The Empress' Rapture by Trinity Blacio Page B

Sierra to hear this first. She’s all I have except Chandler now. About fifty years ago, the Trolls found my mother and father. The Trolls killed my father, believing that if he were dead my mother could breed for them.” Jean gazed at Sierra.
    “It didn’t work. I found my mom ten years later. She was dying from the abuse they forced on her. Somehow the Trolls were able to block my mother’s power and entrap her. Mom swore they worked with someone. My mother was a very powerful Witch, and I’m the last of the line for our family. Mom had the gift of sight. She knew you would be like a sister to me and that you would save me that night.”
    Jean held up her hand and stopped Sierra’s question. “I know you don’t remember. You wanted to find a town where there was no power play, Trolls, or Shape Shifters, and you wanted to just be yourself. Oh, they weren’t the same Trolls I’ve heard about from your dad. They were from a different region. Anyway, my mom showed me how to transfer her powers to you. I gave you my mother’s powers as she gave them to me. She knew you would need them in time.” Jean glanced at Drake and lowered her head, her beaded braids covering her face.
    “So this is how I have your mom’s powers?” Sierra squeezed her hand.
    “Yes and when you’re mated, your mates will have some of my father’s powers. They’re hidden in you until the time is right for your true mates to have them. The Council of Witches told me about the powers being placed within me and how to give them to you. I didn’t know at the time how I would meet you. Now I’ll remove the spell so you can remember. Again, I’m sorry about lying to you. In some ways you have part of my mother and father in you. I’ll always be connected to you.” Jean whispered some words and removed the spell.
    Sierra sat back on the bed. A memory flashed before her eyes.
    Walking towards her new apartment screams from the corner reached her. Running there, she discovered three Trolls surrounding a woman who looked like an African-American model. Her long braids swung in the air as she kicked at one of the creatures, but it had no effect on them. Sierra knew she had to help. Concentrating on her powers, she aimed her attack on the Trolls before they knew she was there. The force of the assault threw the perpetrators into the wall, knocking them out. Sierra grabbed the girl’s hand and ran. She looked up at that same dark-skinned beauty and shook her head. She could now remember everything.
    “Oh, my god, Jean. I am so sorry. Does Chandler know what happened?” Sierra whispered, hugging her friend.
    “No, I have to explain it to him before we go any further, but I had to tell you first. It’s something I don’t want to remember but have no choice. He has the right to know what happened.” Sliding down the wall, Jean sat on the floor and looked up as tears streamed down her face. Sierra curled up next to her and pulled her into her arms, comforting her.
    Sierra’s dad paced the room. “The Trolls have to be stopped. This can’t happen again. Too many women are disappearing.” Turning to Jean, he stated, “You’ll always have a home here. I’m sorry about what happened to you, but know this, if the man is worth anything it won’t matter to them about anything. They would support and love you. I haven’t known Chandler long, but his family is well known.” Drake kneeled and hugged both women.
    “We have to let the others know. Are you two ready for this?” Drake looked from Sierra to Jean.
    “Jean, why don’t you wait up here? We’ll get Chandler and send him up. You can tell him without anyone else around,” he said, kissing her forehead as she nodded. Jean got up and sat on the bed to wait.
    “Do you want me to stay with you, Jean?” Sierra sat down next to her on the bed, holding her hand.
    “No, this is my story, my shame. Go…you have a meeting to attend.”
    “There’s no shame, Jean. You were a victim.