[Southern Arcana 2.0] Crossroads by Moira Rogers Read Free Book Online Page A

Just in case.”
    “Well, yeah. But if I’d told you to go, you would have dug your stubborn ass in and refused.” Jackson glanced at Nick, who shrugged. “He’s got a point.” She ignored Jackson’s disgusted noise and gave him a serious look in return. “I need your help. I need you to make sure no one busts through all of Alec’s security. To keep my sister and her baby safe.”
    He scratched the back of his head. “Which safe house is it, Alec?” Somehow Nick wasn’t surprised Alec had more than one. “I was thinking the one out in the bayou,” he said, tilting his chair back. “It’s not the nicest, but it’s got the strongest wards. Now that Michelle’s gone, Conclave doesn’t work with anyone strong enough to break them.”
    “I’ll see if I can’t bolster them too. If I’m going to have Mama out there…” Jackson took Nick’s cup and drained it. “Jesus Christ, that’s awful.”
    Nick took the mug back and tossed it in the sink. “Aaron must have brewed it. He’s always made crappy coffee.”
    Alec cut through the small talk with characteristic bluntness. “Jackson, what happens to pregnant spell casters? Their magic goes to hell, doesn’t it?”
    “I thought I noticed something different about Michelle.” Jackson nodded. “‘Necessary neutralization’
    is what they call it. Resources are diverted to the baby, even magical ones. Most women end up with little to no control, just—”
    “Automatic defensive measures,” Nick finished. “Which won’t hurt her or the baby, but could be dangerous for bystanders.”
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    Crossroads
    “Shit.” Alec scratched at his beard, his eyes focused on the floor. “Can we assume she’s not going to do anything to hurt friends and loved ones, or is it open season if she gets startled?” Jackson dug through the fridge and pulled out a can of soda. “Honestly? It’s probably no big deal unless there’s real danger. Then who the hell knows? She could take out everyone, just trying to eliminate the real threat.”
    “Well, fuck. Maybe we shouldn’t have your mama in the house with her.” He popped open the can. “It’ll be fine if I’m there.”
    Nick hopped up to sit on the counter. “When can we get them out there? Like you said last night, Alec, this is the first place they’ll look.”
    “Shit, as soon as they get something to eat. Jackson and I can take care of that, though.” Alec pointed a finger at her. “ You have something else to do, young lady. Derek’s going to lose his everloving mind if you don’t talk to him.”
    “I’m not putting it off, I swear.” Even through her nervousness, she was eager to see him again. “I just want to make sure Michelle and Aaron are safe before I run off to fix my love life.” Jackson finished his soda. “It could use some fixing, Nicky.”
    “It’s not just your love life,” Alec corrected sternly. “You’re way past that, kiddo. That guy’s dominant as hell and feels like you’re in danger. If you don’t want him getting himself and some of us killed, deal with it.”
    For a horrible moment, she couldn’t breathe. The thought of Derek hurt or worse… “I’m going to handle it. Now.”
    Jackson tapped his empty can against the counter, then tossed it in the recycling bin. “I’ll go round everybody up.”
    Alec waited until the door closed behind Jackson and shot Nick a serious look. “Don’t try to protect him, Nick. He may not have your experience, but he’s smart and he’s tough, and I’ve taught him a lot in the past two years. He can help.”
    Derek’s strength had been one of the first things that had drawn her to him, even before the attack that had cost him his human existence. “I wouldn’t have sent him away last night if I hadn’t needed to, Alec.
    But I couldn’t deal with it all. Maybe that makes me weak or something, but I couldn’t do it.” She shrugged. “One of the things I realized is that I need his help.”