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  Unknown Magic

  Evelyn M. Byrne

  Award winning author

  A Daughter of Prophecy Novel

  White Bird Publications

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual person, living or dead, business establishments, event, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the written permission of the author.

  Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights. Purchase only authorized editions.

  UNKNOWN MAGIC

  Copyright©2010 by Evelyn M. Byrne

  Excerpt from Stolen Magic Copyright©2010 by Evelyn M. Byrne

  Cover art by Theresa Gibbons

  http://reesegibbons.blogspot.com/

  ISBN: 978-0-9828024-0-3 (Paperback)

  ISBN: 978-0-9828024-1-0 (Electronic)

  Visit Evelyn at her website.

  http://www.evelynmbyrne.com/

  In loving memory of my parents,

  Thomas and Doris Byrne

  Acknowledgements

  There are so many people I have to thank for their help and support of this book:

  Pat, my sister-in-law, who told me after she read the first three chapters, “You are not allowed to do anything else, but write.” Thanks for all your support.

  Theresa, my daughter, and Pam, my life-long friend, for the first edits that helped this book win first and third in two contests. You are both great.

  Margaret, my cousin, for the translations from English to Gaelic. Without you, I would not have been able to get it done.

  My critique group for all the knowledge and support they gave me. You are the best.

  Kassy, my editor, for the wonderful job you did to make this book into the finished product. Thanks

  Theresa for the great cover. You did an extraordinary job.

  Beth our cover model. Thank you

  Kevin, my loving husband. Thanks for everything.

  But, most of all to my readers. Without you it would be all for nothing.

  Unknown Magic

  A Daughter of Prophecy Novel

  White Bird Publications

  Prologue

  Captivated by the story of her mother’s first transformation, Megan settled next to her on a flat rock overlooking the stream. The slight breeze rustled the leaves on the trees, swirling the scent of pine around her. The squeal of a hawk overhead had Megan imagining herself a great eagle—soaring over the trees, caught in the wind currents, gliding with not a care in the world.

  She wanted to change now, not wait until she was twenty-five. But Mommy said it didn’t work that way. Well, she’d just have to dream till then.

  Her mother stopped speaking and placed her hand to Megan’s lips.

  Megan listened but heard nothing out of place.

  Her mother slid from the rock and pulled Megan into the cold water. Shivers exploded through her, and her teeth chattered.

  They crept downstream. Rushing water tugged at Megan’s ankles. The hair on the back of her neck shot to attention, as Bandit, her one-hundred pound black lab, started barking and growling. He ran back up the path and disappeared. Then he yelped once and went quiet.

  “Bandit!”

  “Shhh.”

  “But Mommy…Bandit…he’s hurt!”

  “Keep moving, little one. Stay as quiet as possible.” Her mother cut off any further protests.

  They slipped further downstream. Something resembling an arrow, but much smaller, hit her mother’s arm. Her mother gasped and stumbled to her knees. As she yanked the dart from her arm, fear flashed in her eyes. She whispered, “Run Megan. Run!”

  Megan hesitated, but her mother pushed her and begged, “Baby, please run!”

  She started to plough through the water and tripped. As she fell, she took one last look backward. A huge dark-haired man with a scraggly beard picked up her mother and carried her away. Megan saw another man coming after her. She scrambled upright and started running again. But gaining traction on the mossy rocks was impossible. Her tiny legs were no match for the man pursuing her. Just as she reached the edge of the embankment, a big arm hooked her waist.

  “Gotcha,” a gruff voice whispered in her ear.

  She kicked and screamed, wishing she were twenty-five and could turn into a fierce lion or tiger. A strange tingling sensation came over her for a quick moment, and then it vanished.

  “Settle down, whelp.”

  Megan continued to lash out at him.

  “Settle down, I say. It ain’t no use, you know. We already gots your mama.” Then he called over his shoulder, “I got the pup!”

  Megan felt a small prick; then everything went black.

  Chapter One

  Seventeen years later

  Eyes…yellow-green eyes staring at her, everywhere she turned they were there. She had to get away. She ran, but she couldn’t outrun those eyes. “Leave me alone. Go away. What do you want?” Panicked, she ran faster, her heart jack hammering against her ribs and her breath coming in gasps. Something wrapped around her legs. She fell, kicking out trying to dislodge whatever it was.

  Megan Tully woke with a start. Sweat covered her body and her heart pounded like a base drum. Tangled sheets trapped her legs. Kicking the linens off, she eased up in the bed. Her gaze searched the dim room, but no eyes peered back at her. She let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding and her heartbeat gradually slowed.

  For months now, the same dream plagued her. What did it mean? What did those eyes want? Why did they just stare at her the way they did? She hoped getting away from home and coming here would stop them, but instead the nightmares intensified.

  Knowing she would not go back to sleep, she climbed from her bed and slipped into a cool shower to wash away the remnants of the dream. The water helped ease her angst.

