Page 15 of Jade Lion and the Witch Boy (Haunted Hearts: Season of the Witch #5)

“A W-WIZARD?” I stammer. There is so much information to process now. This well-dressed guy casually walked into what was supposed to be an obscuring fog. But I suppose Kai’s spell is nothing but a beaded curtain to another adept mage.

Wizard. The word sends chills down my spine.

Lisbeth has no nice words to say about the classification of spellcasters who draw power from the sun.

Anika and Ashley have both been shunned as well, facts they shared with Taina and me when we joined the coven.

If witches have learned to hide from mortals, we’ve also learned to steer clear of wizards as well; they’ve never been friendly with our kind.

At least, that’s what I’ve been taught. I’ve never met a wizard―until now.

The guy stares at us warily. Maybe he knows he’s outnumbered. Or maybe he’s frightened by the seven-foot-tall cat man in front of him.

“How do you know of me?” Kai asks.

“And what do you want?” I add with what hopefully sounds like a threatening attitude.

“I am a lead agent of a multi-coven worldwide protection organization known as the Union of Mages. We work to keep the magical community safe from otherworldly threats and other dark forces.” The guy slowly puts his hands down, but I continue to scowl at him.

I exchange a quick glance with Kai; neither of us is letting our guard down. Kai’s hands are raised, like he’s ready to blast this guy with arcana or claw at him if he tries anything funny.

I clear my throat and step forward. “That’s great. I’m a former Boy Scout and a barista who can cast spells, too.”

Luther smiles. “Oh, you’re a wizard? I haven’t seen you around the Union. Have we not contacted your coven?”

“Witch, actually. Now, what do you want with us?”

His smile falls, and he looks at Kai. “Just you, great Jade Lion.” He puts his hands down and nods. “We have been searching for you.”

“Why?” Kai asks through a growl.

“Because we need you. Your existence is that of legend. You are foretold to lead all wizards in the fight against chaos and destruction.”

“Kind of dramatic,” I reply. When I turn to Kai, he’s scrunching his eyes and shaking his head. I recognize that look—he’s recollecting more memories.

“Hey, you okay?” I ask, approaching his side.

Kai shifts to his human form and blinks several times. I touch his shoulder and he looks at me. “Yes. I am…remembering things.”

“Wow,” Luther says, his breath catching in awe. “The long-lost ancient Chinese mage, the Jade Lion, is here.” He smiles, but I glare at him.

“Can you give us a moment, wizard guy?” I turn back to Kai and rub his arm. With a lower voice, I ask, “What did you see? Do you need to sit down?”

“No. I am alright. But I believe this is not the first time wizards have asked for my help.”

“You mean, in your time, you knew wizards?”

“Yes. And I…I believe I led them into battle with dark forces in efforts to protect the world.”

I nod and play with the charm on my wrist. It’s supposed to ward away malicious intentions, but if he’s a secret agent wizard guy, then who knows if it will work.

I bite my lip and continue, “Lisbeth’s spellbook read that you, the Jade Lion, could be a great leader.

I didn’t know what that meant.” I glance at Luther, then back to Kai.

“How do we know this dude is telling the truth?”

“I can prove it!” Luther’s voice, just two yards away, pulls our attention. He gives a sheepish smile. “You can, uh, cast an interrogation spell on me.”

He approaches, and I shoot him a look of annoyance. “What?”

“You can sift through my mind and my memories to see if I’m telling the truth.” Luther raises his hands up again as he slowly approaches us. “You can vet me. Because I want you to trust me and the Union. We really need you, Mr. Jade Lion.”

Kai frowns. “You may call me Kai.”

Luther smiles with relief. “Well, Kai, I can walk you through the spell. You just have to—” Luther gasps and freezes up when Kai puts his hands around his scalp. Beams of light flow from Kai’s fingers through Luther’s head. I’d feel bad if this stranger didn’t literally ask for it.

Kai clamps his eyes shut and concentrates on reading Luther’s memories. “What are your intentions?” Kai asks with his eyes closed.

“To…help stop the forces of destruction. To save lives.” Luther gasps and continues, “But recruiting the Jade Lion will help the most.” Luther’s eyes roll back, and I’m starting to get worried.

Before I can say a word, the spell is over. Kai drops his hands, and Luther shakes his head like he just finished an intense workout.

“So?” I ask Kai.

“I see the Union he is referring to. I sense no ill will. He seems to be telling the truth.”

“Thank you,” Luther says as he catches his breath. When he calms down and stands up, he reaches into his pocket and pulls out a card. “I know you might have more questions that only the wizard elders can answer. Come see the Union for yourself.”

“We’ll think about it,” I reply.

When I take the card, Luther’s face falls. “I was referring to the Jade Lion. Our Union isn’t, um…we’re exclusive, so…”

He scratches his eyebrow, and I frown. “Just say it: you don’t let in witches.”

“I didn’t say that,” he says, defensively. “But witches require certain, um…needs. Your abilities would not help in the battles we face.”

“So, because of that, I’m not worthy?” Luther squirms at my words, and I can’t say I don’t enjoy it.

I know I’m being an asshat to a stranger, but he barged in on our magic session.

He wants to fanboy over the Jade Lion and would not have talked to the likes of me otherwise.

All of Lisbeth’s animosity seems to be founded; wizards don’t care for us witches.

Kai steps forward. “If Sebastian and the rest of my witch friends are not welcome, then I am also not welcome into your organization.”

Luther looks between us, seemingly pondering over what to do. “Then I guess you, too, uh, Sebastian.” He nods at me, but I don’t soften my frown. “I formally welcome you…both…to come tour our Union.” He looks at Kai. “The elders and everyone will be most pleased to meet a wizard of your caliber.”

“I am not a wizard,” Kai declares before I can. “I am a mage.”

I grin at him—loyalty is sexy.

“Right.” Luther claps his hands and walks backward to the wall of fog. “So, this time tomorrow?”

“We’ll think about it,” I say with disdain.

“Great. I hope to see you both there.” With that, the guy turns and opens another doorway in the fog. When he leaves, the misty air sutures itself back together, and our privacy is restored.

I let out a deep breath; that was rough. If he wanted to overpower me, he could have. I don’t have solo magic. Once again, Kai’s presence protected me.

“Are you alright, Sebastian?”

I turn and smile at my handsome friend. “I was going to ask you the same question.”

“I can take care of myself.”

“I know.” I step forward and hand him the card. “If you want, I’d…be happy to borrow a car and drive you there tomorrow. Only if you want to go.”

Kai looks away with a pensive expression. “The wizard was not lying when he told of great threats to our plane of existence.” My throat goes dry. Supernatural threats are frightening, but worse than that is the idea of losing Kai to another coven.

He turns to me and smiles. “But I do not want to ever leave your side, Sebastian. I was serious when I said that I would only visit them with you. And I will not join them without you. You have my word.”

Butterflies float around my stomach as I bite back a swoon. Why does this sexy stranger keep saying all the right things?

“So, will you accompany me tomorrow to Union of Mages?”

I shove my hands in my pockets and kick the ground. “I guess we’re off to see some wizards.”