Page 83 of Captivating Magic

“Yeah, I got that impression, too.” Feeling decidedly grim, Lo asked, “But what happened to Clutch?”

29

FIVE MONTHS EARLIER

Clutch couldn’t show it, but internally, he was smiling for Laszlo and Ebba. He’d hoped by stalling Death when she’d initially met Ebba, it would give Lo enough time to come up with a plan. Fortunately, it had worked, but not without annoying his lover. They were currently at odds, with him trying to make it up to her. Hence taking the job as a full-time Reaper, which he’d never wanted.

Now, as he waited to consume Spencer Barlowe’s soul for the journey to the waiting room, Clutch basked in satisfaction. Soon, Laszlo would be as happy as he deserved, and with any luck, Divina would view Clutch as an equal instead of a boy toy. The stubborn woman refused to be tied down, stating she’d been burned in the past and wouldn’t be vulnerable again.

It was a surprise to learn that the “past” was the Traveler.

He understood Alexander Castor’s appeal. The man had charm to spare, and the jealousy Clutch was experiencing because of it had no place in his well-ordered life. Yes, he loved Divina, and like him, she’d fallen into feelings. Yet he was the only one willing to do something about it. Until she was ready tomove forward with him, Clutch would bide his time, do his job, and respect her boundaries. And he’d deny her what she sought whenever she turned up at his apartment.

Movement from the corner of his eye indicated the approach of Spencer, and Clutch turned to greet him. But what he saw threw him.

Malice.

At this game stage, spirits were at peace and ready to cross, not belligerent or prepared for battle. It appeared his latest charge wasn’t going without a fight. Clutch opened his mouth to speak but was gripped with a disconcerting dizziness. Around them, lights shimmered and sparkled, cloaking them from the others.

A taunting smile curled Spencer’s mouth.

“Ebba stays. I stay.” He lifted an enchanted metal talisman. “It’s time for you to enter the circlet, Reaper. If you’re a good little boy, I’ll release you in twenty years or so.”

Clutch shifted to block the spell, but the object was designed to draw his soul out, similar to the globe he’d given Laszlo to exorcise Spencer. The warlock shouldn’t have had the magic to pull a stunt like this one.

“Bastard!” He grunted as he twisted back and forth, fighting the pull. “How?”

“I was awake and privy to the conversation. There was no way in hell I was letting the Aether take all the magic and knowledge I’ve accumulated. I hid just enough to exchange places with you inside this little trinket.” With a tsk, he pressed the wreath-shaped talisman to Clutch’s throat, cutting off his scream of pain. “None of that. We can’t alert the others to my plans to woo Ebba—asyou.”

Lip curled in rage, Clutch wanted to blast the man, but his strength was bound by whatever black magic resided in the object.

“This group was dismissive, assuming I’d fall in line. The Aether didn’t question the fact I didn’t possess the level of magic of a Thorne or Reaper.” Spencer’s triumphant smile grated on Clutch’s last nerve. “It was a simple matter to store my power inside this until no one was looking. And I know what you’re thinking, but Iwillget away with it. Just like I got away with possessing Ebba. The difference is that you don’t have anyone who knows you well to notice a personality change when you return to your proper timeline, do you, McClutchin Adams?”

PRESENT DAY

Spencer glared at Laszlo Thorne.All his problems could be laid at that man’s door. If Ebba hadn’t been ridiculously enamored with the asshole, Spencer might’ve had a chance. He still could if he removed the dickhead from the playing field. It required being smart about it. Perhaps a body hop from the Reaper to Laszlo. Ebba was sure to want him then.

When she entered the room, she appeared as luminescent as she always did to him.

Her flat, “It’s Spencer,” hurt his heart, but it was only because Laszlo’s handsomeness dazzled her. That would be rectified soon enough. To remove his soul from Clutch’s body, Laszlo would need to get close. That’s all Spencer needed with the excision circlet in his pocket. Like the Reaper’s, Laszlo’s spirit would be drawn in and contained, giving him the freedom to take over.

The downside? Ebba would know. But if she was only hung up on Laszlo’s physique—and honestly, how the hell did shetolerate the jerk’s overbearing personality?—then Spencer could put on his meat suit and be all that she could dream of and more.

Satisfied with his plan and confident Clutch was physically stronger than his rival, Spencer beckoned Laszlo closer. “Come into the circle, and we’ll settle this like men.”

Ebba stepped forward and placed a hand on Laszlo’s chest before he could answer the call to action. “No, Lo. Kyrella is about to bust out again. She doesn’t trust him.”

Yeah, the wolf was a problem. Spencer had to find a way to separate the woman from the beast, and soon, before it ripped his throat out.

Laszlo studied him with considering eyes. It was disconcerting to feel like an object under a microscope, and Spencer fought the urge to fidget. What did he see? Was he gifted with the ability to delve deeper and recognize the threat, like the wolf?

Lifting her hand from his chest, Laszlo kissed the inside of her wrist. “Thanks for the save. Are you okay here on your own with him if I leave for a bit?”

“Of course.”

“Don’t be tempted to engage. It might be a good idea to wait in the other room, if only to keep Kyrella from shifting.”

“Yes. This close to the moon, she’s stronger.”

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