Free Beyond Bewitching by Mellanie Szereto

carried the weight of generations to come—not only if she’d been a true elder, but also if she proved to be the savior of the clan’s very existence. Sarah was the end-all or be-all.
    “We should phone home while she’s sleeping.” Not surprisingly, Tanner’s whisper echoed John’s thoughts.
    Pushing aside his reluctance to even temporarily leave Sarah alone, John nodded and rolled to the edge of the bed. “Meet you in the outer chamber in five minutes.”
    He headed to the bathroom, unwilling to wash the tangy flavor of Sarah’s lovely cunt from his lips but needing to rid himself of the distraction. The splash of cool water washed away some of the exhaustion from jumping from the Old West to the age of mafia wars and world wars to the mid-twentieth century and the present—all in the span of twelve hours. Too bad he couldn’t afford twelve hours of sleep to recoup his energy. Her taste still lingered.
    Shedding his wrinkled suit jacket, he tossed it on the suitcases at the bottom of the bed as he checked on Sarah one last time. He aimed for the corridor to the outer chamber.
    Tanner paced the large living area, his own suit coat draped over the back of the couch. “All anyone needs to know is that we’re tracking down a lead.”
    “Agreed. Without seeing the tattoo firsthand, no one would believe she isn’t what she seems.” John dropped into one chair and then dragged the other closer with his foot. “Sit. Your pacing is driving me nuts.”
    “Fine, but you have to stop cracking your knuckles.” Lifting his eyebrows, Tanner grinned as he sat across from John. “You didn’t even know you were doing it, did you?”
    John laid his palms on his thighs to halt the involuntary habit. His partner knew him too damn well. “Telling the matriarch we tracked a path to our target will suffice for now. It’s more than we’ve had to report in the two years we’ve been searching for Sarah.”
    Their arms met in the middle, right hand clasping right forearm and left hand clasping left to form an X over their legs. Linking their minds, Tanner’s thoughts joined with John’s to call to the matriarch.
    Leader of the Xanthus clan, the horse shifters ask an audience of thee for guidance and a blessing. Will you share your wisdom?
    Seldom did they receive an immediate response, and this night was no different. The matriarch met with the others in their clan almost every evening, so they’d simply have to wait their turn.
    Neither he nor Tanner relaxed the grip that completed the connection, keeping their minds clear and ready for when they were summoned. The minutes silently ticked by until John had to wonder if they’d been able to penetrate the protection spells guarding the cavern and the compound. He was just about to break the link when a familiar voice sounded in his head.
    You do not trust your instincts such that you seek my wisdom? Ah, well. I offer you both my greatest blessings and whatever knowledge I can impart to those who have been gone far too long. How are you, my sweet boys?
    Tanner’s snort brought a smile to John’s lips. Sweet? We are ruffians, dear lady, and we wouldn’t tolerate anything other than being well.
    And you, Johnathon? Does Tanner speak for you?
    John cringed at her use of his given name. I speak for myself, matriarch. Though I should like to be home, I too am well.
    Is there a chance you will return soon? The vague question was as close as she ever came to asking how their search progressed.
    Since Tanner didn’t seem inclined to answer, John responded. We have found her trail. She was present at the Macska joining after Kazmer’s demise.
    You must be careful. She is dangerous, and I should not like to mourn the loss of either of you. Your destiny awaits you yet as well.
    He didn’t need the reminder. His destiny lay sleeping in the next room. We will take care. Our training has always preserved us.
    His mind was devoid of conversation for several seconds.
    The