  She dressed, strode into the kitchen, and made some coffee. Sitting at the table, cup in hand, she stared through the window and watched the sun crest the mountains. Her thoughts traveled back to her recurring dream. Why did those eyes plague her? Were they trying to tell her something? If so, what? Did it have something to do with her lost childhood memories? She had to talk to someone. But who? Her father? No, it would just send him into a frenzy and he’d have her back in therapy. Her Uncle Donovan? Yeah, he would be here in a week. No…her Uncle Sean, he always listened and never judged her. Damn, he wasn’t coming for another two or three weeks though. Well, she would figure it out.

  Heading out for a walk to clear her head she ended up on the ledge she discovered the previous day. She sat there, struck by the loveliness of her surroundings. Home, this felt like home. Untamed beauty, or maybe untouched would be a better word. A place man had not destroyed with bulldozers and concrete. Even the air smelled clean, carrying a hint of pine and earth.

  The lake stood blue and serene; its surface as still as glass. Trees extended for miles in every direction; so dense in places that walking through it would seem like treading from day into night. The sun warmed the ground upon which she sat. She felt safe, complete, and at peace here.

  Dad said her mom liked to come here. She loved the wild. “It was in her nature,” he’d said. Megan guessed it must be in hers, too. Something stirred deep inside her. She could vaguely hear a familiar voice spinning mystical tales. If only she could remember the events of that day—the day her mother died. The doctors said at some point she might, but after twelve years, she doubted she ever would.

 
A memory pushed forward—in front of her stood an enormous jet-black wolf. When his head lifted, he stared back at her with yellow-green eyes. Her heart raced. “Oh God. The eyes from my dreams.” Even with the bars separating them, fear coursed through her. But, those yellow-green eyes just stared. They held great intelligence, more human than canine. Then his teeth crushed down on the lock holding the bars together.

  “Megan!”

  Her father’s voice pierced her thoughts, pulling her attention back to the present. Her heart rate slowed, though the images left her edgy.

  “I’m over here, Dad.” She scrutinized her father as he climbed up to the ledge she sat on. He was a good-looking man, not tall, but runner-trim with sandy-colored hair that just touched his shirt collar, which made him look much younger than his years.

  “You scared me half to death. I woke and you weren’t in the cabin. I’ve been searching for you for almost an hour.”

  The look on his face had her stammering. “Sorry, it’s just...I don’t know...it’s like the wild is calling to me.”

  Sadness crept into his chestnut-brown eyes before he gazed out over the water. “You know, sweetheart, you sound just like your mother. I still miss her so much, Meg. Even after all these years, it hasn’t changed. Why—why did God allow her to die so young?”

  “I wish I knew, Dad. But, sitting here, I can almost feel her with me.” She paused. “Dad, were there any wolves around where we lived?”

  Whipping around to stare at her, the sadness in his eyes turning to amusement, he said, “Meg, you know there’re no wolves in Chicago.”

  “I guess you’re right.”

  “What makes you ask?”

  “I’m not sure. Just before you came, I was thinking of Mom and trying to remember that day. Then, I’m not sure what happened, but I felt much younger sitting in a cage and this wolf ran up to me.”

  Her father ran his fingers through his hair. “Go on.”

  “I think I was remembering something from my past. The wolf was part of it.” As she said it aloud, she realized how strange it sounded. “Sounds kind of stupid doesn’t it?”

  “No, Meg, not stupid.” He stopped as if to gather his thoughts. “Possibly sitting out here in the wilderness got your imagination going.”

  “Yeah, that’s probably it.” Megan looked toward the lake not sure how to proceed.

  “Meg, do you remember any more of your past?”

  “No. I wish I could, but it’s just one big blur.”

  “Maybe it’s time you just let it go. It’s been a long time, sweetheart. Some things are best forgotten.”

  A sense of aggravation sliced through her. “That’s just it, Dad. Maybe if I could actually remember, then I could let it go. But those years of my life are missing and I want them back.”

  Her dad ran his hands through his hair. “I know, God, I know. I was in hell that week you and Bernadette disappeared. Then, for the five years you were in the coma. I was forced to accept I might lose you both.”

  “Dad, I know talking about this bothers you, but I just can’t let go. Even after all these years, it haunts me. I lost my memory. Not just of the kidnapping and the years I was in the coma, but my whole childhood. I can’t remember anything about Mom or you before the day I awoke. It’s like I didn’t exist before my thirteenth birthday. Somehow I have to get it all back.” She fought the burning tears welling behind her eyes, but losing the battle, she murmured, “Dad, please help me. I need to remember.”

  “I wish I knew how, Meg. I wish I knew how.”

  He wrapped her in his arms and held her as she wept. She couldn’t stop the sobs. They raked through her for what seemed like hours. Her tears finally depleted, she managed to pull herself together. “I’m sorry, Dad.” Megan rubbed her hands over her face, wiping away the tears.

  “It’s okay, it’s okay.” Her father whispered as he helped her to her feet.

  They climbed off the ledge and walked back to the cabin in silence.

