Page 57 of Destined to Fight

Kade glared at Fabian, and Kelly felt them take on the similar yet distinctly different roles of protector and lover. It seemed stupid to think of Kade that way, but both men had clear interests in that moment. Kade wanted to care for her and protect her in the way only a lover would, with emotion influencing and sometimes overriding the mind. Fabian had only her well-being in mind and did not consider anything other than her survival. Together, the two men would fight to the death for her; they just might not always agree on the best course of action.

“I rushed in and saw Kelly on the floor. I dinnae hear her heartbeat, and that’s what made my power slip. Then her heart was beating and she was coughing. I dinnae ken if her heart really did stop or if I rushed to judgment.”

Fabian began pacing again, and Kelly wanted to yell at him to stop. Repetitive sounds were even more annoying than awkward silence, and Fabian’s steps were so calculated and even that she could have used them as a measure of time.

“I think she pulled her power in too quickly and shocked herself with it,” Ginna said. “It’s the only thing that makes sense.”

“I was thinking the same, but that should be impossible for a potential. She should not have that much power or the ability to control it in such an acute way.”

“You’re supposed to be the one with insight here, Fabian. Don’t look at me,” Ginna shot back at him in her usual smart way.

“That is not how it works.”

Ginna shrugged at him.

“Say she did shock herself and stop her heart. Why would Kade’s power restart it? If anything, a vampire’s power should hurt a mage.”

Fabian looked at Kelly intently.

“Don’t look at me,” she echoed Ginna. “I don’t even know what the fuck I did.”

“There isn’t anything I am missing here?” he asked her.

She shook her head. “You have two witnesses, and my heart was apparently stopped. I seem to be the one with the least to offer you in the way of an explanation.”

Fabian shook his head in the way he did when he didn’t approve of someone’s words or actions.

Kelly looked at Kade, silently asking if she’d done the right thing. He hung his head, not seeming to have an answer. Then, his shoulders squared, and he gained an air of confidence.

“I will tell ye the piece yer missing, but ye must give me yer word ye willnae come between us.”

Fabian just stared at Kade, eyebrows slightly raised.

“Yer word.”

“I cannot give my word. Her life is mine to protect.”

“Jesus, guys, you’re taking me back to high school with all the testosterone and macho protective bullshit. Fabian, you’re only allowed to come between us if Kade is actively hurting me or trying to kill me.” Realizing she left out a part, she quickly added, “Hurting me physically, not emotionally.”

Fabian agreed faster than she thought he would. “I give my word.”

“And Ginna, this doesnae leave the house. That goes for the rest of ye that can hear this conversation as well. If this leaves the house, I’ll kill ye myself.”

“Out with it already, vampire.” That was as close as Kade would get to an agreement with Ginna.

Kade told them what happened the night before, including the details about his eyes and the bloodlust. “Kelly said they changed again just now, so it must have something to do with my power jump-starting her heart. That is the only thing missing from her account, and I’m not convinced it makes an ounce of difference.”

Fabian was silent then, and Kelly was sure there was an internal battle being fought over her well-being.

“There’s something to all that, and I have no doubt it’s the reason your power saved her, but let’s save it for another day. The child needs rest.” Ginna stood then, making her way from the library. She turned to Kelly before she left. “You did well. We’re all going to work on this again tomorrow, but you need rest now.” Her gaze moved to Kade. “Take her to her room and make sure she is comfortable. No hanky-panky—she needs rest. Keep it in your pants.”

Kelly laughed. Ginna was like that cool Southern mom who always had your back but embarrassed the hell out of you at every turn.

Kade wasn’t fazed at all, though. “Aye, I’ll take her there now.”

Fabian shook his head at Ginna, then said to Kade, “Her room is across from mine. Second floor at the end of the south hall.”

Kade nodded, then gently picked her up and carried her to her room. She didn’t have the energy to walk, so she let her independence slide for once, laying her head on his shoulder and enjoying the feel of his embrace.

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