shoulders. Glass exploded everywhere but this time he anticipated her move and collided with her, the impact leaving her breathless. Rolling on the floor in a struggle of fists and grunts, they fought each other, but Declan was stronger, faster and more experienced. Kate’s lush brown hair worked itself free from her hood, just as Declan got the upper hand, pinning her to the ground.
“Who are you and what the hell do you want?” he growled.
“Get off me!”
Light flooded the room, destroying any last hope of anonymity. The flash of unguarded surprise that registered across Declan’s expression was immediately masked by fury. “Kate?” he growled, narrowed eyes searing into her.
Archer darted forward, another Bennett brother with too much muscle, strength, and attitude for her liking. “You’re a woman?”
Taking advantage of their surprise, Kate broke free and shoved Declan with such strength that he collided with the coffee table behind him. She sprang to her feet, swung around, and lunged for the last dagger.
Archer was there in an instant. As he reached out, she whirled around, plunging the dagger into his shoulder. He gaped at her, green eyes rounded in surprise. She gasped, horror ripping through her at what she’d done.
Oh, God.
“What the hell’s going on here?” The youngest brother and their witch rushed into the room.
Kate felt a cocktail of energy brewing inside her, a whirl of sensations she struggled to control.
Before anyone could react, the room started to tremble, everything rattling and screeching in an eerie display of witching powers.
Powers magnified in a way Kate had never experienced before.
Cupboard doors burst open, glass shattered, books flew across the room, and light bulbs exploded.
Overwhelmed, she gulped air and reached for control, steadying the flow of energy.
And just like that, everything fell silent.
Sienna and her Keepers squinted through the dark at the chaos she’d created, and Kate took that brief, golden moment to grab the rucksack containing two of the three daggers. Mind racing, heart pounding, she scanned for the nearest exit.
And bolted.
Three days later
New Orleans, USA
With a coffee clasped in cold hands, Kate made her way through the cobblestone streets of the French Quarter in New Orleans. A city of night owls meant that early morning walks were peaceful, most of the tourists still asleep. Restaurants, antique shops, art galleries, coffee shops and boutiques lined the streets. It wouldn’t be long before the tourists and locals were back for another whirl of celebrations.
It was good to be back. The last time she’d been here was three months ago when she’d met Declan for a mind-blowing night that had almost derailed her plans. For Declan, she’d been a distraction from the tortured memories of his sister’s death. Someone who’d shared his need to push away the real world and indulge in decadent pastimes.
For Kate, he’d been her target, her goal, and she’d almost lost sight of that during their brief time together. It had been so easy to lose herself and enjoy some fun. That night, Declan had wiped away the nagging worry that bore in her gut constantly, reminding her that she was marked. He’d given her a glimpse of what it felt like to have someone strong and powerful as her ally.
Only, they could never be allies. Not after she’d snuck out of his room after midnight, taking his enchanted key with her. How much he remembered of their night together was anyone’s guess, given the endless shots of whiskey.
And the herbs.
But she remembered.
With his boyish charm, cheeky smile, and blue eyes that frequently danced with mischief, the man had made her quiver all over.
A shiver ran down her spine which had nothing to do with the cool morning air. The image of his furious expression came to mind, sparking an inward cringe. He’d recognised her - knew she’d crossed him; stolen from him. Twice.
And something told her he wasn’t about to let this go.
He’d set chase with a vengeance. She’d eventually shrugged him off but couldn’t resist the constant urge to check over her shoulder.
Kate sipped her coffee and grimaced at the harsh taste, her stomach flipping. Ignoring the adrenaline-fuelled queasiness that was becoming her constant companion, she tossed the empty container in a nearby bin and glanced around to ensure no one was tailing her – an action that had become second nature. She crossed the street and headed to the store on the corner.
Magic and Mirrors was small and enchanting. It belonged to Hazel, an old friend of her mother’s who’d befriended Kate shortly after her death. Their grief over the loss of a woman they’d both loved gave them companionship. Hazel had become a surrogate mother, taking care of the smallest details at a time when all Kate knew was heartache and fear. In the months following the accident, Hazel had encouraged frequent visits to New Orleans. Needing space from home and its painful memories, Kate had accepted – and without her mother’s influence, their friendship had blossomed.
Her stomach rolled, as it always did with memories of her mother.
A woman whose entire life had been dominated by the fear of magic, shunning the supernatural world. She had forbidden all use of magic, only encouraging Kate’s ability to negate magic.
And only because it was a means of self-defence.
Kate paused in the doorway of the store and slowly exhaled away the memories and guilt that nipped at her heels.
The bell shrilled as the door swung open to reveal an older woman with striking black hair and long nails painted a morbid maroon. A wide smile softened her expression when she spotted Kate.
“Good gracious. You’re back!” Her words came out in a gush of air and she pulled Kate into her arms before waving her inside. “Come out of the cold.”
Hazel stepped outside, casting a suspicious glance along the street before following Kate inside.
The faint aroma of herbs filled the store. Several shelves containing roots and herbs lined the back wall. A jewellery case stood in the centre of the room, displaying silver pieces. Strewn across the floor in neat piles were tattered books that hinted at age and wisdom.
“Did you find the daggers?” Hazel asked, eyes wide with hope.
“Not all of them.”
Surprise tugged at her smile and her shoulders fell. “That’s not good. Come, I’ll make some tea and you can tell me what happened.”
Kate followed her to the small kitchen at the back of the store
