’s curse on a Keeper and his witch?”

Rose met her gaze, her own eyes flashing with a brief glimpse of sorrow. “It’s complicated.”

“But it can be done?”

“Yes.”

Hope fired, despite the warning voice that niggled. “How?”

“With a counteracting spell and a blood sacrifice. A death.”

And just like that, all Sienna’s hopes went up in flames. There was no way she’d ever offer a blood sacrifice if it meant death. Sienna bit back a response and simply nodded. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

By the time Sienna made her way through the forest toward the Manor House, the sun had begun setting at a rapid pace. The fading light didn’t worry her; the darkness was well suited to her mood.

Archer. Sarah. Her parents. Rose.

Not a day went by that she didn’t think of her parents or Sarah Bennett, her fourth Keeper. And every day, the pain that came with the memory surrounding their deaths still twisted her soul. She’d simply discovered how to muffle the pain and move on.

Her parents, solid and kind, full of wisdom and love. They’d made her feel safe, treasured, and she’d blossomed under their care. Her father had been the town sheriff of Rapid Falls, her mother a Beckham witch. An odd couple but together, they’d fought for order and harmony in their town.

Sadly, it was their quest for peace that had eventually destroyed them.

Sarah too, with her kind eyes, contagious laugh, and endless chatter. She’d been like a sister to Sienna and living in such close proximity with three strong males had called for some female companionship to balance the odds. They’d shared so much love and laughter and losing Sarah was like losing a treasured part of herself.

Sienna swiped at her tears, cursing them. She’d be damned if she’d put Rose or another one of her Keepers in danger protecting her. They were all she had left.

But Archer was right.

She did need the Bennett brothers and the protection they offered. She’d missed them and a small part of her was thrilled they’d found her. The thought unsettled her and she frowned, rubbing her arms with her hands to ward off the chill.

The snapping of a nearby twig had her whirling around.

“Hello?”

Silence greeted her and she swallowed, trying to ignore the sudden uneasiness that had taken hold of her. Her instincts prickled, and she cast a quick glance toward the Manor House. She was close but even at a fast run she would never reach it in time.

In time for what?

Before being mauled by the likes of Harper? A wolf? Before she could contemplate which option would be the lesser evil, two dark shadows stepped out from the shadows of the night.

Senses in prime form, Sienna heard the soft whoosh of the dart gun before the dart reached her. She dropped to the ground, out of its lethal aim, and grunted with satisfaction when the dart disappeared in the darkness. With the skills of a trained warrior, she sprang to her feet, her eyes pinned on the men.

“Rose Thorn?” she asked, glancing at the offensive gun. A rumble of powers stirred inside as her body went into defensive mode. In response, the trees began to rustle around them.

“Worked last time.”

Sienna’s stomach rolled as she recognized the voice. “Harper. Back so soon?”

Harper stepped forward, wearing a leather jacket and a wicked smile, and reloaded. “I would’ve thought you’d be expecting me.”

“On the Bennett property? You must have a death wish.”

His brief laugh sounded more like mockery than amusement. “What better plan than to steal their witch from right under their nose?”

“Ah. There’s only one problem though.”

“And that would be?”

“You’re fresh out of Rose Thorn,” she replied, raising unsteady arms in his direction. A strong gust of wind rose up around them but vanished before she could channel it.

Harper gave her a satisfied smile. “Is that all you have, witchy? Even without the Rose Thorn, your powers are still sketchy.”

With shaking hands, Sienna tried again. The air shifted again, creating a slight whirlwind of forest debris. She raised her arms and sent the whirlwind their way but it whooshed past them, missing them completely.

Harper laughed and edged closer, raising the gun in her direction.

Sienna dragged in air, as the stupid tears welled in her eyes. This is what her fears had reduced her to?

His accomplice broke away to circle her, the motion sparking her defences all over again.

