Page 77 of These Deadly Dreams

Propped on my elbow, I trace my mates features with my eyes. I’ve spent countless times watching her from afar, making sure she was safe. I’ve always thought she was gorgeous, but up close her beauty steals my breath. I only wish her amber eyes were open so I could see them sparkle when she looks at me.

My phone dings, and I check the screen. It’s a message from Drew saying he’s at the base of the mountain with Agatha. They’ll be here in twenty minutes. I quickly shoot off a text to Cade and Kai letting them know. I’m grateful they’ve given me some time alone with Ellis, even though she’s mostly been sleeping. Just laying next to her eases some of the tightness in my chest and keeps my wolf somewhat calm.

Kai pokes his head in the room and I glance at him. “Still no change?” he asks. His usual grin is gone, replaced by a frown that pulls his brows down over his gray eyes.

I shake my head and his frown deepens. All three of us are anxious balls of energy, and I imagine Kai is even worse, filtering mine and Cade’s worry as well. “Agatha will be here soon.”

“What if she doesn’t have the answers we need?” His question is so quiet, I wouldn’t have heard it if it weren’t for my supernatural hearing.

I don’t have an answer for him, though. Because in my mind, that isn’t an option. I just got my mate. I’m not losing her now.

There is a knock on the front door downstairs, and my heart picks up. I should get up and greet Agatha. As an elder shifter, she deserves that at the very least, but I stay where I am and let Cade help the old woman up the steps.

I haven’t seen Agatha in years. The last time was right before I left pack lands for good. Subconsciously, I rub my scar. If it weren’t for her, I’d probably have lost my eye that night. She’s aged quite a bit. Even back then, deep wrinkles carved lines through her face. Now, her wrinkles have wrinkles. Long white hair, tied back with a red ribbon, hangs to her waist in loose tangles. Her frame is hunched over, and her gnarled hands grasp a cane for support. Cade leads her to a chair we pulled over to the bed, and each step looks labored. This woman has to be the oldest shifter alive.

“Agatha,” I say from my spot on the bed, bowing my head in respect.

“It’s good to see you again, Sterling.” Her voice is hoarse and raspy, but still strong. Pale green eyes study me for a minute before dropping to Ellis. “So,” she says, steepling her fingers in front of her mouth. “This is the one you had Drew ask me about? The woman who has apparently bonded to three different men?”

“It is.” I wait for Cade and Kai to settle in the room. Kai on the dresser, and Cade next to me on the bed. “We went to the library and found the book you mentioned to Drew. She’s a harpy.” I don’t mince my words. There is no point in beating around the bush, and the sooner we get to the root of the problem, the sooner my mate will be back to herself.

Agatha’s eyes pop wide, deepening the creases in her forehead. “A harpy,” she breathes. “It’s been a long time since a harpy has walked in this world.”

Kai leans forward from his perch. “Do you know anything about them? We learned a bit from the book, but we still have so many questions.”

Agatha nods distractedly. Her gaze travels over Ellis’s body. “You three are her Shields.”

“We are,” I say, and it doesn’t escape my notice the pride in my voice, or the way Cade and Kai’s shoulders straighten. It’s a title all three of us proudly accept and do everything in our power to ensure her safety.

“Shields give the harpy their magic. Ellis should be able to use all three of your powers. In addition, she’ll have some of her own. With each bonding, Ellis’s power will grow.”

“We’ve noticed that,” Cade says, running his hand through his hair. “But, each time she uses any magic, she ends up with a fever. Typically, it only lasts a few hours. This one has lasted over a day.”

Agatha runs a calculating gaze over the three of us. “She has accepted all three bonds?” Her eyes land on Ellis’s neck, and the very obvious bite mark from Kai, before rising to meet mine. Knowing swirls in the pale green depths.

Heat climbs up my chest, and I rub the back of my neck. “Well, she just accepted our bond last night.”

Agatha’s eyes drop back to Ellis’s neck. When she looks at me again, one white eyebrow is cocked in question.

“I haven’t marked her yet,” I ground out. “She’s had a fever. It hardly seems appropriate.”

Agatha hums in her throat. “Then the bond isn’t official. Until she has secured all three bonds, her magic will take a toll on her body. All magic comes at a cost.”

“That’s it?” Cade asks with a frown. “With the acceptance of all three bonds, the fevers will stop?”

“And she’ll come into her power in full,” Agatha confirms.

“You mean she’s not at full power yet?” Kai asks, eyes wide on his beloved. “Holy shit.” A slow grin spreads across his face.

“But … how can I mark her when she’s sick?” I look at Ellis, with her skin pale and eyes bruised with fatigue.

“I can give you the recipe for a tea that will hold the fever at bay long enough for you to mark her.” Agatha’s arms tremble as she pushes herself to her feet. Cade jumps up and rushes to her side. “When she’s feeling better, I’d love to meet her.”

“I’m sure she’d love to meet you, too,” I say and follow her and Cade down the stairs.

Allie is pacing in the living room, hands clenched in front of her. “Is she going to be okay?”

“She’ll be fine,” Cade reassures her with a small smile. “What ingredients do we need?”

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