preoccupied.
Jesse glanced over at Storm and nodded. “Care for a Scotch?” He then took another swig
from the glass.
“No, I’m good. I need to keep my wits about me.”
“Another sleepless night, I suppose?” Jesse’s eyes glinted with curiosity. “Is she drifting
away from you again?”
“Always.” Storm hadn’t really wanted to discuss his feelings, but perhaps he needed to. For
years, he and Jesse had always confided in each other regarding things other than McQueen and
Raven’s Falls’ business.
Jesse sighed and walked over to the large breakfast bar adjacent to the refrigerator. Pulling
out a stool, he sat down, still clutching the glass in his hand. “You know you can never win at these things, Storm,” he lamented, pulling out a stool for Storm. “McQueen witches, especially
the females, often place duty high above anything or anyone else. That’s why many of them manage to get themselves killed like Seneca.”
Storm closed his eyes, remembering the pain Rose endured. “Rose thought it was her fault.
You know how stubborn Seneca was. Just like Rose. No different from other McQueen women.”
Jesse held his glass up and nodded. “I’ll drink to that. And she died a warrior.”
“And she’s resting well in the Higher Realm.”
“Good. That’s very good.” Jesse frowned and stroked his chin. “Storm—naw, that’s okay.
I’d better not ask you such a question.”
“What’s bothering you, man?”
“You ever wonder if you and Rose are truly meant to be together? Or do you think it’s just
McQueen business. Something carved in stone like Micah and Clara’s relationship. You know,
you wear your heart on your sleeve, son.”
Doubt from Storm’s innermost feelings swirled through him like a raging plague. He’d had
his fair share of doubts in their relationship.
Jesse laid a heavy hand on his shoulder and smiled. “It’s all right, you can tell me anything.
My niece doesn’t have to know. It does a man good to unload the heavy burden he carries on his
shoulders.”
“As ashamed as I am to admit it. Yes, I’ve questioned whether we’re meant to be together.
I’ve always been afraid of placing her in a predicament I can’t get her out of. She’s so damned overprotective of me.”
“You both are two stubborn souls. One afraid of losing the other. A blind man could see that
from a mile away.” Jesse observed.
Storm leaned against the granite top of the breakfast bar and frowned. Something about the
man seemed amiss. “Are you feeling all right, Jesse?”
“I’m fine? Why do you ask, man?”
“Your choice of drink is usually wine. Since when did you turn to Scotch?” Storm asked.
Jesse somehow seemed different.
Jesse laughed heartily. “When you’ve lived as long as I have, you learn to change things up a
little. Don’t worry Storm, I’m not turning into an alcoholic. Although, the duty of being a
McQueen witch is sure to drive one to drink sooner or later.”
They both nodded and Storm quickly dismissed the odd feeling he kept sensing. Perhaps it
was nothing.
“So, tell me. What are Rose’s intentions?”
Storm groaned. “You mean, with the exception of Corey, she hasn’t filled anyone else in?”
Jesse shook his head.
“Well, maybe she was waiting for the next council meeting. She’s got her hands full.”
“And she’s been making a lot of mistakes,” Jesse confessed. “I’m beginning to wonder if she
has what it takes to fulfill her duties while protecting this town against certain threats.”
“Why would you say a thing like that, Jesse?”
“Although my niece, she isn’t without fault.”
“None of us are without fault. We may possess the ability to live longer than regular mortals,
but we’re certainly not gods,” Storm stated firmly.
“Ah, but you were once mortal. After fighting and dying in battles, you were rewarded with
becoming a demigod,” Jesse reminded him with a smile.
Storm turned to face the large man, something wasn’t quite right. He peered deep into his
his ground when making eye contact.
Jesse threw back the remainder of the scotch before standing. “I’m just not feeling like
myself, son.” He forced a quick smile. “All this, the loss of a loved one, has my head reeling, you know?”
“Perhaps you should go to bed for the night?” In all his years of knowing Rose’s uncle, this
was the first time he’d ever gotten beneath Storm’s skin.
“Yeah, um—hmm. Well, good night Storm.” Swiftly, Jesse strode across the large kitchen
toward the exit.
“Definitely a full moon.” Storm shook his head, but something captured his attention which
he couldn’t dismiss so easily. A dark haze surrounded Jesse and Storm followed silently. Many
questions gathered in his psyche as he walked carefully from the kitchen through the corridor,
careful not to alert Jesse he was on to him. Rose’s uncle was never one to speak ill of another person…let alone Rose. A sickly feeling slithered over his body and he was convinced something
awful had breached the McQueen Manor.
Jesse walked to the parlor, slowing his gait to listen to Walter and Corey’s discussion
regarding McQueen family history.
“I’m telling you,” Walter went on to say, “It isn’t wise to invoke the assistance of the
McQueens who were tainted by power.”
Storm stood around the corner in the hall next to a family statue, around the corner from
where Jesse was spying. “Why not?” He heard Corey inquire. Although mayor of Raven’s Falls,
Corey, like Dehlia, Jasmine, and Rose were younger than the rest of the McQueen witches.
