The Keepers: Declan

Book 2 in The Keepers Trilogy

Rae Rivers

A division of HarperCollinsPublishers

www.harpercollins.co.uk

Contents

Rae Rivers

Dedication

The Keepers Trilogy

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

CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR

CHAPTER THIRTY FIVE

CHAPTER THIRTY SIX

CHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN

CHAPTER THIRTY EIGHT

CHAPTER THIRTY NINE

CHAPTER FORTY

CHAPTER FORTY ONE

CHAPTER FORTY TWO

CHAPTER FORTY THREE

CHAPTER FORTY FOUR

CHAPTER FORTY FIVE

CHAPTER FORTY SIX

Acknowledgements

About HarperImpulse

Copyright

About the Publisher

Rae Rivers

I am an avid reader and writer with a passion for writing juicy romance novels. I live in Cape Town, South Africa, with my gorgeous husband, two beautiful children and a zoo of house pets. Besides writing, I love family time, the outdoors, travelling, watching TV series, reading and chocolate. For more information about my books, or me, please visit www.raerivers.com. You can also follow me on Twitter @RaeRivers1.

To my beautiful team of cheerleaders – my husband and children. Your patience and support for my writing means the world to me. I love you all to the moon and back.

The Keepers Trilogy

The Keepers: Sienna (Free prequel)

The Keepers: Archer

The Keepers: Declan

The Keepers: Ethan

CHAPTER ONE

Bennett Estate

Rapid Falls, Canada

It seemed like a slam-dunk job.

Although Kate Carrigan suspected it might not be.

She dismissed the voice nagging at her to retreat, slipped on her gloves, and focused on her entry into the estate. She’d come so far and there was no turning back.

Breaking into the mansion didn’t bother her. Thanks to the enchanted key in her pocket, locks were no hindrance. That was the easy part and had nothing to do with the flow of unease streaming through her body.

No, that was all down to the owners of the estate.

The Keepers. Three handsome, powerful brothers who were fiercely protective of their home and the witch they were duty bound to defend.

And Kate was about to break into their house.

She’d been watching, waiting, biding time until the Bennett brothers and their witch left their mansion together.

Blissfully unaware they were about to be relieved of three antique daggers.

They’d opted against the Aston Martin and Land Cruiser parked in the garage and had left on foot, disappearing into the forest.

Kate scaled the high wall of the mansion with an ease that almost made her smile but she figured that would be premature. After all, she was about to conduct her first burglary in a house occupied by four people with supernatural abilities.

Without a sound, she dropped to the ground on the other side of the wall, folded her body into a crouched position, and fused herself with the dark shadows of the night.

A dog barked, its shadow approaching from a distance, and Kate dug into her pocket, extracting a cookie smothered in her special peanut butter recipe.

Hoping the dog ate the cookie instead of her.

“Here, sweetie,” she whispered, holding out the treat as the Golden Retriever neared her. The animal looked friendly, despite its guarded stance and wary growl.

But the lure of the treat was quick to disarm her and she trotted over with a wag of the tail.

Some watch dog.

The cookie disappeared in two bites but the peanut butter was more of a challenge.

Satisfied she wouldn’t be barking any time soon, Kate turned back to the house.

She eyed her marked door, tiny against the backdrop of the double storey home. Its central living area branched into separate wings; one for each brother, no doubt. Despite its age, the house was immaculate and peaceful in a way that Kate had seldom associated with home.

With a watchful eye on the security cameras, she sprinted across the snow-covered lawn with the fluid grace of a burglar and breathed a sigh of relief when she reached the door. She produced the enchanted key, ignoring the flush that came with the memory of the night she’d stolen it from the middle brother, Declan. A night she’d spent three months trying to forget.

The key fit perfectly into the keyhole, snapping the lock open with ease, and Kate was thankful for the painless entry. Not bad for an amateur.

Adrenaline rushed through her like a long-lost friend, a welcome reminder of the buzz she received from activities that veered off the lawful path.

And she was all for lawful paths. Most of the time.

The house was in complete darkness. She’d opted for black cat burglar attire, hoodie and all. She blended in well, oddly comforted by the blackness that surrounded her.

Confident of the lack of internal security, Kate moved down the hallway. According to Declan, the Keepers valued their privacy, and made up for it by keeping the perimeters of the grounds well guarded.

Right.

True, it had been a challenge to get across the lawns to the house undetected, but after studying the security system for a while, Kate had spotted a weakness. She slipped inside the living room and looked around, imprinting her surroundings to memory. She didn’t need the light to know that the Bennett brothers would have furnished it luxuriously, with money no object. The size of the estate alone hinted at a lifestyle beyond Kate’s dreams.

She crossed to the opposite wall where three ancient daggers hung above the fireplace, their blades crisscrossing downwards.

Hers for the taking.

She ran a finger along one handle, inhaling as a gentle swirl of energy swept through her. A thrill of excitement washed over her, prompting a triumphant smile.

At last.

****

Declan Bennett sat on a leather couch in the corner of the living room, whiskey in hand, enjoying the gloom. Sienna and his brothers would be home soon, and until then he intended to wallow away in alcohol. He sipped his drink, seeking comfort in the scorching liquid. He could use all the comfort he could get after returning from Rose’s memorial service. Saying goodbye to their beloved old witch had torn at a part of him he struggled to keep under wraps.

Too many loved ones lost. His parents, his sister, and now Rose. All taken at the hands of two warlocks – the Brogans. One of the brothers was now entombed and desiccated on their estate and the other was dead.

Sweet fucking justice.

Declan took another sip and closed his eyes, refusing to dwell on the memories.

When the door to the living room opened a moment later, he simply opened one eye.

Declan watched as a tall, dark figure slipped into the room, missing his presence in the shadows. The lights from the garden offered little help and he blinked in the darkness. Dressed in black, the intruder was almost invisible and for a brief moment, he thought he was dreaming.

Until his visitor stepped into a strip of moonlight.

His heartbeat quickened. He couldn’t make out the features, but the delicate face and slender body were definitely female.

What the hell?

A supernatural? A stalker? A burglar? He frowned. Whoever she was and whatever she wanted, she could only mean one thing. Trouble.

Damn. His instincts would usually be to charge forward and attack.

And yet he simply sat and watched.

Surprised? Yes. Intrigued? Definitely. Scared? Hell no.

The first thing he noticed was the way she moved. Silent and graceful, almost feline in the way that she sauntered across the room. She appeared in no hurry, but why should she be when the house was in darkness and they were all presumably out for the evening?

Or not.

At the fireplace, she slid her hands along the mantelpiece, and it suddenly dawned on him. A cat burglar. And she was here for their daggers.

As she touched each dagger, almost in admiration, he nearly laughed at her audacity. Their new perimeter security system was the finest around and with three Keepers in residence – all with supernatural hearing – the fact that she’d managed to break in was impressive.

Declan knew she’d be no match for him. After all, he was a Keeper and with that came superhuman powers, speed and strength.

He’d deal with her. Yes, he expected an explanation. Later. For now, he wanted to see what mademoiselle cat burglar could do. The daggers were charmed with a protection spell and only a witch would be able to remove them from their rightful place on the wall. He was curious to see his intruder’s reaction when she failed to crack it.

His jaw unhinged when she rocked back on her heels, the first dagger in her hands.

Foolproof, my ass.

Without making a sound, Declan discarded his glass of whiskey along with his surprise.

It was time for a game of cat and mouse.

CHAPTER TWO

Kate’s heart pounded with excitement, adrenaline coursing through her, and she grinned at the first two daggers in her hand. Ancient, blunt, discoloured, a pentagram etched on each handle. Had it not been for her late mother’s letter urging Kate to find them, she would never have believed they were anything special.

Hope flared for the first time in months and she hugged the daggers to her chest before carefully placing them in her rucksack.

Her days of running were over.

“Looking for something?”

Kate’s body shook right to the core as she heard the words muttered in the darkness behind her. Dropping the rucksack, she spun around with a force that almost dislocated her shoulder, and gaped at Declan Bennett highlighted in the strip of moonlight. Although she’d always found darkness comforting, she’d known that it could someday hold an element of surprise.

This particular surprise was standing a few feet from her wearing a grim expression. He was tall with broad shoulders and a voice that hinted of arrogance and control, a voice that rocked her world completely.

Again.

Oh, my God.

“What are you doing here?” she cried as icicles washed over her.

“I could ask you the same question.”

“I thought you were out,” she replied, lowering her voice and stepping back into the shadows. If he recognised her, trouble wouldn’t begin to describe it.

“Clearly.” Irritation lined his voice and she forced herself not to flinch. “Who the hell are you?”

He moved forward and she edged away from the fireplace, tugging her hoodie forward to cover her face. Damn, she wasn’t prepared for Declan. Not now, not like this, and the last thing she needed was for him to recognise her. The woman who had sought him out three months ago, disarmed him with feminine wiles, and stolen from him.

He’d be furious.

Filled with restless energy and the urge to run, she glanced at the living room door, calculating her fastest exit route.

His smouldering gaze followed hers before pinning her with a look that almost made her squirm. “You think you can run?”

“Would you stop me?”

“Absolutely,” he shot back as the corner of his lips curled in a predatory smile that sent her heart rate soaring.

She’d been busted red-handed and he was smiling at her? It caught her off-guard. “You find this amusing?”

“Do you know who I am? Who we are?”

“I know enough.”

“So you know we have zero tolerance for thieves?”

“Doesn’t everyone?”

“I’m not everyone. That should concern you,” he said, his words edged with a warning that made her stomach lurch.

She glanced at the door again, her heart pounding.

He tilted his head to follow her gaze again. “You really think you can outrun me?”

Raw adrenaline pumped through her, her body primed to flee. Her heart slammed against her rib cage and she drew in a sharp breath. Think, think, think.

“You have two options, Catwoman.” Declan turned his eyes back to her. Although it was dark, she knew their colour. She’d never been able to shrug off the memory of those expressive blue eyes that sparked with intensity and mischief.

“And I’m busting at the seams to hear them.”

“Option one is where you surrender and explain why you’re here.”

“Not appealing. And two?”

Declan waved a hand at the door. “Or you can run.”

Kate narrowed her eyes. Not quite what she’d been expecting to hear. Although his tone was easy, he dripped with challenge.

But she couldn’t leave without the daggers.

“And you’ll be after me in a flash,” she said.

“Take it or leave it.”

Apparently, his love of mischief still thrived, the trait that had drawn her to him before – along with the fact that she’d marked him from the start. They’d met in a New Orleans bar, where they’d shared flirty comments and copious shots of whiskey. Then, she’d had the upper hand. She’d had a plan – which might have taken a detour thanks to the alcohol and his charm – but she’d retrieved what she’d needed and run. This was entirely different.

“We both know you won’t let me leave, so why the facade?” she asked.

“Call it curiosity. I’m impressed. And tonight I’m in need of a distraction.” A slow smile softened his features. “Besides, I like a good chase like the rest of them.”

“So what is this then, cat and mouse?”

“Call it what you like. It could be fun.”

“Sure, if you’re the cat.”

“Lucky for me that I’m no mouse.”

Kate’s mind grasped at options. She needed those daggers and the protection they offered. God knows she needed protection right now. Not from the Bennett brother. He was strong, powerful, a Keeper at his best – but he wouldn’t hurt her. After all, he existed to protect his witch and to maintain the balance of nature. Unlike whoever was after her.

She swallowed her desperation and gave him a level stare.

“I’ll make you a deal,” she offered. “A bet.”

Declan folded his arms across his chest. “You’re not really in a position to, but you’ve got my attention.”

This was a game for him! She shoved out her chin, determined to match his challenge. “I bet you that I’ll beat you to the daggers.”

“I doubt that, but please continue.”

“If I do, I get to keep the daggers and leave.”

“If you don’t, I get to keep you?”

She heard the teasing laughter in his voice and her nerves soared. “Since I intend to win, that part is irrelevant.”

“Is that so?”

“Guaranteed.”

He closed the distance between them, the movement making her shrink even further into the shadows, and held out his hand. “I bet that you won’t and in that case, I get to decide your fate.”

Confidence oozed from his words, triggering a flare of panic. Although she had similar abilities, she wasn’t as strong as a true Keeper. The only way she’d be able to defeat Declan was if he used his elemental power – fire.

