AN: ok so this is the story from hunters POV. I've tried to be as accurate as possible but I'm missing some of the books and I never read the first two but here it goes. Also I want everyone to know that Sweep is the property of Cate Tiernan and I do not own the characters or any of the writing I took from her book. This is just for enjoyment. Tell me what you think.
Hunter unloaded the final of 6 suitcases from the back of his rental car. The airport had looked at him like he was breaking some cardinal law by taking the maximum allowed luggage as well as carry on. The luggage situation was by far not his fault. Only one of the bags, one of the smaller ones, was his. The other 5 belonged to his cousin sky. She was now being unhelpful and checking out the home the council had rented to the duration of his stay in America. If Hunter had anything to say about it, they would be gone before the winter snow had lifted. Hunter was already prepared for anything this mission threw at him. He spent months studying Selene and his half brother Cal. The only progression now was to investigate their movements within this town. Make contact with the covens they are associating with and warn them of the danger without alerting Selene. Hunter closed the trunk of his car and looked up at the home the council had rented for him. It looked better than most of the other places the council placed him in. Most places that charge month by month are small and ugly and smell, usually of cat pee. This place needed some obvious work but it seemed large. Dragging two of the bags behind him, Hunter went up the walk and into the house. It was cold and dark inside so using his magesight Hunter has to find his own way around. The main room was spacious and had a fire place. There was some mix and match furniture that made it seem cozy in the typical male decorating tastes way. He continued to the kitchen which surprised him. There were dried herbs in several places. It was obviously not the first time the council had used this home. There was magic lingering in the walls. Hunter followed the back hall that was lined with some old books to another large family room that contained no furniture. Sadly, it would probably stay that way. At least he and Sky would have a place to work their spells. He went back down the main hall way and started up with the bags in hand. Hunter could hear Sky in one room so he went there with her bag first. She had taken the smaller of the two rooms. She always did. It made no sense since she was more likely to have someone stay over. Not that Hunter hadn't, and not that he was against a little distraction. Hell he may even find one here. It just didn't happen as frequently as Sky had her distractions.
"The power still hasn't been turned on Hunter, we'll have to start a fire and get take out." Sky said coming up to him and grabbing her bag. There was a bed in here and this room seemed to have been left behind.
Hunter looked around to his room and saw that he didn't have such luck. Other than a mattress and a box spring, there wasn't much. It suited him though. "You get the fire and I'll get the bags." Hunter told Sky.
It had been a week since Hunter began his work in Widows vale and nothing was happening. Cal went to school and came home. He had started a coven but they were a bunch of school children and probably were just a cover for whatever was going on. Selene didn't do anything suspicious either. Hunter had met with most of the members of Selene's coven but most were harmless. He had spent a lot of time with the owner of a local magic store, Alice. She seemed nice and her aura showed no signs of secrets and lies. Sky had got a job at a local record store so the house was quiet most of the time. Even though Hunter made his way to Red Kill to sit and talk with Alice. Unfortunately Hunter could tell right away that Alice was not there but David was. Hunter didn't have many chances to talk to David and every time he got the chance David didn't talk much. Hunter figured he would try again today so he pushed open the front door.
David was standing at the counter going over ledger books. "Hello Hunter, back again I see. Are you looking for anything special?" David asked
Hunter took is chance to jump at the opening, "no but you can still help me. By now you probably know who and what I am." David nodded during Hunters pause. "I'm just looking for information. Anything you could tell me."
David shook his head, "there's nothing here. Selene's been amazing since she got here. So helpful." David looked down at his books.
"How about others that have showed up with her. Any bad feelings, uncertainty, any unusually powerful witches showing up?" Hunter knew he had hit a spot when David quickly looked up.
David also must have known about seekers because even though he looked reluctant he gave up the information. "Alice knows more that me but Selene's son started a coven with some of the students in Widow's vale. It turns out that one of the student's he signed up was a blood witch. At that she's the daughter of Maeve Riordan. Supposedly she's already powerful and she's never practiced before. But I'm not really one to talk to. Alice knows more than me."
Hunter thanked David for the information and bought some candles and left. When Hunter left the store he saw Alice walking up the street. When she saw him she gave him a big smile. Most people were afraid of seekers. Like somehow they would take you away for making a simple mistake in one of your spells. Alice never showed any of those fears. She was open and loving with everyone and it just showed how powerful and skilled she really was.
"Hello hunter. How are you today?" Alice asked as she stopped before him.
