Page 40 of Magic Betrayed

The only reason she would have called us here for texts from an unknown number…

“Kes.” I whispered the word, and she nodded slowly, compassion in every line of her face.

I reached out, fingers trembling, and took the phone. Dropped my gaze to the screen.

This is Kes.

I wanted to let you know that I’m safe.

The kids are with me, and they will be fine as long as you stay away.

We miss everyone, but please don’t try to find us.

And don’t tell Faris, or any of his people. I don’t need them messing up my life anymore. If they show up, it’ll only cause trouble.

We’ll be safer where we are, and there are things I need to do.

Secrets I’ve never shared.

Don’t look for me. It’s better this way.

Please forgive me.

It felt like being kicked in the chest by a mule. At first, all I could see was the fifth message.

I don’t need them messing up my life anymore.

She was sending me a message. But was that truly how she saw me? Did she resent my interference in her life? Wish I’d never brought her here, where she felt the need to stay hidden in the apartment, forever barred from any kind of normal existence?

It activated so many of my deeply buried fears, for a few moments I was unable to break free.

I couldn’t feel my fingers, and as the phone began to fall, a hand appeared and snatched it out of the air. Handed it to Kira.

Callum grabbed my shoulders and turned me to face him, his grip firm but gentle.

“Raine, look at me.”

I looked.

And for some reason, I didn’t see him the same way I usually did. Instead of the gorgeous, powerful, untouchable king of the shapeshifters, I just saw… Callum. Auburn hair barely tamed, scruff shadowing his jaw, lips pressed tightly together as he stared down at me. Unbearably handsome in his simple black pullover and jeans. He was wearing his boss-dragon stare, the one that made other shapeshifters cringe and show their throats, and ordinarily it brought out every bit of my stubborn, hard-nosed refusal to bend to anyone’s will.

But this time? It felt like safety. It felt like… home.

And in an impulsive moment of absolute desperation, I leaned forward, wrapped my arms around his waist, and buried my face in his chest.

I hugged the shapeshifter king, and he went motionless in response. But only for a moment, and then… he hugged me back.

Hehugged me back. Wrapped his arms around my shoulders and pulled me closer, wrapping me up in his steady warmth and unyielding strength.

“I’ve got you,” he murmured, and I gave myself a half dozen breaths to lean on him and let him be my anchor. I wanted to stay there—to let him hold me steady in the midst of this whirlwind of pain and uncertainty. But this was already going to be embarrassing enough once I pulled myself together, and I knew Rath and Kira were watching.

So after that half dozen breaths, I pulled back, gave him an unsteady nod, and held out my hand for the phone.

“I need to read it again.”

He handed it back without a word, then leaned in to read the texts over my shoulder.

I read them again. And then again. Took a deep breath and crossed the room to hand the phone to Rath.

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