Eliza Gayle Witch Bundle (paranormal romance) by Eliza Gayle (free children's online books TXT) 📗

For years he'd searched through the history of their family records, seeking a way to bind them. But so far, nothing. It seemed an impossible feat, until now.

Every instinct he had screamed Tarot. The answer was in those fucking cards. It was just a matter of time before he figured it out. When his sources informed him that the historian he'd hired to dissect the family Tarot had traveled to New England, he'd followed her to learn what she was up to. He now waited her out on his own family estate.

Unfortunately some of his employees had gotten carried away and forced him to reveal his presence. Why had his nephew protected the woman? What did she have or represent that would feed his darkness? He'd meditated on those thoughts for days, seeking answers.

The extra power his nephew had used from his brother pushed Scott to pain. To protect himself from death, he'd broken the spell with nowhere for the darkness to go but back inside himself. The resulting suffering and madness he'd been forced to endure for twenty-four hours had come close to killing him.

Waking up with dust and grit in his mouth, he'd found himself on the dirt floor of his cellar with no idea how he'd gotten there or how long he'd been out. The last thing he remembered was his nephew taking the woman.

The dark aura swirled inside him, churning his anger and hatred throughout his system. His throat ached and burned from his thirst. Rolling onto his back, he stretched his stiffened limbs. Thank God his instincts brought him home at times like this. Those boys did this to him and would continue to do so if he didn't find a way to soon end this. It was up to him to break this evil curse contained in the four men. One by one, Graelen, Cash, Dennison, and Noah had to be extinguished.

For centuries his family had been tainted by an evil that needed to be destroyed, but by its very nature protected those who harbored it.

He was close this time. His instincts cried with the knowledge. He'd found a strong coven that could help.

“Excuse me, Reverend.” His lieutenant's voice pulled him from his thoughts and plans. He turned back to glare at the man for intruding.

“Not a good idea to interrupt me right now, Giles.”

“I'm sorry, sir. I wouldn't under normal circumstances. I—”

“What is it?” He cut off the man from what would no doubt become a drivel of ass kissing if allowed to continue.

“She has arrived. Ms. Gallagher is waiting for you in your office.”

“Ah. That I will allow this time. But be warned that next time you may not be so lucky. You might want to think twice or even thrice before interrupting again. It could be painful for you.”

“Yes, sir.” He slunk back, easing his way in the general direction of the house.

So the historian had returned, no doubt to discuss her findings. He couldn't wait to hear what she had to offer up with regards to his two nephews, Graelen and Cash. The elder twins. Cash was a headstrong troublemaker already well on his path of destruction. It wouldn't be long before he turned. After connecting briefly with his brother, he'd disappeared. None of Scott's considerable resources had been able to turn up his whereabouts or even a whisper of what he was up to. It was troublesome to say the least.

Graelen, on the other hand, had holed up with Ms. Gallagher on his estate. No one in or out until now.

Entering the room noiselessly, he took a moment to take in her appearance. Her pretty long hair was pulled into a simple ponytail, the ends just brushing her shoulders. She was dressed in a conservative white blouse and long denim skirt that fell to her slim ankles. Even her shoes were plain brown loafers. If Scott hadn't recognized the intelligence in her eyes at their first meeting he would have dismissed her outright.

“Ms. Gallagher.” He paused to observe her further as she turned toward him. Her petite features were partially hidden behind her glasses. You could tell a lot about a person by the way they dressed. And right now Rena appeared nervous. “It's nice to see you again. I really appreciate you coming all the way out here to give me an update.” He shook her hand and was again pleasantly surprised by her firm, confidant touch.

“No problem, Reverend. I'm sure you must be anxious to see what I’ve found.” Her reply lacked a ring of conviction.

“Indeed.”

“Although I'm not sure you’ll be happy with my findings.” He arched his brow at that statement. “Well, first off, I have discovered that these cards are directly tied to the Scott family. As in Graelen Scott.” She hesitated.

“Yes, I know who he is.”

“Upon learning that these cards depicted the Scott family history, I opted to go there and discuss these with Mr. Scott and see what information he could offer. Imagine, if you will, my surprise when Mr. Scott informed me that these cards were stolen from his family last year.” Her comment contained a strong suggestion of distaste.

“And you're wondering if I knew that too?”

“Yes.”

He admired her simple, straightforward approach, even as he realized she would no longer be useful to his quest.

“Does it matter?”

“Of course it matters. My work was everything to me and you ridiculed that by bringing me unknowingly into your scheme.” Her tone chilled. “This scheme you have against your nephews is wrong. I can prove it in time.”

Scott ground his teeth and locked his jaw to control the anger. He absolutely would not tolerate her knowing about his familial ties. “You really have no idea what you're talking about, Ms. Gallagher.” His voice hardened. “You should have stayed in your museum like you were supposed to. Now things are complicated.”

Something in his demeanor or voice must have frightened her. She started taking steps backwards. Stupid move. His magick