"I'm fine. Alice can we have a cup of tea. I was talking to David and he told me you may have information to aid me." Hunter said. Alice nodded and motioned to the door next to the stores.
"Sure. As long as you help me with my bags."
Alice poured two glasses of tea and then returned the kettle to the stove. This was the first time Hunter had been in Alice's apartment and it was absolutely her. It was tidy and cozy.
"So how can I help you Hunter." Alice said as she sat down.
"David told me about a witch Cal Blair had found in Widows Vale. The daughter of Maeve Riordan." Hunter started.
"Yes, Morgan. It wasn't just Cal who found her but the whole of Wicca community. When the wave hit Belwicket no one thought anyone survived but a few years later the announced the death and two of the names matched two from Belwicket. Morgan is in every way interesting. She is powerful but naive. She has so much to learn but Cal is helping. And I'm trying to also. I'm trying to lead her without overwhelming her. She doesn't even know her own clan. I fear that to learn that now would be too much. She needs to take things in steps." Alice finished and then took a sip of tea.
"Your right in your thinking but she has to be taught what to look out for. And who to look out for." Hunter said with bitterness in his voice.
"I'll have none of that again young man. Selene and her son are good people. You're not going to find what you're looking for here. If you would like you can come as my guest to tonight's circle at Selene's home just to be sure." Alice reprimanded. There are not many people who would reprimand a seeker. His sister, cousin and aunt were the only ones who came to mind.
"Thank you Alice. For the tea and the invite. I'll see you there." Hunter said as he grabbed his coat and headed for the door. If he drove fast he would be able to make is the Widows Vale before school let out. He would be able to see who this Morgan was. If she was who Alice said she was, then Cal would be all over her. This was why Selene had stayed here for so long. The council was right to send him. He would be the only one able to take them down.
Hunter sat outside Widows Vale high school. Students were starting to stream out but no sign on cal yet. He was most likely taking his time. Finally a group of students came out smiling together. Most were breaking up and going their own way and Cal and another girl went toward the parking lot away from where he was. Cal was holding her had and kissing her. It was sickening how he was using this girl. She would end up broken or dead. And she would never know it was all fake until it was too late. But if hunter did his job right she would just end up broken. And that would have to do. Hunter turned his car on and headed home to get ready for tonight's circle. He knew that sky was getting ready to host her own first circle tomorrow but he would need her tonight.
Hunter stared at Selene Blair. She had yet to say anything rude to him but he could feel her tension and displeasure. And why not. Hunter was the end of her marriage. Daniel Niall chose England over America. Fiona over Selene. Hunter over Calhoon. Some how the idea that this bothered her made Hunter feel a little better. They were now winding down and people where leaving. Sky was getting their coats and Hunter was saying his goodbyes to David and Alice. Sky came back and handed Hunter his coat and put her own on. As they were walking to the entrance hall Hunter could have sworn he saw Morgan duck into another room but as they continued to walk they saw no doors she could have gone into. Why was she hiding?
By the time Hunter woke up the next morning he had one hell of a cold. He knew the tactic right away. Someone wanted him gone and was willing to work forbidden magic to get what they wanted. Luckily he was ready for this and continued like normal. Even though his whole body screamed for rest. By the time he got himself dressed and fed, he knew he was probably too late to catch Cal at home but it was worth a try. Luckily though he passed Cal's truck as he was passing down Widows Vale's main road. Morgan was with him and they were headed out of town toward red kill. Hunter waited till he was a discreet distance behind them and then followed slowly. They were most likely on their way to practical magic. By the time Hunter had found a parking Cal and Morgan were in the store. He had to work quickly if he was going to place the tracker on Cal's truck. Who knew how long they would be. The snow was cold against Hunter's skin. He looked under the whole truck for a spot to put the stone. Hunter found the perfect spot and put the stone up with some hide me spells. He then heard the door to practical magic open up. He already knew it was Cal and Morgan. Morgan immediately looked uncomfortable. Like someone who knew they were guilty. What if Alice was wrong? What if Morgan knew what she was doing? Hunter would have to watch himself either way.
"What are you doing Niall?" Cal demanded. His voice was low and steady and hunter could tell he was barely controlled. What would it take to throw him over the edge? If Cal attacked Hunter then Hunter would have reason to formally question Cal. And that would be the only time Hunter would actually enjoy a formal questioning.