Not something the Keeper would do lightly.

Her ability to immobilize magic was the only magical power she’d been taught to embrace. Everything else had been forbidden.

Kate quelled her hesitation and held out her hand. “Done.”

His fingers closed around hers, firm, warm, sparking memories of feeling his hands all over her. An unwelcome excitement flushed through her and she tried to pull away.

Instead of releasing her, he tightened his grip and slid an arm around her waist.

“Let me go,” she snapped, shoving a hand against his chest, needing the distance between them. God, any moment now and he’d recognise her. She twisted, he turned, and she struggled. When she tried to shove him away, they stumbled and ended up in a heap on the floor.

Kate struggled to breathe with his weight on top of her. How the hell had she landed beneath him? Dammit! “Manhandling me is not part of the deal, warrior boy.”

“Call me that again and manhandling will be the least of your worries.” He pinned her wrists on either side of her face, and she averted her eyes from his intense blue gaze, grateful for the darkness and the hoodie that concealed her secret – one that was about to crumble at any moment. She’d drugged him that night so his memories would be cloudy, but the proximity was dangerous. His tousled black hair and sculpted face were enough to send any woman’s heart racing. Even hers. Even now.

The scent of him aroused sinful memories and she sucked in air. Shoving away the night she’d lost her grip on reality, she tried to buck him off her. “Get off me!”

“I won’t hurt you, wildcat. Calm down.”

“If you mean me no harm then let me go.”

“I will, but for now, I simply want some answers.”

“That wasn’t our deal.”

“I’m the one on top, so I get to call the shots.”

“I figure you just love being on top.”

His smile was pure naughtiness. “Care to find out?”

“I’ll be more woman than you can handle.”

He leaned forward, his lips hovering above hers, electricity pulsing between them. “I dare you to say that again,” he challenged, his undertone way too suggestive – and, in spite of herself, Kate’s eyes raised to meet his.

She saw the moment it changed, the flash of recognition that wiped away his smile. His gaze narrowed to a deep intensity that made her want to wriggle. His frown deepening, he reached up to pull back her hood.

Oh, God. She slapped his hand away. “In your dreams, Bennett. Now get off me!” she snapped, using all her strength to push him away.

As she scrambled to her feet and backed away, he stood, confusion clouding his expression. “Why … why don’t you start by telling me your name?”

“You win our bet and I’ll give it to you.”

“Fair enough. Ready?”

“On the count of three.”

“Fine. One –”

Using a newfound speed that still surprised her, Kate grabbed a nearby lamp and slammed it against his head before bolting for the daggers. With a curse, he lunged for her but she reacted with a brutal kick that sent him crashing against the wall behind him. Wood splintered and glass shattered, drowning out his outrage.

“Who are you?” he demanded, jumping to his feet, this time eyeing her with more caution.

She groped for the rucksack on the floor, grateful for the surge of strength that had recently joined her magical powers. “I bet it’s not every day a woman kicks your ass.”

“Only when she’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing.”

“I just want the daggers.” More now than ever.

“Like hell.”

Archer, the oldest Bennett brother, came skidding to a halt in the doorway.

Kate grabbed a nearby vase and crashed it across Declan’s shoulders. Glass exploded everywhere but this time he anticipated her move and collided with her, the impact leaving her breathless. Rolling on the floor in a struggle of fists and grunts, they fought each other, but Declan was stronger, faster and more experienced. Kate’s lush brown hair worked itself free from her hood, just as Declan got the upper hand, pinning her to the ground.

“Who are you and what the hell do you want?” he growled.

“Get off me!”

Light flooded the room, destroying any last hope of anonymity. The flash of unguarded surprise that registered across Declan’s expression was immediately masked by fury. “Kate?” he growled, narrowed eyes searing into her.

Archer darted forward, another Bennett brother with too much muscle, strength, and attitude for her liking. “You’re a woman?”

Taking advantage of their surprise, Kate broke free and shoved Declan with such strength that he collided with the coffee table behind him. She sprang to her feet, swung around, and lunged for the last dagger.

Archer was there in an instant. As he reached out, she whirled around, plunging the dagger into his shoulder. He gaped at her, green eyes rounded in surprise. She gasped, horror ripping through her at what she’d done.

Oh, God.

“What the hell’s going on here?” The youngest brother and their witch rushed into the room.

Kate felt a cocktail of energy brewing inside her, a whirl of sensations she struggled to control.

Before anyone could react, the room started to tremble, everything rattling and screeching in an eerie display of witching powers.

Powers magnified in a way Kate had never experienced before.

Cupboard doors burst open, glass shattered, books flew across the room, and light bulbs exploded.

Overwhelmed, she gulped air and reached for control, steadying the flow of energy.

And just like that, everything fell silent.

Sienna and her Keepers squinted through the dark at the chaos she’d created, and Kate took that brief, golden moment to grab the rucksack containing two of the three daggers. Mind racing, heart pounding, she scanned for the nearest exit.

And bolted.

CHAPTER THREE

Three days later

New Orleans, USA

With a coffee clasped in cold hands, Kate made her way through the cobblestone streets of the French Quarter in New Orleans. A city of night owls meant that early morning walks were peaceful, most of the tourists still asleep. Restaurants, antique shops, art galleries, coffee shops and boutiques lined the streets. It wouldn’t be long before the tourists and locals were back for another whirl of celebrations.

It was good to be back. The last time she’d been here was three months ago when she’d met Declan for a mind-blowing night that had almost derailed her plans. For Declan, she’d been a distraction from the tortured memories of his sister’s death. Someone who’d shared his need to push away the real world and indulge in decadent pastimes.

For Kate, he’d been her target, her goal, and she’d almost lost sight of that during their brief time together. It had been so easy to lose herself and enjoy some fun. That night, Declan had wiped away the nagging worry that bore in her gut constantly, reminding her that she was marked. He’d given her a glimpse of what it felt like to have someone strong and powerful as her ally.

Only, they could never be allies. Not after she’d snuck out of his room after midnight, taking his enchanted key with her. How much he remembered of their night together was anyone’s guess, given the endless shots of whiskey.

And the herbs.

But she remembered.

With his boyish charm, cheeky smile, and blue eyes that frequently danced with mischief, the man had made her quiver all over.

A shiver ran down her spine which had nothing to do with the cool morning air. The image of his furious expression came to mind, sparking an inward cringe. He’d recognised her - knew she’d crossed him; stolen from him. Twice.

And something told her he wasn’t about to let this go.

He’d set chase with a vengeance. She’d eventually shrugged him off but couldn’t resist the constant urge to check over her shoulder.

Kate sipped her coffee and grimaced at the harsh taste, her stomach flipping. Ignoring the adrenaline-fuelled queasiness that was becoming her constant companion, she tossed the empty container in a nearby bin and glanced around to ensure no one was tailing her – an action that had become second nature. She crossed the street and headed to the store on the corner.

Magic and Mirrors was small and enchanting. It belonged to Hazel, an old friend of her mother’s who’d befriended Kate shortly after her death. Their grief over the loss of a woman they’d both loved gave them companionship. Hazel had become a surrogate mother, taking care of the smallest details at a time when all Kate knew was heartache and fear. In the months following the accident, Hazel had encouraged frequent visits to New Orleans. Needing space from home and its painful memories, Kate had accepted – and without her mother’s influence, their friendship had blossomed.

Her stomach rolled, as it always did with memories of her mother.

A woman whose entire life had been dominated by the fear of magic, shunning the supernatural world. She had forbidden all use of magic, only encouraging Kate’s ability to negate magic.

And only because it was a means of self-defence.

Kate paused in the doorway of the store and slowly exhaled away the memories and guilt that nipped at her heels.

The bell shrilled as the door swung open to reveal an older woman with striking black hair and long nails painted a morbid maroon. A wide smile softened her expression when she spotted Kate.

“Good gracious. You’re back!” Her words came out in a gush of air and she pulled Kate into her arms before waving her inside. “Come out of the cold.”

Hazel stepped outside, casting a suspicious glance along the street before following Kate inside.

The faint aroma of herbs filled the store. Several shelves containing roots and herbs lined the back wall. A jewellery case stood in the centre of the room, displaying silver pieces. Strewn across the floor in neat piles were tattered books that hinted at age and wisdom.

“Did you find the daggers?” Hazel asked, eyes wide with hope.

“Not all of them.”

Surprise tugged at her smile and her shoulders fell. “That’s not good. Come, I’ll make some tea and you can tell me what happened.”

Kate followed her to the small kitchen at the back of the store and held back in the doorway as Hazel assembled a tray. It was a familiar dance for them, a platform for hours of chats. “Has the store been busy?”

“Not recently, but maybe this weekend. I’m considering casting an enticement spell to draw people in. I need to clear out some stock.”

It hadn’t taken Kate long to figure out that Hazel was a witch. They’d first met at her mother’s funeral, which had been a quiet affair. Although the details of that day were sketchy, Kate remembered her kindness and had been pleased to bump into her again in New Orleans. She’d been on a buying spree there for her mother’s clothing boutique back home in Southport, North Carolina. Since then, she’d ended up spending more and more time in New Orleans.

Hazel carried the tray to the small wooden table at the window and sat in one of the mismatched chairs. “Tell me about Rapid Falls. Did you see the Keepers? I’ve heard they’re rather smitten with the Beckham witch.”

“Apparently, only the older brother, Archer.”

“Lucky girl to have a trio of male glory at her defence.”

“She’s a powerful witch, Hazel. There’s nothing lucky about that.”

Hazel’s grin faded. “Maybe. For some, a magical heritage is a blessing and for others like your mother, it’s a curse. Depends on whether you embrace it.”

“I wonder if our lives would have been different if my mother had a Keeper to watch over her?”

“Accepting a Keeper would have meant accepting the world she was born into. She was dead set against anything magical.”

An understatement. They’d spent years, isolated, steering clear of anyone with supernatural abilities. It was only Hazel who had broken through Kate’s defensive wall and their friendship had been like a breath of much-needed air.

“Witches have Keepers for a reason,” Kate muttered. “Maybe if she hadn’t been so stubborn, she’d still be alive.”

“Not all witches need Keepers. Witches like me who dabble in simple magic don’t need protection as much as the elemental witches. Their powers bring added responsibilities and danger. And it’s only rare witches like Sienna who have more than one Keeper.”

“She didn’t seem so scary in the flesh.”

“As long as you stay on her good side. She and her Keepers maintain the balance of nature and keep the existence of our kind a secret. They’re highly respected for fending off the Brogan brothers.” She motioned to the tea pot. “You were brave to try and steal the daggers.”

“I had no choice. I need their protection.”

Kate poured the tea and explained what had happened at the Bennett Estate.

“Where are the daggers?” Hazel asked.

“I hid them on the Bennett estate.”

Hazel’s eyes rounded as she choked back her tea. “You don’t have them?”

“It was too risky. Declan Bennett chased after me.”

“So you simply left them behind?”

“They’re safe for now.”

“And your mother’s Grimoire and scroll?”

Kate couldn’t bring herself to admit she’d lost the scroll she’d found in her mother’s Grimoire. Although the ancient scribbles and symbols held no meaning to her, the fact that her mother had included it with her final letter to Kate had hinted at its importance. And now she’d lost it. “Both are with the daggers. I’ll go back for them after the party.”

As she’d have to return to the Bennett estate to reclaim the third dagger, leaving everything behind in exchange for a lighter travel had seemed like a good idea.

Leaving the Grimoire had been hard. Tattered and worn with age, the cover was marked with three interlinked circles, embossed with silver beads. Her mother’s book, one she’d rarely opened. A destiny she’d shunned. She was a witch who had given birth to a daughter with the ability to negate magic.

A rare power that was hunted by both sides of the supernatural realm. Depending on who reached her first, the war between good and evil that had been in existence since time began might finally be unbalanced. Her power would be used to destroy the opposition.

Or so her mother had believed.

Because of this, she’d ingrained into Kate from an early age that they had to keep hidden, fly under the radar of anyone with supernatural abilities.

As Southport was inhabited only by ordinary humans, steering clear of them had been easy. Their life had been a quiet but happy one, but although her mother’s fear of being discovered had lessened over the years, it had never disappeared entirely. She’d been convinced they’d come for them.

