Page 238 of Castings & Curses

“I don’t mean to,” she replied, her voice trembling with emotion.

“I think you might be able to help her, Jade. After feeding on your power, she went weeks without needing another boost. Same thing with Elba. There is something about earth magic that sates her need for blood,” Arlo explained.

“But if the supply of magic on this plane is dwindling, isn’t it dangerous?”

“It is. But I swear on everything I am, I will never allow harm to come to you, Jade.”

CHAPTER5

I walkedinto room 563W with Arlo and Mabe on my heels. The latter was nervous as fuck, and I could practically hear her anxiety scratching against my senses.

“It’s all right,” I told her, trying to reassure the both of us as we entered the dorm room.

“Hey Jade—what the fuck happened to you? Why are you in a hospital gown? Holy shit! What isshedoing here?”

Of course, Tana was the one to greet us and I steeled myself against the angry fire witch. Mabe hissed a defensive sound and the runes I’d noticed earlier on her wrists took on that same fiery glow. Enid came running into the kitchen, the lavender-eyed witch halting when she saw Mabe. Her lips compressed in a thin line, and I wondered if Mabe didn’t make friends everywhere she went.

Sheesh.

“She’s with me, Tana. It’s all right. Look, I swear she is not here to hurt us. I need to talk with everyone, though. Can you send a text?”

“You sure about this?” she asked, and I nodded.

“Yeah. Tell everyone to get here quick. I need a few minutes to get changed. Enid? Can you sit with Mabe? And Mabe, just relax. Don’t go anywhere,” I mumbled.

“I’ll stay too,” Tana muttered.

“Tana, be nice. I promised her she would be safe here,” I said, and the fire witch looked at me, nodding slowly.

Her mate entered the kitchen, his arms folded across his massive chest. Whatever happened, I knew Brandon would try his best to keep the peace. It was what sentinels did, after all.

As for me, I really needed to take off the itchy hospital gown. I’d had a hell of a day, and I was just starting to feel it. Exhaustion hit me, but now was not the time for naps.

I entered my semi-private bathroom and splashed water on my face, brushed my teeth, and tried to tame my wild curls. A little spray conditioner I’d made from natural extracts and oils helped as I finger combed it into a loose ponytail. I pulled off the gown, turning slightly to see my wounded back.

“Wow,” I whispered.

“I second that.”

I jumped and saw Arlo leaning against the doorjamb. How long he’d been standing there, I had no idea. His green eyes widened, raking over my half-naked body, and I couldn’t move a muscle. I was short and curvy. I knew my faults well. My hips were too wide, my boobs too big, and my belly too soft. But the way Arlo looked at me, he did not seem to mind.

The heat in his gaze told me he thought I was beautiful, and for once, I didn’t cover myself in shame or shy away from his searching eyes. I lifted my chin, pushed out my chest, and let him look.

There was something erotic in him watching me.

Something powerful and sexy that made my pulse speed up and my heart thunder in my chest.

“You are so fucking beautiful,” he whispered, moving closer as if he could not help himself. “I want to touch you, jade. Can I?”

I nodded, helpless to deny him. Besides, I wanted it too. My body craved his touch. My magic pulsed beneath my skin, eager for his hands. His breath shook as his lips caressed my eyelids first, then my cheeks, next my nose, and finally, my lips.

He moaned when I opened my mouth, and the tremble that racked his tall, powerful frame moved me as well. I’d done that. I’d made this gorgeous man lose control, and it was quite the feeling. With a growl, he wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into stark contact with his body.

“Fuck, Jade,” he moaned, kissing me deeper. “You taste like apples and cinnamon. So warm and sweet.”

He pulled me tighter against his body, one hand cupping my ass over my panties. I felt power wash over me, his magic mingling with mine. His healer energy was warm oranges and cool blues, they melted perfectly into the browns and greens of my earth magic.

Someone pounded on the door, followed by a grumbled “hurry the fuck up”and I wondered if it was Magnus or Brandon.

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