Page 215 of Warlords, Witches & Wolves

‘Stubborn warlock. Whatever you did is killing you.’

‘That wasn’t supposed to happen.’

‘And you won’t tell us what was supposed to happen?’

‘No. At least, not to you. Not here.’ His head bobbed a little, trying to make them see he couldn’t discuss this in front of Ivy. Even if she was unconscious.

‘Idiot.’ The whispered word vibrated in his chest.

‘Ivy?’ Relief gushed through him, making him dizzy.

‘You’re awake.’ Stellan leaned forward to touch her brow. ‘What did you say, Ivy?’

‘Idiot.’

There was silence and then a choked laugh. ‘Is she calling me or you an idiot?’

‘Paul,’ she said. ‘Although … you too.’

Stellan choked out a laugh. ‘Brat.’

She smiled then closed her eyes again. ‘Sleepy,’ she said.

‘You need to keep your eyes open, Ivy, okay? I don’t know what will happen if you lose consciousness.’

Ivy nodded. ‘Hard.’

‘Please, Ivy. For me.’ He knew he shouldn’t ask, but he was desperate.

‘Okay,’ she slurred, shifting her head to look up at him. ‘Talk to me.’

He had no idea what he said—babbling nonsense—but he talked more than he’d talked for years.

‘How long?’ he heard Mariella whisper to Stellan.

‘Ten minutes.’

Suddenly Ivy jerked, her eyes flaring wide.

‘Ivy? What’s wrong?

‘My wolf? I can’t feel my wolf.’

‘What?’ Paul said sharply. He looked up at Stellan, at Mariella and her coven mates. ‘You have to do something. She can’t lose her wolf. She won’t survive.’

‘I’m not bonded to your pack.’

‘Please, do something.’ A sob escaped him, tears wetting his face.

‘I’ll try.’

‘Drive faster,’ Stellan yelled.

The car jerked and bumped along the road, those in the back with him and Ivy doing their best to not bounce around while keeping as much energy on ensuring he and Ivy were in their stable bubble.

‘We’re here,’ Jackson yelled soon after.

Car doors slammed and the boot opened and then they were moving again on their cloud of air. He was impressed that Mariella and Tony were still able to keep up the spell. They must be stronger than he’d realised. Then Abby and Iris were there hovering over them, shooting questions at everyone as they ushered them quickly inside.

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