Walter had hundreds of years on them. And Viola, even more, ranking them both as Elders.
“Because, son. It will open something far much worse than what we’re prepared to handle.
Especially with the Blood Moon being so close. It will weaken Rose, making her more vulnerable
than she is.”
“Oh,” Corey simply said. “Why doesn’t anyone inform us of these things?”
“So, no one fucks up and invokes power we may not be able to control out of desperation.
It’s six in the morning, we’ll brainstorm during the witch’s council tonight. I’m tired and need to catch up on at least an hour’s worth of sleep.”
Storm confronted Jesse. “Who and what the hell are you?” He stood in front of him.
Looking a little disoriented, Jesse shook his head. “What the hell? Storm, have you lost your
mind?”
“I’ll ask you one last time, who are you?”
“Hey, what the hell is going on out here,” Walter, strode out of the parlor, looking at them
both, his brown eyes blazing with concern. “Storm?” Walter lifted a brow in question.
Jesse quickly nodded, snatching away from Storm’s grip. “Storm’s treating me like an
intruder.”
“This isn’t Jesse,” Storm told them.
“Perhaps, one too many trips to the spirit realm?” Corey’s eyes widened.
“But—you don’t under—”
“Storm!” Jesse countered. “If you don’t get the hell away from me—”
“What’s all the ruckus down here?” Viola rushed toward them.
“Storm’s not acting like himself he’s�
�weird,” Corey admitted.
“Viola, you’ve got to listen to me. That’s not Jesse.”
“Did you bump your head, man?” Viola laughed. “Of course it is.” She glanced at Jesse.
“What’s going on?”
“Jesse, you and I were talking in the kitchen, not too long ago. You were drinking Scotch
and you even offered me some. You don’t drink Scotch, you never have, only wine.”
Viola’s eyes widened. “Jesse?”
“Storm, I don’t know what you’re talking about. I haven’t been in the kitchen at all. As a
matter of fact—I…”
Everyone’s eyes were glued to Jesse.
Frowning, Jesse scratched his baldhead before rubbing his bristled jaw. Perspiration beaded
his mahogany skin as he glared at everyone. “Actually, I don’t even remember how I got down
here. Last I remember, I fell asleep in my chambers. And I don’t sleepwalk, you all know that.”
“We’ve been breached,” Storm grumbled. “I knew it! Everyone needs to be alerted. Rose.”
Quickly everyone scurried, Storm projected his spirit to the bedchambers. “Rose.” He
appeared at the foot of their bed and walked over to her, violently shaking her. What if the demon inhabited her now? “Rose, wake up.”
She sprung straight up, disoriented, but narrowing her eyes at him. “What?”
“There’s an intruder in the house.”
She leapt out of bed and slipped on her robe. “Where?”
“The entity was in your uncle Jesse, hurry. The others are gathering everyone in the parlor.”
* * *
Storm glanced around at all the McQueen witches, including Shawn and Wes. He half
expected to find the black inky aura surrounding someone in the room, but couldn’t. He cursed
beneath his breath. “I let it get away,” he told them, his heart filling with sorrow as he sat on the arm of the white antique style sofa next to Rose.
“It’s not your fault.” Rose reached for his hand.
“This is ridiculous,” Jasmine stated heatedly. “A house full of witches, and a raven shifter
and we’ve let this—this thing invade our sanctuary?”
“Has anyone other than Storm seen anything out of the ordinary?” Dehlia asked.
“Perhaps Storm’s losing his touch,” Wes spoke candidly.
“Father!” Rose snapped.
“Sweetheart, do you really think he has the ability to protect you…And the rest of the
family?”
Storm’s eyes lowered, and the hurt he heard in Rose’s voice pierced his heart when she
asked, “Why are you acting this way toward him?”
“Wes, I think you’ve said enough,” Shawn chastised. “Storm, pay him no attention.”
Storm watched as everyone shook their heads. He started to say something when the sound
of glass shattering in the large room down the corridor caught their attention.
Rose jumped to her feet, as did the other witches.
He grabbed her forearm. “Stay next to me.”
She pulled away from him. “Storm, I’m able to take care of myself.” She cast him a cold
glance then caught up to the others.
Temper slightly escalating, he shook his head and followed suit.
When they reached the living room, a large, expensive vase had been overturned, along with
some furniture and other things.
Haunting laughter echoed down the corridors and Storm looked around. “That’s it, I’m tired
of fooling around,” he vowed and shifted into raven form, flying in the direction in which he
heard the sound.
“Storm, wait!” Rose called after him.
Flapping his wings, he flew through several rooms, but the high-pitched squeals ran his
blood cold and he flew back in the direction he’d came. Screams and howls echoed from all
around. He’d gotten no further than around the corner when the smell of burnt flesh assaulted his senses. “No.” He shivered and flapped his wings.
