Free The Wicked by Stacey Kennedy

growl,” Willow’s voice said snippily. “Goodness, this one locks me up in a disgusting pig sty, gives me a stupid name and lets me go hungry.”
     
    “You better shut that little fluffy face of yours or you’ll be sleeping out in the woods,” I snapped at her. “You think I’m mistreating you now wait until you’re covered in dirt and your hair is clumpy.”
     
    She snorted in her cat’s way and padded off, but I heard her thought clearly. “Now she resorts to threats.”
     

 

     
     

Chapter Seven
     
     
    The next night, Zennah, Kyden’s ex-lover, was standing in the Witches Meadow doing her usual bitch. “Please tell me this isn’t the Air Witch?” I grumbled at Zia.
     
    It would have been nice if Zia warned me last night this was whom I’d be meeting. At least, I could have prepared myself. If she wasn’t so damn beautiful—with her radiant features and super model physique—she’d matter nothing to me. But damn it, I hate when exes look better than I do.
     
    “ Be nice.” Zia’s voice scolded in my mind. “She is very powerful in her element and is the best one to assist you.”
     
    Our telepathic conversations were becoming easier as the nights passed. I usually left the connection open so that we could communicate. I liked having this with her.
     
    “Oh, I’ll be nice,” I snarled back.
     
    Zia gave me a reproving look.
     
    When we met up with Zennah, Zia said, “Thank you for meeting with us, Zennah. How are you doing this fine night?”
     
    “I am well, Zia,” Zennah replied as friendly as can be, then she looked at me and went straight to bitch and beyond. “You ready to get started or what?”
     
    “Be nice.” Zia’s voice came loudly.
     
    I sighed deeply. “Yes, thank you, Zennah. I…” My teeth ground together, “…appreciate your help.”
     
    “The pleasure is all mine.” Zennah’s voice was pretty much a sneer.
     
    “Hurry up with this. It’s rained and the ground is wet,” Willow demanded behind me.
     
    “Would you just shut up?” I snapped.
     
    Zennah’s eyes widened and a glare swept across her face. “Excuse me?”
     
    “Not you,” I corrected, waving my hand dismissingly. “It’s the damn cat. She’s driving me batty. She’s such a grump of fluff.”
     
    Zennah’s face softened—a little. “Well then, let’s get this over with. What do you want me to do with her, Zia?”
     
    “Nexi needs to understand what her magic holds so she can get a better grasp on the power she yields,” Zia answered. “I thought you being talented in the Air Element you could aid her with this.”
     
    “Pathetic,” Zennah murmured under her breath as she glanced at her feet.
     
    “Listen, you…” I started.
     
    Zia grabbed my arm and pulled me back quickly. “We need her help here.”
     
    I sighed again—this time even deeper.
     
    “Let’s get this over with,” Zennah snapped as if I was an annoying itch she couldn’t reach to scratch. “Show me what you got.”
     
    “What do you want me to do?” I replied.
     
    “You’re joking?” Zennah snickered. “You don’t even know what you can do?”
     
    I bit my lip, forcing my temper not to explode and shook my head. I won’t kill her. I won’t bash in her face.
     
    Zia chuckled.
     
    Zennah shot her a quizzical gaze. “Something funny?”
     
    “No,” Zia responded, seriously. “Please continue.”
     
    “I don’t know what you can do,” Zennah said, meeting my gaze. “I’m no mind reader. Just tap into your magic and release it.”
     
    If that’s what she wanted, then that’s what she’d get. “Okay. If I were you, I’d stand back,” I told her.
     
    Zennah snorted. “I doubt you’re capable of anything that could cause me harm.”
     
    “If you say so, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
     
    I closed my eyes, focusing on Air. I’d already proven the ability to trap someone, but I still didn’t even know how I did that. I settled for a moment,