The Council (Darkness #5)(48)

“Yes.” Zeke’s eyes hit Delilah. “C’mon.”

Her shy smile competed with a business-like furrowed brow. Apparently she thought Mr. Zeke was attractive. All these people were attractive.

I addressed the rest of the group. “As soon as that spell comes down, I’ll give Tim and Jameson the signal. I’ll send four of you in with their front line to combat any magical attacks. The rest will hang back with me until the way is cleared. Then we are going to bust in there and find Stefan. Okay? Pretty simple.”

“Pretty simple until shit goes sideways,” Olivia said, a middle-aged woman with curly red hair and aggressive attack spells. She always went in first, and apparently, killed on sight. She was not one to mess with.

My elements around me shifted and swayed, the magic from the large spell unraveling and rushing back into nature around us. I gestured the first team forward as I signaled the warriors. Tim and Jameson both turned to get their people ready.

I jogged forward behind a wave of leather-clad people. A mountain lion—Ann—gracefully loped over, accompanied by a huge jackal—I had no idea who that was, but they were my protection unit.

“Hey guys,” I whispered.

“Oh wow.” Harry nodded in appreciation. “I haven’t seen shifters fighting in battle.”

One of the twins—Jen possibly, but it was hard to tell—reached out to pet Ann. Apparently she’d forgotten for a moment that A, that was a person, and B, we were about to go into battle.

“Damn it, my head is scattered to hell.” I massaged my temple.

“Focus on the small things,” Jonas said quietly. “There go the first wave. Empty your mind and let your instincts take over. Let your muscle memory lead you. Take your head out of it.”

Okay. No problem. I could do this.

I wonder if Stefan knows we’re here… I wonder if he’s okay.

I shook my head. And tried to do as Jonas said.

The night caressed me; young and just beginning, it covered the scene in a velvety blanket. The stars twinkled merrily above us, accenting a half-moon climbing the sky. I felt the elements all around me, joyous and blissful, always within immediate reach. The magic of the witches rose and swept me up; unity and togetherness, not linked but still inclusive. It lightened my heart and sang through my blood.

“Okay, battle time.” I pushed forward, a group of warriors parting to wrap me in their folds. Jonas and Charles joined them easily, all members of the Watch, used to fighting and working together. Used to protecting their key asset.

They were officially part of my team. And damn that felt good.

Yelling broke out. A growl tore through the serenity of the night.

“Here we go!” I jogged forward as our warriors pushed into the building, swords flashing.

“Did we bring any guns?” I asked a muscular arm next to my face. I couldn’t see who it belonged to.

“Guns don’t kill magic. Magic kills magic.” Sounded like José, a guy on the younger side that took everything way too seriously. He wasn’t telling a joke just then.

Which made me chuckle.

“No, we didn’t bring any. Should’ve, though.” Charles’ voice had lost all humor. Fighting time was drawing near.

A loud bang sounded to our right; someone breaking the lock on a door. Three people pushed in, not meeting resistance of any kind.

“Through there!” José pointed.

As one, our unit changed course, aiming for the door. A blast of red shot out—a spell missing its mark. I threw up a shield and pushed past the muscles to the front, Charles next to me immediately.

“Let me go first,” he yelled over a loud, ground-shaking roar. Tim had changed.

“I have a shield up. No one is going to be able to—” I cut off as a stream of light black smacked into my shield. My teeth chattered. My feet stopped moving. I stared at my spell in front of me, slightly singed where the attacking spell had hit. It wasn’t as strong as mine, but it was exactly the same type of magic. And the same color.

“No f**king way.” I glanced up with wide eyes. A woman stood opposite us at the back of a room teamed with fighting and swords. Magic flew around her, all different colors, hitting off her shield, leaving her completely unharmed. A smug smile twisted her face as she stared at me; probably mid-thirties and gorgeous.

“She has black.” My voice sounded distant. The Watch around me had begun fighting, keeping me safe in a protective bubble. The magic users waited impatiently, needing to know what to do next. But I needed a moment to stare.

She started laughing at me—she wasn’t surprised that I existed. But I was sure shocked as hell to see her.

“They’ve got one of their own!” I bleated.

“Surprise!” Charles stepped forward with this sword to take out someone rushing at us while yelling.

“Damn it! And she’s pretty, too. What a bitch!”

“What does her being pretty have to do with anything?” Harry asked.

“I’m just sick of beautiful competition. C’mon, let’s beat her up!”

I shot a spell at her. Like acid dribbling down her shield, it ate away her power. I mixed the elements just right, and flicked another spell her way, so easy and effortless now that the magic hovered around me. Now that I didn’t have to fight the rush anymore.