Instantly he shifted, and couldn’t believe his eyes as several of the McQueen witches rolled
around on the floor, writhing in pain. Boils appeared on Jesse, Jasmine, Walter, and Shawn’s
skin, swelling until they burst, releasing pungent smelling pus. His heart dropped to his stomach as he searched for her. “Rose?” He looked around, barely able to catch his breath. Immediately, he brought forth rain, to ease them of the pain.
Almost immediately, the boils disappeared, living not a mark on their skin.
Storm chanted, swiftly dismissing the rain. “Where’s Rose and the others?” he asked,
helping them up.
“It took her that way.” Shawn pulled him to the other entrance of the room, leading out down
the stairs to the lower level of the manor.
“The demon,” Storm murmured. “You stay here.”
“That’s my daughter.” Shawn rushed past him and they all followed.
The winding narrow stairs led into a concrete filled basement. Over on the far side, Rose
knelt with her eyes glowing a darkish yellow.
First instinct was to run to her. Storm tightened his fist and let out a curse as Rose howled in agony. She reached out to him, as her smooth skin appeared to crack, releasing mists of smoke all over her flesh. When she howled again, and her eyes rolled in the back of her head.
Storm thought his heart would break.
He lunged forward but Jesse grabbed him. “No.”
“It’s hurting her, Jesse!”
“Storm!” Rose called to him, holding out her hand. “Please. It hurts!” She placed both hands
on the sides of her head and screamed loudly. “Storm— stay away,” Rose then spoke again,
appearing to shake. “Don’t you hurt him,” she seethed as though talking to herself.
A raspy, low-pitched laughter filled the room, causing the air to grow thick, filling him with
dread. From the look on the faces of the others, they felt it, too.
“Everyone, hold hands and surround her,” Walter commanded.
Storm took Shawn and Jasmine’s hands, encircled Rose and began chanting.
Rose’s body contorted and twisted backwards, like someone was folding her body in the
opposite direction.
Closing his eyes, he tried to focus on banishing the demon who’d invaded his home and
threatened his loved ones.
The ground shook as the basement lights flickered.
Although he felt his energy draining, he continued the chant. Storm opened his eyes and
looked around. He could tell the McQueen power was fading quickly. This was something he
couldn’t allow to happen. Because of the blood moon and their limited power, without Viola’s
input, they were losing energy fast. Whatever was inside of Rose was sucking her dry. Intuition made him break the circle to focus on drawing the entity out of Rose and into himself. He lost his footing as the force shook the room.
“Storm, what the hell are you doing?” Jesse yelled.
“Trust me,” Storm retorted. He held his hands out, willing the negative energy from Rose
into himself. He grinned as the shadow hissed and tried to cling to Rose. He continued drawing
on it until it hovered above him.
Rose’s eyes closed and she fell to the floor.
“Storm, you can’t do that!” Shawn hollered, but it was already too late.
It didn’t matter, Storm thought as he pulled the entity inside him. His body began to
convulse when the pain shot through him like fire. It was trying to incinerate him on the inside out, just as it tried to do to Rose. She apparently had the same idea, but because of her fading powers, she wasn’t strong enough to contain it. The demon used her weakness against her and
sought to steal the entire magic of everyone encircling her.
Storm refused to cry out in pain as the thing bounced around inside him. Deciding he
couldn’t contain it in this present realm, he quickly shifted into raven form, breaking through one of the basement windows.
“Storm!” Walter bellowed.
Rose’s cries struck him, but just as Micah had protected Clara and her clan centuries ago, he
must protect the McQueen family at all costs. Soon, he found an opening into the Netherworld.
The thing scratched and clawed at his insides, wounding him severely
Enveloped in darkness he lost his way, and involuntarily shifted from raven to human. Storm
fell for what felt like hours on end, down the seemingly bottomless pit. Reaching out, he tried grasping at the earth in hopes to gain his footing but to no avail. He continued his plight until he hit the ground with a heavy thud.
Body sore, but unbroken, Storm rolled over from his back to his side. As far as he knew, he
was in some sort of underground tunnel or cave. Roots protruded from his dirt imprisonment and
suddenly, a man cloaked in bearskin appeared.
Storm squinted and rose from the floor as the man with eyes of yellow looked up at him,
Black hair streaked with strands of gray hung past the older man’s shoulders. He looked
seemingly familiar, yet Storm was unable to place him.
“Hello, brother. Keeper of Light,” the man spoke as he tossed some dirt into the fire, making
the flames rise. He began to chant as the flames danced higher, and suddenly they were
surrounded by a band of ravens.
“Who are you?”
“Sit,” the man told him.
“Why am I here?” Storm asked, still standing.
“Your journey is over. Now come and join me.” The man’s eyes flashed a golden yellow.
Storm saw his own image within those eyes and it occurred to him who the man was. He
strode over and sat on the cool earth, next to the roaring fire. “Brother. Keeper of Darkness.
Return me to my world.”
“The witches are on their own now.”
Storm tried to shift into raven form, but could not. “What have you done to me?”
“Thank you for bringing me the soul. However, since you’ve failed to bring me the
remaining five souls that still roam free in Raven’s Falls, you’ve lost your Raven spirit.”