"I'm admiring your big American car," hunter said but he was really thinking how ugly and how much of a gas guzzler it was. Hunter's nose started to run again to he grabbed one of the tissues he had put into his winter jacket. The cold outside and the cold in his body were starting to take their toll. When Hunter looked away, Cal took his chance to sweep the car. He hoped that Hunter hadn't noticed but it was useless. Hunter didn't miss a beat and caught the movement.
"Hello Morgan." Hunter said trying to get a read on her. "Interesting company you keep." Hunter said as Morgan shifted uncomfortably. It was just another sign that Hunter was trained to watch for. Hunter stepped onto the sidewalk but Cal came between her and Hunter. Hunter couldn't help but scowl in hatred of Cal. Hunter chose to talk around Cal. "so Cal is teaching you the secrets of Wicca, is he?" Hunter leaned against the hood of Cal's truck, "of course, he has quite a few secrets of his own, eh?"
"You can leave now, Naill." Call responded in anger.
"No, I think not," hunter replied evenly. "I think I'll be around for a while. Who knows, I might have to teach Morgan a thing or two myself." Hunter smiled inwardly.
"What is that suppose to mean?" Morgan asked angrily.
Hunter just shrugged.
"Get away from me," Cal tried to sound in charge. It was funny how he said me not us. There may have been hope for Morgan yet.
"There's one thing you should learn Morgan," hunter said, "Cal isn't the only blood witch around. He'd like to think he's a big man, but he's really just a small fry. One day you'll realize that. And I want to be there to see it."
"Go to hell" Cal spat back at Hunter.
"Look you don't know me." Morgan angrily told Hunter. "You don't know anything about me. So shut up and leave us alone." Morgan started for her side of the car.
As Morgan was passing Hunter when Hunter felt a rush of power. It hit him in the stomach and he drew back. She couldn't have spelled him. She wasn't strong enough. He should have never let his guard down with her.
"Please Cal," Morgan said in a small voice, "let's go." Morgan waited for Cal to respond and then repeated, "Please Cal."
Cal pulled his Keys from his pocket and went to his car door. Morgan opened hers.
"Good-bye Morgan." Hunter called.
They sped away from where Hunter was standing.
Was it possible that she spelled him; she was new to this and uninitiated? There was no way. All Hunter knew was that Morgan may not to be trusted. Maybe they already got to her.
That night Sky had her first circle. One by one people showed up and they kept getting younger and younger. Hunter thought it would be best if he gave his offering to the Goddess and then hid away in his room until things were done. As he passed down the narrow hall, Hunter could hear Sky in the Kitchen preparing for the entertainment. Hunter opened the door to the empty family room that they had converted into a circle room. He drew one perfect circle on the floor that would fit him and then invoked the Goddess at the four points. He then sat and meditated on what he wanted from the goddess. It was the same as always, to show him things lost and things found. It was Hunter's hope that the Goddess would one day bring him to his parents or the other way around.
As hunter sent his energy out he knew that tonight's request would not go to him but to someone else. He could feel the Goddess revealing herself to someone else. Hunter hoped that the person would use the power for only well. He had seen to many good people get hurt by invoking some thing they didn't understand.
Hunter cleaned up his circle and went back out into the kitchen to see Sky. Sky had outdone herself tonight. Hunter grabbed one of the brownies that she had made. It was funny how witches craved sweets after they finished a circle. Hunter always went for the brownies.
" Sky I think we should place protection spells on Morgan's home tonight. Those and watch spells. I don't trust her but I don't want her hurt either."
Sky looked up at Hunter and took the spoon that she was licking chocolate sauce out of her mouth. " can it wait until tomorrow. this is probably going to run late. Oh yeah your Aunt called and said Alwyn got in trouble at school again. Something about hitting some guy."
Hunter shook his head. " Morgan will have to wait. My night is shot. If you want me I'll be upstairs getting yelled at by Aunt Shelagh for teaching Alwyn how to fight."
Sky laughed as hunter walked out of the kitchen and into the living room. It was packed with people and one guy was leaving. A girl stood with him. Looking like she didn't want him to go. Hunter could feel some of the girls eyes on him so he decided to run upstairs and hide.
Sky and Hunter stepped out of Hunters car under heavy cloaking spells. Morgan's family had left earlier and Hunter and Sky didn't need any nosey neighbor setting off the alarms. It was going to take a lot more than one pass but at least they could get the first layer down today. When the reached the front of the house, wordlessly Sky and Hunter started to walk in opposite directions around the parameter of the house. They laid runes at entrances to the house and on the ground. Finally after what seemed like hours, Sky and Hunter got back in the car.
