Page 60 of Only You, No One Else

Marcus’s assessment, spoken with what Caster could only describe as quiet admiration, was significant enough that Caster could only nod.

“…Caster is OK with it. Why can’t you see it?”

His name and Mark’s frustration drew him away from the promise of a much better forever with Mark to the present. He met the Prime Alpha’s gaze, understanding the fear he saw in them but determined to fight even him to keep Mark safe.

Dean nodded at him, the crackling challenge in the small space separating them palpable. “Then I’m coming too.”

Caster had expected that.

“No!” Mark’s emphatic denial startled him. “You need to stay here.” Mark walked towards his brother, and Caster readied his body for a physical confrontation. Mark stood in front of his brother, almost as if to hold him back. “It is still her turf, right, Riley? Which means she could see us coming?”

Riley nodded.

Mark faced his brother with enough determination to wear anyone down. “We can’t leave this place unprotected. If Caster can’t be here, you need to be.” He glanced at Marcus as if seeking his permission.

“I couldn’t agree more,” Marcus said. “The protection spells should be sufficient, but Damien’s house was just as covered, and she got through there.”

“If it's anything like last time, our bodies will remain here, helpless.” Mark’s voice was now softer, and the determination in Dean broke.

“And we still can’t trust Bastian,” Damien said, his calm mask slipping at his brother’s name. “It was very convenient how he ended up here.”

“You think he’s up to something?” Marcus asked.

“When is he not?” Cy’s frustration was borne of centuries of dealing with their young cousin’s antics, only this time they’d gone too far.

“Well. Mark is right. Our only play right now is to find out what the witch is up to.” Marcus glanced at Riley. “You’re up to the spell?”

Riley’s nod was emphatic, punctuated by his absolute control of the power filling the room.

Marcus nodded. “What do you need?”

Riley released a breath, and Caster’s worry that perhaps he overexerted himself returned only to disappear a moment later when his best friend stood up straight, determination in his expression. “More power.” He glanced at Mark. “Do you mind if Amara helps?”

Mark shrugged. “If you trust her…”

“I need her. She’s as powerful as at least five Fire Witches. And yes, I trust her. I’ve known her all my life.” Riley pointed at the door. “We should also do this outside. The combined force of my power and hers might cause some damage.”

“OK.” Marcus pushed away from his desk and glanced at Caster. “Your father has granted his permission for anything you need. But it’s your mother who worries me. How much do you want to tell her?”

“We can’t keep this from her,” Cy said. “She would kill us…”

Subdued laughter broke through the tension. Cy was right. Their mother hated secrets. Caster only hoped she wouldn’t object to what they needed to do. Travelling into all that darkness was dangerous to say the least, but Mark was right. It was time to bring the fight to her, and they couldn’t do that until they understood the source of her power.

“Right. Let’s meet on the front lawn in ten minutes?” Marcus waited for acquiescing nods from all. “Damien, Dean, you guys coordinate the defense. You’ll have Kyle and Julian for company, and I’ll mobilize the rest of the force, just outside the perimeter; present but not obvious. We stay ready for anything.”

“With Amara’s power, I am hoping Ethel won’t notice our presence,” Riley said. “But we need to be prepared for anything. It is the Underworld, after all.”

As everyone filed away for any last-minute preparations they would need, Caster’s feet felt heavy. His confidence in Mark’s plan, in his courage, remained, but the persistent fear that he would lose him threatened to tear his heart in two.

He was so lost in the growing despair and the counter strategy that would keep Mark safe, he failed to notice everyone but Mark had left the room. His soulmate said nothing as he walked into his space, pressing his forehead against his. Words would not compare to the comfort the simple action brought. Still, he tried to hold on to it far longer than necessary, wishing the world would just let them be, but knowing that was not possible. If they desired peace, they would have to fight for it.

CHAPTER 39

He’d been here only a few hours ago, the plan he now dreaded implementing taking shape in the early hours of the morning. Now, as the sun dipped over the horizon, Mark ran through his plan, their plan. It was dangerous, that much he could concede, but his mind had gone through all scenarios with no viable alternative. The only way to beat Ethel was to find out the source of her power. Then perhaps they would find a way to sever that connection. With her dark power stripped away, she was just another witch, and that, they could handle.

He squeezed Caster’s hand for what seemed the hundredth time as Riley and Amara assembled what looked like an altar. He could smell some of the herbs in the large caldron at the center of the circle surrounded by several large wreaths. He didn’t know how they’d gotten everything they needed so quickly, but he was learning that with Caster’s family, anything was possible and logistics were never a stumbling block.

Reverent silence followed when Riley and Amara stood to face them. Mark could still feel Dean’s opposition, but his brother would not voice his objection, not when even he knew this was the best course of action.