She moved backward as they closed in on her and panic welled up inside her. Giving in to the survival mode that overrode everything else, Sienna flung out her arms with a soft cry. A strong gust of wind slammed against Harper, catching him off guard, and sent the gun smashing against a nearby tree, destroying the batch of dreaded herb. Harper’s accomplice produced a second gun with lightning speed, but he quickly retreated a few steps when the gun exploded and landed at his feet.

Feeling empowered from the magic she still shunned, Sienna started chanting in a fierce tone that had both men stop and take notice. The chanting became louder, quicker, and more forceful, a fierce combination of fury and self-preservation brewing a deadly cocktail within, overriding her fear of the magic.

“Cut the crap, witch,” Harper ordered and slowly backed away.

The fear in his voice enthralled her, rather than stopped her, and Sienna flung out her arms with more purpose. A spark ignited into a ring of fire and chased off with neat precision, immediately forming a perfect circle around the two men.

They’d kept her prisoner. She was about to return the favour.

Instinctively, both men charged forward in hope of scaling the small wall of fire, but Sienna had already anticipated their move. With a quick raise of the arms, the wall of flames heightened.

“Don’t even try,” she warned. “I’ve spelled the circle.” When they backed down with loud curses, she gave them a wicked grin. “Not so brave now, are you?”

Even as she said it, she felt the briefest crack in her armour. Her powers were as strong as ever, but her body still lagged from the tail end effects of the Rose Thorn and despite the sudden unwelcome satisfaction at using magic again, the fear of losing control still lingered.

The bright flames flickered and Sienna had to concentrate on maintaining the intensity of heat. The circle of fire raged on, a deep glow of red in a circle of darkness.

She wouldn’t be able to hold them for much longer. With a grimace, she sank to her knees but held her head high.

There was no way she’d allow Harper see just how badly the Rose Thorn, or her demons, had tormented her.

Hell no.

****

Archer walked to the edge of the patio and scanned the grounds, a familiar discomfort of warning tugging at his gut. He sensed fear and aggression.

And it wasn’t his.

As if to confirm his uneasiness, Levi stood on quiet alert at the top of the stairs, staring into the darkness.

“Levi?”

The retriever tilted her head and whined.

Archer discarded the drink and frowned when he saw the soft glow of flames licking at the haze of darkness in the distance.

Before he could process the sight, Ethan walked up behind him.

“What the hell is that?” Ethan asked, motioning to the fire with the glass in his hand. “Rose have some voodoo witchy crap going on?”

Archer narrowed his eyes, doubtful. “Why would Rose have a roaring fire in the middle of the forest?” The nagging sensation in his gut heightened, demanding he sit up and take action. And then it dawned on him. “It’s Sienna. Something’s wrong.”

“Isn’t she up in her room?” Ethan asked, quickly setting his glass on the table beside him. “Have you checked on her again?”

“I’m going to kill her,” Archer said, and bolted down the stairs, Levi directly beside him.

With their supernatural speed, it took mere moments for both brothers to reach the fire.

Archer slapped a hand across Ethan’s chest, putting an abrupt stop to his haste. With his other hand, he reigned in the unsettled dog.

With a brief nod, Ethan motioned to the circle of flames ahead of them. “Voodoo witchy crap. What the hell are they doing?”

“I have no bloody idea.” But the smell of raw aggression punched him in the gut. And fear. Sienna’s fear. Archer looked around, his fists clenched at his sides. The fire blazed sharply, eliminating the dullness of the darkening forest. Nearby leaves of several tree branches sizzled into a crackling oblivion. His stomach rolled when he saw the silhouettes of the two men trapped in the middle of the fire.

Barking furiously, Levi broke away from Archer and bolted.

And then he saw her.

Sienna.

The sight of Sienna on her knees, drawing on the remains of her strength to keep the two men trapped in their fire prison, sent immediate chills down his spine.

“Sienna!”

Levi was already all over her. Sienna’s head whipped around, and he saw the relief cross her face.

“What took you so long?” she asked casually, but he heard the strain in her voice.

“What happened?” Archer asked, kneeling beside her.

“Harper.”

His head flung up, and he glared at the two men. “They came here?”

“Bold, aren’t they?”