  The dream assaulted her again, only this time it was different; it was like watching a movie—a movie about a young girl. The child sat in a cage, crying for her mother. An enormous wolf bounded up. He broke the lock with his teeth and pawed open her cage. Fear seized her at the size of him. But, looking into his eyes, she realized he was there to help and said, “Please don’t let them hurt me anymore; I just want Mommy. You’re like us, aren’t you?”

  As her distress eased, she climbed out of the cage. He guided her out of the building. Her legs wobbled as the wolf pulled her toward the woods. He nudged her under some bushes. The look he gave her communicated he needed her to stay and be quiet. The wolf turned and ran back toward the building in a fast spurt. An explosion rocked the ground as flames shot from the building. “NOOOO, MOMMY. NOOOO!”

  “Megan.” Her dad shook her. “Megan, wake up!”

  “Dad,” Megan’s breath came in gasps, she grabbed her pillow and held it to her breast like a security blanket. When she came fully awake, she realized she dreamt of her escape after she and her mother’s kidnapping. “Dad, it was a wolf that helped me that night. I saw it in my dream, and it went back for Mom, but the place exploded.”

  “Megan, that is not possible! Honey, they found you two days after the fire. You were in the woods, not even a half-mile from the house. From what we could tell, you got lost trying to get home. You were unconscious, and you stayed that way for five years. When you woke up you mentioned a dog, but we thought you meant Bandit. He was the one that found you in the woods that day. No one knows where you headed after your mother was kidnapped. We didn’t know if you were hiding or just wandering. Meg, you couldn’t have been with your mother that night. They found her in a warehouse, more than thirty miles away.”

  “What! You never told me that. Dad, I know I was with her.”

  He ran his fingers through his hair. “Meg, you and your Mom went out that day for your usual walk. When I got home that night, you and Bern weren’t there. Donovan and I scoured the woods for days, finding nothing. It was four days later when we got word of a fire in a warehouse. The police found your mother’s body inside, but they found no trace of you. Two days later, Bandit found you.”

  “Dad, I know I was there. The wolf pulled me out of the warehouse.” She buried her face in the pillow she clutched to her breast.

  Jim placed his hand on her head. “Honey, it’s only a dream. I know you want so much to recapture that time, but it may never happen. Now you know what really happened, so can’t you just let it alone and move on?”

  Her head snapped up. “No!” She couldn’t believe he would even suggest it. “I just can’t do that. I know in my heart that there has to be more. I can feel it.”

  “Go back to sleep, Meg. We’ll talk more in the morning.”

  Disappointed her dad didn’t understand, she nodded. “Sure, Dad, goodnight.”

  Megan buried her face in her pillow and screamed with frustration. How can Dad not care about something so important to me? She knew sleep would be a long time coming. She tossed and turned as the questions plagued her tired mind. Her dream was so real. How could she dream of a place if she hadn’t been there? How and when were she and her mom separated?

  No, she was sure she’d never left her mom. If her dad and uncle searched the area for days, how is it Bandit found her, when they couldn’t? As for the wolf with yellow-green eyes—those eyes she ran from for months in her dreams. Now she knew she should not have run. Those eyes were not there to hurt, but help her. What had she said? Something about being “like” them. What did that mean?

  Certain her father had not told her everything, she tried to figure out what was missing. What is he hiding about that time? Why had he waited so long to tell me about being found so far from mom? So many unanswered questions, so many unknown facts, but one thing was certain. She had to remember.

  She could hear her father pacing the floor in the next room muttering to himself. She didn’t know if the walls were that thin,
or if her father didn’t realize his voice was so loud, but she could hear every word he said.

  “How could she have been with Bernadette? We found her miles from Bern. They were together in the woods before Bernadette was kidnapped, but Megan had to have gotten away.”

  Her father’s footfall stopped, and she held her breath.

  “Dear God, if she was with her mother…”

  Her heart jumped when the wall shook as if he slammed his fist on the dresser, and all but roared. “God, please tell me she didn’t witness any of that.”

  Witness any of what? She knew he hadn’t told her everything. I’ll confront him about it in the morning.

  Her eyelids grew heavy and, as sleep finally overtook her, Megan vaguely heard her father speak again.

  “It’s Jim. I think Meg may be getting her memories back. You better get here quick. She says she was at the warehouse with Bern. There’s more, she says a wolf rescued her.”

  Seamus O’Kelly paced in his cabin like a caged animal. The muscles in his legs and arms rippled as he stalked from one room to another. Feeling trapped, he flung open the door and strode into the night. His gaze searched in the darkness.

  After all this time, seventeen years, she appeared in his life again. Only this time she was not the helpless little girl with strawberry-blond hair and eyes as blue as the lake, but a striking woman. She wore her hair the same, long and pulled back in a ponytail. Now those blue eyes were a drowning danger for unsuspecting onlookers. Her body—a body a man wanted to touch—with long legs that never seemed to end and curves he could only imagine exploring with both his hands and mouth.