Broken Curse

18

“He won’t let me die. He says I have to make up for what I am before he’ll grant me that privilege.” She scratched her nails into her skin. “He says it’ll be soon, so my suffering is almost over.”

“What is your name?” My heart broke watching her.

“It’s Endora.” She stilled and hurried back toward the pack. “I’m sorry. I’ve got to go.”

I wanted to yell “Stop,” but words were failing me. The jackass had gone so far as to give her the original witch’s name and had her so screwed up that she wouldn’t willingly come with us. We had only one option left, and we needed to devise a good plan to make it happen.

W

e have to grab her.

There was no way the alpha would allow us back here. He’d hoped to discover who we were and hold us hostage. We’d slipped under his radar, but the more we were around him, the riskier it would be. This may be our only chance.

Are you serious? Honor whipped her head toward me. We’re going to abduct her?

You saw how she’s brainwashed. Barry sucked so hard. Death would’ve been a better alternative than that kind of abuse. What do you think?

Aidan and Logan rushed after her, willing to do what I’d asked.

They can’t do it alone. I pushed my legs to catch up to them.

Beth ran beside me. You know this is illegal?

Yes, but what other options do we have? It bothered me that this was our best alternative.

No, I think it’s badass. Beth chuckled. You’re no longer the timid freshman I met in August.

Badass probably isn’t the right word. More like desperate.

What the f**k did you do? Aidan’s panicked voice filled the bond.

Something wasn’t right. We reached them in the next second and found Endora unconscious on the ground.

She was going to alert the pack if we didn’t do something. Logan bent down and picked her up. Now, we better run before they get worried about her.

He was right. Let’s go! I shouted in our pack bond, and we raced back toward the car.

The others caught up with us, and Sunny gasped, Did he hurt her?

He had to. Gabby kept up with her mate.

Let’s focus on getting back to the Suburbans. The more we argued, the slower we’d be.

We flew through the woods faster than usual. If they figured out what we’d done and caught up with us, there would be no getting out of this alive.

Silence descended among the group as adrenaline coursed through us. The trees blurred past as we ran as fast as our legs could carry us. The howl of the pack would come at any second.

Right as the vehicles came into view, the alpha howl filled the air. I wasn’t quite sure how we’d gotten that lucky, but I’d take it. Get in the same vehicle you were in on the way here.

I opened the back passenger door so Logan could get in easily. Be careful not to hit her head again.

As he brushed past me, I noticed a small trickle of blood running down her face.

At least, it wasn’t a huge gash. With Logan, it could’ve been much worse.

Everyone got in the vehicles, and Aidan squealed out of the parking lot.

Luckily, the park was empty, and there were no rangers around. He burned rubber as he floored it on the main road, leaving a trail of smoke behind.

Oh, thanks, Beth grumbled through the bond. Now I get to smell that all the way back to the hotel.

We aren’t staying there tonight. We would have to head straight back to the coven with Endora.

We need to grab our stuff, Logan interjected. He obviously doesn’t mind using witches, so we need to get our clothing so he can’t locate us.

I hadn’t even considered that. True, but let’s make it a quick in and out.

I’m assuming inappropriate laughter would be frowned upon ? Beth giggled.

Aidan rolled his eyes. Right now, yes.

I removed the phone from my pocket and dialed Amethyst’s number.

She picked up on the second ring. “Is everything all right?”

“No, not really.” I filled her in on what had happened. “Since you guys are thirty minutes out, you’d better hurry and drop off the rental car. We’ll meet you there.”

“It’ll be closed, so …” She trailed off as Samuel piped in, “There’s a key drop-off. It’ll be fine.”

“Great, we’ll see you there.” I hit END and placed my phone on the center console.

Aidan placed his hand on my arm. “Everything will be okay.”

“You can’t promise that.” It was time to be realistic. I wish things had gone differently.

You mean that she’d come with us of her own free will? Aidan scanned the road in front of us. To be honest, we had a good streak going. We were bound to run into one person who would refuse to leave.

But I didn’t even ask her. That was the root of the problem. I’d taken away her choice.

You do realize we were all there, watching the conversation. Ivory leaned forward and placed her hand on my shoulder. She wouldn’t have come willingly. You made the right call.

She’ll need some deprogramming, though. Honor’s sympathy flowed through our bond. Hell, I wasn’t abused as badly as she was, and I’m struggling.

I had no clue. What a good leader I was turning out to be.

Why would you? Ada joined the conversation. It’s hard knowing what to do with someone breathing down your neck and threatening you.

Gabby scoffed. But you two never listened.

Well, we tried bucking the system, but it never worked. Honor sounded ashamed. So, with all of you guys, it’s weird.

If you ever need to talk, I’m here. I wanted them to know I would be there for them, no matter what.

We know, and that’s what’s kept us sane. Warmth filled the spot where Honor linked to me.

The Holiday Inn sign appeared ahead, and we made a plan. Gabby, are you good getting your and Logan’s stuff so he can stay here with her?

Yeah. Gabby not being combative was a nice change of pace.

Logan, be prepared to drive off if needed. We had to cover all our bases.

On it. Logan shifted, ready to follow through.

I’ll get in the other car so we can get away fast if shifters show up, Ivory said as the car stopped, and she jumped out, taking Beth’s spot in the Suburban.

Sounds good. We were finally working as a team.

Everyone except Ivory and Logan were back in our rooms in minutes. Luckily, Aidan, Beth, and I hadn’t unpacked since we’d been tied up with getting the witches settled. Aidan walked into our bedroom and stopped short.