“Are you okay?”

She gave a brief nod at the same time the intensity of the flames lessened.

“Sienna, stop,” he said, placing a hand on her arm. The trembling he felt beneath his fingers brought on a fresh wave of anger. “We’re here. You can stop.”

The fire didn’t let up and he moved closer to her. A quick glance at Ethan told him what he needed to know. His brother nodded in response, ready for the attack that would follow the moment the wall of fire came down.

“Sienna,” Archer said, sliding his arms around her shoulders, “stop.”

Just like that, the fire disappeared, leaving the two men exposed to the wrath of her Keepers.

“Go inside,” he told her, tugging her to her feet. When she hesitated, he pinned her with a glare of half warning, half-pleading. “We’ve got this, Sienna.”

She nodded and backed away at the same time the two entrapped men sprang into action.

It was only when she disappeared into the darkness, Levi hot on her heels, that Archer whirled toward them.

CHAPTER SEVEN

With a burning sensation chewing at his gut, Archer marched through the house in search of Sienna.

He found her in the kitchen, draining a bottle of water, a bloodied tissue clasped in one hand. Nose bleed, no doubt. Whenever her powers had taken too strong a toll on her body, she’d develop either a migraine or a nosebleed.

Despite his rage, he couldn’t help but notice her, and hesitated in the doorway. Her red hair, a striking contrast to the white shirt she wore, hung loose around her shoulders. Her shirt had hitched up her waist to reveal long, toned legs and a white scrap of lace that barely covered her ass.

All skin and woman.

The sight struck him right where it mattered most, and he felt an instant tightening between his thighs. Only Sienna could fend off attackers in gumboots and still look sexy. Something inside stirred beside the rage, mingled for a brief moment, and was pushed aside.

Reminding himself that he was, in fact, still very mad at her, Archer shoved open the door and tossed the small bag of clothes she’d collected from Rose onto a nearby couch.

She lowered the water bottle and spun around. “Archer.”

“What the hell were you thinking?” he demanded, coming to a stop in front of her.

“I’m in no mood for a lecture, so back the hell down.”

He caught her chin and tilted her face to either side. A mild nosebleed as he’d suspected. Her attempt to pull away only tightened his grip on her. She was upset and a fire raged in her eyes that he hadn’t seen in a very long time. Good. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.”

“What part of ‘stay in the house’ got lost in translation?”

Sienna slapped at his hands and drew back. “I went to see Rose.”

“Rose would’ve come here.”

“I can’t stay here and hide forever.”

“No, but you’ll have to be careful until Warrick and his warriors can be dealt with.”

She gave a defiant lift of her chin. “I’m not the weak little witch girl you make me out to be, Archer. In case you hadn’t noticed, I handled them.”

“Any longer and you would’ve crumbled.” He saw the denial on her face and had the urge to shake some sense into her. Instead, he planted his hands firmly on her shoulders, forcing her to face him. “No one doubts your powers but you refuse to embrace them and that makes you weak. Don’t for one moment think those assholes don’t know that.”

“I’m fine!” She shoved his chest, packing a powerful punch for someone so small.

Damn, she’s infuriating.

Frustration prickled and pushing past her, he slammed on the tap with a little more force than intended.

Sienna’s eyes widened when she saw him vigorously scrubbing his hands, blood rinsing down the drain. “You’re hurt.”

“I’ll live.”

She came up behind him, took hold of his hand in hers, and winced. “It’s a bad one.”

He tugged his hand away, not caring to examine the thin cut on his inner arm. He’d had worse. “I’m fine, Sienna.” The wound had already begun to heal and once again, Archer was grateful for the accelerated healing that came with his powers. It had saved his hide several times.

“Archer.”

“I heal quickly,” he said, grabbing a nearby towel and wiping the wound dry. “You, on the other hand, don’t.”

“And you’re hurt because of me.”

“So stay in the damn house.”

“I can’t talk to you when you’re like this.” Her attempt to side step him failed, and she blew out her breath. “Let me go, Archer.”