"you so owe me a tea and soup Hunter." Sky said.
Hunter turned the car on and drove toward town. What would he do without his cousin?
Hunter got up before the sun the next morning. He was up at a decent time considering he was up half of the night going over some of his books. He dressed and fed himself making as little noise as possible so he didn't wake Sky up. Hunter then went to his car and drove to Morgan's place to keep an eye on her. He was freezing his tail off by the time Morgan walked out of the house. Morgan and her sister couldn't have been more different. Hunter laughed at how he and his sister were just the same way. Morgan like Alwyn looked totally unprepared for the day and was frazzled and rushing. Morgan's sister on the other hand was perfectly ready and taking her time. the type who keeps her cool under pressure.
Hunter let them get a little up the road before he followed them to the school. Nothing seemed out of place. Just a normal school day. Hunter remembered how boring those days were and here he is back doing it again. At least he didn't have to go in. Hunter figured he wouldn't get anything interesting today. Both Cal and Morgan knew he was watching and would be too scared to try anything. Hunter was now convinced that Morgan was 100 involved in Cal's scheme. Hopefully the council would recognize that she had never been shown another way.
After about an hour of waiting outside the school, hunter drove around the corner to the local bakery and bought a tea, muffin and the paper. He sat down and started to read when he mumbled to himself, " what's Americas obsession with violence".
" It keeps life interesting." He heard a female voice say.
Hunter put down his paper and looked at the female standing in front of him. She had a pretty face and she smiled at him with perfect teeth. She had blond hair and blue eyes but her hair was too blond to be natural. She pulled it off well.
" can I sit here?" she asked and hunter looked at the empty tables around him.
" sure." Hunter said as he moved his things around. The girl sat down and placed her things on her half of the table.
" sorry to bother you. I just hate sitting alone. My name is Sara by the way." She continued.
" hunter." Hunter told her as he started to get comfortable again.
" let me guess.", She said, " not American. Me neither. I'm from Canada. How are you liking it here. I love it."
Hunter was having trouble keeping up she spoke so fast but over the next 3 hours she made him laugh. By the time they left the had already set up a date to meet again. Sara was an open book and very friendly. What would it hurt to have a brief thing. Hunter did warn her that he would be leaving when he was finished here but she was still up for it.
Hunter cleaned the table up and decided to go back to the school and see if he could catch Cal or Morgan before they left the school. It was colder outside then when he went into the bakery.
Hunter pulled up to the school as Morgan and Cal pulled away. There was no point trying to follow her because it looked as if she was just on the way home. Hunter decided just to go home. Take a shower and enjoy some reading in front of a warm fire.
When he walked into the house he could smell Sky cooking Spaghetti with the music blasting from the kitchen. Hunter stopped with his hand on the door knob when he recognized the song. It was Strawberry Fields by the Beetles. Memories assaulted Hunter and Sky poked her head around the kitchen opening. When she saw it was him she turned the music off right away.
" Sorry Hunter. I didn't know you would be home so soon. Supper is almost ready." Sky said.
ok I'm changing POV to First person because it's so much easier
I didn't say anything. I just trudged up the stairs to my bedroom and flopped down in my bed. My room was quite frankly a mess. There were clothes every where and Kleenex on the floor. The bed was unmade and the room smelled like it needed to be aired out. I needed to clean and soon. Time just seemed to be running out. I made a promise to clean after a shower and supper and a bit of reading. I would also bribe Sky into doing my laundry.
I went down stairs and Sky placed a plate in front of me. She got her own and started to talk.
" so next Saturday we should have more people at the circle. I was also hoping you could participate this time. also I have Morgan's friend getting some hair so we can place a protection spell on her. We should do you too if both Selene and Cal have tried to attack you."
" I don't think Cal has had much to do with any of this." I said as I put a fork full of spaghetti in my mouth.
" You still think that it was Morgan that sent the shock to you. Face it Hunter. There's no way. Come on there's no way a uninitiated witch could do that." Sky said.
I nodded my head but I still wasn't convinced. It had to have been Morgan when she passed me. It felt like a mistake. If it was Cal he would have go for the hurt. This was more like letting me know she was there. I know how crazy it sounds but there's no other way to explain it. He powers were able to break through all of my protection spells that I keep in place. Even though now I'm starting to think they are useless. This stupid cold is not natural.
After finishing doing the dishes I went back up stairs and started to clean my room. I picked all the Kleenex up and I made sure that I put the dirty clothes in the hamper. I also put clean sheet's on the bed. My room looked so empty right now.
