Page 41 of Hidden Pain

The witch smiled at him, and he relaxed, a little.

“Never doubt your talent, Kingsley. This is better than I could ever do, even with all my fingers and magic. It’s beautiful.” Tears filled the witch’s eyes, and he felt his breath catch. He knew the look she had on her face well. It was the one worn by a client who was in love with his work, and it couldn’t be faked.

“You really like it?” He needed to hear her say it again, so it would sink in.

“Yes. I’m going to start planning another one. There’s a magical symbol I’d really like on my back. Maybe I should get lots of them.” Jessica let out a loud laugh. It was almost like a witch’s cackle.

“Maybe I should pack up all my equipment and move it to Kansas then.”

Jessica shook her head.

“No, I’m sure we can work something out where I can help you get here when you want to tattoo me or any other clients. There’s a spell I’ve been working on that will allow teleportation without the need of my help. I’ve nearly cracked the one that will allow us to hear the shifters’ thoughts when they are in their animal form. I know Isobel is excited about that one. She often feels left out when the others run.”

“I’d like that as well.”

“Good.”

Kingsley tidied up and wrapped Jessica’s tattoo.

“Keep that dressing on to prevent infection.” He grabbed a tube of cream from the fridge. “Put this on as well. Once it’s peeled, then it should be healed.”

“Thank you.”

Kingsley looked at the clock. It was getting late. The vote would be taking place soon. He needed to return to be at Hunter’s side.

“Are you ok to take me back?” he asked Jessica.

“Of course.” Jessica grabbed his hand and continued to speak to him while they transported back to Kansas. “I’ll find that symbol for my back, and we can talk about getting it done soon. I’ve a feeling I’m going to become addicted.”

When they landed, it was back in the garden. The sound of whispering coming from a downstairs room through the patio doors alerted them to the presence of others. Kingsley instantly recognized the voices of Ebony and Christian. He and Jessica moved closer to the doors to listen.

“Are you sure you’ve secured enough votes in our favor?” Ebony asked Christian. She was seated on a chair with her hair highly coiffed and make-up plastered on her face. Christian was pacing the room.

“Yes, it’s tight, but Hunter is the architect of his own downfall. His insistence on keeping the human and bear here really isn’t sitting well with the pack. They don’t understand why they’re here.”

“Good.”

Ebony patted her stomach.

“I just hope that your contact can provide the evidence that the baby is Hunter’s when needed. The pack will still want it verified after the thing’s born.”

“He will. He’s a powerful druid.”

Jessica raised an eyebrow at Kingsley. The only powerful druid Kingsley knew was Ciaran, Nuka’s beta.

Christian stopped pacing and came to kneel down in front of Ebony. He took her hand and kissed it. “The pack should accept the baby even without the evidence,” the male wolf growled.

“No, we have to have the proof. It’s the only way.”

“But my son will grow up thinking another man is his father.” Christian’s words confirmed what Kingsley had long suspected. The beta was the father of the baby.

“No, it won’t.” Ebony leaned forward and pressed her lips against Christian’s. “After Hunter is cast out, and we have all the power, we’ll be free to fall in love and marry. We’ll raise the child as our own. It’s only the blood of a previous alpha that’s required, and if the pack believes the baby has it, then we’ll be all powerful. We’ll lead them down the path of eliminating humankind, and together we’ll rule forever. Kansas is ripe for the taking. We’ll be the most powerful pack, and Hunter will languish with nothing for trying to get rid of me. I was the best thing he’d ever had. I devoted my life to him, and he cast me aside just because of a few silly comments aimed at that worthless little wild dog, Teagan. She’s vermin. I won’t be trodden on or over for her.”

Kingsley wanted to burst in the room to scream and shout at the evil pair. They didn’t deserve to rule the pack. They’d destroy it, for their own power hungry obsession.

“We’d better go to the meeting.” Christian looked at the clock.

“Yes.” Ebony stood up from her chair. “It’s time to seize power and destroy my ex-husband and the two people he values more than anything else.”

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