And she hadn’t been wrong.

Their attempt to escape a year ago had been anticipated by their hunters, and the chase brutal. The car accident that followed had claimed her mother.

Gone, in a crash of shattering glass and screeching tyres.

And through the chaos, the pain, and devastation, Kate had seen who’d come for her.

Harper Avery.

The only thing that had saved her was her ability to nullify his magic.

Kate closed her eyes, Harper’s parting words ringing in her ears as though he’d just muttered them: “No matter where you hide, I will find you.”

From that moment, her mother’s fears had become hers and she’d been running ever since.

But everything had changed when she’d found a letter in her mother’s Grimoire. It was hastily scribbled, as if she’d run out of time, and the book had been shoved in her backpack the night they’d tried to escape.

If you’re reading this it means I am no longer here to protect you when they come for you. And they will come, my dear Kate. You won’t be able to do this alone. Track down the three daggers, last known to be at the Bennett estate in Rapid Falls. They will offer you the protection you’ll need. By embracing your powers, you may finally be free. Be safe.

The last year had been a blur, flitting between overwhelming bouts of grief, fear, rage and hatred.

But no more.

Revenge didn’t scratch the surface of what she wanted.

The bell rattled as the front door burst open, spearing the tortured memories. In a whirl of subtle perfume and sleek blonde hair, a woman entered the store. Her back was to them but she was dressed in black, a matching mask dangling from one hand.

Hazel placed her hand on Kate’s shoulder. “Are you sure you want to do this?”

No. “I’m not planning an ambush, Hazel.” Harper was in town and throwing a masked party at his club. It was an opportunity she couldn’t resist.

“I shouldn’t have told you he was here.”

Kate gave Hazel’s hand a reassuring squeeze. “I’ll be fine. I’m just an observer tonight.”

And what better way to do that than in disguise?

Hazel sighed and stood. “Then it’s best you meet Jenna.”

“You brought Jenna?” Kate inhaled, eyeing the tall young woman with more scrutiny. She’d been expecting some cocktail waitress from Harper’s club, not one of his kickass warriors. They’d never met before but Kate had seen Jenna around Harper enough times to know where her loyalties lay. And Jenna was no easy mark. “How did you –?”

“An enticement spell.” With her back to Jenna, Hazel poured tea into a fresh mug, reached into her pocket for a small bag of herbs, and stirred in a pinch.

“How on earth am I supposed to imitate her?”

“You’ll be fine, Kate.”

“She’s one of Harper’s warriors! Are you crazy?”

“Don’t worry,” Hazel whispered back when she saw Kate’s dismayed expression. She stood, tea cup in hand. “She’ll get a good night’s sleep and won’t remember a thing. No harm will come to her. Or us. And you’ll be fine, just keep in the background.”

“Which is why a waitress would’ve been easier!”

“Ssh.” Hazel swatted her away. Turning to welcome their guest, Hazel pasted on her brightest smile. “Ah, you’re just in time for tea.”

When Kate finally left several hours later, she was dressed in Jenna’s clothes, a mask in her pocket. The clingy material hugged her body and she tightened the belt around the jacket, snuggling into its warmth.

It smelt of Jenna’s perfume, sparking a short-lived twinge of guilt.

The sun had set and the streets were busier, everyone preparing for the craziness of New Orleans’s entertainment. And it would only get crazier from here.

It wasn’t until she’d walked past the iron gates of Jackson Square that she felt the familiar shiver down her spine. She glanced around casually, once again riddled with the sense that someone was following her, and headed for a group of tourists gathered around a lone saxophone player. His music filled the air, pleasant and enticing, but did little to lessen the punch of fear that trickled through her.

She slipped into the crowd, using it as a shield, and scanned her surroundings. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary and once again, she wondered if her imagination was at an all-time crazy. Years of taking her cue from her mother had resulted in the constant flickering of her senses.

She’d hoped to have had all the daggers before tonight’s party. How they were meant to protect her, she wasn’t sure, but it would have made her feel a lot better about what she was about to do.

First thing in the morning, she’d leave town and head for Rapid Falls. It might be suicide but she needed the daggers. She still had Declan’s key to gain entry into the house. Only this time, she’d be smarter.

Facing her demons and shedding the secrecy from her life all started with those damn daggers.

CHAPTER FOUR

Kate was on the move again.

Declan watched as she emerged from the magical shop where she’d spent the day and did a double take at her revamped appearance.

What the hell?

With her mountain of dark curls hidden beneath a sleek blonde wig, wide eyes, and flawless skin, she looked a far cry from the cat burglar in his living room. She’d changed into pants and a jacket, the outfit hugging her figure like a second skin, accentuating hips and curves in all the right places. The V-neckline of the jacket plunged between full, ripe breasts that had been a perfect fit in his palms. His abdomen clenched at the memory.

Dammit.

She headed past Jackson Square toward Bourbon Street, New Orleans’s most popular tourist attraction, that stretched for miles. Every night, the road was closed to traffic, giving the tourists and locals the freedom to wander the street and take in Bourbon’s whirl of extravagance. Chatter and laughter, along with the music from the clubs and bars, filled the air with a constant hum of noise.

Declan followed, easily hidden amongst the crowd. Pulling on her mask, Kate stopped outside a busy club, the entrance jammed with people, and disappeared inside.

A club? What was the little vixen up to now?

And what was with the wig?

He scanned the rowdy crowd, clogged with drunks, dancers, street musicians and tourists. Those wanting a more private party had taken to the balconies that overlooked the street. It was a colourful, theatrical mix of people. Wild, untamed. He loved it.

New Orleans had been the perfect escape when he’d left Rapid Falls two years ago, drowning his guilt after losing his sister, Sarah, to the Brogan brothers. Sienna had cast a spell to desiccate Mason forever. Believing Warrick to be redeemable, they’d only bound his powers.

But they’d been wrong.

In retaliation, he’d killed Sarah and bolted.

Lost to her demons, Sienna had fled town next, freeing Declan from his Keeper duties. Leaving his brothers had been easy. Living with the guilt had been destructive.

Up until the night of Sarah’s death, he’d heard guilt was a bitch but had never known it. And since then, the bitch hadn’t left him alone.

But tonight, he wasn’t here to indulge in what New Orleans had to offer – or the memories it muffled. Several shots of whiskey had barely softened the frustration that chewed at his gut. He’d been played. Lied to. Stolen from.

And had his ass kicked by a woman.

When they'd met three months ago, Kate was everything he needed. Beautiful smile, an infectious laugh, and womanly curves that offered the perfect diversion from his destructive road. Alcohol, women, self-loathing, grief. God, he’d almost drowned himself in them all.

But Kate had been a wake-up call. He’d fallen straight into her trap. The whiskey, the easy flow of conversation, endless laughter and the hottest sex he’d ever had.

Even numb from the whiskey, he remembered her. Clearly. Up until the point she’d climbed out of his bed to pour them a drink. From then on, everything was a blank.

He’d woken up the following morning with a headache that smacked of more than a hangover; naked and minus his key. And damn, he’d liked that key. Spelled to open any door, it was a nifty gadget.

A call from Archer had saved Kate’s hide and kept him from tracking her.

Archer had finally found Sienna – as had Warrick Brogan, seeking vengeance and Mason’s freedom. That alone had been enough for Declan to cut short his two-year sorrow party to return home and defend his witch.

A calling. His duty. His destiny.

And they’d kicked ass. Sienna had kicked ass and made him so proud. Mason was still entombed and Warrick had met his creepy-assed makers.

A victory marred by another death. Sweet, beautiful, kind Rose – Sienna’s grandmother – who sacrificed herself to save her granddaughter. Without that selfless act, they’d have lost Sienna that night. They’d all taken Rose’s death hard.

Declan inhaled and rerouted his thoughts to Kate – the perfect distraction from the memories. Once he confronted her, he was going to wring her pretty neck himself.

His phone vibrated in his pocket. Keeping a watchful eye on the entrance to the club, Declan headed for the alleyway that offered a quieter place to talk.

“Hello, brother,” he said, answering the call.

“Did you find the girl?”

Trust Archer to get straight to business. “Yes.”

“You okay?”

“Tickled pink.”

“Where are you?”

“New Orleans.”

“Declan, now’s not the time to be drinking whiskey and chasing women.”

Declan rolled his eyes at his brother’s irritated tone. “Whiskey’s a given, brother, and the only woman I’m chasing is the one who stole our daggers.”

“So why New Orleans?”

“She came here. I just followed.”

Following Kate had been easy. She’d moved quickly and silently but her inexperience showed. Thief. At first, Declan had charged full steam ahead but the more he followed, anger turned into intrigue. He’d slipped into stealth mode.

She was scared.

The thought shouldn’t alter what he thought of her and he refused to acknowledge that it might. Hell no. She’d stolen from them, dropped a scroll that hinted at a whole lot of crap Declan didn’t feel like dealing with, and run.

But he needed to know why she’d wanted the daggers so badly. He also wanted to know why she’d hidden her Keeper abilities when they’d first met. Odd that he hadn’t sensed them in her. As for the questions sparked by the scroll, those needed more than a simple explanation.

“Do you know who she is?” Archer asked.

Oh, yeah. “I’m working on it.”

Until he knew exactly what she was after, why she’d pursued him for his key and stolen the daggers, his involvement with Kate was for his knowledge only.

“So where is she?”

“About to attend a masked party.”

“A burglary and a party all in one week? She gets around. Does she know you’ve followed her?”

“She’s crafty, seems to sense that someone is. And I’m not the only one.” Declan thought of the jittery woman and the familiar faces he’d spotted since he’d set chase. They’d been discreet, searching her out, following her from a distance. They hadn’t harmed her yet but had sparked Declan’s curiosity. If someone else was after her, he wanted to know why.

“Any idea who they are or what they want with her?”

“No, but I doubt they have dinner and a movie in mind.”

“Well find her, Declan.”

Declan ignored his brother’s agitation. “Trust me, brother, she’s in my sights.” He glanced at the club, the entrance occupied with streams of people coming and going. Some wore masks, others outrageous costumes. Kate would blend in perfectly.

“We need those daggers so get your ass out of the bourbon.”

“My ass is where it needs to be. How’s Sienna?”

“Better. Missing Rose but the scroll has taken her mind off it.”

“The legend of that scroll is a bedtime story, Archer. That’s all it is.”

It had to be. A small triangle set within a larger triangle, each point marked with a symbol. Set within the smallest triangle was a blackness that hinted at an ancient legend. According to Sienna, the legend stipulated that a blackness would one day overtake their world. The symbols on the scroll were the keys to defeating it.

The snag was that none of them knew how to decode it.

“Maybe, but Sienna’s scouring Rose’s Grimoires anyway.”

“If you find anything, let me know.”

“I will.”

A commotion at the entrance of the club caught Declan’s attention. A man arrived with an entourage. He wore a white suit, a hat, and a cocky grin. His grand entrance and loud welcome signalled popularity.

The man turned around, his face visible, and everything inside Declan clenched in surprise, followed by a flash of fury.

Shit.

“Declan?” Archer prompted.

Declan blinked, realising he’d said that aloud. “Yeah, I’m here,” he replied, returning the phone to his ear.

“What’s wrong?”

“Harper Avery,” he said through gritted teeth. “I’ve followed the woman into a club and he’s just arrived.”

“Harper? What’s he doing there?”

Declan caught the immediate hatred that lined his brother’s voice. Harper supported the Brogan brothers – had been Warrick’s right hand man for years. He’d kidnapped Sienna, then Rose. He’d drugged them and vanished into thin air after Warrick’s death.

“And he’s grinning like he’s won the lottery.”

“Asshole. We should have killed him when we had the chance,” Archer said, his voice a low growl.

“Yeah, brother. Hindsight crap won’t change the fact that this woman just stepped into the lion’s den.”

“What business would she have with Harper?”

“No idea, but I intend to find out. “

“Call me when you do.”

“I will.”

“And Declan?” Archer added, his tone losing the sharp edge. “Don’t do anything stupid.”

“If that’s your way of saying ‘be careful’, then I love you too, brother,” Declan quipped, unable to keep the sarcasm at bay. He blew Archer an exaggerated kiss, hung up the phone, and headed straight for the club.