I flopped down and tried to get to sleep. I kept thinking about my anger toward Cal, and Morgan. What was her problem? My thoughts then drifted to where they always go every night. To my mother, father, sister, and brother. I think of how great it would be to wake up and nothing would have changed. Mom would still be cooking breakfast listening to strawberry fields, dad would be studying in his office or working on the lawn, Alwyn close at his feet. Linden and I would go swimming at the rocks or getting in trouble somewhere. But as I grow older I know that this is only possible in my mind. I'll never find that kind of happiness again.
The next evening Sky came in and threw her bag and jacket on the couch. I was there reading a book by the fire.
" I swear Hunter, this is not how I want to spend my day's off. There was nothing going on at that school." She flopped down and grabbed one of the takeout containers from the coffee table.
" hey, that's mine.", I said. Sky just looked at me and scowled. I sat up and grabbed another container and started to eat. " What else has been going on?"
" not much. There's defiantly something going on at Selene's. there's people coming and going all the time and the house is like a fortress. What ever is going on, it's going to happen soon." She said while stuffing her face.
" I think I should try to talk to Morgan when she's alone. Find out why she's so important." I said.
Sky and I both looked at the phone and seconds later it rang. It didn't feel like the usual people. I picked it up and said hello.
" hi is this Hunter? It's Sara." The voice on the other end said. Sky looked at me like she expected me to tell her who was on the phone.
" oh hi. I was hoping you would call." I said.
" I ended up with a night off tomorrow and I was wondering if you wanted to catch that movie." She said.
I agreed and we set up a place and time to meet. I would also go to Morgan's and speak to her before the date. That way I would have nothing on my mind, well nothing other that the fact that is been a very long time. I had to tell my brain to shut up. No girl was impressed by a desperate male. I hung up the phone and Sky looked at me.
" so should I go missing tomorrow night." She laughed.
I grabbed one of the pillows of the couch and threw it in her face. I then went upstairs so that I could make sure my room was clean. Just in case. It would be nice to have a distraction to the anger in me every time I think of Cal and Morgan. Which is all the time. especially Morgan. She drives me crazy and get's under my skin.
Wednesday morning I woke up late. Casting out my senses I could tell Sky was already gone to work. My cold seemed so much worse today which was typical. I threw some laundry in and walked around the house in my boxers on until the clean clothes were ready. I loved the house when it was this quiet. Growing up there was always noise. With 4 girls and 2 boys in the house you were never alone. I was never really alone until Linden died. We shared everything. Room, clothes and toys. The first few months were hard to get through being alone but now it's the same as always. The time alone is golden.
My clothes were finally done so I put them on right from the dryer. They felt so warm and my cold felt a bit better as I walked out the door to my car. I would have to confront Morgan today. It could go both ways but I don't think she's going to run into my arm's and forsake Cal.
I drove to her place and parked in front to wait for her to get home from school. It felt like forever until she made it home. As she pulled into the driveway I was frozen to the seat and never felt worse in my life.
Morgan and her sister got out of the car and started up the walk. I got out of my car.
" Morgan!" I called and she wheeled around.
As I closed the door to my car I could see her and her sister talking and then her sister went inside. I hope Morgan didn't just tell her to call the cops.
" hello, Morgan." I said as I approached her.
" what do you want." She spat at me I anger. I must really be pissing her off and ruining her plans with Cal.
My cold forced me to cough, " I want to talk to you."
Morgan threw her bag up onto the porch, " about what?" she asked.
I walked closer to her and continued, " let's talk about you Morgan." Let's talk about kissing you Morgan. My mind thought. I couldn't understand where that had come from. It must have been because I was so close to her right now. It must be because her plump lips were so close and it had been so long. But I was going to take care of that tonight. Just my mind getting mixed up was all it was. Still I rubbed my hand threw my hair in my typical self conscious was and didn't get the dame effect as I was wearing a cap.
" you don't know what your doing with Cal." I told her in a reassuring voice
She shook her head in anger, " you don't even know-" she started but I cut her off
" it's not you fault. This is all new to you. you can't be expected to know about Cal and his mother and who they are. No one blames you." I said. She looked madder by the word and maybe she did know just who Cal was, she just didn't care.
" no one blames me for what.", She demanded, " what are you talking about. I don't even know you. where do you get off telling me about people I know, people I care about."
