"In a way. You'll join and you'll let these people do the work. But you'll rise in the ranks, with Sierra and Severin at your back, and when the time comes, with my help and theirs, you will push past these lesser supernaturals and reap the benefits."
"Which I'll share with you."
He eased back on his haunches. "Yes, I would benefit by having my offspring leading the charge. But I have children other than your mother, Savannah. And a dozen grandchildren. You're the one I chose. The only one."
"Because I also have witch and sorcerer blood. And I'm very, very well connected."
He smiled. "And very, very perceptive. Which I expect. As I do not expect you to leap at my offer now. Stay with your friends. Think on what I've said. When the time is right--" His head snapped up. "I believe we're about to be interrupted."
Sierra squawked something, but Balaam ignored her and touched my cheek again. "Think of what I've said. You deserve better, my child. And whatever your answer, I will make sure you get your spells back. I promise it."
Sierra stepped forward. "You said someone's--"
Severin's body collapsed. He let out an oomph as he hit the floor, then groaned and lifted his head, blinking. "Okay, next time? Some warning would be appreciated."
As he pushed to his feet, the door handle clicked.
Sierra spun on her brother. "I thought you locked--"
"I did."
He jumped to grab the door, but it swung open.
"Huh, this doesn't look like luggage storage," said a Southern drawl. In walked a guy with blond curls, broad shoulders, and blue eyes that didn't glance my way.
"It's not luggage storage," Severin said as he and Sierra moved in to block me from view. "Now, if you would please leave--"
"What's this?" He bent to examine the chalk circle. "This isn't that devil worship stuff, is it? You kids really shouldn't play around with that."
Severin reached for the intruder's arm. The guy grabbed his instead, and whipped him clear over his shoulder and into the wall.
"Hey, Clay," I said. Clayton Danvers. Elena's mate. The Alpha's bodyguard. The Pack's enforcer. If I had to be rescued by someone, Clay would top my list.
"Took you long enough," I said.
"You're welcome," he said.
"The rescue operation, I presume?" Sierra moved over beside me and reached out, fingertips icing over. "I believe we have a standoff."
"Nah," Clay said.
He lunged and grabbed Sierra's arm so fast she let out a yelp. He threw her across the room, where she landed beside her brother, who was struggling to his feet.
"This is a standoff," Clay said.
He grabbed the rope on my hands and yanked, and it snapped like thread. I bounced up.
"And this is a fair fight," he said.
Sierra snickered. "Um, no. Hate to break it to you, but your girl there is spell-free these days."
"I know. Otherwise, it wouldn't be fair at all."
Severin flew at Clay, who caught him by the shirtfront and whipped him against the other wall. "My mistake," Clay said as Severin slid to the floor. "Apparently, it's still not fair."
He tossed me the rope. "I take it you're still able to tie knots?"
"Sure." I knelt to bind Severin. As long as I kept out of the way of his hands, I was safe. Same for Clay, who went after Sierra. She'd wised up faster than her brother and stayed out of Clay's reach, which left them dancing around each other, lunging, and missing as their opponent spun out of the way.