It took all of five minutes and a flash of cash to secure himself a hat from a teenage boy with a love of Zorro. Not his choice of accessory but better than a feathery mask.

Tugging on his hat he went inside and took a seat by the bar, scoured the room for signs of Kate. A woman with a wide smile, wearing a leather outfit, slid into the available space between his legs.

“You look lonely, handsome,” she said, hooking a finger into the hem of his T-shirt.

“I’m not.”

“Can I buy you a drink?”

“It’s not a one drink night.”

She grinned, red lipstick stretching across a pale face. “Oh, you sound like my kind of guy.”

Declan twisted around and motioned to the barman for a round of drinks. When they arrived within seconds, the youngster was quick to earn himself a hefty tip.

He rose, disentangling himself from the curvy blonde and holding out a glass. She grinned, accepting the offering. She was pretty, but far from his agenda tonight.

“You’re leaving?”

He dipped his head to hers. “Trust me, honey, it’s for your own good.”

He swiped his drink off the counter and walked away, unable to shrug off the unease that conflicted with the anticipation of facing Kate. Harper was involved and Declan wanted answers – but for now, the pleasure of confronting her overruled that.

The image of a deer in the headlights came to mind.

He couldn’t wait.

CHAPTER FIVE

Kate loathed crowds. Especially rowdy ones plied with alcohol.

The club was packed, everyone disguised with colourful masks. Music blared from the band of musicians on the stage, loud but not unpleasant. After all, New Orleans was well known for the talented musicians who flocked to the city.

Kate made her way to the side door reserved for members only. A fierce, burly bouncer stood outside the door, his arms crossed. Although he was bald, his frowning face was covered with hair. His expression was even as she approached, except for the hitch in one eyebrow.

Taking a deep breath that did nothing to calm the stampede of horses inside, Kate flashed a tag that gained her a nod and an open door.

“You’re late, Jenna,” he grumbled, his words masked in a heavy accent that sent chills down her spine.

“Yeah, yeah,” she replied, grateful for the mask she wore. She hurried through the door, slipping the tag back into her bag.

Remembering Jenna, fast asleep in Hazel’s back room, sent Kate's anxiety soaring, but she was quick to reel it in. Jenna had access to the private function behind the bar and Kate needed an in.

She made her way down the corridor that opened onto a courtyard nestled at the foot of a four-storey building. A private party was in full swing, the crowd dancing to music that blared from box speakers against the walls. Those not on the dance floor had taken to the balconies overlooking the courtyard. Barrels of fire burned everywhere, masking the scene in a glorious glow of orange inferno.

Kate stepped back as a juggler strolled past and disappeared into the crowd, tossing fire balls with ease. Waitresses wearing simple masks and cocktail dresses moved between the guests, serving beverages and smiling at the passes of the more drunken men. There was a bar in the far corner, the barman rushing to keep up. Apparently, food didn’t feature at this party. Despite the cool air, most of the women wore skimpy dresses.

And then she saw him.

Harper Avery.

His hair was different, shaved, his face a spray of stubble. Despite his silly hat, mask and smirk, there was a harshness to him she recognised. Drink in hand, he scanned the crowd, oblivious to her scrutiny.

He puffed on a cigar and laughed at something his companion said, the sound swept away by the music. He seemed so casual for the violent man who had attacked them.

Everything inside Kate urged her to charge at him and demand answers. And punch him. Oh, yes, she was itching to wipe that grin off his face. After her mother’s death, she’d spent the last year running from him.

No more.

She wanted revenge. Justice.

A tingle ran down her spine at the thought.

Looking over, she recognised his key players with ease. Three men and a woman.

Rick was older and his boisterous Italian charm masked an underlying callousness. He was grizzled and stocky, his tattooed arms were draped around the woman, Megan. They were dancing to an erotic beat while his fingers toyed with her short black hair. He whispered something in her ear that made her smile, before a commotion at the door separated them.

The arrival of Harper’s other two warriors, Max and John, instantly parted the dancing crowd. Max’s shaggy brown hair contrasted with the younger, neater John’s. According to Hazel, John was skilled in martial arts. Clutched in their grip was a woman with spiky blonde hair, dark make-up and a fierceness in her eyes that touched Kate.

The music softened, the excited murmurs died down, and everyone stared at Harper. Their anticipation hung in the air like a thick spice as they waited for their leader to speak.

He remained seated as his men presented the woman. Tilting his head lazily, he scanned the length of her.

“This is Lara?” Harper asked, his tone casual but laced with an iciness that sent a chill down Kate’s back.

“She showed up in the Quarter,” Max replied, swiping at his messy hair with one hand. “She resisted, just like you said she might.”

A slow smile spread across Harper’s face. “I’m assuming she’s come to her senses?”

“I will never join you,” Lara said, her tone tight with disgust.

Harper stood up so abruptly that his chair fell over, crashing to the ground in an elaborate display of temper. He closed the gap between himself and Lara.

“You refuse?” A fake smile softened the glare in his eyes. “Sweetie. You have no choice.”

“What do you want from me?”

He waved a hand at the crowd. “Witches and warlocks. You’ll fit right in.”

Witches and warlocks? All of them? Keeping to the shadows against the wall, Kate scoped out the room, her entire body prickling.

“I don’t side with evil,” Lara replied, glowering at him.

“Pity.” Harper trailed a finger along her chin. “You’re just the type of witch I’m looking for.”

“I will never join your cause.”

Harper’s grin faded and his eyes narrowed, all traces of playfulness disappearing. “You sure you won’t join me, dear? There’s a bigger picture here.”

“Screw your bigger picture. I’m not interested in violence, control or exposure. What’s wrong with you all?” she snapped at the gawking crowd. “The last time our kind came out of the closet, we were hunted down and destroyed.”

A frown creased Harper's eyebrows.

Kate’s stomach twisted at the reminder of the witch massacre, a tragic bloodbath that had claimed dozens of harmless witches. The event had marred their existence ever since, reminding them how crucial it was to live in secrecy.

“You know the agreement we have with the ordinary people who know about us,” Lara said, waving a hand across the room. “If they see you all gathered here, you’ll start a war!”

“We deserve to live freely, out in the open. After all, we’re the superior species.”

“We’re the minority species. Have you forgotten what happened to the Brogan brothers?”

“The Bennetts and their witch are responsible and they will pay for what they’ve done.”

A murmur of agreement rippled through the crowd.

But Lara only spoke louder and with more determination. “Sienna and her Keepers were protecting the innocent and keeping our secret. Continue with this and your fate won’t differ from the Brogans!”

“That’s enough!” Harper yelled, reaching into his pocket. He withdrew a sharp blade and with a flick of the wrist, he slashed the witch’s throat.

There was a gasp that trickled through the crowd, yet no one moved. Lara’s eyes widened, her mouth rounded in horror as blood gushed from her wound.

Harper pulled out a white handkerchief from his pocket and wiped the blade, unperturbed at the dying woman in front of him. When his warriors released her, she collapsed to the ground. “There’s one thing you witches fail to realise,” he said in a calm tone and nudged her with a booted foot. Pocketing his knife, he knelt over her, placing his hands on her heart. “You either side with me or die. Either way, your powers are mine.”

Kate’s stomach flipped and she gaped at the motionless crowd who seemed more excited than appalled. Fuelled by rage, she stepped forward, only to collide with a hard wall of muscles.

“Don’t you dare,” said a low, insistent voice that sparked a flush through her.

Her jaw fell open and her head shot up to look at Declan. He wore a hat pulled low across his face. “Declan!” she gasped, glancing past his shoulder at the witch.

“She’s already gone,” he murmured, lowering his head to hers as strong hands gripped her arms. He had a thunderous expression, his eyes dark with fury and regret, and he glanced back at the woman. “I arrived too late.”

“Why hasn’t anyone moved? Why aren’t they helping –?”

“They’re all like him.”

“Let me go. I have to help her,” she breathed, the words coming out like a hiss. She tried to tug loose but he tightened his grip on her arm.

“You do that and you’re dead, Kate. She’s gone. He’s already absorbing her powers.”

Kate gasped, taking in the sick satisfaction plastered across Harper’s face. “Who are these people?”

“Scavenger warlocks and witches. They kill a witch and then scavenge her powers. Lara refused to offer hers willingly.”

His words packed a punch and the air whooshed out of her in response. Unable to stop herself, she gripped his arms as every fear her mother had ever voiced came to mind.

“This is the last place you should be,” said Declan.

Panic churned with hatred and, unthinking, she began pushing forward.

“Are you crazy?” Declan snapped, tugging her against him. “If Harper sees you here, you'll go the same way as Lara!”

Megan sidled up toward Harper. She wore a smirk, her dark eyes, heavily outlined, beamed with pleasure. Harper released the witch with an insignificant toss, flexing his jaw and inhaling as though he’d just had his fill of something delectable. Turning, he grinned at Megan and slid an arm around her shoulders. “Now this is a New Orleans witch,” he said, his voice booming across the courtyard, “that has some common sense!”

There was a low murmur of chuckles that spread across the room. The mood shifted as everyone began to relax, dismissing the murder as though nothing had happened.

Harper flicked an irritated glare at Lara before pointing to a nearby waitress. “Clean up this mess,” he ordered, dipping his head toward Megan as she whispered something in his ear. Her words triggered a flash of fury in his eyes, along with a tightened expression, and his head whipped up to scan the crowd.

With a swift movement, Declan tugged Kate behind a palm tree, pinning her to the wall. All muscle, all powerful. His presence made everything inside her snap to attention. Declan. Here.

Oh, God.

CHAPTER SIX

“What are you doing here?” she whispered, her heart slamming against her chest.

“You really think I’d let you get away with stealing from me?”

“And you’ve picked now as the time for vengeance?” She gaped at him. “Are you crazy?”

“You’re the one who’s crazy for coming here in the first place!” He flicked a glance at Harper. “What were you thinking? You saw what they just did.”

“You know him?”

“He tried to kill my witches a while back. What do you want with him?”

“That’s none of your business, Declan. Why are you here? You’re going to blow my cover.” Something she clung to desperately now that she’d seen what Harper was capable of.

“Honey, your cover was blown the second you walked in that door.”

“What do you mean?”

“They saw right through you the moment you failed to flash your wrist tattoo to Beefcakes at the front door.” He grabbed her wrist, tapping the empty spot where the tattoo should have been, and gave her a fake smile. “Apparently, it’s a security thing. It shows that they follow Mason, something you neglected to factor into your crazy-assed plans.” She snapped her mouth shut and he nodded at Megan. “See the black-eyed bombshell beside Harper? She’s itching for trouble and just spilled the beans.”

Fear gripped her insides. “And you know this how?”

He tapped his ear. “Super hearing, honey. You'd have heard too if you’d been listening.”

But she hadn’t.

A shift of movement had Declan turning around, pushing her behind him as two bulky bodyguards crossed the dance floor, eyes pegged on them. The men had blatant tattoos on their left wrists and planted themselves in a muscled barricade, blocking any means of escape.

Harper’s menacing gaze met Kate’s across the courtyard, recognition flashing in his eyes.

Kate’s stomach rolled. Oh, no.

Declan didn’t wait for a greeting and bolted forward, his speed catching the men off-guard. With a swift kick and punch, he sent the two men skidding backward. With a vicious cry, he charged, and delivered a few more crippling blows. His movements were controlled, deliberate, and so fast that the two warriors were left gurgling blood. Rick and Max moved closer but hesitated, reluctant to challenge the Keeper. John, always itching to show off his fighting skills, smiled in anticipation as his arms flowed in smooth movements, readying himself to attack. Not waiting to see what the Chinese warrior was capable of, Declan spun around and yanked Kate into his arms.

The air slammed out of her lungs as he leapt onto the closest empty balcony.

Harper shot forward with such force that people scattered out of his path. “Don’t you dare let them get away!” he bellowed to his men and all chaos broke out. “Bring me the woman!”

Within moments, Declan had them on another balcony three stories up.

“How are you doing this?’ she gasped, breathless from the sudden movement.

“Same way you should be, but don’t bother helping on my account,” he drawled as he scanned their surroundings.

“And here I thought you lot lived in secret.”

“We do.”

“This is you in stealth mode?”

He moved toward the railing, scowling at her, and looked at the rowdy crowd below. He cursed and tugged her closer. “Exposing us is the least of my worries right now.”

