Page 77 of Touch Of Fate
They cut off abruptly, and I sag against Rome. He’s gone. He can’t hurt anyone again. I should feel relief, but all I feel is sadness for the lives he took, and my mom taken too soon. A wave of fog settles over me, and my body is limp.
“I need to sleep now,” I slur, and strong arms pick me up.
“Sleep, my Mara,” Rome rumbles. “I got you. No more harm will come to you.”
I believe him.
Chapter Seventeen
Rome
“Burn,” I command harshly, hovering my hand over Cameron. I don’t try to guide the flames to move slowly. He turns to dust in a second. Fury is still pumping through my veins. Mara is safely tucked into bed. I would rather be beside her than sending the asshole to where he belongs, but Mara would want him gone for good.
“Can you stop the wind?” Lace asks, raising her voice, and I glance at her. She’s holding onto the back of the couch, her hair whipping.
“I should have known,” I say, looking down at what’s left of Cameron. The breeze aids me, taking the remains out the window without my urging.
“Sure. We should have known the son of the man who killed our mom was a nice professor who liked books,” she says dryly. Archer snorts a laugh, and I relax enough to calm my spells. I shut the windows, and the room settles. Papers are scattered across the floor, plants are tipped over, and the lamps are tipped on their sides. I walk to the window and yank the curtains closed, knowing I’ll have to ask Archer to change the neighbors' memories if they are awake.
“I should have been here,” I say, running my hands through my hair.
“Maybe, but how could you predict this?” She pats down her hair.
“Don’t blame yourself,” Archer says.
“I knew something was wrong with him.”
Lace jumps as my parents appear in the room.
“Shit,” she gasps, her hands on her chest.
“My parents,” I sigh, waving my hand. “You get used to them popping in.” I cross my arms. “What are you doing here?”
“Archer messaged,” Mom says.
“Of course he did,” I mumble, glaring at him.
“Is Mara alright?” Dad asks, looking around the room. I spell the bedroom door shut.
“She’s sleeping,” I say.
“I knew that man was bad,” Mom hisses, repositioning a lamp.
“Wasn’t it Adeline who realized something was off?” Dad mentions lightly.
“Oh, hush.” Mom moves forward. “Son, is he gone?” She grabs my elbows. I know she means well, but I’m not in the mood.
“Yes. Mara took care of him.” Her face is soft, and I cave, pulling her close. “It’s over. She was exhausted. It’s been a long night.”
“Adeline told us. She did a good thing, killing those men. They shouldn’t be allowed to walk among us,” she whispers fiercely. I hug her lightly and pull back. “I should make some tea. Maybe some food.”
“Mom, I don’t know how long she’s going to sleep.” She cups my cheek.
“You need to relax,” she says softly. “She can have some when she wakes.” She whirls away. “Lace, could you show me where things are?” She smiles, and Lace nods slightly. My new sister seems to be in awe of my mother. I watch them walk to the kitchen, straightening things along the way, talking quietly.
“Let’s step outside,” Dad says. I nod and lead the way out the back. Archer shuts the door behind us. The porch is small. I lean against the corner and face my dad. “You are feeling guilty.”
“Yeah.” My dad has always been my hero. He’s quiet and doesn’t speak unless he has something important to say. Mom is a whirlwind of energy and chatter. He balances her well.
