Page 75 of Blood Bound

There’s a pause on the other end of the line. “A train station near witch territory?” Marcus repeats, his tone thoughtful. “Wait, I think I know where that might be. There’s an old station on the outskirts of town, right on the border of the Moonshadow coven’s land. It’s not on a regular line, but…”

I don’t wait for him to finish. “Send me the exact location,” I interrupt, already moving. “I’m heading there now. Tell the grandmother where I’ve gone, and then come find me.”

“Darick, wait—” Marcus starts, but I’ve already ended the call.

As soon as the location pings on my phone, I focus on the shadows around me. The world blurs and dims as I step into them, letting the cool embrace of darkness envelop me. In an instant, I’m racing through a void, faster than any human means of travel.

Moments later, I emerge in an alley near the station Marcus mentioned. The air is thick with the scent of oil and grease, mingled with something else – that same herbal smell from my vision. My eyes scan the area, taking in the empty buildings and train tracks.

At this time of night, the place is abandoned, everything motionless, aside from a page of newspaper that flutters aimlessly across the silent platform.

Rowan is close; I can sense it. But where exactly? I could scour the place, inch by inch, but there isn’t time for that now. Sunrise isn’t far off; I can feel it in my bones. The urgency of the situation presses down on me.

I put my hand over the pendant, feeling it growing warm through the fabric of my shirt and jacket. It sends a low hum through my skin.

“Come on, Rowan. Where are you?”

I stare into the darkness as if willing her to appear.

When daylight comes, I’m going to be useless. They’ll move her – there’s no way they don’t know I’m hunting for her. And if she’s moved, who knows if I’ll be able to track her down again. She might be lost to me.

I can’t allow that. I have to find her before dawn. Before the sun comes up.

One minute longer, and I’m screwed.

23

Chapter 23

Rowan

Isit in the darkness of my cell, the stone hard against my back. The silence is oppressive, broken only by the occasional whimper from nearby prisoners. Suddenly, I feel a warmth in my mind, faint but unmistakable.

Darick.

My heart races, and I close my eyes, focusing on that tiny spark of connection. “Darick,” I whisper, not daring to speak louder.

As I concentrate on our bond, I realize something that leaves my head spinning. I’ve been fighting this connection, pushing him away at every turn. But now, trapped in this hellhole, his presence is the one thing keeping me sane.

I think back to our encounters, the tension between us, the stolen moments of passion. I’d told myself it was just physical attraction, that I couldn’t trust him. But sitting here in the dark, I can’t lie to myself anymore.

You want him. You’ve wanted him all along, Rowan.

The truth of it washes over me, and I feel tears burn my eyes. How much time have I wasted fighting this? Fighting him? Fighting us?

Our connection flares briefly, stronger, and I catch a glimpse of his determination, his worry for me. It’s overwhelming, the intensity of his emotions.

How could I have been so blind?

“I’m sorry,” I murmur, praying he can hear me. “I’m sorry I pushed you away.”

As the connection fades again, I’m left with an ache in my chest. I’ve been lying to myself, pretending I didn’t care, that I didn’t need him. But now, with everything stripped away, I can finally admit the truth.

I’m falling for Darick Drake, and I’ve been fighting a losing battle all along. Well, that all changes now.

You have to get out of here!

Determination flares once more. I can’t just sit here.

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