Werewolves Be Damned

Epilogue


Three weeks had gone by in a blur. Nexi enjoyed the rest she’d been granted, and that the Council had given her some time to grieve. Although, right now, she wanted to be at home, in bed snuggled up with Kyden, and not standing in the middle of a circle of witches in the Witches’ Meadow.

However, as Zia had bluntly pointed out, she needed to listen to the Council’s orders, since she had disregarded Talon’s order to stay behind the night Kyden had been taken. Not that the Council wasn’t happy it had all worked out, but Nexi needed to be a good girl for a while. Regardless that she wanted to say no, she joined Zia tonight without argument.

Now she wished she’d put up more of a stink.

Zia smiled at Nexi before she turned to the witches. “We have a new witch among us.” She stepped forward, wrapping her warms hands around Nexi’s. “One who has been lost for some time. Will you join us, Nexi, and accept us as your Sisterhood?”

She hadn’t realized she’d have to talk, and muttered, “Yes,” even if she didn’t at this point truly understand what it meant to accept them. While all the witches looked nice and most smiled at her, this moment could not get any weirder.

Haven’s soft giggle sounded behind Nexi. She looked over her shoulder to give her soul-sister a you’re so dead look, as Haven’s amusement seeped into their bond. Of course, Haven would understand Nexi’s discomfort.

Zia squeezed Nexi’s hand, commanding her focus, and when Nexi turned to her again, Zia added, “Witches, do you accept Nexi into the Sisterhood of the Otherworld?”

“Yes,” they said in unison.

Releasing Nexi’s hands, Zia backed away, and she raised her arms to the sky. In the same manner Nexi had seen before at the circle, Air, Water, Fire and Earth, awakened through Zia and made their presence known.

Energy flowed around Nexi in giant waves, warming her skin with the magic pulsating like a heartbeat around her, something she definitely didn’t feel before, not to this level. Drawing in a long, steady breath, and shivering from the sensation, she also noticed an odd sense of happiness spreading through her, more than the presence of magic— the feeling of unity.

Here, she belonged.

On her even longer exhale, the Elements were sucked away with a loud whoosh before the blue ribbon-like energy rushed around the witches. The sparks of energy off the ribbon hadn’t been something Nexi had seen at the last circle, telling her this is what Haven had meant when she’d explained the purpose of the circle. Until she had her witch abilities, she wouldn’t understand the meaning behind why Zia gathered the witches together.

Now she got it.

It did unite the witches.

Nexi watched the ribbon circle each witch before it moved on to the next in impressive speed. Soaring past Haven, the ribbon encased Zia, then slipped along Nexi’s body. She gasped as the sensation tickled, causing goose bumps to pimple across her skin.

The intensity in the energy forced her eyes closed and she basked in its warmth. She bowed her head as the heat of sisterly love simmered through her veins. More so, she relished the heady sensation as if the Elements greeted her. Almost as if they touched her soul, welcomed her to use them, as if they offered to guide and protect her.

A sizzle followed by a bang opened Nexi’s eyes, snapping her head up to Zia. She blinked at the view in front of her, but the shimmering light dancing around the witches remained. “Um…why are you glowing?”

Haven pounced forward, wrapping Nexi in a death hug. “You’re one of us now. I feel you in the Sisterhood.” She bounced up and down, nearly taking Nexi to the grass. “I mean, I didn’t care when you weren’t in the Sisterhood, but now that you are, everything is just as it should be.”

Zia stared at Nexi as a mother would. Loving. Protective. Appreciating. “Tonight, your mother would be so happy. I know she’s not here with us now, but I can feel her all around you. I can see her in your eyes. I hear her in your voice.” Zia touched the side of Nexi’s mouth. “She’s there in your smile.”

Tears welled in Nexi’s eyes. “Oh, no, I’m not going there again.” Inhaling a sharp breath, she clamped down on her emotions. “I’ve cried enough to last me a few years. Onward and upward.” Shaking out her hands to rid herself any sadness, she asked Zia, “So, what happens now?”

“You trained as a guardian.” Determination shone heavy in the depths of Zia’s eyes, and her smile became all too wise. “Now you train as witch.”





Acknowledgments


To my editor, Lauren Ruth, there are no words to explain how thrilled I am about working together again. Your support of me and my work brightens those dark days when the world seems to be falling apart. I’m blessed to have someone like you in my corner. Thanks for being so fabulous, Lauren!

A big shout-out to my agent, Jessica Alvarez, who always deals with my emails of panic with a calm and gentle approach. My life is definitely easier because you’re in it, and I cannot say thank you enough to express my gratitude.

Thank you to the editorial director, Danielle Poiesz, for making me work harder to get this story perfect and making it shine.

To my publicists, Jessica Estep, Morgan Maulden, and also to the publicity director, Jessica Turner, all three of you ladies rock my world. I would be a disorganized hot mess without you. All your hard work amazes me.

Josh Vogt and Kerri-Leigh Grady, I appreciate the input and advice you’ve given to me. The time I got to work with both of you, even if short, was a pleasure.

To my husband, thank you for understanding tight deadlines. To my children, Mommy is sorry for that week I was locked in my office and ignored you. I love you dearly.

And to the entire team at Entangled, from cover artists to managing editors to copy editors to proofreaders, and to everyone else in between, thank you so much for taking such good care of me. I appreciate you all.



About the Author


Stacey Kennedy is an urban fantasy lover at heart, but she also enjoys losing herself in dark and sensual worlds. She lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, who gave her a happily-ever-after. Together, they have two small children who can always make her smile, and who will never be allowed to read Mommy’s books. If she’s not plugging away at a new story, you’ll find her camping, curling up with the latest flick, or obsessing over Sons of Anarchy and Game of Thrones.