Page 72 of Soul Bound

“What is it?”

“I know what happened to Amara,” I start. “She was taken by Sterling and she was used in one of his breeding programs. I’m the product of one of Sterling’s experiments. I’m so sorry Esme, she died giving birth to me,” I choke out. “I’m sorry I’m the reason she’s dead.”

Esme’s voice is so loud in the speakerphone when she speaks, I have to move the phone farther away from me. “Don’t you dare for one second blame yourself for her death. As unfortunate as it is, Amara was never going to make it out of there alive—that’s the sad reality of it. I would do anything to bring my sister back, and I’m horrified she was held in captivity. But I don’t blame you, and you better not be blaming yourself. Find the solace in knowing she’s been at peace for the past twenty-two years and not suffering still at the hands of those men.”

“Okay.” I sniff, my nose suddenly burning with emotion. Ranger’s arm wraps around my shoulders and he pulls me to his side. I lean against him, needing his strength and warmth.

“I always had a feeling she had passed away a long time ago, but now that I know for sure, I can mourn her properly. Thank you for telling me, Winnie.” Esme’s voice is sincere.

“It’s not exactly happy news,” I tell her.

“No, but I’m still grateful I know for sure she’s okay. Wherever she may be.”

I swallow hard, “I have to tell you something else too and I don’t know if it’s happy news either.” I say the next part faster than necessary, but I just need to get the words out. “I found out I’m not just a witch. I’m also part human and part necromancer.”

I wait for her to say something, but the line is silent. I even check the screen to make sure the call is still connected after the long pause. “Esme?”

“I didn’t think they were still around,” she finally says.

“They’re not,” Ranger tells her. “The rumor is Sterling has or had the last one in existence in his possession. He was trying to recreate the species, and Winnie is a product of that attempt. When she was born, they tested her and deemed she was mostly human, and they sent her to one of the auctions.”

“Your accident in the pool when you were a kid not only brought your witch powers to life but your necromancy powers forward as well,” Esme explains. “I don’t have to tell you not to tell anyone Winnie. If word got out you’re part necromancer, it could get back to Sterling and his men, and they will most definitely come for you. Your powers are so rare and that makes you appealing to a man like Sterling.”

I side-eye Ranger because it’s not me who has a family of chatty people. “You can’t tell anyone.”

His brows pull together.

“I mean it Ranger; you can’t tell anyone. Not even Ransom. Nothing stays a secret in your family and your pack.”

“I’m not going to tell anyone unless you give me permission,” he promises.

Speaking about his family reminds me of Addison and Noah. “Esme, how many people can a necromancer bring back before they lose too much of their soul and they go all dark side.” I remember what she said about necromancers turning to psychopathic evil beings when they lost too much of their soul.

“From what I’ve read, I think it’s one at most, after that, they’re never the same,” Esme says.

“I brought back Poe, does that mean I can’t bring someone else back?” I chew my lip.

“Poe was just a bird. I doubt much of your soul was used to revive him. I think you could safely bring back one human being, but I’m not saying I recommend you do it. The risk is too high. And whoever you bring back will be permanently bound to you. It makes sense now why Poe is always following you around, your souls are connected.”

Another question I’ve always had, answered. Poe carries a piece of my soul with him, that’s why he’s always around me, we’re tethered together.

“Alright, we better get going so we can get to the airport,” I tell her. We say our goodbyes and I hand Ranger’s phone back to him. “So maybe Icanbring back Addison.”

“Esmejustsaid it wasn’t a good idea,” he reminds me.

“She said I could probably bring back one person safely. After Addison, I’ll never do it again,” I tell him andmyself. I have to vow to never use my necromancy powers. I don’t want to lose myself or my soul. Just like Ranger doesn’t want to become a bloodthirsty monster, I don’t want to become a soulless monster I don’t recognize.

* * *

The familiar soundsof New York City assault my ears as we get out of the cab when we pull up to the hotel we booked a room at. I thought being back in the city would feel like coming home, that I would be happy to be back, but it turns out I was wrong. Maybe I’ve been gone too long, but the loud noise is grating and the number of people on the streets is stressing me out.

I want to get in and out of the city as fast as I can. And I want to go back to Montana. Who would have thought the city girl would end up preferring the mountain air? I sure as hell didn’t see that coming.

“Still no word from Esme?” Ranger takes the backpack I’m holding from me, throwing it over his own shoulder.

I check my phone once more for any messages from Esme, but there’s still nothing. “Nothing yet.” We tried calling her when we landed, but she didn’t pick up. I left her a voicemail and a couple of messages as well, but they’ve all gone unanswered.

“Let’s go drop our stuff in the room and call her again,” Ranger suggests.

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