She followed his gaze, her jaw unhinging at the sight of John and Max climbing the walls like eerie spiders while Rick and Megan jumped from balcony to balcony, hot on their tail.

“What are these people?” Kate cried.

Declan’s eyes flashed with confusion as he took in the creepy animal movements.

“You don’t know?” she screeched. “They’re from your world!”

“Honey, they’re nothing like me.”

A ball of fire came hurtling toward them and Declan shoved her out the way. More followed in quick succession and instead of retreating, he stepped to the edge of the balcony. He raised his arms over the rail and, with gentle flowing movements, created havoc below.

A fire warrior.

Fireballs flew across the courtyard, along with lashes of flame that sent two of the spider climbers reeling to the ground. The bar caught alight, going up in a flare of orange that sizzled through the alcohol, hissing furiously as it gathered momentum.

Shouts broke out, orders were given, and there was a flurry of madness.

Kate gasped as Megan landed in a blast of air on the balcony behind her. Dark eyes seared into hers as Megan began a repetitive chant that triggered Kate’s protective instincts. Despite her lack of experience, she knew witch crap when she saw it and drew on everything her mother had taught her.

Heat whipped through Kate as the spell began to take root. Drawing on her centre, she pinned Megan with a heated look of her own and focused on absorbing the witch’s energy.

Ignoring the unwelcome invasion of magic, she pressed forward. Megan’s eyes widened in response and her words faltered as she felt her energy succumb to Kate’s.

“So it’s true, you’re the Null,” Megan snapped in a tone wrought with disgust, her shoulders heaving as she sucked air. Not waiting for an answer, her arm lashed out. In her hand, she held a whip. With a flick of the wrist, the leather strands hissed at Kate.

Reflexes in prime form, Kate snatched the end of the whip and tugged so hard that Megan jerked forward. She stumbled, cursed, and tried to straighten.

But Kate was faster and kicked out, the strength of the kick more powerful than she’d intended. The woman flew backward over the rail, but grabbed hold and dangled mid-air.

Behind Kate, Declan aimed a lethal kick at the door that sent it reeling off one hinge just as two warriors reached them.

Grabbing Kate’s arm, he all but tossed her into the bedroom before turning on the men with a growl. The hand to hand combat was swift and brutal and Kate gasped in fascination – or shock, she wasn’t sure.

“Declan!” she shouted as she spotted more climbers on the wall outside. Unlike Harper’s henchmen, she didn’t recognise them. “We have to get out of here!”

“You think?”

“Now!” she snapped, rushing to the outer door and unlocking it. More shouts could be heard in the distance of the corridor. “Declan, NOW!”

With a final punch, Declan spun around and joined her in the doorway.

“This way,” she said and bolted to the left.

They ran through the building, heading up to the roof, and burst outside in a gasp of air. Declan ran to the set of chairs in the centre of the roof, grabbed one and used it to jam the door handle. It wouldn’t hold off their attackers for long but it would buy them time.

He moved to the edge of the roof, scanning the ground.

Climbers were everywhere, scouring the walls like spiders searching for their prey. Jumpers hurtled from balcony to balcony, ascending the building with frightening speed.

“Who are these people?” Kate panted, her stomach clenching at the realisation that her enemies were worse than she’d ever imagined.

“Still think it was a good idea to confront them on your own?”

The door handle rattled and they spun around in unison to face it.

“If you have any more of that witchy joo joo you pulled on Megan, now would be a good time to whip it out,” Declan grumbled.

“There’s too many of them.”

“Typical,” he said, rolling his eyes. “You witches are so full of crap.”

“Screw you, Bennett.”

His reply was whipped away as the door burst open, flew off its hinges and slid across the ground.

“We need to get out of here,” Declan said, grabbing her hand.

“Where to? We’re trapped!”

He glanced at the building opposite them and she gasped.

“Hell no, Bennett.”

A brief grin broke out onto gorgeous lips and he tugged her closer. “Oh, hell yeah.”

“Declan, I can’t!”

“Of course you can. You’re a damn Keeper,” he said, reaching for her hand.

She dug in her heels, panic taking hold of her. “Not like you! I can’t –”

Harper’s henchmen charged, oozing anger and aggression, and Declan’s grip tightened as he started running. Kate screeched and followed blindly, clinging to him as though he were a lifeline.

They landed on the opposite building with a speed that left her dizzy, and tumbled to the ground, colliding with the table and chairs.

“Are you okay?” Declan asked, breathless, and scrambled to his feet.

No. Everything pounded, raced, ached, but went ignored as he pulled her up. “I’m fine.”

They headed for the exit, a lone steel door that proved to be impenetrable – even with Declan’s strength. He shoved, kicked, and the door dented but refused to give way. Kate tugged the necklace off her neck.

Shoving the enchanted key into the lock, she flashed him a smile when it clicked open.

“Later, when this is over, you’re so giving that back to me,” Declan said and pushed her inside.

The door slammed behind them. They rushed down the stairs, making their way through the building and out one of the side entrances.

The street was packed with the usual night owls, and the mood was cheerful, a contrast to the tension that riddled them. The crowd engulfed them in boozy delight and they were swept away.

“Where to now?” Kate shouted above the noise.

Reaching for her hand, he pulled her closer, dipping his head beside hers. “Just keep moving forward. We need to get as far away from this crowd as possible. Harper will have his people everywhere and once they’ve mingled with this lot, it’ll be impossible to tell the difference between them and the tourists.”

A blonde woman dressed in leather wedged herself between Kate and Declan and took him by the arm. “There you are, sunshine,” she said with a flirty smile.

Kate glanced around, but confusion reigned as the crowd swept her away.

“Declan!” she shouted, looking over her shoulder, torn between the urge to find him and run from him. He might have helped her but they were still enemies. He’d still want answers, his key and the daggers – all of which she wasn’t ready to part with.

And he also knew about her magic. They all knew.

Oh, God.

A hand snatched her wrist.

“Let’s get out of here,” Declan said, tugging her to the side of the crowd.

“Where’re we going?”

“Away from these people.”

She hesitated, her mother’s warnings rushing forward, but relented. Right now, her options were limited.

Still holding her hand, he led her to the closest alleyway, glancing behind them as they walked. They neared the back door of a hotel and he reached for the handle, cursing to find it locked.

“Wait,” she said when he rattled it with frustrated force. “I have the key.”

Dark eyebrows hitched. “You do?”

She pulled out the key chain nestled between her breasts. As she unlocked the door, unease arrowed straight to her gut and her heart began to race. Her breath caught as Declan grabbed her hand, tugging her so roughly that she tripped on the step.

“Dammit, Kate, get a move on!” he snapped. He reached for her and she drew on every ounce of willpower not to flinch at the mark on his left wrist.

The tattoo of the warlock he supported.

Slapping his hand away, she rose, eyeing him carefully as panic took grip.

His gaze fell to his exposed wrist, triggering a smile.

She drew on her centre, channelling her power the way she’d been taught.

The lights flickered and energy filled the air as the image of Declan disappeared to reveal Max. His long hair hung in messy strands around his flushed face. A flicker of surprise crossed his expression when he realised she’d disarmed him, but disappeared as he gave her a smirk.

Her mother had once warned her of Mimics – people with the ability to imitate others. It was a dark magic, seldom seen or used, but its perfect execution had fooled her.

Declan.

Like hell.

She reeled for the door, but he lunged, slamming her against the wall. He shoved a hand against her mouth, muffling her scream. He smelt of cigars and aggression. Her attempts to break free only tightened his grip and earned her a yank of the hair.

It got her attention.

As did the knife he slid against her throat.

He swung her around to face him, shoving her against the wall without budging the knife.

“Crash course in survival, darling,” he drawled, pressing it into her flesh. “If you’re being hunted, don’t seek out your hunter.”

Something snapped inside as Kate gasped for air, clawing at the hands that held her prisoner. She felt the flush of energy with her fury and dug her nails into his skin so hard that he grunted.

“Crash course in survival, asshole,” she said in a steady voice, pleased that her tone gave nothing away. “If you’re hunting your prey, don’t underestimate her.” With an animal scream, her knee came up with a speed and force that buckled him.

She aimed a kick that sent him sprawling across the floor. His outraged roar ripped through the corridor and he struggled to his feet, swiping hair from his face.

He lunged forward, but with a dizzying movement, she grabbed the fire extinguisher attached to the wall and released the nozzle. Thick white spray devoured him, sparking howls of rage. She took four strides toward the blinded man and whacked the fire extinguisher across his head, crying out in relief when he crumpled to the ground.

“Kate!” yelled a female voice as a door further down the corridor burst open to reveal a breathless blonde woman.

Jenna froze in the doorway, her gaze shifting from the fallen warrior to Kate. Her eyebrows were tense, her mouth clamped in fury. She was still wearing Kate’s clothes.

“What are you doing here?” Kate cried out. “You were asleep!”

“No chance in hell I’m missing out on all this,” Jenna replied glancing at Max.

For a brief moment, they stared at each other as Kate’s mind scrambled for an explanation.

Damn Hazel’s stupid tea!

“You drugged my tea!” Jenna snapped.

“Clearly our dosages need work,” Kate shot back, glancing at the door behind her.

“Harper will hunt you down, Kate. There’s nowhere to hide.”

The truth sent her panic soaring. Raising the fire extinguisher, Kate squeezed the nozzle as Jenna began to run toward her. She threw the weapon into the white cloud and raced for the back door. Kate slammed it just as Jenna reached her, her fingers trembling around the magical key as she turned the lock. Ignoring Jenna’s furious pounding and shouts, Kate backtracked into the alley, her body trembling at the cold realisation that she’d almost walked into a trap.

Had it not been for Max’s tattoo, she would have gone with him.

Declan. Had he really been at the club?

Adrenaline, fear, and confusion stirred and she sagged against the wall.

Refusing to embrace her vulnerability, Kate pushed herself up. With shaking hands, she took to the streets, the truth gnawing at her:

She couldn’t trust anyone.

CHAPTER SEVEN

Two days later

Canada

Declan parked the rental car beneath a cluster of trees and turned off the engine, his eyes fixed on the white house by the lake. It was neat, built on stilts, with a porch that wrapped all the way around. Something Barbie and Ken would like. All that was missing was a Golden Retriever and a few kids. It was a quiet road, interspersed with quaint houses miles apart on the outskirts of the small rural village.

A few hours from Rapid Falls. Not surprising that Kate was renting in a town so tiny that it barely marked the map. What was surprising was that she’d returned to Canada.

The third dagger?

The peaceful village and the smell of the water wafting through his open window did little to calm the churning frustration in his gut.

He shouldn’t worry, shouldn’t care. But dammit, he did. Losing her on Bourbon had made him want to punch something.

But why would she seek out Harper, the Brogans' right-hand man? The last time he’d seen Harper was the night they’d killed Warrick. Harper had bolted and, somehow, Kate had tracked him to New Orleans, figured out that he owned the club, and found a way in to his private party.

Clever. Or stupid? And why was she tracking him?

Declan pulled out his phone and had his brother on speed dial.

“Where the hell have you been?” Ethan asked in an agitated tone that matched Declan’s mood.

“Someone’s testy today.”

“You’d be too if you had Sienna breathing down your neck every five minutes wanting to know if we’ve heard from you.”

Declan smiled, picturing his witch. “Tell Sienna I’m fine.”

“Where are you?”

“Back in Canada.”

“Already?”

“The woman gets around.”

And thanks to her witch friend back in New Orleans, he’d been able to track her. It had taken some convincing but Hazel had finally relented and offered him an address.

“Everything okay?” Ethan asked.

“Everything’s peachy.” Liar, liar.

“What happened at the club?”

Images of Harper’s party erupting into chaos sprang to mind. In a world where their kind lived in secrecy, their scant regard for the rules had shocked him. It promised a heap of crap he’d thought they’d dealt with: the Brogans and their quest for exposure and control.

“I think it’s safe to say that there's a new leader of the pack, with an even bigger following,” Declan muttered.

“Harper?”

“Yeah.”

“We should’ve taken him out when he went for Sienna the first time.”

Declan scowled. “You sound like Archer. How were we supposed to know that the sidekick would take over? And this lot are hungrier. They've got some crazy animal stunts I’ve never seen before.”