I shrugged, " your stumbling into something bigger and darker than you could possibly imagine." Score points for cryptic brooding mysterious British guy. God that sounded stupid.
" oh," she said sarcastically. " stop, stop, your scaring me."
Well fine then, I thought, don't take me seriously, will I care when you die. I was so pissed off I wanted to walk away but I had to set a few things straight. " Cal's lied to you. he isn't what or who you think he is. Neither he nor his mother. I'm here to warn you. don't be stupid. Look at me!" I pointed to my face that was so obviously sick. Not one of my best looking moments I'll admit, " do you think this is normal? Because it isn't. they're working magic on me-"
" oh are you kidding me?" Morgan interrupted. " are you actually telling me they're plotting against you? give me a break!" Morgan said and then she spun to go inside.
I caught her wrist in my hand and held a little tighter than I should have. She hit my hand by doing so and she got me with witch fire. I pulled my hand away from her startled. It hit me why Cal and Selene wanted this girl. She was uninitiated and she could do that to me. They didn't want her as play thing. They wanted her as an allies. They wanted what her power could bring to their coven.
"So that's it." I whispered. " that's why he wants you." my hand still hurt.
" Get the hell away from me." Morgan shouted. " or do you really want to hurt you." she said menacingly.
" trying to show me just what a powerful Woodbane you are?" I said out of anger. I knew she probably didn't know or just found out what she was. She was still sorting things out for herself. I was ruining everything I told Alice to do. " that's right, I know your secret. I know you're Woodbane." I spat like it was an insult but in truth I was one too. I was just so angry and anything I could use to hurt her right now was worth it.
" You don't know anything." She whispered.
Maeve Riordan," I shrugged, " Belwicket. They were all Woodbane. Don't act like you don't know."
" your lying." She yelled and it hit me that she really didn't know. Who knows what she was told about Woodbanes and I just told her in the meanest way possible.
" you can't hide it." I said. " you can't pretend it away. Your Woodbane, Cal is Woodbane, and the two of you are dancing with fire. But it's going to stop. You have a choice, and he does too, and I'm here to make sure you make the right one." I said.
"who are you?" she asked in a shaky voice, " why are you doing this to me?"
" I'm Hunter," I smiled, " I'm the youngest member of the International Council of Witches. And I'm Cal's half brother."
I smiled at Morgan's form running into the house. From now on I would have to closely watch her. I turned and walked to my car. Soon this would all be over. My cold would be gone, I would be home in England, and I would never have to deal with Morgan again. I turned on my car and started back home. I still had a bit before my date and I hoped to get a little warmed up.
I met Sara at the location she had gave me over the phone but when I got there I couldn't see any buildings. She had promised the best supper ever so I had chosen not to eat but no I was regretting my choice. There was no way I could get through a movie without food. Sara started walking towards a van that was emitting smoke and I realized that it wasn't a van but a chip truck. She ordered two hot dogs and two fries with gravy and cheese.
" in Canada we call these poutine. I love these but they don't seem to get it just like home. Even though this place actually uses cheese curds and the right type of gravy." Sara smiled.
I took a bite and burn the top of my mouth with the gravy, " fuck….or sorry I burn myself."
She laughed and smiled at me, then started to eat her own. She was cute in a small I have no idea about your world kind of way. Nothing like Morgan who thought she knew everything and was tallish and had a strong facial structure and beautiful hair. And I'm stopping now.
After we stuffed ourselves full with the Poutine we drove in my car to the theater. She had explained that she lived just up the road from the chip truck so she had walked. The movie was ok by I barely paid attention to it and I couldn't tell you is it was suppose to be a action movie, a comedy, or a romance. We both got back into my car and put our seat belts on. We made small talk as I drove Sara back home and when I stopped in front of her apartment she looked at me before getting out.
" I really liked this. How about on Friday we do supper. Or we can stay in." she said as she leaned over and kissed me. I nodded my head yes. " great. I'll see you at 7 then." She said as she got out of the car and went up the walk. I shook my head as I pulled away from the curb.
Thursday was fairly uneventful for me. I cleaned the house, meditated, made supper and then placed sigil's around Morgan's home. I was itching to do something. But I was stuck until someone made a move.
Friday I waited outside the high school for Morgan and Cal to come out. Morgan was first and she waited for Cal by his car but after Cal showed up they went their separate ways. I decided to follow Cal but that turned out to be useless because Cal just went home. The interesting part was that there were more people than usual at his place. I know Sky said a lot of people were coming and going but this was like Selene was throwing a party. I could only guess what they were celebrating.