Reaching between them, he took her hand and held it against his shoulder where his Keeper tattoo was branded on his flesh. The action brought an instant flash of recognition in her eyes, and she lifted her gaze to meet his. “You know how this all works, Sienna. Without you, our elemental powers are useless. But without us, your elemental powers will weaken. You will weaken.” His voice clouded with a thick emotion he couldn’t prevent, and he swallowed. The very thought of something happening to her sent his entire body into a rip-roaring rollercoaster of anger, misery, and denial.

“Archer, stop.”

“No. You need to get how serious this is.”

“Don’t you think I know that?”

“By your actions tonight, no. I don’t think you do.” She tried to break away but he grabbed her wrists and held them between their bodies. “If you’re hell bent on risky manoeuvres, then we’re all at risk. And I’ll be damned if our parents died for nothing.”

“Don’t you think I feel that, too?” she cried, her voice trembling as her eyes filled with unshed tears. “Every damn day is a reminder of them, of Sarah, and I blame myself. I keep losing people, no matter how hard I fight for them.”

He gave a mocking laugh of disbelief and yanked her towards him. “You call this fighting? All I see is you running away and taking stupid risks. You’re a bloody Beckham witch, Sienna, so start acting like one!”

“Why do you think I loathe using my powers? You’re all I have left and I almost destroyed you and although we have no proof, I’m pretty damn sure it was magic that killed our parents.”

“It wasn’t the magic that killed them, Sienna!” he yelled, frustration whipping away his usual control. “It was Warrick’s parents!”

His words snapped her into silence and she blew out air and closed her eyes. A single tear trailed down her cheek and everything inside Archer twisted. “We don’t know that for sure.”

“Smoke, fire. They won’t stop, Sienna,” he said, lowering his voice. “The Bennett brothers have vowed to protect you. Why hide? Why’ve you resisted us for the last two years?”

Her eyes blazed something sharp, and she looked away, swiping away the fallen tear.

“Tell me.”

She shook her head. “Now’s not the time for that conversation. It’s been a long night.”

But he refused to let it go. He’d waited two years for an explanation, and now seemed like the perfect time. “Why did you run?”

She became still, and he felt the fight lessen. “You know what would’ve happened if I’d stayed.”

“Say it,” he said softly.

“No.”

There was a subtle shift of energy between them as their gazes met in an unyielding challenge. Two unmovable forces, a lifetime of history, and undeniable passion hung between them.

“Say the words, Sienna,” he insisted softly.

“You know why.”

“Say it.”

She didn’t reply, but didn’t have to. He saw the raw longing in the depth of her green eyes, conflicted with sadness, full of wanting.

Archer stared at her lips, caught by the urge to lay claim to them, and tried to push aside the vague voice that screamed a familiar warning at him. They’d been down this road before. Almost. And look where the hell they’d ended up.

But his universe shrank around him the moment her gaze fell to his lips.

Throwing caution to the wind, his mouth came down on hers, avid and hungry, and everything else fell away.

Except her.

CHAPTER EIGHT

An instinct older than civilization yelled at Sienna to run, but her whole body started tingling the moment Archer’s mouth touched hers.

Instead, she gave in to the tender pressure of his lips, and tangled her fingers in his hair.

The kiss that followed was so intense and rocked her world in a way that unnerved her.

His clever hands were all over her, deliciously rough against her flawless skin, and her girlie tingling instantly turned into insatiable throbbing. Exotic little fires of need kindled inside her and she pressed herself into him, demanding more.

It had been a long time since she’d felt like this.

“I’d hoped things had changed,” she groaned between kisses.

He smiled against her lips. “Have they?”

She shook her head.

“Damn right they haven’t,” he said, nibbling her neck. His mouth moved across her cheekbone, along her chin. He dropped soft kisses across her jaw and into her neck, and she hung her head back to give him full access.

“I’ve never stopped wanting you, Sienna.”

His words, whispered against her ear, sent her imagination racing, and she smiled in anticipation. She hungered for more and clung to him as he took control of her body and overpowered her senses. His stomach pressed against her in a way that sent her libido roaring and brought an instant flush to her cheeks.

