Page 87 of Untraced Magic
Hours passed, but it felt like forever, my mind constantly on the time. The clock was ticking down to midnight when my powers would emerge, and I still wasn’t sure if I was ready.
A bottle of tequila came in my direction for the second time, and I took a swig from it, passing it on to Scarlet. It was nice to spend some time with her; she seemed friendly enough, another earth witch who owned the local apothecary in town. I warmed to her easily.
Music pumped from the speaker Reid had brought with him, and suddenly the night seemed wilder. A few of the group stripped off to their underwear, dipping into the water, their shrieks and splashes echoing throughout the cove.
“I’mnotgetting in that water,” I said, tugging my jacket tighter around my neck. “They’re mad!”
Tyler chuckled beside me. “Or drunk on tequila.”
I stared dumbfounded as Colton ripped off his top while he walked towards the water, ridding himself of his bottom half entirely. Butt naked, he strode into the depths.
“Oh. My. God”
I erupted in laughter, forcing my hands over my eyes. The guy didn’t bat an eyelid.
I looked at Tyler for an explanation, but he only shook his head with a grin. “He’s one with nature, that guy. Nudity’s nothing to an earth mage. Besides, the guy’s got nothing to be shy about,” he said, a deep laugh rumbling from him.
I peeked at Tyler from behind my hands. “I can’t look.”
He came closer, as if hiding behind them with me.
“Yeah, please don’t,” he laughed before his lips quickly brushed mine and I was pulled into his intoxicating allure once more.
Pulling away, my cheeks burned at the intimate display of affection, warmth sliding through me at his touch. Being with Tyler made me feel complete. It was such a strange feeling to have, and I welcomed itwith an open heart.
As the evening went on, an uneasiness pricked my skin, growing stronger with each passing hour. Like an itch awaiting its scratch, it held me in its grasp, and I couldn’t kick its unwanted presence.
Willing my fears away, I took Scarlet’s hand, who had just finished hurriedly drying herself with a towel, now clothed again.
I needed to dance.
Tyler
Perchedonalogsurrounding the fire, I watched the girls dance, Morgan’s hands raised to the sky as if summoning the stars. To the naked eye, it looked like she had not a care in the world, but I knew otherwise.
Her hips swayed freely to the music, my eyes raking over her curves as they moved, but I could tell she was holding back.
She slid her fingers over her necklace again.
Nervous.
In the back of my mind, I knew anything could happen when the clock ticked past midnight. As much as this night was a celebration, it was also for her safety. Be it good or bad, Morgan was surrounded by people who could help her, away from the prying eyes of humans. A safe place.
I hadn’t wanted to bleed my magic earlier. As far as Morgan was concerned, Colt helping me out was a normal thing to do, but it couldn’t be further from the truth. I didn’t need his help, and he knew it. But he went along with it anyway.
With Colt’s help, my magic would be at full strength again in minutes.
Fully clothed again, Colt approached, his heavy frame blocking the heat as he passed. “Why didn’t you tell us she was your mate?” His tone was neutral as he sat beside me.
I nearly spat out my mouthful of beer.
“Your mate?” Wesley’s voice came from behind me until he stood in view, arms folded.
“Who is whose mate?” Scarlet’s hushed tone whispered from close by.
The music dimmed.
Fuck.
