Page 76 of Touch Of Fate
“You put your hands on my woman.” Rome stops in front of me and glides his finger over the bruise on my neck. “Tell me.”
“His dad knew our mom. She refused to heal him, and he killed her,” I rush to explain, needing to make sure Lace is alright.
“She killed him,” Cameron snaps.
“You're not allowed to talk,” Rome growls, and Cameron’s lips are sewn together. “My Mara, is it painful?” I shake my head, my hair flying around my face.
“He surprised me,” I whisper, grabbing his shirt at his waist. “I shouldn’t have opened the door.” I look at Cameron as he tries to crawl away. He doesn’t get far; Rome freezes him. “He said he knew my mom, and I couldn’t help it.”
“Tip your chin up,” he says softly. I look toward the ceiling, and he gently cups my neck. “No more pain. Heal my soul.” I gasp as the pressure on my skin eases. “I can still see it, but it shouldn’t hurt anymore.” His face is grim when I straighten. “What did he do to Lace?” I look around him and see Archer holding her against him.
“He slapped her.” I rush to her side. “Lace,” I cry, cupping her cheek. Her eye is bruising quickly. I’m distracted when my owl shoots through the door.
“Shit,” she mumbles, slowly opening her eyes. “I was taken out by a human.”
“He hit you hard,” I whisper, looking back at her, as she grabs my hand.
“Why is there a windstorm in the house?” she asks, looking around.
“Rome is upset,” Archer bites out.
“It’s not just me,” Rome grumbles, looking at his friend. Archer shrugs and leans against the back of the couch.
“What did you do to him?” Lace asks, staring at Cameron. He’s curled against the bottom of the stairs. He’s still aware, and his eyes are panicked.
“Broke his arm and stopped him from speaking,” Rome says as he moves toward him. “I could kill you quickly,” he says, crouching by him. “Or I could make it last.” The lights flicker, and Cameron looks up. “I could do much more.”
“His father is the one who killed Mom,” I whisper as my owl lands on the back of the couch behind Archer.
“No,” Lace cries.
“He’s sick like his dad was.” I gasp as the bird makes the leap to my shoulder. “That’s new,” I mutter, and everyone in the room stares at it.
“This doesn’t happen often?” Archer asks, tilting his head.
“Uh….no,” Lace snorts.
“Let’s worry about you.” I tuck her hair behind her ear, and I’m surprised when my spells react. “I think I can heal you,” I whisper, and she widens her eyes.
“Everything’s new since you’ve met Rome,” she says.
“True,” I mutter, pressing my fingers over her wound.Heal my blood. Take her pain away.I watch it fade in wonder. My shoulder burns with the influx of magic. The owl is helping me. Giving me healing magic.
“That’s handy,” she says, and smiles. The pressure on my shirt is released as he flies away and resumes his stance outside the side door.
“Rome.” I swivel toward him, and some of the anger leaves his eyes as he smiles slightly. He doesn’t seem surprised by the owl's actions.
“Good job, my Mara,” he says, and then waves at Cameron. “What do you want to do with him?”
“Let him speak,” I reply, and stand. Rome's spell is removed, and I move to stand over him.
“All of you are evil,” Cameron spits. “Your mom killed my dad, and now you're going to kill me.”
“Yes,” I simply say. “But she didn’t kill him, his disease did. It was his time, and our magic wouldn’t want to heal a man who abuses others. You asked how my power works.” I crouch beside Rome. “When you touched me, all of your memories transferred to me. I saw everything you have done. Your dad was a horrible man. You have taken after him. I never thought you were anything other than a sweet guy who wanted to ask me out, but thought you didn’t have the guts to do it.” Glasses break in the kitchen, and I glance at Rome. He lifts a shoulder. “I see all now. I won’t heal you. What I do next will be much worse than a broken arm. You need to feel the pain you caused by your actions. Rome, let him go.” He grits his teeth but waves his hand.
Cameron immediately tries to move, but I grab his shirt. The fire I started when he hit Lace begins to sizzle again, and he groans. I look into his eyes and allow my spells to transfer the emotions. Rome straightens and stands behind me, his hand on my shoulder. I’m grateful for his support, yet this will be the easiest kill. His blood took away a beautiful woman who wouldn’t hurt anyone. She loved hard and used her gifts in the simplest way. I picture her, wherever she is, tending to her flowers and birds, nurturing them with her love.
His eyes start to water as I shove the memory of his mom into his mind as she lay dying on the floor. I felt the betrayal of her son and her crushing sadness. The wind gains force as I inflict her wounds on him. Blood seeps across his stomach, and his mouth opens, but no sound emerges. As the emotion keeps him immobile, I slowly stand, and his eyes track mine. He’s still connected, and the memories aren’t done yet. I guide my magic to give him every ounce of fear and pain. His eyes are blank, almost white. All he can see is the past and his victims.
