Page 26 of Secrets of Avalon

CHAPTER 11

A Kiss To Destroy Me

Melinda Mayweather

“How did you know we were in this room?” Kellan pulls me away from Hawke, back behind him again. I know he thinks I’m vulnerable, but I’m the one most people should be scared of… and maybe that’s part of it. Maybe he’s just trying to keep me from getting overwhelmed. Overloaded emotions go so smoothly for me.

“The Upir aren’t in charge yet, Drakonii. We still have staff in every corridor and my brother is easily recognized. As are you, after the scene in the marketplace.” The new guy shifts from foot to foot, clearly unsure how to handle the room, but used to being in charge. Used to being obeyed. The air of authority is similar to Hawke’s.

Kellan makes a growling huff that sounds more bear than man. “I need to get you upstairs into a private chamber where people will not be bursting in unannounced. We’ve already drawn too much attention, Domina.”

I put a hand on his arm and shake my head. “I don’t think hiding will help at this point. I almost went nuclear and hurt people, but I’m exhausted right now. It’s fine.”

“What is nuclear?” Hawke raises an eyebrow and takes a hesitant step toward me, watching Kellan’s response carefully. “Kellan used his magick in the market. He was the one that caused the panic.”

I shake my head again. “No.”

“Domina.”

I ignore the warning. “He was protecting everyone from me.” I turn and look up at Kellan. His face is calm, but I see the anxious tic in his cheek. The tension where he’s grinding his teeth. He doesn’t like me sharing details, but I can trust Hawke. I don’t know how I know… but I’m sure. "I don't get how you're okay. Usually, when I lose control like that... people get hurt. Bad. You were right there, holding me."

Kellan’s face softens. “We are bonded, Domina. Your magick cannot hurt me.”

Surprise freezes me in place. I can't hurt Kellan. Someone who can help me control this... power, and won't die if I lose it. He has no idea what a lifeline that is... The relief washing over me is indescribable.

“Look, I hate to break this moment of awakening up for the both of you, but the High Council has issued a call requiring Kellan to appear immediately.” The stranger speaks up again, stepping closer to Hawke.

Where Hawke has dark hair mixed with silver, this man has golden blonde, but their faces are eerily similar. Brothers?

“The High Council is already here?” Hawke’s mouth twists into an ugly frown.

The other man nods. “They arrived just before the incident. Darkwood apparently witnessed the whole thing.”

“Fuck,” Hawke growls out under his breath. “They’ll expect the Knights soon for the Fealty Swearing.”

“Yes, are all five of you here yet?” The other man asks and Hawke shakes his head, as if dismissing the question.

The worry in Hawke’s voice triggers my magick. “What is the High Council?” I look at Kellan. “Did you do something wrong by shielding me? You protected everyone, they can’t punish you for that, can they?” My heart speeds in my chest and energy ripples through my body. I can’t lose Kellan. He’s the only thing between my magick and me accidentally killing people. “Kellan?” His name comes out like a desperate sob.

“Who is the woman and why am I suddenly nauseated? Ugh.” The blond man bends at the waist and takes a deep breath. Hawke is pale too and breathing shallowly.

“Domina. Look at me.” Kellan grabs my shoulders and bends down to look me straight in the eyes. “Breathe. Slow. In for one, two, three, four. Hold it.”

I hold my breath and focus on the green flames dancing in his eyes.

“Now out slowly. One. Two. Three. Four.”

I follow his instructions and feel the buzz inside me settling down. I try to glance at Hawke, but Kellan gently turns my face back to him, keeping me focused.

“You will not lose me, Domina. I will go and apologize to the High Council. I will be humble and smooth the feathers of the political peacocks until they’re chirping again, happy in their belief that they are in charge of everything.”

“Political peacocks.” I straight up laugh. The rest of my nervous energy completely dissipates and I am still on the inside again.

“Very good, Domina. That was a very quick recovery.” He releases my chin and squeezes my shoulder before completely releasing me.

“What in fate’s destiny was that?” The stranger spits out. “I have the need a visit to a well, but I didn’t use any magick. What is she?”

“She, is none of your concern, princeling. And you will not speak of her to a single soul, is that clear. Neither of you will.” Kellan’s tattoos shimmer green and his voice rumbles with a hint of his inner dragon. Frankly, if I wasn’t psychically connected to him by the slithering dragon-y-snake on my wrist, I’d probably be terrified. But the connection assures me that his aggression isn’t at all directed at me.

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