Page 25 of Hot Vampire Next Door: Season Four

“Yes,” I answer, growing more impatient by the second.

“Witches are always taught that magic—all magic, including witches and vampires and shifters—originated in the fae realm, that over the millennium, we’ve evolved to become what we are, which means…if this is magic not from this realm, it’s…”

“From the fae realm,” I guess and she nods.

I turn away and scrub at my face as my heart races in my ears. I need a drink.

No, I need my fucking brother.

Damien was always the one who solved problems. I was just along for the joy ride.

With my back to them, I ask, “How would the Renshaw witches tap into fae magic if the gate is closed?”

“The gate may be closed,” Bianca says, “but there are currents to tap. It’s not an impossibility.”

“And how would a person undo that magic?”

There is silence and it hangs heavy.

I turn to them just as my brother drops to the bed and a puff of air escapes his pillow as the feathers resettle beneath his head. Damien refuses to use anything other than feathered pillows. It reminds him of home. I know it does even though he won’t admit it.

Bianca licks her lips and takes a deep breath. “The Renshaw witches could undo it, but if they won’t or are unwilling…you’d…I mean…the origin…”

“Spit it out, witch.”

“You’d have to open the gate and get Damien to the fae realm.”

The Alpha answers on the second ring. “I’m busy,” he says.

“And yet you answered.”

He growls through the phone. “What do you want now, Duval? I’m not your personal errand boy.”

“No, but everything we do from here on out affects us both.”

I’m moving through the house, the phone clutched to my ear. I can hear Jimmy not far off, telling Mouse the abbreviated version of what’s transpired and the news that I’m leaving. The sun will be up within the hour.

“What did the Guard do with those who were trapped inside the Pledge Hall?” I ask.

The Alpha is silent for a beat. I can hear the sound of clothing rasping against skin on the other end, then a door creaking open. “Why do you think I know anything about it?”

“Stop fucking around. Everyone in Midnight knows you control the Guard.”

He grumbles again. “It’s in moments like these that I hope my psychic misread her prediction.”

I rush down the front steps of Duval House and down the driveway. “Hurry, shifter.”

“The spell broke eventually. Whatever Jessie did, the effects faded. The Renshaws were already gone by the time the Guard got there. The humans took longer to come out of it. They were the only ones left by then and all of their memories were wiped.”

“Thanks.” I pull the phone away to disconnect, but the Alpha stops me.

“Wait. What stupid shit are you planning now? You going to murder the entire Renshaw House?”

“Don’t be silly. Torture first. Answers second. Then murder.”

“By yourself?”

“Careful, Alpha,” I say as I near the end of the driveway. “Keep talking like that and someone will think you care what happens to a leader of a rival house.”

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