“That’s insane.” Ian came around and began to massage my shoulders. “Why would you feel responsible?”
“Well, because I represent change. I’m the first witch. That brings attention to people. Causes them to act strangely.”
Adam spoke up. “No matter what, we’re the ones that invited you here. Nothing is your fault. I promise.”
“I promise too.” Ian whispered in my ear.
“And I swear to it.” Gerard laughed. “Now what’s this plan of yours?”
Vivica and I began to fill the guys in on the details when the doorbell rang.
“Get back.” Gerard pointed towards the door to the bedroom. Vivica and I shuffled towards it. Another urgent knock on the door caused the guys to rush forward. Vivica and I huddled together in the frame, listening. There were a few muffled exchanges, then the door opened.
“It’s an emergency. All hands-on deck. The tribe that kidnapped the girls has attacked the South side of the compound. We’re outnumbered severely. Come on. Let’s go!” The young warrior looked familiar, although I couldn’t remember his name. Was it Alberto?
“We can’t leave our breeders. They’re…um…in some trouble.”
“You’ve got no choice. We’re going to lose our territory if we don’t get some more shapeshifters out there.”
Gerard called out. “Vivica. Cat. Get in here.” We both scrambled from out behind the door. “Listen. We’ve got to go. Lock the doors and windows and turn off the lights. Stay in the dark. We’ll be back as soon as we can.” I knew what he couldn’t say in front of the young recruit. If Arkan was going to try something, he was going to try it now. The distraction was too timely. And I knew exactly what I was going to do. Unfortunately, it was the opposite of what Gerard wanted, but I had to trust my gut. When they left, I grabbed Vivica's hands and looked into her eyes. I needed her on board.
“Listen. I’ve got an idea. Do you trust me?” She looked a little apprehensive but intrigued.
“Yes of course. But Gerard said to…”
I cut her off. “I know what he said, but do you want to sit around and be a sitting duck? Let’s take control and bring Arkan and Kara to us. Let’s figure out what they want. It will be easy.” I hoped.
“How in the hell are you going to do that?” She began chewing on her fingernails.
“I’m going to give them the same treatment I gave you. Just a whole bunch stronger.”
“What treatment did you give me?” Her eyes were squinty and searching.
“When you first arrived, you were in shock. I wasn’t positive, but it seemed as if you were under a spell. Your aura and behavior had changed. To someone else, maybe you could have passed along unnoticed, but I pay particular attention to emotions. It’s my specialty.
“So, you think that they are under a spell.”
“I’m not sure, but I’ve got a hunch. Witches can sense other witches. Why else would that witch with the raven have come to me? And how does she fit into all of this?”
“But, why would she try and break down the tribe?” That I wasn’t sure. But, maybe if we could stop her, we’d find out.
“Just tell me what to do and I’ll help.”
“I will lure them here. You need to stay hidden until I tell you to. Then when I call you, come out and I will take care of the rest. Of course, if anything goes wrong, you’re supposed to come save my ass.”
“No pressure.”
“No pressure.” This had to work. I felt my limbs tingle. This was just a seduction of a different kind. I could do this. Seduce the truth. My life might depend on it.
“I’m going to make the call. Are you ready?”
“I’m ready.”
“I need to make a call.”
A click and crackle of the house speakers made me wince. Would I ever get used to this?
“Please deliver a message to Arkan. I’ve taken another test. You need to come, now.”