Esmerelda: A Rogue Enforcers Novel by Darlene Tallman (phonics books TXT) 📕

to do so.” He nods but doesn’t say anything else, merely stands as we walk down the steps and back over to the truck. I help her into the passenger seat then trod over to the driver’s side, climbing in then closing and locking the door.

“Well, that was interesting,” Esmerelda remarks as I start the truck. “What an odd little man.”

Esmerelda

As Beast points the truck toward home, I listen with half an ear to his discussion with Colton, then Maverick and Paxton, and finally, his brother, Baldwin, who is apparently enroute to our location. Now that I have a better idea of where Ice and Leigh are being held, I’ve been fine-tuning my location spell. I refuse to let the worry that Burt’s words spiked in me creep in. If necessary, I will reach out to every one of my witch sisters to draw on their power to save my family. I know that the shifters in my world are more concerned with the humans finding out about their existence. Since witches have been known about for centuries now, my focus is ensuring that Leigh and Ice remain alive until the rest of us arrive to rescue them. Incantations flit through my mind as I search for the best one to protect them from afar. “I hope Colton got in touch with Tabatha,” I mumble, watching my scrying bowl change colors once again. “Between the two of us, at least, everyone should be safe.”

“She’ll be coming with us,” Beast says, startling me. I’ve been so focused on my tasks that I didn’t realize he was no longer on the phone. “Were you paying attention at all while I was on the phone, Esme?” he asks.

“Not really. I know you talked to pretty much everyone, even that vamp I call my best friend, although why she felt the need to talk is beyond me,” I reply, grinning at him.

“She wanted to let you know that she rescued the herbs that were almost lost in a rainstorm. She thought she remembered you telling her that they were important,” he says, chuckling.

“They are so I’m glad to hear she pays attention to me every once in a blue moon. What’s the plan?” I question, fully focusing on him now that I’ve done all I can for the time being.

“Colton’s getting a plane for us to get down there.”

“Who all is going?” I inquire, mentally thinking of everything I’ll need to add so I’m prepared for every eventuality.

“Us of course, Mav, Connelly, Paxton, Landry, Tabatha and I think Charisma. Rowina and Kash will stay behind to oversee the compound,” he replies.

“Why is Charisma going?” I ponder out loud. I mean, she’s a rather powerful vampire in her own right, but other than that, I don’t understand why she’d want to put herself on the front line like that.

“Because she can compel those we come into contact with to assist us.”

“I can do that as well,” I remind him. “Besides, she has those new vamps she’s working with, remember?”

“Colton wants you and Tabatha focusing on the magic. I told him what you felt and saw in your bowl,” he advises. “About how there was darkness attached, you know, magical shit. But maybe I can talk to him since she definitely doesn’t want to leave them on their own for however long we might be gone.”

His words make me giggle and soon, we’re both laughing so hard, tears are falling. I think the stress and strain of the situation has gotten to us and wish we didn’t have this current threat hanging over our heads. “One of the things that really bothers me, Beast, is that Ennis is also a shifter. What kind of individual turns on their own kind like that?”

“Someone who is full of greed, who doesn’t care about anyone but themselves.”

“How soon before we leave for Brazil?” I ask.

“You and I will be home at some point tomorrow, likely late of course. Colton wants us to take off the following day.”

“So not much time at all. I wonder if I need to reach out to Rowina or Charisma to see if they can gather some items for me. I know they can’t go into my magic room, but there are herbs and plants I’m going to need,” I muse.

“Esme, we’ll get it together, you and me, okay? Don’t worry, I’ve got you,” he soothes, reaching out to take my hand in his.

“The goddess was surely shining down on me the day you pulled into our campsite,” I murmur, glancing over at him.

“I totally agree with you, sweetheart. Do you need a break? Or can we keep going a little longer?” he asks.

“Let’s go as long as possible providing you’re okay to drive,” I suggest.

Other than stops for gas as well as bathroom breaks, I drive until the road starts to blur, then find a small hotel for us to check into for the night. Our last stop, I grabbed some sub sandwiches so once I have the room squared away, I carry Esmerelda in, then go back and grab all of our stuff. “Esme? Let’s grab a shower then eat something before we sleep.” I know we don’t tire the way humans do, but the past few days have been hard on my sorceress as she tries to find the right spells to ensure our family will be okay.

“M’kay, sugar bear,” she mumbles, sitting up. I watch as she runs her hands across her face as if to revitalize herself, then she stands and heads to her duffel bag, grabbing out her toiletry bag as well as a filmy nightgown, which has my dick perking up. Of course, he doesn’t need a lot of stimulation where she’s concerned.

I let her take the first shower while I sit, enjoying the fact that I’m no longer driving even though physically, it feels as if my body is still moving. I’ll never understand why that happens on long road trips. As I