Raw primal need took over, destroying all rational thought, and with a swift motion, Archer hitched his palms against her lower back and hoisted her against him.

Her legs came up around him in reflex response and she sought out his mouth, needing the onslaught of delicious kisses only he could give her.

“God, you’re beautiful,” he whispered, plundering her mouth with his.

He kicked the door closed behind him and took three strides toward the kitchen counter. With a quick swipe of his arm, he sent the fruit bowl scattering across the floor, before placing her seated on the counter top.

His raw, masculine aura of power and strength was overwhelming.

“We shouldn’t be doing this,” Archer said softly between kisses, sliding his hands under the hem of her shirt to cup her hips and pull her closer.

“We really shouldn’t be doing this.”

He tipped his head back long enough to give her a slow, predatory smile before capturing her mouth with his again in a kiss so heated, so exciting, that she almost squealed with delight.

The man was built for speed, sex, and pleasure. The thought made her entire body burn, and she threw her head back with a soft sigh.

The sound of the kitchen door opening across the room sent a vague warning through her, but she ignored it.

“What the hell?”

Sienna’s eyes flew open and she pulled back to stare at Archer. He drew in a deep, aggravated breath and tilted his head toward the kitchen door. “Your timing sucks, brother.”

Sienna blinked, trying to catch her breath and find her senses. She felt like a whirlwind had ripped through her – a whirlwind of pure masculine heat and sexiness.

With a quick glance past Archer’s body, she saw Ethan walk further into the kitchen. Like his brother, he was tall and muscular, but had a lightness about him that Sienna had always loved. He wore his sandy brown hair in shorter spikes, the casual look suiting his carefree personality. Usually, his striking blue eyes were filled with laughter and kindness. Tonight, the Ethan that stood glaring at her was a far cry from the Ethan she knew. Fury had erased the laughter in his eyes, a deep frown creased his brow, and his mouth was set in a tight grimace of complete disapproval. There was nothing light about Ethan now.

Sienna closed her eyes with a soft groan and dropped her head against Archer’s chest, hoping that Ethan would simply turn around and leave.

But no.

“Archer,” Ethan said in a low tone, the single word signalling the start of a heated lecture.

Archer kept his back to his brother and remained positioned between her legs, quietly casting a quick scan across her body to ensure she was decent. With a frown, he straightened her shirt and exhaled. “Not now, Ethan.”

Ethan grabbed the discarded fruit bowl off the floor and gaped at his brother. “Seriously?”

“Not now, Ethan.”

“Archer.”

“Ethan,” Archer said quietly, his tone serving as a warning on its own, “leave. Now.”

With an unaccustomed scowl, Ethan picked up the various fruit strewn across the kitchen floor and threw them back into the fruit bowl. “You two miss the part about this sort of behaviour being forbidden between a Keeper and his witch? You’ll have The Circle spitting cobras.”

Ethan’s words brought reality crashing around Sienna’s feet with a thunderous roar.

The damn Circle.

A relationship between a Keeper and his witch was so strongly frowned upon that the witches had cast a spell, cursing any budding relationship. They had their uses, their rules and regulations were needed, but right now, Sienna resented the hell out of them. It was hard to think that a bunch of dead witches still ruled her life.

Sienna felt Archer withdraw, even though he hadn’t moved.

Thanks to Ethan’s stark reminder, the curse that kept her and Archer apart two years ago would continue to keep them apart.

“Ethan, this is none of your business,” Archer said, whirling around to face his brother.

“When it comes to Sienna, everything about her is my business.”

“Not this.”

Ethan took three strides and stood in front of his brother. “You’re her Keeper, Archer, and you don’t want to mess with a bunch of dead witches.” He jabbed a finger into Archer’s chest. “Besides, she’s no match for your physical strength. You could hurt her.”

“Ethan, stop it,” Sienna said softly.

Ethan whirled to face her. “If he doesn’t control himself, Sienna, he’ll hurt you.”