“That bad?”

“Think love child of Spiderman, Mason Brogan, and Catwoman.”

Ethan laughed, although the sound lacked humour. “You’re kidding?”

“I wish I was, brother.”

“Where’s the woman?”

“About three hours from Rapid Falls.”

“She lives here?”

“Passing through. Apparently she’s renting a house for a few days.”

“Planning another attempt at the third dagger, no doubt?”

“Probably.”

“So use your key, check her out.”

Right. “I plan to.”

“Declan,” Ethan said, his voice taking on an edge. “You have to bring her back to Rapid Falls.”

“I know.”

“If Harper’s after her, then he has a use for her.”

“She’s a Null.”

There was a brief pause. Ethan exhaled into the phone. “Shit. You sure?”

“She’s inexperienced but definitely a Null.”

“All the more reason we can’t let Harper get to her.”

Declan felt a flare of frustration. “I know, brother. I get it, but she’s jittery and doesn’t trust me.”

“You can’t blame her. With her powers, everyone in our world will want her.” Ethan cursed softly. “Use your Bennett charm, whatever it takes, but get her here.”

“If she uses her creepy powers to mess with my magical mojo, then I’m holding you responsible.”

“To hell with your mojo. If Harper gets to her, we’re all screwed.”

A clattering of dustbin lids caught Declan’s attention. Good. She was there and was awake – if she’d even slept. The sun was up, rays of light licking at the house with the promise of a new day.

“I gotta go,” Declan said, sitting up straighter.

“Call us when you have her.”

“I will. Just keep Sienna close. We don’t know what Harper’s up to.”

There was silence, followed by a brief grunt. “Don’t worry about Sienna. Watch your back, brother.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Declan disconnected the call and pocketed his phone. He rolled his shoulders, his muscles aching from the lack of sleep, and climbed out the car.

As he walked down the driveway, he caught sight of Kate straightening the bins. She looked different when she wasn’t in burglar mode. Long brown hair hung in big curls over her shoulders, and she was slender with curves in all the right places. The sweater she wore had the words ‘New Orleans Wonder’ sprawled across perky breasts.

Beautiful. Sexy. Damn annoying.

He heard her sharp breathing even from this distance. If he concentrated, he could even hear her heartbeat. A faint, rapid pulse that hinted at her uneasiness.

She glanced around before straightening the bin.

Declan stepped out of the bushes and stood in the middle of the driveway.

A blackbird took flight and she spun around with a gasp, a bag of rubbish in one hand. Their eyes locked and the need for words fell away.

She moved first.

Dropping the bag, she whirled around and bolted up the stairs to the front door. He anticipated her movements and it took little effort for him to reach the door before she did.

He cocked a brow as she froze. “You really think you’re going to run from me?”

Eyes wide, she shoved him away and raced around the house along the porch.

He gave chase and snatched her wrist as she slipped into the half-open sliding door. With a shriek, she spun around and kicked out, packing a tight blow for someone her size. He released her and she dashed inside, slamming the door.

They stared at each other through the glass, both breathless from the struggle.

“Open the door, Kate.”

“Go away!”

“Yeah, right. As if that’ll happen after what you’ve done to me. Open the door before I break the lock.”

Her eyes narrowed as she scanned the length of him, zeroing in on his Keeper ring. “Declan?”

His eyebrows shot up and he reached out, ripping the door open with ease. Kate gasped, spun around, and ran. Declan followed, but halted as he found himself staring down the barrel of a handgun.

“You need to leave,” she panted, and he heard the shaking anger in her voice. Despite the fact that her shoulders heaved from her choppy gasps of air, neither her arms nor the gun wavered.

“Seriously? You’re going to shoot me?”

“You’re the one who started this game of cat and mouse.” She gave him a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Not so nice when you’re the mouse, is it?”

“I wouldn’t know. I’m not going to hurt you, Kate.”

“Right. You tracked me down and I doubt you had tea and a catch up in mind.” She nudged the gun in his direction. “You should go.”

“Like hell. You want to shoot me? Then do it. I doubt you even know how to use that thing.” He lowered his hands and took a step closer to her. “Go on, shoot me.”

She cocked the gun.

Shit. “Put the gun down, Kate.”

Keeping his eyes pinned on her, he edged closer, holding his breath. “You might be a thief but I doubt you’re a murderer.” He sensed the slightest crack appear in her armour and took another step forward. “Lower the gun. I won’t hurt you.”

“After what I’ve done to you I find that hard to believe.”

“Payback’s a bitch but it’s not what I’m after. I simply want answers.”

He used her moment of hesitation to close the distance between them in a lightning quick move. She screamed as he grabbed the gun from her but he tossed it to the couch where it landed with a thud.

She tried to punch him but he caught her wrists. She lurched forward, unbalancing them both and they stumbled across the couch and onto the floor.

“Kate!” he snapped, keeping a firm grip on her wrists. He adjusted his weight, pinning her beneath him. “Kate, stop it!”

Their eyes met and he heard the air leave her lungs in surrender. They stared at each other in prickly silence, electricity pulsing between them. Her heart hammered in her chest against his, reminding him of the last time she’d been breathless in his arms.

“Calm down,” he said, pushing away the memories. “I won’t hurt you. I just want to talk.”

“By attacking me on the front porch?”

“I’m sorry. You ran and I acted without thinking.” His lips twitched in an attempt to bring them onto even ground. “Animal instinct and all that.”

“You broke down my door.”

“Apparently locks aren’t a hindrance to either of us.”

“What do you want, Declan?”

He could think of a lot he wanted from her. A shitload of answers for starters. He released her wrists and lifted his weight, but still kept her pinned beneath him. No chance he was letting this wildcat go until he was convinced she was calm.

“Now that Harper knows we’re both in town, he’s going to come looking for us. No more fighting, okay?” He waited for her to acknowledge him and a moment later, she gave a brief nod. Releasing her, he pushed himself up, bringing her with him.

Holding her hands, he drew her closer, tucking their entwined fingers between them. The impact of their closeness stirred the heat between them. She drew a sharp breath, lifting her head to meet his gaze, and he almost grinned when he felt the quiver through her body. He inhaled her scent, allowing it to wash over him. Her lips were full and ripe with promises of more. Lips he’d devoured many times over.

“Declan … ” she whispered, but didn’t pull away.

She was so close and for an insane moment, he had the urge to kiss her.

Their differences be damned.

“You lied to me, misled me, attacked me,” he murmured, dipping his head toward hers, “but what we had three months ago wasn’t fake, was it?”

Her gaze faltered to his lips, heat pulsing between them. But she didn’t deny it.

“I thought so.” Grinning, he released her, not missing the way her armour slid back into place the moment he took a step back. He reached for the gun, masking his surprise when he found it wasn’t even loaded, and returned the useless weapon to her. “You don’t need this with me.”

Dropping her shoulders, she nodded.

And so a truce was made. A shaky one, but it was good enough for now.

“How did you find me?” She took the gun from him. Without breaking eye contact, she moved back, still keeping her distance, and placed it on the kitchen counter.

“You stole from me, left me buck-naked, and returned to trash my house. You really think I’d let that go?” He glanced at the bag at the front door. “Going somewhere?”

“I never unpack.”

These three simple words arrested Declan for a moment.

“That’s what you get for messing with Crème de la Creepy.”

“I wasn’t messing with anyone.” Her expression remained blank. “Why are you here, Declan?”

“The key and the daggers. Shall we start with that?”

“Would you have given me either if I’d asked?”

“Depends why you wanted them.”

“Yeah, right.” She flashed him an irritated glance and bent to retrieve an overturned lamp. He didn’t miss the slight wince when she straightened or the attempt to cover it by turning away.

He edged forward. “Are you hurt?”

She shook her head. “I’m fine.”

He went to her, felt her stiffen before he even touched her. “Kate, are you hurt?”

She turned slowly around to face him, touching the square band-aid beside her throat. Damn, how had he missed that?

“It’s nothing.”

“It doesn’t look like nothing.” He didn’t bother keeping the agitation from his voice. Reaching up, he peeled her fingers back and frowned when he saw the bruises around her neck. Shit.

She was hurt. A flash of anger reared up in his gut. Attacking her earlier was hardly his proudest moment, but damn it, someone had cut her. The idea summoned a range of emotions he was quick to dismiss. Why it bothered him remained unclear. In a world where malice lurked behind every corner, it wasn’t surprising she sported war wounds.

Kate swiped his hand away and covered the white patch with hers. “I told you, I’m fine.”

“When did this happen?”

“Two nights ago.”

“After I lost you on Bourbon?”

Her face brightened. “You were there?”

He cocked a brow.

“Max found me when we split up. He’s a Mimic and imitated you, led me to a back entrance of a hotel. He almost fooled me but I spotted his tattoo and got away. I wasn’t sure you’d been there at all.”

“I was there,” he murmured, not taking his eyes off her. “Max is a Mimic?” The last Mimic he’d seen had been Mason Brogan. The night Sarah had died.

He held up the hand that bore his Keeper ring. “Mimics are dangerous and it’s not the last time they’ll fool you. But they can’t imitate the mark of a Keeper.” He flashed his ring at her, and then reached up to touch the wound on her neck. “Why hasn’t this healed completely yet? Your Keeper powers should’ve healed that by now.”

Irritation tightened her brow, hardening her expression. “I’m not as strong as you.”

“Very few Keepers are, honey.” He grinned. “But it’s not often a woman has the strength of Hercules and magical joo joo combined. What’s with that anyway? Are you a hybrid?”

“Barely.” She looked at him, realising he was waiting for an explanation. “My father was my mother’s Keeper. When he died, she used a spell to bind the Keeper side of me.”

“Didn’t look bound the night you attacked me in my living room.”

“The spell broke when she died. My witch side – the Null in me – is more powerful.”

That explained why he hadn’t sensed that she was a Keeper when they’d first met.

And two dead parents. They had something in common. He’d lost his parents in a fire caused by Warrick Brogan. He wondered about hers but bit back from asking.

“Does Harper know this? Is that what he wants with you?”

“No one knows.”

He reached for her wrist. “Harper knows you’re a Null and he’s figured he has a use for you. Do you have any idea what that means?”

She yanked her hand away. “Of course I do. I’ve spent my entire life hiding from men like him.”

“Then what made you waltz into his club?”

“I had my reasons.” She ducked her head, her long, lowered lashes signalling a closed book. It shouldn’t have surprised him. After all, she still considered him the enemy.

And maybe he was.

Declan studied her, aware of the slight crack in her voice. He shouldn’t feel sorry for her, shouldn’t have the urge to help her, but she looked so miserable, so lost, an unmistakable sadness in her brown eyes.

Oh, hell.

She blew out air and looked at him. “Okay, so you tracked me down. I’m assuming you’re here about my magic?”

“Partly.”

“My mother was right. No matter which way I turn, there’ll always be someone waiting for me.”

“You’re so sure I’m here to harm you?”

She pointed at the door he’d destroyed. “You broke down my door. I have a mean landlord.”

He almost smiled at her words. “I’d say after the crap you’ve pulled on me, we’re even.”

“So what now, Declan?”

He had no idea.

His aim had been to find her, to talk to her. Now that he had and he knew that she was marked by Harper, he had no idea what to do with her. And being at a loss with a woman was not something he was familiar with. Ever.

But if Harper wanted her, then Declan wanted her more.

“You need help –” he began.

“I don’t want your help.”

“– and I need answers.”

“And you thought you’d simply waltz up my driveway and I’d spill?”

“You came into my home uninvited. I figured I could do the same.” He pinned her with a level gaze. “You’ve been nothing but a pain in the ass since you left me in my hotel bed, Kate Carrigan, but clearly, you’re new at this. We stirred up a hornet’s nest at the club so now we’re both marked.” She might be stronger than the average woman but there was something raw and unsure about her. “I need an explanation, Kate. And you can start with the daggers.”

CHAPTER EIGHT

Everything inside Kate cautioned her against trusting this man. He was a Bennett, and stood for everything she’d been taught to fear.

He wasn’t evil, but he still frightened her. Whether that was the Keeper in him or the man, she wasn’t sure, but something told her that Declan was all trouble. He had a noble, untamed look to him that hinted at a bad boy image. Dark eyebrows and sinfully long eyelashes. Jet-black, dishevelled hair that almost touched his shoulders. His expressive blue eyes stared at her with an intensity that made her pulse quicken. The man was breathtaking.