Sara picked me up on Friday night and we enjoyed a relaxing dinner. Afterwards she drove me back to my place and I invited her in. tea in the kitchen went to tea in the living room to making out in the living room. Finally we made it back to my room. I was slowly undressing her when all the sudden my thoughts went to Morgan again. I tried to get rid of them and pay attention to the task at hand but my mind kept going back over every encounter. I stopped kissing Sara.
" Is everything ok?" Sara asked.
" yeah, yeah everything is fine." I said.
" you don't look ok." She said, getting up off my bed slightly.
" I don't think I can do this, you know, I don't really know how long I'll be around."
Sara got up slightly looking slightly hurt. " I get it. Don't worry. Suppers are fun to." Sara got up and started to put her clothes on. " it's not like this may be a slightly embarrassing situation or anything." She looked around the room but not finding what ever she was looking for she walked out of the room. I grabbed my jeans, threw them on and ran after him. Sara was already by the door by the time I got down there.
" I'll call you ok Hunter." She said and walked out the door. I threw myself on the sofa and swore. What the hell was wrong with me.
Half an hour later Sky came home with a pizza so I figured I would have a piece or two while we talked. Unfortunately all sky could talk about was the one person I was trying to protect.
" I think Amyranth is going to make their move soon. I passed by again today and the place was full of cars. I'm not sure what part Morgan plays but I'm worried about her. I'm spent some time with Bree and raven when they hang out at the store. She seems to just be naïve not dark." Sky said
I nodded my head, "Morgan isn't even initiated and she hit me with witch fire. I think they are going to try and rein her powers in for themselves. I think they are going to try and kill her."
Sky looked shocked, " what are we going to do?"
" call make sure she's home. Were going to spell her the best we can. We'll also try to undo anything Cal has done to her."
As sky and I sat in the car all the lights on Morgan's home were on. We quickly did a glamour to ensure that even though the lights were on, people would see the house as if they are off. We got out of the car and started to circle the house. We place sigils in many different places and for several different reasons. We did this for a while. I wasn't even feeling the cold. I could tell Morgan was trying to watch us. She was aware of what we were doing and her reaction to this was the most telling of all. If she was truly in league with Cal she would be out here trying to get rid of us or she would not even pay attention. Instead she stayed inside scared as a rabbit. I signaled Sky and we both went back to the car. As we left Morgan's we lifted the glamour and the lights flicked back on.
On Saturday Sky and I spent most of the day cooped up and planning what we were going to do. I knew without a doubt that I would have to take Cal in for formal questioning tonight. Hopefully Selene would be there and I could get to her too. There was enough information and the council has given me the go ahead. By the time lunch came I was starving so I made Sky and I some sandwiches and then went to bed. Tonight would be a tough night and I needed all the energy I have in me.
I drove to Cal and Selene's very late at night. My hope in doing this was that there would be as few people as possible to step into the mix. I pulled into the long driveway and relised that I was in crap and in luck. Cal was outside but Morgan was with him. I would have to make sure that she stayed out of harms way. I wanted Cal, not her. I would have to keep reminding myself of that. I stopped in front of them and left my car running as I got out of the car and stared at them.
" hello, fancy meeting the both of you here. How inconvenient." I said coldly.
" why?" Cal sneered. " were you going to put sigils on my house, like you did Morgan's?"
I was caught in surprise. How would he know about the sigils. Even if Morgan was strong enough to find them she was completely untrained and wouldn't know how and Cal was too weak to be able to call up hidden sigils. Was Morgan as inexperienced as she let one. And talking about experience, what was she doing here in the middle of the night. Focus Naill, focus.
" know about that do you?" I said and shifted my gaze to Morgan. Morgan nodded confirming that it was her that found them. It wasn't possible. How could I have been so wrong. Am I wasting my time on her. " what else do you know? Like do you know what Cal wants from you? what you are to him? Do you know the truth about anything?" the word anything came out as an insult.
" she knows the truth. I love her." Cal said but I knew that he meant to say I love her power.
" no," I corrected him. " the truth is you need her. You need her because she has incredible, untapped powers. You need her so you can use her power to take over the high council, and then you can start to eliminate the other clans, one by one. Because your Woodbane too, and frankly, the other clans just aren't good enough." I said in hatred.
Morgan's eyes moved to Cal, " what is he talking about? Your not a Woodbane are you?"
