Shift - 02 by M. R. Merrick Read Free Book Online Page B

war amongst ourselves.”
    Blackwell looked up to the council. The elders watched, unsure of what to do. Their magic roamed beneath the surface and their combined power was impressive. I prayed Marcus’ diplomatic skills could get us out of this alive.
    “We need that ring, Marcus.”
    “You cannot have it, and you will not get it until every one of us is dead.”
    “That can be arranged if you so wish it.”
    “As can the fate of you and your brothers. You won’t all make it out of this alive.”
    “You speak with such confidence. You’re a lone hunter Marcus. Your element is strong, but it cannot save them all.”
    “You forget the company I’m in. Chase’s magic is here, and stronger than you know. Rayna’s power is unique, with unseen boundaries. Vincent is one of the most powerful of his kind, and behind him stands an entire family whose lineage is so ancient, it can’t be fully traced. That in itself is a war you don’t want at your doorstep. Tiki is a half-breed unlike any that we’ve seen. An entirely new breed you’re not prepared to face. And Willy…Willy has an extraordinarily powerful grandmother.” Marcus looked to the council who stood strong and united, each waiting to unleash a fury of magic upon us.
    “We will have that ring, sooner or later.”
    “That has yet to be seen.”
    Blackwell and Marcus stared at each other for a long moment.
    “Stand down,” Marcus repeated.
    Blackwell looked to the other elders and nodded. “Do as he says.”
    One by one, each elder let their magic fade. Marcus released his elemental grip on Blackwell, and although the others had withdrawn, I could still feel Rayna’s and my elements boiling at the surface.
    “Jameson!” Blackwell shouted.
    After a few moments, the large doors creaked open and Jameson walked into the room.
    “Escort these people off the property immediately!”
    “Yes, sir.”
    Jameson walked into the room and ushered each of us out. Nerves hammered around inside me, battling each other like iron against steel. I followed Jameson, but continued to look over my shoulder. When the elevator door slid shut, I finally let my magic recede.
    The elevator dinged and the doors opened, revealing the dimly lit garage we’d entered through. Jameson led us out into the open space of the facility and I let the fresh, cold air rush into my lungs. A strange tingle moved down my spine and my eyes darted to each corner of the grounds.
    “What is it?” Rayna asked.
    I knew that feeling. It was the feeling that a demon was near. It caught me off guard at first. I’d gotten so used to having them around me that I hardly noticed it anymore, but this was different. This was new.
    “Keep it moving, Williams,” Jameson said.
    I glanced back over the grounds and nothing but darkness stared back at me. I shook the feeling away and started walking.
    “You okay?” Rayna slowed her pace to match my own.
    “I’m fine. It's…nothing.”
    “You sure?”
    I looked back over my shoulder. “Yeah.”
    Jameson escorted us to the car, and I didn’t have the energy to argue with Willy as he claimed the shotgun seat. I reached for the handle, and my pulse jumped as the sound of feet brushing gravel scattered behind us. I moved for the daggers strapped to my back and wrapped scarred fingers around them.   Two hunters walked out of the forest, and I released the breath I held.
    “We need to get out of here,” I said.  
    “Agreed,” Marcus replied.
    I took a breath and opened the door to the backseat when the voice came.
    “There he is,” a man growled.
    Startled, I jumped back from the car. A chill shot through me again and I’d wished we had left moments earlier. A group of people were walking out of the trees. Nearly a dozen pushed through the brush and stepped into the clearing. Men and women stood side by side and made their way towards us in a wall of power and grace.
    “That’s the hunter who killed Jack.” A man leading the pack pointed at