Mated To Magic (Stark Creek Shifters Book 1) by Barb Shuler (free ereaders .TXT) 📕

I nodded, but I knew as soon as he was gone, I was out of this chair. There was something I wasn’t being told and I had a feeling that I needed to know it. They just didn’t think I could handle it. Walking out into the hall, I quietly moved to the door and listened.

“What are you not saying, Liam?”

“I didn’t want to worry her, not without you taking the brunt of it first. The guy who was sent here to cause trouble? If you go down to the local post office, you’ll see his photo on the Most Wanted board. He’s wanted for raping and murdering women all across America. I’m trying to find the link, and I’m almost certain it stems back to the old owner of this place, but I needed a little more information out of Mia first.”

“Like fucking what?”

“A motive. He doesn’t like being told no. He found someone else who didn’t like that either. Any money, one of them would have been out there waiting for her after her shift.”

I heard Dalton growl.

“Fucking find them. Now! I’m taking her home where I can keep an eye on her.”

“Boss, she isn’t going to like that. Are you going to tell her why you’re holding her hostage at least?”

“Nope.”

Crossing my arms over my chest, I gave him a ‘busted’ look when the door opened fully and they saw me standing there.

“Oh, really? Is that how our relationship is going to work?”

“Don’t start, Mia, get your stuff. We’re going home.”

“Do not try and tell me what to do, Dalton. Remember who you are dealing with. I am not some pathetic little girl who needs the big bad wolf to save her.”

“Mia, this isn’t up for discussion. Neither is bringing in MY guys.”

“Oh, hell no! That is up for discussion! It’s not happening, Dalton. Have them surrounding the place, I don’t care. They are not to step foot in this place, okay! I mean it. They do and you will seem like a fucking puppy compared to me! I am not doing that to Jayden!”

“So you want me to risk everyone’s safety? For reasons you won’t tell me?”

“I can’t tell you, Dalton, it is not my story to tell. She can’t be around shifters she doesn’t know. You need to just accept that and leave it as you and Liam in here.”

“What am I supposed to do?! Leave it?”

“No, I told you, have them stay outside. Guard from the outside if you insist on bringing them in. Don’t make me tell the guys to refuse them entry. They may be your men, but this is still MY bar. You want to come in and run things? Over my dead body. While my name is on that deed, I control who comes in and who doesn’t. Keep. Them. Outside!”

“Mia, I can’t. I’m sorry.”

“Not yet, but you will be.”

Turning on my heel, I walked into my office and slammed the door shut. I stalked over to my bookcase and pulled down a book. It was a leather-bound book that was more than met the eye. If anyone else was looking, their eyes would skim straight over this as if it wasn’t there. I flipped it open to the page I was looking for. I had used this spell once before. It kept anyone of Supernatural blood out of the location that I put it on. I would have to alter this to allow Dalton and Liam access, but mind you, with the way I was feeling about Dalton, he could stay out there with the rest of his pack for all I cared. He was forcing my hand.

Moving to my desk, I unlocked and opened my bottom drawer. Moving some things out of the way, I put a smaller key into a compartment and pulled out a map of this place, placing it down on my desk. I set a candle down on top of it, which had been infused with a few oils that would aid in keeping them out. I lit the candlewick and crossed my legs under me. Dalton knew not to come near me when I was pissed off, so it would buy me a little time. Closing my eyes, I let myself fall into a deep meditation, clearing my mind of everything. I opened them back up again and looked into the flame, thinking the words of my spell. I knew if I said them out loud, the door would be open before I could finish. I needed to do this. I needed to keep Jayden safe. Not that these guys would hurt her, but if put in the situation, she could go into a major panic attack and hurt herself. I had protected her for too long. Taking a deep breath, I started.

Thank you, Goddess, for giving me your power. I ask that you watch over me and guide me in my ritual. I ask for your help in keeping my sister safe. Not only from others but from herself. I call upon the ancient lines to help keep this space free of Supernatural blood that is not invited in by me. I ask that they not be allowed to enter the line around the perimeter without my permission. I call upon you now to seek help in strengthening the protection on this bar and the people inside it.

The words repeated in my head three times before the candle snuffed out. Putting everything back in the drawer, I locked it up again and put my files over the top of it. Closing the book in front of me, I returned it to the shelf. Dalton would find out and he was gonna be pissed. I know he was just trying to keep me and the girls safe, but he and Liam could do that. There was no getting him to see reason when he was like this. I told him he would be sorry. I warned him not