Despite her best efforts, he’d found her and wanted answers. And now that he knew why Harper wanted her, there was no way in hell he’d let her go. She couldn’t blame him. After all, he had his own family; his own people to protect.

But who was protecting her?

Since her mother’s death, so much had changed. What was once a quiet life was now overrun with fear, confusion, and the supernatural. Images of Harper and his followers came to mind and she felt herself cringe. After what she’d witnessed, she had a lot to learn and the danger was far worse than she’d ever imagined.

It terrified her.

Her mother’s hastily scribbled letter had sparked so many questions but it had led her to the daggers. To the Bennett brothers. So maybe she’d lead with that.

But something tugged inside, feeding her fear. She hadn’t trusted many people in her life growing up and after her mother’s death, she was even less inclined. She glanced outside, took in the bright morning sun; a new day and a new chase. A trickle of apprehension ran down her spine, along with a fresh urge to run.

“Fine,” she said with a brief nod and went into the kitchen. “If I’m going to share dagger details with you, I’m going to do it with coffee. Want some?”

When in doubt, add caffeine. Or alcohol, but as the sun’s rays were still fresh across the lake, she figured that coffee would be the better option.

“Sure, thanks.”

Kate opened the cupboard to remove two mugs and turned to the counter, keeping her back to him. Reaching into the drawer, she removed a spoon and some powdered herbs before assembling the drink.

“So how come I never noticed you following me?” she asked, glancing over her shoulder. Declan was peering through the blinds, looking at the lake. Satisfied that he was preoccupied, she tipped a portion of herbs into his mug and stirred.

Naughty but necessary.

“Stealth mode is one of my talents.”

Judging from the thick wall of muscles, his height and broad shoulders, she wondered how that was even possible. “Sure it is.”

His eyes narrowed briefly at the sarcasm in her tone but he left it at that. “How do you know about the daggers?”

Kate walked around the kitchen counter and handed him the coffee, ignoring the pang of guilt. His nod of thanks was brief, followed by a half smile as he took a sip. “After my mother died, I found a letter in her Grimoire urging me to find them.”

“Your mother knew about them?”

“According to her, they’d protect me.”

“From Harper?”

“From everyone.”

He nodded, not bothering to challenge her comment.

“Is that why you sought him out?”

When she didn’t reply, he discarded his mug. Closing the gap between them, he turned her to face him. Her instincts yelled at her to step back, out of the reach of the man who could rewire her senses, but she fought the urge and met his gaze.

“Why are you holding back from me, Kate?” he asked, his gentleness in stark contrast to his previous ferocity in fighting off their attackers. “I won’t harm you.”

“But you won’t let me go either, will you?”

“You know I can’t.” His words were barely more than a whisper, tugging at her defences. “But you’ll be safer with me than with Harper.”

She stared at him in silence, caught by the urge to trust him but knowing she shouldn’t. Her mother had ingrained it in her as a child. Trust no one. Depend on no one. Especially if they were from the supernatural world.

He dipped his head, his brows drawn together in a frown. “You really think you can take on Harper alone?”

“Declan, this is my mess. My problem. We’re not exactly on great terms and I don’t need a White Knight to sweep in and fix this.”

“Honey, you have the wrong brother. There’s nothing White Knight about me. But Harper supports the Brogans, and if he’s after a Null, it means he’ll use you to destroy us.”

“Is that why you want me? To use me to destroy him?”

His brief flinch hinted that she’d struck a chord. Declan placed his hands on her shoulders as she was about to step back. “We protect the innocent. We don’t hurt for the fun of it like Harper. You saw what he did to that witch because she wouldn’t join his cause.”

“I refuse to be the pawn in this game.”

“It’s not a game and you have no choice. Your magic has made you the most powerful weapon in this damned war. I’ve lost too many people in this fight.” His expression hardened, resentment flickering in eyes coloured with sadness. “You’re in a whole lot of shit, Kate Carrigan, but either way, you’re coming with me.”

She shrugged off the flash of fear sparked by his statement. “Fine,” she replied in a casual tone. She hoped like hell she’d used enough herbs. “You win, Declan.”

Right.

****

Declan didn’t reply and blinked in an attempt to clear the fog in his head. Damn, exhaustion had ripped through him like the Road Runner on a mission. Considering he was with a gorgeous woman, albeit a thief, sleep should be the last thing on his mind.

He must be losing his touch. If Kate couldn’t keep him awake, then not much else would. She was a real beauty, and a tough one at that. With her sheen of dark hair, big brown eyes, slender curves, and the flush of temper that reared in her cheeks when she was angry, Kate was incredible.

And he was having a hard time reminding himself that he was still mad at her.

“Where did you get the scroll?” he asked, giving a quick shake of the head.

“The scroll?”

“Yes, witchy. You left it behind when you attacked me.”

“You attacked me. And don’t call me witchy.”

“I call it like I see it. Either way you left behind a scroll that has Sienna in a frenzy. What does it mean?”

“I have no idea.”

“Do you …” He paused, frowning as his senses prickled the way they always did when something wasn’t right.

“Declan?”

He held out a hand to silence her and moved toward the sliding door. Stepping out, he did a quick scan of the area, his heightened hearing straining for something that didn’t fit.

Silence dulled his suspicions and he turned back to her, only to grab onto the door as the room began to tilt.

Shit.

Dizziness took over and he drew in a ragged breath, blinking as everything went blurry. What the hell?

“It’s okay,” Kate said, coming closer. “You’ll be okay.”

“What did you do?” he grumbled, stumbling toward the couch.

She dropped to his side, a hand on his arm. He wanted to throttle her. Every deceitful, beautiful damn inch of her. “It’s a sedative.”

“Bitch!”

When he reared forward, the room began spinning and she pushed him back down. “Easy, warrior boy. Sleep it off.”

“You roofied me? Like a damn drunk sorority chick?”

“I had no choice.”

“If you wanted to have your way with me, all you had to do was ask.”

A brief laugh escaped her but she was quick to reel it in. “That’s not what this is about!”

Declan’s reply was forgotten as his instincts bristled. He turned away, staring at the porch outside.

“Declan?”

He shook his head again, focusing on the noise. What was that? Declan looked at her, grimacing against the black cloud that threatened to swallow him. “You’re insane, you know that?”

“I have to leave and I can’t have you following me again. This was the only way.”

“I’m going to hunt you down, Kate, and when I find you, I’m going to feed you to Harper myself.” His instincts rumbled a clear warning to him, this time unmistakable in its strength and accuracy. He knew when to trust them and he knew trouble when it was brewing. His hand shot out and gripped her arm. “Kate, you have to run.”

She flinched, a frown creasing her brows.

“Run.”

She swatted his hand. “Declan, you’re in no shape for that right now.”

Declan brought up both arms as the darkness beckoned, pulling her toward him with as much strength as he could muster. “They’re here. Run!”

****

The air whooshed out of Kate as if he’d struck her. She reeled back just in time to see the front door burst open in an explosion of splintering wood.

Megan stood at the bottom of the stairs, dressed in a skin-tight black suit, her legs planted firmly apart.

“Go, dammit” Declan grunted, swaying as he struggled to his feet.

Kate stared at the witch, taking in her smug smile and penetrating gaze. If Megan was here, her warrior partners wouldn’t be far. Too many of them. And Kate had just debilitated the one man who could help her.

And put him in danger.

“Oh, God, I’m so sorry, Declan,” she whispered, almost choking on the panic that surged through her. “I didn’t think they’d find me so soon.”

The windows exploded, the screech of shattering glass ripping through the house. Declan lunged for Kate, shielding her body with his.

Crushing her beneath his weight, he didn’t budge, simply pegged her with a dark stare, his hands gripping her shoulders. He whispered something under his breath as intense heat flooded through her, almost scalding her from the inside out. Gulping for air, she pushed him away.

“You have to get out of here.” Declan pulled back, breaking the connection. The release of heat was instant. They rose, his movements unsteady. Kate bit down on the guilt.

“Go, dammit!” he snapped, shoving her away.

“I can’t leave you here.”

“Now you decide to play fair?”

“This is different,” she replied, turning to face Megan.

The witch grinned and began to channel more energy at Kate. The house began to shake violently, two sliding doors shattering in response.

Fear slammed home and Kate stood her ground. Glaring at the witch, she drew on her defensive powers that would nullify the magic bristling around them.

Kate barely flinched as heat pooled in her stomach, her survival instincts stronger than her hatred of the foreign magic. The confrontation was intense but didn’t last long. Kate sensed Megan’s resistance crumble and she concentrated on absorbing the witch’s energy, immobilizing it.

If only it wasn’t temporary.

“Kate!” Declan grunted, fury twisting his expression.

She whirled around as Max and Rick stepped through the broken sliding doors, glass crunching beneath their boots.

Spotting Declan, they charged him simultaneously.

Declan shoved her away and she reared back, only to collide with Harper who’d come in the back way. She lashed out, her fist connecting with him in a powerful punch.

He caught her wrist, twisting her arm behind her, and slammed her body against his. Thick arms snaked around her, and a syringe was shoved into her neck. “I told you I’d come for you,” he laughed, his voice thick with mockery. He inhaled deeply, breathing her in, and dipped his face against hers. This time, all traces of amusement had vanished. “Ah, a Bennett. I’d recognise his scent anywhere, I just never expected it on you.”

A shudder ripped through her and everything went blurry, numb, and she sought out Declan as she crumbled.

As he struggled with his attackers, their gazes met and held for a long moment until her eyes fluttered closed.

Declan.

****

Everything inside him hammered in protest as Declan saw Kate succumb to the drug. Rose Thorn? Shit.

He fought for his own consciousness, his protective instincts hampered in a way that was driving him crazy. “KATE!” he roared, charging Harper with every ounce of remaining strength he had.

Harper’s warriors were on him before he even got close to her. He fought them off with a low growl, digging deep for the strength that evaded him. In a tumble of blurry movements, he swung his fists, but they kept coming until they had him subdued. Thanks to the drugs, what would have been an impossible task was now an easy one.

What the hell had she given him?

“Kate!” he rasped, as he saw Harper hoist her across his shoulder. Her hair and arms hung loosely down his back as he walked away. Declan tried to break free but stumbled, the warriors pinning him to the ground. The right side of his face crushed into the carpet. With two heavy men on top of him, Declan watched Kate disappear onto the porch. He grunted as a rumble of furious energy bubbled inside.

He focused that energy on the metal porch railing outside, channelling the fury. As Harper marched toward the stairs, the railings began to groan from the onslaught of heat. The stairs caught fire, destroying their escape route.

“What’s happening?” Max shouted.

Harper turned back to the house, Kate still slung across his shoulder. “It’s the Keeper. What the fuck are you waiting for?” he bellowed at his men. “I have the woman. Destroy him!”

Declan heaved backward with all the strength he had, shoving the surprised men off him. He struggled to his feet as something heavy and hard smashed against his head. He dropped to the ground with a fierce growl. “Kate!”

“Let’s get out of here!” Max bellowed as a nearby curtain went up in flames, and delivered a final kick into Declan’s ribs.

And everything went black.

CHAPTER NINE

Failure burned more than Declan cared to admit.

And although he should welcome the unrelenting headache as it meant he was alive, it only fuelled his frustration.

Refusing to dwell on the mammoth crap of Kate’s disappearance, Declan turned his Harley Davidson toward Rapid Falls.

A town where people were friendly, sociable and determined to maintain their traditions. A peaceful village surrounded by mountains, rivers and grape vineyards.

Peaceful, my ass.

Frustration chewing at the last of his patience, he slowed the bike to a crawl and made his way through the main road. The street was lined with ancient trees, immaculate gardens, quaint stores, and old thatched buildings meticulously restored by the townsfolk. Everything was shrouded in snow.

It was quite a contrast to the hustle and bustle of New Orleans.

He parked his bike outside his brother’s restaurant, abandoned his helmet on the seat and went inside, waving at old friends standing further down the sidewalk. He should have gone over to greet them. They’d all be combing the Bennett vineyards soon to assist with the annual harvest, but his mood was beyond idle chit chat.

He stood in the doorway, willing away the gloom that always came over him whenever he walked into the restaurant.