“Oh, please,” she scoffed. “Archer’s the poster boy for control. You really think he’s going to hurt me?”

Ethan’s expression eased. “Playing with fire equals getting burned. Not a good idea.”

“We’re not children, Ethan, so back off.”

Ethan glanced at them both and then nodded. “Fine. You two figure it out. But when the dead Aunty Hilda’s come seeking punishment, don’t come knocking on my door for help.” He walked to the liquor cabinet, pulled out two glasses, and poured Bourbon into both. He handed Archer a glass. “Drink up, brother. You look like you need one.”

Archer’s jaw flexed. “Get out of here, Ethan.”

Ethan tossed back the whiskey, refilled the glass, and headed for the door. “You guys need to figure this shit out before someone gets hurt,” he threw over his shoulder as he left.

Archer was frowning when he turned back to Sienna. “Are you okay?”

She nodded and slid off the counter, trying to keep herself from blushing at the thought of the hot, needy kiss they’d shared moments ago. Had Ethan not interrupted them, she would easily have forgotten the rules set by The Circle and given Archer free reign on her.

Wow.

Archer reached for her but she stopped him with a shake of the head. “Ethan’s right, Archer. The Circle will be spitting cobras if we take this further.”

“Sienna.”

They fell silent, the undeniable truth adding distance between them even though neither one of them had moved.

Anger flooded through her, and Sienna choked back a scream. There had once been a time when her destiny and Beckham heritage had felt like an honour, now felt like an annoying burden she simply couldn’t shake.

And right now, despite their best intentions, she hated The Circle with everything in her.

Inhaling softly, she lifted her chin in quiet determination, trying to calm the resentment inside. “It’s late. We should get some sleep. Tomorrow’s going to be a busy day.”

Archer lifted a brow. “You have plans?”

“Yes.” She pushed past him and moved toward the door. “I know it’s a long trip back to New York but I need to sort out a few things at my apartment and pack a few bags. I’m happy to make the trip alone but I’m assuming you’ll want to tag along.”

“I’ll come with you, Sienna.”

She nodded, never having doubted otherwise, and stopped at the doorway to frown at the shattered lamp on the floor. When had that happened?

Her breath caught as memories of Archer’s kiss clouded her mind, but she was quick to push them away. She looked back at Archer and blushed when she saw his lip curl into a slight grin. He would be able to sense her quick flush of excitement sparked by the memory of their kiss and judging by his grin, he found brief amusement in her reaction to the memory. “Stop it,” she said, jabbing a finger in Archer’s direction.

“Stop what?”

“I want my damn necklace.”

“But this is way more fun.”

“For you maybe. I’m going to bed.”

“You haven’t eaten yet.”

“I’m not hungry.”

“Lucky you.” A sexy gleam entered his eyes and a silly grin played on his lips. “Because unlike you, I am hungry, Sienna, but it’s not food I’m after.”

Sienna gaped at him for a second, spun around, and fled to her room.

CHAPTER NINE

The dream had Sienna bolting out of bed with a soft cry. Heart pounding and gasping choppy breaths of air, she whirled around in the darkness and blinked rapidly in an effort to calm the frenzy of emotions that threatened to overwhelm her.

Breathe. Breathe.

The night times were the worst, as she had no control over the memories that sparked the vicious nightmares.

Someone had once told her that time healed all wounds. Bull. Wide-awake and restless, Sienna pulled on a cardigan to ward off the cool night air, and silently made her way toward the kitchen. She doubted tea would do much to calm the fierceness that lurked inside, but it would give her something to do.

The spacious kitchen was in darkness and she left it that way, needing the blackness to smother her thoughts.

Sienna filled the kettle with water and turned it on. While waiting for it to boil, she strolled outside to the undercover patio that led onto the pool area. It was still dark but the garden lights illuminated the patio and the pool with a soft glow that comforted her. The patio consisted of a fireplace, several comfortable couches, a table with several chairs, and a breathtaking view of the estate’s back garden. It was homely, immaculate, and a popular gathering spot for the Bennett brothers. The bright blue light inside the pool added a cool inviting feel to the water.

