Release (The Protector Book 3) Read Online Free Page B

open wide.
    “Rayna?” Marcus asked.
    “Don’t worry about it. It’s fine,” she said. “I knew my mother was a witch. Knowing what coven she belonged to doesn’t change anything.”
    “Good,” Grams said and turned to Marcus, slapping him on the shoulder. “I told you it wasn’t a big deal. You men and your tiptoeing around everything is such a waste. Look at her: she’s a big girl. She can handle herself.
    Rayna’s shoulders tensed and she put her hands in her pocket. I knew her well enough to know it wasn’t as fine as she was letting on.
    “Now that we got that out of the way, it’s time we see what you can do,” Grams said.
    “I told you, I can’t do much other than few basic spells,” Rayna said.
    “An experienced witch in the Triquerta can change that. More specifically, you’ll be training with me. We’re going to see what you’re made of…besides hairballs.” Grams snorted and laughed.
    “Right…” Rayna said.
    Grams reached into her suitcase-like purse and pulled out a pen and paper. “I want you to go to The Ouija Board and pick all this up. I’ll meet you at your place when you’re finished.”
    “Let’s slow down here a minute,” Marcus said. “I’m not saying Rayna can’t handle herself, but the last few months have been hard on everyone. We’ve all had to make certain…adjustments. I’m not sure now is the time to be testing her limits. With Jonathan back in the picture—”
    “He’s not,” Rayna said.
    “But I thought you two were going to start spending time together.”
    Rayna shook her head. “At least not now. Not until all of this is over. Outside of shifting, I’m just not ready for that.”
    “Oh…” Marcus said. “Are you sure ?”
    “I need to be focused right now. I can’t do that with him in the picture.”
    “Okay,” Marcus said. “Let me get my things and I’ll come to The Ouija Board with you. With Riley and the Brothers on the loose, we’re not taking any chances.”
    “Nonsense. You and I have our own business to tend to,” Grams said. “Willy, Chase, and whatever his name is can go.”
    “My name is Tikimicharnikato, of the—“
    “I don’t care,” Grams said. “Now move your ass, kitty. The store closes in an hour.”

 
    Chapter 4
     
    The parking lot was deserted, and newspaper, empty garbage cans, and other debris scattered and rolled around on the pavement. Shades of black and gray were painted across the sky, shifting from one angry cloud formation to another. The wind blew hard, and it carried the smell of incoming rain. One of Stonewall’s famous autumn storms was on its way, and if the wind was any kind of sign, it was going to be a bad one.
    I jumped out of the Jeep and gusts of air whipped across my face. A small line of crows sat perched along the top of the buildings, and a single crow on the awning below them. It squawked annoyingly as the door to The Ouija Board slammed open and the wind pinned it against the side of the building. Each time the wind calmed the door would close, but another blast would slam it back against the brick wall, causing silver bells to clang against the glass.
    As I neared the entrance, the door hit the wall again and a web of cracks spread throughout the glass. The crow squawked again and the other crows jumped into the air, circling the building in a murder of annoyance. Once everyone had moved inside, I battled the wind and pulled the door shut.
    “Wow, this storm isn’t going to be pretty,” I said.
    The wind howled on the other side, but the door stayed closed as I let my fingers slide off the aluminum handle.
    “What happened here?” Tiki asked.
    The store was in shambles, as if a storm of its own had torn through the inside. Pieces of what were once crystal balls lay strewn across the floor in fragments. Board games, trinkets, and power stones were in pieces on opposite sides of the room. The cash register spilled receipts, dollar bills, and coins onto the floor as it sat