Page 125 of Untraced Magic
Colt nodded. “Yeah, I’m beat. Let’s debrief tomorrow.”
Reid went to slap me on the back, but I fended him off. “Easy, open wounds need to heal.”
He laughed, shaking my hand instead. “Sorry, forgot.”
“Any advice on how I change back to my human form?” I joked, half serious. I moved sideways to avoid my wings hitting the antique chandelier hanging low from the ceiling.
Skye shifted awkwardly, her voice unusually soft. “Ring Father. His great-grandfather was a phoenix shifter. I believe decades ago, there was a half-blood somewhere in our family. He will know more about it.”
I nodded in thanks.
Scarlet moved closer, giving Morgan a hug, her hand resting on my arm. “I’ll bring around a herbal tonic I’ve been working on to help with your recovery. I’m glad you’re both okay.”
I smiled at her. “Thanks. I appreciate that.” I turned to Morgan’s father. “Gerald, I have a spare bed at my house if you need somewhere to crash?”
Betty stepped forward before he had time to speak. “No, it’s okay, dear. Gerald can stay in the spare room here; it’s no trouble. Besides, we have a lot of catching up to do.”
Gerald nodded his head in my direction. “I appreciate the offer, but I’ll stay here for now. But thank you… for everything.” He shook my hand. Turning to Morgan, his hand gingerly grazed her arm. “Maybe I could come and visit sometime?”
She smiled. “That sounds like a great idea.” Their arms folded around each other, holding tight for a long moment before breaking apart.
As we said our goodbyes, joy and relief spread over Morgan’s face as we made our way down the footpath, toward the dirt trail that would lead us home. The forest was waking from its slumber, a dawn chorus following us as we walked hand in hand.
“You know, I was thinking… we don’t have to walk,” I said, raising my brows suggestively. “No one would see us.”
Her head dipped to the side. “What exactly are you implying?”
A deep laugh came from me as I gripped her waist, now certain the mate bond was replenishing my magic instantly.
“Hold on, princess.” I pushed off from the ground and we lifted into the air.
Morgan clung to my front, her legs wrapped around my waist as I took us high above the houses, until we soared among the clouds to where a blanket of stars shone down on us.
“Ty, this is breathtaking,” she gasped. “Look!” She pointed to a collection of stars. “That’s Sirius, to the left of Orion’s Belt. That’s the brightest star in the sky.”
I pulled back to watch her eyes light up with wonder. The very same eyes that had captured my heart so suddenly I had fearedit.
I tilted her jaw to meet my gaze, a storm rushing my insides at the intensity of us.
“He’s a beauty for sure,” I agreed.
She giggled. “I wish we could do this all the time.”
“I knew you’d say that. Might have to check the rules for shifters on that one,” I chuckled.
I kissed her amongst the watchful stars, an all-consuming kiss that spoke of a thousand words uttered in only a breath.
As they faded to scattered bursts of light in the distance, our houses came back into view. I lowered us slowly to the ground until we landed in a forest clearing nearby, away from human eyes. She unwrapped herself from me, her doe eyes staring up at me like she was seeing me for the first time.
“I could never have guessed my life could be like this. I’ve found my father. I have magic.” Her hand fell over my heart. “And I foundyou.”
Wesley had completely blindsided me, kidnapped Morgan, and then disappeared off the face of the earth. I didn’t understand any of it. Didn’t want to think about it. I needed to be around Morgan right now and wanted nothing more than to curl up in bed and wrap her in my arms.
I pulled her close, nuzzling her neck.
“I thought I’d lost you, I’ve never been so scared in my life. I love you so much. You need to know that.”
My lips moved against hers, and I savored every second.
