Fighting the Flames (Firefighter Romance #1)(78)

“Something wrong, Jackie?”

“No.” She let the power she tried to keep in check the last year build within her. Derek hadn't given her any commands yet. Maybe there was still time for her to exert her free will.

The hum began deep within the core of her being. Her banshee blood flooded her mortal cells, giving her an incredible rush of power as she let her supernatural side take over. So good to surrender to the urges she'd been struggling to repress the last year.

A song flowed from her, soft and low.

Jacqueline saw the outline of Derek's life essence surrounding him. She concentrated on drawing that glow away from his body.

“Jackie, what are you doing?” Derek had dropped his Angela voice. “It's not time for the big show until I say so.”

“It's time for my show,” she muttered, sending all her energy at the pulsating light.

Toby flung out his arm. Derek slammed into the coolers behind him. His Angela fa?ade disappeared.

“Thought that was you, Derek. I like Angela, but if she were still running the bar, all the wine would be gone. What did you do to her?” Toby asked glowering at the wizard. “And what kind of spell did you put on Jacqueline?”

“Doesn't matter.” Derek lifted his hands. A fireball flamed between his palms. “You should be worried about what I'm going to have her do to you.”

But the threat was weak.

His face paled as more and more of his life essence pulled away. Toby marched over to him. Summoning a great breath, he blew out the fireball.

“I think my girl has everything under control,” he said.

“Does she?”

Derek presented him a malicious smile. “Jacqueline, I command you to kill Toby.”

Jacqueline’s powers shifted. Her intention altered too though she hadn't intended it. Derek's essence released and bounced back into him. But she couldn't stop the energy, couldn't stop the haunting melody that sprang from her lips, pulling at the soul of the man she loved.

Love … I love Toby Williams.

Her head cocked.

“Isn't she beautiful?” Derek murmured. “Her song is absolutely hypnotic. She'll make a lovely banshee when the time comes. Once my family has no further use for her, we'll give her a magnificent death. But until then, she and I are going to have some fun times together.”

Toby sagged against the wall. His face contorted with pain, but his eyes—oh, how they begged and pleaded with her to stop. As if she was another person and this new persona didn't care about anything but reaping souls.

“Fight it,” Toby gasped. “Fight it.” Tears streamed down Jacqueline's face. “Jacqueline, I love you. I know you feel it. Please… fight the spell. You can do it,” he encouraged even as his strength to fight her faded.

His words pierced her heart. She had to get control over her powers, had to break the spell!

But it can't be done. Think about what it did to Gabriella, her mind whispered.

Movement in her peripheral vision but it didn't distract her from what she was doing. Little by little, Toby's soul separated free of his body. Her song loudened, full of lament.

A hand clamped down on her mouth as another reached across her eyes, blinding her. The urge to sing continued, but without a target, the feeling lessened.

“Derek, before I allow this woman to kill my father, I want you to explain a few things,” Gabe said as he held her. “Jackie, remember how you were able to control the power earlier this morning? You can break this spell. There is hope.”


“What are you doing? Let her finish Toby. This is what we've waited for. “

“Did you put a spell on my mother?”

“Of course not. She was my sister.”

“Did she know that I was alive?”

“Who has been telling you these things?” Derek’s tone rose higher.

“Gabe, I don't know what happened to Gabriella. My father intended to kill you, but it didn't happen. I don't know why, though I'm very glad.” Toby's weak voice reached her ears. Fabric rustled and something shuffled. “The only way to know the truth is if we work together.”

What was happening? Frustrated, Jacqueline wished she could see the action.

This was so ridiculous. Why couldn't she just control her powers? She was a half banshee, after all. The other half of her was mortal and still in control of her free will.

I AM in control. I have to stop this spell. There is hope.

She pictured Toby's soul springing back into his body, fighting the stabbing pains in her head as she worked against the command spell.

To her delight, Jacqueline heard Toby say, “The spell. She's breaking the spell. I can feel it.”

“Impossible,” Derek sneered. “If the hag couldn't break free, than this little half-breed certainly can't.”

“Release her, Gabe,” Toby urged.

Gabe removed his hands.

Toby stood at the bar, a smile on his face. She no longer had the urge to reap his soul.

Derek stared at her, open-mouthed, while the other two wizards in the room turned their attention on him. As if one, they closed in. He attempted to make a break for it. Darting around the bar, Derek headed for the door.

“Oh no, you don't,” Jacqueline called out. Her power blazed to life, and she yanked at the edge of Derek's life essence. He staggered, and she pulled harder, amazed at the strength of her skills. Sweat dampened her forehead. “Quickly, boys, before he has time to come up with a spell.”