Of all the brothers, Archer had always been the lover of water. Not surprising considering his connection with it.

She envied the natural connection her Keepers had to their elemental powers. When channelling their powers, they exerted such confidence and control, something totally foreign to her. Archer could do things with water and manipulate the droplets in a way that never failed to amaze her, Declan could wield fire with impressive ease, and Ethan handled the wind as though it were child’s play.

You’re a Beckham witch, Sienna, so start acting like one.

Archer’s words came to mind, stirring the emotions she’d avoided until now. Although he hadn’t elaborated, she’d known what he’d meant. She’d spent years watching her mother and grandmother in witch mode and she’d learned from an early age that Beckham witches were fighters. They were strong and they fought for what they believed in. They were kind, loving, respected, often feared, and lived their lives to maintain order. They weren’t afraid of their powers and embraced it as a gifts, using their magic to make the world a better, safer place.

An instant flush broke out through Sienna as shame trickled through her. She closed her eyes and allowed the truth to sink in.

She’d spent the last two years being everything a Beckham witch wasn’t.

Sienna opened her eyes and stared at the water for a long while before moving silently toward it. Maybe, just maybe, if she acted like a powerful, confident Beckham witch, she might actually start to feel like one. She was reaching but there had to be something better than the anguish and fear that had been her permanent sorrow buddies for the last few years.

A small whirlwind of energy began to quiver inside her, a gentle fluttering that symbolized hope. The awakening of her powers?

There was only one way to find out.

With careful ease, her heart pounding against her ribcage, Sienna quietly raised her arms toward the pool and gave way to the trance that usually took over when channelling her powers.

The water swirled inside the pool, slowly and softly at first. Once she’d gathered momentum, she raised her arms slightly. A low wall of water followed suit, hovering quietly above the pool before collapsing with a loud splash. Two attempts later, Sienna was ready to scream with annoyance.

I can do this, dammit!

Drawing in a deep breath, she pushed aside the frustration and tried again, this time, giving more of herself to the magic. The water swirled slowly at first but soon caught momentum and moments later, it was swirling faster and harder. With a gentle movement of her arms, the water rose up to form another wall that remained hovering in midair.

The ability to make the water do as she pleased was incredible, and a brief jolt of euphoria landed in her gut. When Harper had attacked her in the forest, she’d used two powers to subdue him. Air and fire. It had taken a few tries and she’d channelled both elements with difficulty, but with a control that had surprised her.

Curiosity and confidence spiked, Sienna concentrated on keeping the water mid air with one hand whilst stirring up a whirlwind in the forest beyond with the other hand. Moments later, she had a whirlwind of forest debris heading her way. The sight frightened her, only briefly, but bold instincts had taken over, driving Sienna to a depth she’d been too afraid to touch.

The whirlwind picked up speed as it approached, gathering fuel along the way. Once she had both elements of nature side by side, she twirled her arms in circular motions, her mind and body completely in tune with the elements. Both elements immediately began swirling in circular motions, faster and faster until Sienna herself was panting.

And feeling even bolder, Sienna slammed her hands together, creating a full-blown collision of water against wind. Water and forest debris exploded into an impressive scene around her, leaving her breathless.

Gasping for air, her shoulders heaving from the unleashed adrenaline, Sienna stared at the chaos she’d created. Water, stones, sticks, leaves, small plants, and even a tiny tree littered the pool area that had only moments ago been spotless. Now it looked as though a mini tornado had taken place while they’d all slept.

Конец ознакомительного фрагмента.

Текст предоставлен ООО «ЛитРес».

Прочитайте эту книгу целиком, купив полную легальную версию на ЛитРес.

Безопасно оплатить книгу можно банковской картой Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, со счета мобильного телефона, с платежного терминала, в салоне МТС или Связной, через PayPal, WebMoney, Яндекс.Деньги, QIWI Кошелек, бонусными картами или другим удобным Вам способом.