Free The Witching Craft (The Witches of Redwood Falls 2) by Janelle Daniels Page A

talisman.
    His grin devastated. In moments like this, his golden looks proclaimed him an angel instead of what he truly was.
    Lucifer in disguise.
    "I think that’s obvious, my dear. I want the talisman."
    Her head nodded to Jack. "Then why didn't delivery boy here just relieve me of it?"
    Voltaire tsked, clearly disappointed with her manners. "Thanks to your friend, Zander, we've come to understand the bracelet is cursed. I have no desire to inactivate the wonderful magick you've created. So, instead of stealing it from you, I decided to take you. You'll stay here, remaining with me until we find a way to break the spell."
    “What if a counter spell is never found?”
    His fingers drummed together. “I don’t think that’ll be a problem.”
    She gulped. Would he hold her here forever? "There's no spell to break it. Not anymore."
    His finger lifted in the air. "Ah, but even though it's been destroyed, it remains somewhere doesn't it?" He toasted her with his champagne glass.
    Her heart sank. Zander had overheard her conversation in the vault. Voltaire couldn’t gain that information anywhere else. She should've known Zander would do something so despicable. But if they knew Celeste had it, she'd be in danger. "You'll never get it from her."
    He laughed. "Nothing is ever out of my reach, my dear. It may take some finessing, but I always get what I want."
    She attacked her meat, forcing down tasteless bites. Keep up your strength. "And once you get what you want? What then?"
    "You'll be released, of course."
    Utensils clattered to her plate. She worried she’d stab him. "Really? You'd let me go? Just like that? After I'd been a prisoner here?"
    He looked at her like he would a child. "Of course. I'm not a monster, Persephone. I may be ruthless in achieving my goals, but I don't just kill for the joy of it. You've a wonderful talent that shouldn't be extinguished. If I killed you, I wouldn't enjoy the things of power you'll craft in your life. And I very much look forward to items of such quality."
    He'd never obtain an object of hers. She’d destroy each piece immediately after creating it if necessary. This monster would never have a part of her.
    “Aren’t you worried I’ll use the talisman against you?”
    He chuckled. “Absolutely not.” He pointed to a tattoo on her arm she hadn’t noticed. “You’ve been fitted with a special blocker that inhibits all magicks.” At her snarl, he held up his hands to halt her protests. “It’s nothing permanent. The charm fades after a week. Until you’re finished here, we’ll refresh the spell as needed.”
    "Oh," he dabbed his lips again, "I should also mention, although I prefer to keep you alive and well, if you so much as attempt to escape or cross me in any way, I won't hesitate making your stay far less pleasant. You're a guest here until you choose to be otherwise. Choose to cooperate, and you'll be treated like a valued guest. Cross me, and you'll suffer." He smirked. “Your potential creations in years to come cannot protect you then.”
    Ice coated her veins. Voltaire, no matter how handsome, rich, and powerful he might be, had lost his mind.
    To stay alive, she agreed.
    "Excellent. I'm glad we have an understanding." He nodded approvingly.
    She wouldn't acquiesce again. She couldn't even look at him. If only the talisman’s power didn't come with such dire effects, if only he hadn’t blocked her magick, she’d save herself, somehow. Since casting wasn’t an option, she’d need to find another way to escape or at least get a message out.
    No matter what, Voltaire would never possess the talisman's power. If necessary, she’d take the bracelet off herself. The curse be damned.
----
    Z ander lurked inside his car , ready to strike. His location spell led him here, and his magick never lied. When he’d first set off on his own, he'd been called The Blood Hound. His ability allowed him to find anything, anywhere. Or in this case, anyone.
    Jack strolled