Page 56 of Chase Me

“You were sure the little flower has to be next? I think it's too soon.”

She recognized that voice. It was the man who had been with Mrs. Bohacek in the cavern.

Suddenly, his face was in front of her, and her hand was on his cheek. “Yes, love. It's time. She's been waiting for too long.”

The man took her hand and kissed her palm. “And I'd have her wait another five thousand years, if it would keep her safe.”

“We can't keep her safe forever.”

The man growled, and colorful scales shimmered across his body.

“Come now, everything will be all right. Let's go where we can watch this one unfold.”

“The Galla dragons are already gathering. He'd better fucking claim her soon.”

Jakob had already claimed her, who is this man talking about?

“Yes, dear. But he has to meet her first.”

Ciara snapped her fingers and the white light disappeared. The world fell out from beneath her and she tumbled into an abyss.

This time she was sure she was going to throw up. She scrunched her eyes tight and swallowed, trying to keep the bile down.

“Ciara. Ciara, can you hear me? Ciara” Jakob’s voice was frantic, and she could feel his hands running over her body.

She opened her eyes and jolted from the lack of movement. She wasn't falling, she was laying on the floor of the cavern.

Dark faces were staring down at her. She blinked and tried to focus. The first one she recognized was Cage. He shook his head like she’d just performed a death defying circus act. “I seriously can't believe you aren’t dead.”

While she appreciated the sentiment, his was not the one she cared about.

Ky grinned at her. “Sweet as.”

Where was Jakob? She needed to tell him what had happened.

“Thank the First Dragon. Are you okay?” Jakob propped her up with one arm and held her cheek in the other, turning her head so he could examine her face.

“I think I know where the First Dragon’s relic is.” Her voice was her own again. She wiggled her fingers to make sure she could. Her body responded to her this time. She felt normal again.

“The relic?” Jakob asked.

“Where?” Ciara glanced up at Match, who looked like he'd aged ten years. “What did you see?”

“I don't really understand, but I think I was with, or in, sharing a body with someone. She gave the First Dragon's relic to another witch. One who commands plants.”

“An earth witch. Where is she?”

“I can't be sure. All I saw was the inside of an apartment. But I'm pretty sure it was in America.”

“That's my girl.”

Uh, that’s not what she expected him to say.

Jakob helped her to her feet and she leaned on him, still feeling woozy. “Let’s get you upstairs and into bed. I need to hold you in my arms for a damned long time.”

That sounded nice.

“Not going to have your wedding night?”

---