“Agreed,” Nick added. “It’s best if we leave quickly.”
There were no arguments. We started moving toward our vehicle, passing by the huge hole as we went. It was a very specific area of damage, and other than things being pelted by falling debris, nothing else was touched. Cars were still parked in their spaces, riding on the edge of the crater. Humans were going to scratch their heads when they saw this. I’d never had a run-in with any sorcerers, so I wasn’t sure how they operated, but it appeared to be along the lines of blow something up and ask questions later.
We walked toward the yellow Humvee, which illuminated the night like an awful phosphorus specter. It hadn’t been damaged by the blast at all, which was a total shame. Dents and bruises could only improve it. “Once we arrive at the Safe House, we can lay out a plan to get Marcy back,” I said as I turned to make my way around the vehicle. But before I could take a step, Tally snatched me by the shoulder, yanking me backward.
I stumbled but recovered quickly.
“You and I are not going to your Safe House.”
She was incredibly strong for five feet of skinny witch.
Rourke, Danny, and Tyler all moved forward to intercede.
“Stop.” I held up my hand, keeping my eyes pinned on Tally. “I refuse to handle this with violence.” I was tired. We’d driven all night. I’d just been in an epic battle with a deranged Goddess, followed by an encounter with a Demon Lord, who had informed me I had a court date in the Underworld to face crimes I’d inadvertently committed. Fighting with the witches would be counterproductive to both my health and to our case, which was to get Marcy back unharmed.
She was my best friend and I was willing to do whatever it took, including keeping the peace with an angry witch.
Rourke eased up reluctantly, sensing my mood. He was a strong alpha, and I knew it was going to be tough for him to follow my lead, especially after so many years on his own. But for now, his willingness to try was appreciated. My wolf barked her approval in my mind. Tyler and Danny were still poised and ready to spring, their blood and anxiety jumping in my veins as we all glared at each other. Danny had recently sworn a pledge to me, making me his Alpha, and his duty to protect me at all costs blinded him to good judgment, especially in this high-stress environment. I tried to send out a calming vibe, but I had no idea how to do anything remotely Alpha-like or if it would even work.
Tally stood completely unfazed by our show of aggression.
Instead, her stony gaze bored a hole straight into my soul. She crossed her arms, waiting. “Three minutes ago we all could’ve been blown to smithereens.” I obliged her by continuing, trying to defuse the situation. “As far as I can tell, we all want the same goal. We want Marcy back. So let’s start acting like we’re on the same side.” Tally’s power pecked at my skin. My wolf growled and clacked her jaws, resenting the feel of it as it pressed against us. I turned and gave Tally my full attention. “How would you like this to run? You have our cooperation.” I didn’t need to specify “up to a point” because that went without saying.
Supernaturals tolerated each other for brief interludes when it was mutually beneficial. Tally blamed me for Marcy’s disappearance and I owned that. I should’ve been more diligent. I couldn’t keep running around pretending the Prophecy wasn’t real and the supernatural race wasn’t going to notice me. My negligence had put people I loved in danger and I owed it to Marcy to cooperate with her aunt.
“I don’t care where they go”—Tally flicked her head toward the group—“but you’re coming with me. We head back to my Coven and gather information, including from the wolf who you say is tracking her. Regardless of what we find, we move in two hours. I’m not leaving my niece in the hands of the Baldies any longer than necessary.”
Nick stepped forward, composed as always. “Ms. Talbot, I’m sure there’s a way we can find neutral ground—somewhere we can all gather that’s not within your direct boundary or ours.” I could always count on Nick to stay levelheaded. Tally’s home base would be a giant disadvantage if we had a disagreement about how things should run. I smiled at Nick to show my appreciation. I’d missed his brown curls, golden eyes, and sweet smile. There wasn’t a nicer guy on earth.
Tally shook her head. “It’s too dangerous. The sorcerers will pick up our trail as soon as they arrive. Our signatures are all over this parking lot. We can’t linger at any unwarded location or we’ll be vulnerable to attack, and I don’t have time to put up the necessary spells to keep us safe somewhere else. We head to my Coven, where I have full protection in place. No compromises.”