Eliza Gayle Witch Bundle (paranormal romance), Eliza Gayle [books suggested by bill gates txt] 📗

Her car door opened and he quickly considered his options for convincing her he wasn’t a stalker freak. She was barely out of her car when a gunshot rang out and slammed into the window next to where Rena stood. Shards of glass flew into her face as her screams rent the night. Graelen was out of his car in seconds and dug deep for the power to throw up a protection sphere around Rena as more shots continued to fire in her direction.

“Rena!” Graelen yelled at her through the constant racket but she was in full panic mode as she pressed up against his shield. He knew she would be safe for now and turned his attention in the direction of the gunfire. A rooftop across the street. Studying the fire patterns, he counted only two gunmen from the separate flashes when a shot was fired. Gathering more energy from the moisture in the air and focusing on his hands, he formed a large crackling power ball and flung it at the roof.

It struck the edge of the building, sending bricks and electrical sparks in all directions. The gunshots immediately ceased and he heard one male guttural scream from that general direction. Graelen gathered that he'd at least hit one of his targets. He started to run toward the building to cut them off, but without warning darkness began creeping through him, like black oil filling his veins. His motion slowed to a stop as he realized too late that someone nearby was using.

Shit! He attempted to move his feet, his intent to run over to Rena, but the spell being woven around him rendered him helpless. He tried to use his own power to free himself but nothing happened. The only way to fight it would be to call up the dark magick, the kind he had to avoid at all costs. One of these days, at any given time, he would go too far and the darkness would take hold and never let go. It was too dangerous, but the only choice he had as he watched Rena alone. His protection shield wouldn't hold for long if he didn't break free.

Taking a slow deep breath, he opened his mind to the deeper power within, and the tight binds holding it in began to unravel, allowing it to rise and weave through his body. His vision sharpened, becoming crisper and more focused as the hold on him began to recede. Glancing at Rena, he found her watching him closely. Her movements had calmed but she looked at him with fear, stark and vivid, glittering in her eyes. The spell had woven through him multiplying like a virus, weakening his power source. His body fought it, but he feared it wouldn't be in time. His protective bubble around Rena was deteriorating fast and he didn't have more than a couple of minutes left.

“Hang on, baby, I'm going to get us out of this,” he reassured Rena.

“Graelen, I can feel it. It's so dark and heavy, it's taking control of your body.” Her voice trembled with the fear he'd seen in her eyes. “What is it?”

“Damn it, Rena, close your mind. Someone is using me to get to you. If you don't shut him out we’ll both lose.”

“I don't know how to stop it.” Her voice rose with panic. “This power—this energy is more powerful than anything I’ve experienced. It hurts.”

“Focus, Rena. You can close your mind to it. Take a breath and relax, then just imagine a door shutting in your mind. Open it wide and then slam it shut.”

He watched her take a few deep breaths and close her eyes, releasing the tension lines in her face. Convinced she would concentrate on the task he gave her, he once again turned inward and focused on breaking the spell. He had to trust that she would be strong enough to do as he asked. There simply wasn’t time for any other option.

Whoever held him was a force to be reckoned with. However, even at this distance he could probably pull in power from his twin, if he hurried. He relaxed and let the spell continue to weave around his body, but freeing his mind to open to his brother Cash.

Hear me, brother. I need your help.

Only a few moments passed before he felt his brother join the connection. A dark power, stronger than before—something more powerful than he had expected—rushed forth to fight the damage caused by the spell. Its bonds began to weaken but it wasn't happening fast enough. The protection on Rena was nearly gone, and Graelen sensed a presence approaching her. He had to break it now! He seethed white-hot anger when, with one last push from Cash, he freed himself.

Running over to where Rena crouched protectively on the ground, he quickly scooped her up in his arms. The presence was dissipating, but he wasn't taking any chances. I'm getting her the hell out of here.

“Come on, baby, I've got you now.” He carried her back to his car, setting her gently inside. After scanning the area to be certain no one else still lurked, he ran back and grabbed her stuff from the front seat. No way would she be staying in a motel alone. He needed to find out who was responsible for this attack and why. In the meantime, she’d be safe at his house where he or Steven could watch over her.

“Graelen, what the hell just happened? Why in the hell was someone shooting at me?”

Obviously she was more coherent than he'd thought. She went straight to the important question. No tears, no incessant babbling, but directly to the analyzing of what had just happened. She was a rare woman indeed, one he wanted to get to know better. One he wanted to protect from whatever or whoever just happened. And one he knew was destined to destroy