Page 20 of Chase Me

“I…I didn’t ask the dirt to help me. Was that you?”

The witch knelt beside Ciara and stroked her hair. Something had changed about her. She suddenly didn’t look as old,her hair was darker, and she glowed with a white aura all around her.

“No, kiddo. That was Jakob’s magic. The connection between the two of you is already strong and he’s come into his powers now that he has you.”

Ciara’s words felt heavy in her mouth, like lead marbles. “He doesn’t have me. He kidnapped me.”

“Yes, I know. It was the best way to get you two together.”

What? “You—” Ciara couldn’t get any more words out. Darkness was taking her down.

“You’re tired now and you will be for a few minutes while we make our getaway. I had hoped to have more time with you.”

We? Was Mrs. Bohacek going to help her get out of here or kidnap her too? Ciara had never felt weak like this. There had to be more than getting angry and whipping the wind around.

“Let the earth rejuvenate you. It won’t take long to absorb my spell, if you let it. Then use what I’ve taught you to get out of here. Jakob is going to need you. Until he claims you, and gives over his soul, he’s very vulnerable.”

“Where…are…you…” She had to force the words out.

“Just remember to harness the good feelings and the elements will do whatever you ask.”

“…going?”

Ciara couldn’t keep her eyes open another millisecond.

The voices around her faded to muffled whispers. Wait. Voices?

“Come, my love. Jakob is battling those fucking Galla dragons right now. I damn sure hope this plan of yours works.” A deep rumbling voice filtered through the darkness surrounding her. “If they get his soul shard?—”

“They won’t. Jakob is strong, and has become even stronger now.”

At least she recognized Mrs. Bohacek’s voice. Or rather the voice of the beautiful goddess-like woman Mrs. Bohacek had transformed into.

“Yeah. Good thing I decided to let him come into his power on sight of this pretty mate you found for him. He should have claimed her right then and there.”

But who was this other person? A man, but who, and where had he come from?

“How was he supposed to know that?”

Ooh. Mrs. B was getting snippy with Mr. Man.

“Instinct. I knew with you.”

His words weren’t sharp and argumentative as Ciara expected, but soft and placating.

It worked.

“Yes, lover, you did. And I fought you every inch after that.”

He chuckled. “Those were the good old days.”

Ciara felt like she was a voyeur to a very intimate moment. Not like she could do anything about it.

“Come now. Jakob is on the right path now. Off to your other sons. I have just the woman in mind for —”

The energy in the room popped and the voices were gone. The blackness around Ciara receded and she pried her eyes open. She didn’t sit up for a few minutes. The warm earth around her did feel nice. She stayed put. The pretty green dress she’d been given was probably ruined though.

She sat up and stretched. Mrs. Bohacek was gone. So was whomever was with her. Her lover. Ciara had a feeling he was a very powerful being. Maybe even a dragon like Jakob.

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