" he's raving," Cal said. " saying anything he can think of to hurt me." Cal put his arm around Morgan like he was trying to protect her from me. " you can forget breaking us up. She loves me, I love her"
I laughed in hilarity. Cal sounded so stupid. " what a crock, she's your lightning rod- the last surviving member of Belwicket, the destined high priestess of one of the most powerful Woodbane clans. Don't you get it? Belwicket renounced the Dark Arts! There's no way Morgan would agree to what you want." I shouted.
" how would you know what I would do?" Morgan said.
" there is no point to this," Cal said. " we're together and there's nothing you can do. so you can go back to where you came from and leave us alone."
I laughed to myself. He sounded so childish. It was also obvious that I had him backed into a corner and he was desperate to get rid of me. " oh no, I'm afraid it's much to late for that. You see, the council would never forgive me if I left Morgan in your clutches."
" what?" Morgan screeched.
" you should know about forgiveness," Cal snapped at me. " after all, the council has never quite forgiven you for killing your brother, right? You're still making up for that, aren't you? still trying to prove it wasn't your fault?"
" go to hell." I snapped at him as the anger started to overtake my body.
" Wiccan's don't believe in hell." Cal whispered like he was telling some great secret.
I started to make a move on Cal an he ducked into his car and grabbed something. He emerged and started backing away right away. I could see that it was an Athame that he had grabbed. I looked between Morgan and Cal.
" you want me?" Cal taunted, " you want me, hunter? Then come and get me."
And like that Cal turned and ran for the bushes. I had to admit he was fast. Probably as fast as me. Using my Magesight I searched the tree line for Cal but it looked as if he ran straight in. " stay here." I commanded Morgan and then took off for the bushes as well. The last thing I needed was for Morgan to run after us. I know enough about woman's best intentions and how bad it can turn out for them and everyone around them.
It took me a while to catch up with him and I tackled him to the ground in a clearing. He hit me in the face and we both got up again. I could see his hate for me while we both circled each other. It was snowing again and the moon was illuminating the clearing whenever it poked through the clouds. I knew that Cal couldn't use Magesight and I would use that to my advantage. I grabbed hold of Cal's shirt but he pushed me away from him toward the cliff. It was then that I realized there was a river behind me. I was so focused on getting Cal that I had forgotten what I was here for.
" You're bidden to come with me!" I yelled at Cal and he just smiled in a demented sort of way. The mask was gone. Morgan was no where to impress and Cal could show his true colors.
" Cal!" I could hear Morgan shout. We both turned to see Morgan run forward.
" stay back!" Cal yelled and threw out his hand. He had placed a binding spell on her. Smart but stupid at the same time. as well it showed that he cared for her a little. I used the distraction to hurl a ball of witch fire at Cal. It knocked the Athame from his hand. I leaped forward and pushed Cal over as he scrambled to get the Athame. I could her Morgan screaming something in the background but I was intent on subduing Cal and the I would deal with her. Cal had gotten the upper hand and punched me in the face and I stung. I could feel the blood gush from somewhere and the metallic taste of blood. I fought with all my strength to get Cal off of me. We both got back to our feet as Morgan did the same.
" Morgan get out of here.!" I yelled at her. " I'm a seeker, and Cal has to answer to the council."
" Don't listen to him, Morgan!" Cal retorted. " he's jealous of anything I have, and he wants to hurt me. He'll hurt you too."
" that's a lie," I spat back angrily. "Cal's Woodbane, Morgan, but unlike Maeve, he hasn't renounced the dark side. Please just get out of here."
Cal then turned to Morgan and started to weave an spell on her. This is what he must be doing to control her all the time. I tried to break his concentration and get her away but it was too late. Cal and I had already started to fight again. I would have to deal with Morgan later. For now she would just have to stay to the sidelines. I moved forward and hit Cal in the stomach and he doubled over. On my second punch I missed and Cal kicked me to the ground. We rolled around for a while and I finally got on top of him. I held him down as I pulled the Braigh from my pocket. I hated using it but in this situation it was a must. Cal kept calling for Morgan but my attention was at the task at hand.
"Your through," I said as I pulled Cal's wrists tight in the Braigh. "I've got you." all of the sudden there was a flash of pain at my neck and I screamed in pain, dropping the Braigh at I put my hands to my neck where I found blood. Cal kicked me as hard as he could and I stumbled backwards. It was at that moment when I relised how close I was to the edge of the cliff and as I cried out it was too late for anyone to help me. I was a goner.
AN: ok so there it is. I'll get the next chapter ASAP.