Lawke disconnected the call. About time the bastard got in touch with them. Despite the anger at the situation, he was mellow thanks to the events of last night.

After the rush of breaking in and fleeing back here, their sex had been nothing short of amazing.

Evelyn walked out of the bedroom, her hair wet from the shower. Despite being satisfied with last night, he wanted her again. Wanted to see her eyes glow as her climax overwhelmed her. As it was, her skin shone.

“We need to leave. The priest wants to meet by the miniature waterfall along the other trail. Outside of Willows Haven’s borders.”

A knock on the door caused them to stare at each other.

“Police. Open up.”

He grabbed her shoulders and held a finger to his mouth. “Be calm,” he whispered. He leaned closer, his lips skimming her ear. “Don’t volunteer any information. You can do this.”

Walking to the door, he swung the door open and stared into eyes the same color as his own.

“Lawke,” Stanford stammered.

At least he could still surprise his brother.

“Can we come in?”

It was his turn to be surprised. He expected the Woodward brothers, Vithar and the wolf, but Annabel and Daphne—Stanford’s ex-girlfriend—were unanticipated.

The smile on the old lady’s face was gleeful while the twins broadcasted pissed off, including a snarl from the wolf.

Evelyn put a hand on his shoulder. He needed to protect her, especially against his brother.

“No harm will come to you, but we need to talk.” Annabel pushed her way in to the cabin.

Everyone else followed her. Somehow he was losing control of the situation, if he ever had it.

“Where is the photo?” Vithar asked. His brother snarled.

“Photo of what? As a photographer, I’m constantly taking pictures. And since my work has been in magazines and exhibits around the world, you’ll need to be more specific before I can give you one.” Her face was clear, every word the truth—if a bit creatively presented.

Vithar frowned and scrutinized her. Uh-oh. Lawke hadn’t considered that they’d remember her. It had been nearly one hundred years ago.

“The one you stole.” At his side, the wolf showed more teeth. “We’d like it back.”

Lawke’s heart raced. He could deal with their anger. Whatever they were thinking had him on guard.

“You think we stole something?”

Lawke had been careful to avoid his brother’s gaze, but he didn’t think Stanford would be quiet much longer.

“Ma’am, we have proof. If you would just cooperate, this could be resolved quickly.”

Not without penalty.

“I don’t know them. Why would you think we took something?”

“My brother followed his trail here. We know what you are. We know what you took.”

“I take photographs, capture memories and moments in time. I’ve been doing it a very long time. And you cannot expect me to feel threatened just because you brought along a bristling furry partner.”

“Oh my. You are entertaining, my dear.” Annabel chuckled. “Vithar, take Freemont back to your house.”

“Not without what we came for.”

The power in the cabin blinked and the woman appeared to glow, her essence taking over the room. Her voice boomed. “You will do as you were told. The photo will not be returned. It is beyond time to let go of the past.”

“But…”

“Go. Your parents live on in your memories. You don’t need a photo to remember them. However, that picture can save a young woman’s life. What would you do?”

“Whose life?”

She pointed to him. “His daughter’s.”

“Zoe. What do you mean? Her life’s in danger?” Stanford stepped forward. Outrage colored his voice.

Vithar stared at the wolf. Eventually he said, “Very well, we’ll leave.”

The wolf walked by them, its mouth open, and Lawke thought it might take a nip. Except all it did was lick the back of his hand. As if to express sympathy, or at least understanding.

He watched them leave. Vithar gave a nod before closing the door.

“How did you know?” He wondered if his coming had been a setup.

“You’ll find, young man, that I know lots of things.” She waved her hand. “Sit down, and we will help you.”

“They should be going to jail.” A scowl accompanied the stern words from Stanford.

“You would arrest your brother for trying to save his daughter’s life?”

Stanford’s face lost its color.

“Sit. I’ve taken the issue out of your hands.”

Stanford sat. His face would have done Grumpy Cat proud.

“Now, what is your plan, young man?”

“Umm, to give the priest his photo and take my daughter.”

“Really, you think it will be that easy? He will just hand her over?”

“What other choice do I have?” Lawke didn’t know if he’d survive if Zoe died.

“I’ll be there to help.”

Evelyn’s quiet confidence settled something inside him. She was willing to support him. Rachel never had. It was all about what could be done for her. It felt right having someone there for him.

“You will not be useful tonight. He needs physical backup, and your bird can’t help.” She smiled. “No, I have a much better proposal. That I give him the tools to keep his daughter safe.

“Absolutely not. You will not enslave any more of my family,” Stanford yelled, his face red.

“It has to be done,” Daphne said.

“What are you talking about?” Lawke was confused.

“I can release the magic inherent in your genes. But the price is that you will have to come back here and serve the town.”

“You want me to quit my job and move here?”

“Yes. Once you live here, you can never leave. Just like your brother.”

He stared at Stanford. “That’s why you haven’t been home? Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Tell you what? That I gave myself to a tree and now I can’t leave?”

All right, maybe that did sound too odd to be believed.

“Will these powers you give me save Zoe?”

“I can’t guarantee anything, but it will give you a better chance.”

“Very well.”

Annabel nodded to Daphne and a blanket was laid out with candles, stones, and a dagger. She clapped a beat and the old woman sang:

A silver glow emanated from the old lady’s hands. She walked over to him and placed them on his cheeks. Immobile, he saw a purple sky and, in the distance, a woman. Silhouette only, she held out a hand. He took it.

Power knocked him out.

“Lawke, can you hear me?” His brother shook him.

“An elephant could hear you.” He looked around. “Why am I on the floor?”

Stanford helped him stand. His balance was a bit wobbly, but he didn’t feel much different.

“Did it work?” Whatever it was.

“You will find out when you meet the priest.” The old woman looked outside. “You must hurry to meet his deadline. Good luck.”

Practically shoved out the back door, Evelyn clutched the photo container and led the way into the woods.

Starlight sparkled through the trees. For a moment, his eyes crossed and he thought he saw a green energy emanating from the trees.

Too much talk of magic. He was hallucinating. There was no way he could believe plants had an energy.

“Wait. I’m coming with you.” Daphne raced to join them.

“Stanford let you come?”

“He has no say in how I live my life.”

He stared back, wishing he could catch a glimpse of his brother. “What happened between you two? He loved you with his whole heart.”

She looked down at the ground. “Things didn’t work out.”

Yeah, whatever happened, it wasn’t Stanford’s fault. And that pissed him off for his brother’s sake. “Did you trap him here, too?”

A fierce glitter emanated from her gaze. “That is none of your concern. Don’t ask again.”

Power washed over him and for the moment, even if he wanted to, he couldn’t ask her a question. He wasn’t sure being ordered to be quiet was any better than this mess with his daughter.