The Banshee's Desire Read Online Free PDF Page B

enough for him to transport himself to visit her.
    Finn had felt a pang of jealously at finding that out. It seemed unfair to him that wizarding families were blessed with specific talents. Some wizards were suited to guarding and protection spells. Others were deemed healers, having a knack for medicine and cures. And still other families were able to master the art of time and space and move from place to place with ease and unconventional means.
    When he was younger, Finn hadn't understood why they couldn't all have the same talents, but his father had explained to him that Merlyn, the first of all wizards, had not wanted any one particular group to be all powerful. Magic was a living, breathing thing that could not be abused. If it was spread out, then balance could be maintained. That didn't mean that guardian wizards couldn't learn transportation spells or that the alchemist couldn't find ways to protect. It just took more practice. And time.
     
    Wizarding families were not allowed to mix blood lines, and since there were only about fifty wizards left in the world, it hardly ever became an issue.
    His sister had paid a price for breaking the rules.
    And her child was murdered at birth.
    It wasn't until almost fifteen years later that Jonathan Spark had discovered Derek had actually allowed the infant to live. Angry at this betrayal of custom, Derek was banished from the family. No Spark would be allowed to acknowledge his existence until further notice.
    That had been just fine with Finn who'd suffered a lot of torment at the hands of his older brother. Something about Finn had always rubbed Derek the wrong way, and he'd taken great pains to show his younger brother exactly how he felt about him. Using physical strength and magical skills, Derek had made life hell for Finn.
    And now his father wanted him to go seek vengeance for Derek's death.
    How Derek would have laughed if he'd known!
    As Finn walked into Mageia Enterprises, his father's company in Atlanta , he couldn't help but think that his brother had done one thing right. Finding a half banshee. That would have gone a long way to restoring his status in the family.
    Anything that gave a wizard family dominance in their world was good.
    But the child--why had Derek saved it, deliberately breaking the laws of the council? His father only referred to it as "the creature" like it was some throwback to Frankenstein. But Derek had seen something in the creature that had been worth getting banished for.
    What was it? And how could Finn use it?
    "Hello, Mr. Spark." The older woman who worked at the front desk of the office stood as he approached. For the life of him, he couldn't remember her name though she'd been employed by his father for years. "Your father is expecting you."
    "Thanks."
    He took a deep breath and opened the dark, oak doors of Jonathan Spark's domain.
     
    ****

Jonathan observed his son, Finn.
    Tall, dark, and handsome--a romance novelist's cliché.
    He supposed that someone might have once described him the same way. Jonathan's dark looks had served him well over the years. It never hurt to be good looking and powerful in business.
    He only wondered if Finn would turn out to be the disappointment his brother had been.
    Jonathan was well aware that certain members of their family whispered about Finn's…unhealthy habits.
    "Father," Finn greeted him. "You look well."
    "As do you, son. Have a seat." Jonathan gestured to the empty chair in front of his desk. On the wall behind him were TV screens, all muted but showing news from around the world. He watched his son glance up at them before sitting down. "Would you like anything to drink before we begin?"
    "Whiskey, if you've got it."
    Jonathan frowned. Finn knew he did not approve of alcohol at all. It weakened the mind, causing one to make poor choices. However, he could be indulgent when occasion called for it.
    With a wave of his hand, a glass materialized on the desk with a rich amber liquid