Sarah’s restaurant.

Raw brick walls, a wooden bar, and low lighting. It was modern, but warm and comforting. Although still unfinished, the old pub had been converted into a dining experience his sister would’ve been proud of.

Her dream – gone in a flash of violence.

The memory reared its head before Declan could stop it and he slammed the door so hard that the hinges groaned in protest.

“Whoa, look what the cat dragged in,” Ethan said, walking into the room. He unloaded a box of alcohol onto the bar counter, his easy smile fading as he took in his brother’s harsh frown. Without saying a word, he reached under the counter and produced a bottle of bourbon.

Declan discarded his gloves and jacket on a nearby table. The drink was needed, the warm liquid offering the comfort he sought. He held out the glass for a refill.

Ethan’s narrowed eyes scrutinized Declan as he judged his brother’s mood. His own short dark hair arranged to perfection, freshly shaven, and dressed in jeans and a T-shirt, Ethan looked a far cry from Declan’s ragged appearance.

Not that Declan cared. He glanced around the room and gave a nod of approval. “You’ve made progress.”

“No thanks to you.”

“Hey, I told you that this was your baby. Besides, I’ve had my hands full.”

“With bourbon and women apparently.”

Declan held the glass to his lips, pausing, and flashed his brother a smirk. “Careful, brother, you’re starting to sound like Archer.”

“He’s worried, Declan.”

“He should back off. I’m not about to lose the plot again.”

Once had been enough; he’d almost drowned himself in alcohol and grief.

Sienna walked through the swinging door, a slender vision of red hair and pale skin, carrying a box of wine.

His witch.

The woman he was duty bound to defend and did so without resentment or regret. A devotion few others could understand. But they fought the same war, carried the same weight that came with their responsibilities, and shared the same grief over the ones they’d lost.

She was his best friend, his ally, and one of the few people who could maintain a stand-off with him. They’d often butted heads, but she was like a sister to him and he adored her.

“Declan!” she gasped, her pensive expression shifting to pure delight. “You’re back!”

He went to her, removing the box from her arms and setting it on the floor. When he turned around, she pounced, throwing her arms around him.

He kissed her head, breathing in her familiar smell that always reminded him of home. “Hey, witchy.”

She pulled back to flash him a smile but it was quick to vanish when she took in his messy appearance. “You look … ”

“Gorgeous? Handsome?”

“Tired.”

His teasing smile faded and he gave a quick nod. “It’s been a crap few days. Is Archer here?”

“He’s at Lora’s store,” she replied. “She needed help shifting a few boxes.”

Lora’s clothing boutique was situated across the street. She was an old friend of Rose’s and a witch, but had given up magic many years ago when her daughter had fled town. Even though Lora had refused the protection of a Keeper, they were equally protective of her. “Is she okay?”

“Lora’s fine. You just missed Tara. You should call her.”

“The harvest?”

“She has everything under control but I don’t think she’s itching to speak to you about work.”

Declan frowned, not up for a chat about his relationship with Tara. Their attractive estate manager had a great smile and an even better personality. She’d been a fitting distraction but that’s all it had been. “Don’t tell her you saw me.”

Sienna shot him a look of disgust. “You’re such an ass to her.”

“I’ve only ever been honest with her. She knows where we stand.”

“I don’t know why she still wants anything to do with you.”

“Of course you wouldn’t know,” Declan retorted, cracking a smirk. “You’ve never had sex with me.”

Her face scrunched in horror and she punched his arm. “Declan! Ew!”

He laughed and finished his drink, nudging the empty glass at his brother.

Raising a brow, Ethan refilled the glass and slid it toward him. “Where’s the girl?”

Declan exhaled noisily and sank onto a vacant bar stool. “She’s gone.”

Sienna’s shocked gasp nipped at his words. “As in Harper has her or killed her?”

“She’s still alive.”

“Where is she?”

Declan rolled his eyes. “If I knew, she’d be here, not off with the damn warlock.”

“You lost her?” they asked in perfect unison and he almost flinched at their incredulous tones.

Almost.

But flinching would reveal his disgust.

“How could you let that happen?” Ethan asked, irritation lining his words.

“The wildcat drugged me this morning.” Declan took another sip of whiskey which did nothing to ease the growing frustration. “Long story.”

“She sounds feisty.”

“Feisty’s going to get her killed.”

“You know what this means, right?”

“Trust me, brother. I’ve had all day to process what this means.”

And it only fuelled his anger every time he did.

“Why did they take her? They could’ve killed her right there, absorbed her powers, and got on with it. Why go to the trouble of taking her?”

Exactly.

But Harper hadn’t killed her, which meant he needed her for something else. What that was worried him more than he cared to admit.

“Maybe they’re hoping she’ll side with them,” Sienna suggested. “She’d be more powerful than Harper could ever be as the magic originated with her.”

“She’d never side with them.”

“You say that like you know her.”

Every damn inch of her.

“We’ve met before.”

“You have? Why haven’t you said anything until now?”

“Because it wasn’t relevant.”

“She broke in here, stole two of our daggers, stabbed your brother –”

“I’m very well aware of her crimes, Sienna.”

“– and you failed to think it was relevant?”

“Unless it was more than a simple meeting,” Ethan added, watching Declan. Apparently, the warrior knew his brother too well.

“Can we focus on what’s important here?” Declan snapped, slamming the glass on the table. “Harper has her and he’ll use her powers any way he can. Once he has access to them, we can kiss our sweet-assed victories goodbye.”

The truth behind his words hung in the air like an unwelcome ache.

Sienna nibbled her bottom lip, her eyes filled with renewed concern. “If Harper insists she sides with them, her options will be limited. If she doesn’t do it willingly, he’ll kill her.”

Declan swallowed, hating to hear the words spoken aloud. He nodded, reached into his pocket and pulled out a pocket knife and a map.

“What about the hybrid in her?” Ethan asked.

“No one knows about that. Besides, her mother used a spell that kept that side of her dormant. Her witch side is stronger. Any Keeper ability she has is nowhere near ours.”

“If Harper’s discovered she’s a hybrid, would it help him?”

“Not much,” Sienna replied. “The powers they scavenge are always diluted in the process. If her Keeper side is weak, there’d be little to gain.”

Declan spread the map across the bar and glanced at Sienna. “Up for a location spell?”

Green eyes flashed with curiosity. “She’s magical. A location spell won’t work for her unless I have her blood.”

Declan reached for the knife and slashed his palm, ignoring the pierce of pain.

“Declan?” Sienna’s voice tore through the silence, laced with confusion.

He held his hand above the map and pumped his fist.

“Declan!” Sienna snapped, snatching the towel off Ethan’s shoulder as he went to lock the front door. “What are you doing?”

Blood dripped onto the map, red and angry, a reminder of the war they’d face if Harper scavenged Kate’s magic.

Like hell.

He took the towel from Sienna and wrapped his hand. “The location spell, Sienna.”

“This won’t work. I need her blood.”

“Use mine.”

“I can’t search for her without her blood!”

“I’m not asking you to search for hers.”

Sienna’s eyes narrowed before widening as understanding dawned. “You marked her, didn’t you?”

Damn right.

CHAPTER TEN

Kate had never been afraid of the dark.

Until now.

Although she’d been unconscious most of the time, she suspected Harper had taken her underground. It was too dark, cold, and quiet to be anywhere else. The walls were damp, the air smelt musty, and Kate wasn’t sure what she wished for more – fresh air or sunlight on her face.

Both would signal freedom which now seemed like an impossible feat. Not with the shackles around her wrists and ankles. Her skin was raw, the flesh red from the binds.

She had long since given up trying to free herself. They’d used shackles that were impossible to destroy, despite her strength. Since they’d taken her, she’d hoped her powers would set her free.

But no.

Her captives knew how to curb them.

Bastards.

The sound of approaching footsteps sent Kate’s heartbeat racing. She drew in a quiet breath, bracing herself for the onslaught of evil coming her way.

The key turned in the lock, the sound loud in the quiet room. The wooden door pushed open, scraping along the sandy floor. A beam of light flooded the room, a brief respite from the darkness.

Harper.

Kate lay still, pretending to be asleep, hoping to gain the element of surprise. She peered at him through the hair that fanned her face. Her stomach recoiled as he approached, a mocking smile on thin lips; a syringe in one hand, a torch in the other. Without saying a word, he turned around to hang the torch on a hook in the wall.

The face of a demon stared back at her. Piercing black eyes drawn into a frown of hatred, snarling teeth, and an expression designed to instigate fear.

Air evaded her and she stared at it in horror.

He turned back to her, and she almost baulked as he edged closer, his heavy boots thudding across the floor.

A tattoo.

Suppressing a shudder, Kate forced herself to breathe, knowing she had little chance of ever getting out of here if he injected her again. With each dose, she grew weaker. Their drug of choice brought with it an overwhelming exhaustion she’d never experienced before. It had been hours since her last dose and a fresh one would seal her fate.

Kate waited, biding her time. He reeked of alcohol, the smell permeating the air as he approached. The bed creaked from his weight and she tried not to flinch when he stroked her hip. His hand played with the hem of her shirt, scraping calloused fingers along her skin.

“All this time we’ve been looking for a way to beat the Beckham witch and her trio of guard dogs. Little did I know that the weapon I needed would come so beautifully packaged.” His calm voice made her insides twist. With a sinister gentleness he swept the hair from her face.

He stroked her cheek with one hand whilst the other rested on her hip and she had to bite down on the inward shudder.

Sighing, he shifted beside her and withdrew to ready the syringe. “But you’ve also been a pain in the ass.”

Kate reared up, ramming her elbow into his face with a force that surprised her. She was weak from the drugs but it was enough to disarm him.

He fell backward with a grunt, knocking over the torch. Kate sprang to her feet, her movements shaky, head fuzzy, body still shackled. Somewhere through the haze, she was able to charge forward, her drive for freedom stronger than ever.

This was her only chance.

She grabbed him by the shoulders, ramming her knee into his face. He yelled out as blood spattered from his nose.

“You bitch!” he screamed as he struggled to his feet, swiping at the blood.

“Small price to pay considering everything you’ve done to me.” Her voice, croaky with fury and hatred, sounded foreign.

He charged her, the syringe clasped in his hand. The tiny room prevented her from dodging him and they stumbled across the bed.

She caught the flash of the syringe as he rammed it toward her – his only chance of subduing her – but she rolled out of its aim, reared up and butted her head against his.

Ignoring the pain, she scrambled for the syringe, a loud guttural groan echoing through the room. Lightning quick, she ripped it from his hand and slammed the lethal dose into his neck.

His eyes widened as his jaw fell open. The effect was instantaneous, the debilitating concoction all too familiar to her.

“No matter where you go, I will find you,” he murmured.

“You should have killed me when you had the chance. I will never give you my powers willingly.”

He didn’t reply, his eyes fluttered and he slumped forward, silent, before going still.

Serves him right.

Kate searched for the keys he’d pocketed to unlock the door. She couldn’t resist grinning when she found them along with a small pocket knife and the silver chain that held Declan’s skeleton key. Her hopes soared as she fastened the necklace around her neck, tucking the key inside her shirt where it nestled like a comforting reminder of freedom. Her fingers shook as she unlocked the shackles and secured Harper to the bed.

Sweet justice.

She bolted for the door, relieved to find a dimly-lit passage that led to a wooden staircase, and headed straight toward it.

Her head snapped up at the sound of voices above her. All her senses were on overload. Everything was louder and clearer. Her mind spinning, she tuned into the voices behind the door. The television was on in the background, muffling their words, but she recognised them all. Despite the aroma of fried food, she could even smell them. Musky men, oozing aggression. Ugh.

Wincing, she nudged open another door, fear curling her insides. The passage was clear and she edged closer. Her heart screamed in her chest.

Keeping her back to the wall, she peered around the corner, her breath catching when she found the living room empty.

Her spirits soared at a massive glass sliding door that led outside, but sunk when she took in the endless mountains surrounding them.

God, where had they taken her?

Two black Hummers were parked in the driveway that turned into a long dirt track down the mountain.

Kate closed her fingers around the skeleton key and hoped like hell it would jimmy a locked car too.

A door slammed in the room next door, followed by footsteps and Max’s voice, spurring her on.

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