Page 134 of The Book Reader
“I only have to cast it once. You don’t have to, but I won’t be able to speak to you otherwise,” I plead.
I can see him thinking about it. I hate the thought of not knowing what is happening while I'm away, knowing I could have put them both in danger.
Mekhi snorts. “What will I have to do? I’m not putting my ass on a broomstick,” he pouts at me, making me laugh.
“No broomstick, I promise.” Standing, I take his hand. “Stand up and close your eyes,” I say. He watches me for a moment, then rolls his eyes before standing up with a bit of a huff. He blows me a kiss, then closes his eyes. I place my other hand on his chest, a warmth spreading over me as I connect to my powers. I can feel the book at Westrey open, its pages fluttering. Lexus stirs under my skin, and we both smile. “Vinutus erimus, religati erimus, ita fiat.”Bounded we are, bonded we will be, so mote it be.
I watch as a mark like a gold feather forms on my hand, the light glittering like 4thof July sparklers. The same symbol appears on Mekhi’s chest; he winces as the last curve of his mark forms by his heart. I wince in sympathy. I know it can sting a little when they first imprint on the skin.
More spell markings appear on my forearm, writing in gold. As they settle, I know it’s vanished from the book like all the others. I feel the pages of the book flutter closed. “Done,” I say, excitement lacing my voice, hoping Mekhi will feel the same way about our new shared bond.
Mekhi opens his eyes, lifting his hands dramatically, twisting them back and forth in the air as if checking for something. I can’t help the laugh that bubbles up in my chest. “What did you feel?”
He rubs a hand up his arm, then over his chest. “Like Henry Cavil just kissed me and asked me to marry his fine ass.” He grins. “All warm and fuzzy inside. What happens now?” he asks.
I place my hands on his arms and turn him to face the mirror, then open his shirt wider to show him the mark. “What do you think?” I am slightly worried that a permanent mark on his skin might upset him.
His eyes flick down to the gold feather on his chest, right by where his heart would be. He studies it for a while, shifting thisway and that, and pouting at the mirror a few times, as if he were in some fashion show. I bite my lip to keep from laughing.
“Oh, Hitch, baby girl, you gave me a tat without the pain.” He laughs, then touches it, and I feel the touch on my hand like a light caress.
“Anytime that you need me, touch it and I will be able to feel you.” I reach my hand to rub over the mark on my hand, and Mekhi smiles.
“Oh girl, I feel it like,” he pauses, mulling over his words. “Like a tingle over my heart.” He smiles softly at me, then turns to face me. “You’re going to be okay, Hitch. You’ve always been a badass. I knewthatthe first day we met. This Macy bitch got nothing on my girl,” he says, all serious now. He reaches forward and touches my cheek.
“I hope so.” My doubts cloud my voice slightly. “I’m going to miss you,” I say, the words catching in my throat. Since we’ve met, we have never spent much time away from each other. This man is my family. Mekhi pulls me into his arms and hugs me tight.
“I will fucking miss you more.”
I can hear the tears in his voice. We both hold each other for a bit longer. The reality of what is coming hits me hard, making me squeeze him tighter.
The prophecy.
Macy.
Tate.
The Blood Bringer.
All things that are now my reality. I just hope they come for me one at a time; I’m not ready for all of them at once.
Pulling back, I smile up at Mekhi. “You need anything, and I meananything,touch the mark and I’ll come.”
He nods at me. “I will always need you, Hitch.” He smiles sadly, then steps back from me. “Now go before I smudge myeyeliner,” he sasses, sniffs his tears away, then kisses my cheek one last time.
I leave his room and head for Lucy’s. Mekhi said she was out, but I can’t go without leaving her a note or something. I knock on the door first to be sure. When there is no answer, I slowly push it open. Her room is white with splashes of pink everywhere, a little smaller than mine. Her bed is situated in the middle of the room, covered with pillows and stuffed teddies. Her curtains are wide open, giving her the best view of the front garden. I walk over to the window and look down, my eyes locking instantly on a set of yellow and red flashing eyes. They narrow, an evil glint in them making me step back. Drake is staring up at Lucy’s window.
He was staring up at me.
“Well, isn’t this a surprise?” I hear from behind me, his dark voice making me jump. I turn and see him standing by the door, dressed in a black suit, his long blonde hair up in a bun at the nape of his neck. He keeps his hands in his pockets. Drake glowers at me, blocking my way out, his eyes glowing full red. He shouldn’t be able to get into the house; the wards are entirely in place.
Drake offers me a knowing grin as he shakes his head. “The wards at the cottage were so much stronger than the ones here; it takes more than a weak spell to keep me out,” he smirks at me. I had forgotten he could read my mind.
I’m going to have to use the book to protect the house more. This spell was cast before I got my book, so it’s going to be weaker.
I have no idea what kind of daemon Drake is; he is powerful.
“Gaelan is downstairs. He’ll kill you if he sees you here,” I say, trying to sound like I mean it, like I’m not scared. Drake chuckles darkly.
