[Willow Harbor 06.0] Warlock's Embrace

by Alyssa Rose Ivy

  I stood on the shore getting ready to do something even riskier—and with far less odds of success. But I knew this was worth it. Otherwise what other hope did we have? If Delpha’s magic was so tied to her that a dark one possessing it meant she couldn’t fully exist, then getting it back was the only solution. I’d find a way to defeat the creature even if it cost me my life. My life wasn’t worth living if Delpha wasn’t in it.

  I glanced back in the direction of the library. I knew her body was safe with the others, but more than her body needed to be safe. Did she know what was going on? Or was she completely unconscious and unaware? Whichever it was, I hoped she wasn’t in any sort of pain.

  Either way, the sooner I got her magic back, the better. I needed to do this, and I needed to do it soon. Hesitating would only make it less likely that I would succeed. I wasn’t one to chicken out or work myself up too much, but fear can be a powerful thing. From what I understood from my hours of reading, dark ones fed off of and created fear. I couldn’t let them win.

  I waded out this time. I took quick but deliberate steps as I made my way past the breakers. I knew my spell to breathe under water would hold, but I couldn’t see as well under there. I wanted to wait until I was closer.

  I didn’t glance back this time before diving under. I pushed out all of my senses so I could find the monster I was looking for. That was the first task. I couldn’t fight something I couldn’t find.

  I felt her. I knew it wasn’t really her, not in the physical sense. It wasn’t actually Delpha, but it felt like her—or more specifically like an echo of her—like she’d recently left the area and had left part of herself behind.

  I dove deeper toward the feeling. The water grew darker, and I’d wished I’d made a spell to help my vision. It was too late for that. I’d have to make do seeing shadows alone. That had been enough when I’d rescued her before. It would have to be enough this time. Coldness seeped into my bones through the wet suit. It wasn’t a natural chill; it went deeper than that, transcending the physical and penetrating through my mind and heart. I fought it off, stealing myself and finding warmth in thoughts of Delpha. The concentration worked, and the sensation of Delpha’s presence grew stronger. I was heading the right way. Although the feeling was momentarily stronger, it quickly faded away. I followed it, and it grew stronger. We were playing chase. If I wanted to find it, I would need to move faster. I swam harder, pushing through the water until my muscles ached and my lungs burned. This made the most intense workouts of my life feel like nothing.

  Each time I felt as if I was closing in, it moved further away. It wasn’t me. I wasn’t slowing down. I could feel my movements—glad swimming came naturally to me but wishing I had Pierce’s ability to turn into a fish. I would move so much faster that way.

  I had to catch up with the dark one. Maybe finding it had been as easy as Billy predicted but catching it was a whole different story.

  I swam harder, faster, but it didn’t help. It was always just outside of my reach.

  I changed tactics. I swam up closer to the surface where I could swim faster, maybe I’d be able to catch a glimpse of what lay below.

  I saw nothing but dark shadows, but any of those shadows could be the one I sought. The sensation grew stronger and stronger, until I felt like I was finally there. It was as if the sensation had frozen. Maybe the dark one had mistakenly believed its pursuer had left.

  I waited, swimming in a circle directly above where I felt her the strongest. Then without really thinking it through I dove back down.

  I saw the darkness, nothing more than a shadow floating in the water below. I reached out for it but pulled back at the last second as the dark cloudiness changed into something resembling a human figure.

  I reached out again and brushed against the darkness. Searing pain starting in my hand spread throughout my body. Burning pain. Somehow the pain reminded me of the plan. I needed to access my blood magic without tipping the shadow off about my plan.

  As I had never done it before, I couldn’t be sure it would even work, but if I ever really wanted to focus on my power there was only one way. I thought of Delpha. I thought of the way her very touch on my skin felt as though it reached my soul. I thought of the way her lips lit me on fire. And I reached out again. I took hold of the shadowy neck with both my hands, mimicking how I’d found the figure holding Delpha mere hours before.

  Something burned, then froze. I could barely breathe through the dueling pain, but I thought of Delpha as I pulled the magic back into myself. I thought of her eyes. Her laugh. The way she always stopped to help those in need even when it cost her time and energy. I thought of the way she looked at me when she was truly happy. And I thought about the way her smile could melt away a bad day in seconds.

  My body fought against the new force at first, resisting, until it recognized the magic for what it was. Delpha’s. She was part of me, and my blood knew it. I absorbed her magic until I could feel the shadow fading away. I watched as it disappeared in a burst of light. Even the darkest things ended with light.

  I swam back up to the surface, my entire body still burning—as if my very blood was on fire. I swam back to shore, hoping it had worked. I knew I’d retrieved her magic but was it enough? Had I worked fast enough? There was only one way to find out. I pushed myself harder, reaching the shore as exhaustion over took me. I crawled up onto the sand, determined to run back to the library, but once I was out of the water exhaustion like I’d never experienced before hit me and I lay on my back, my hands digging into the hard sand. It would only take a few minutes. I would recharge, and Delpha would be okay.

  Fifteen

  Delpha

  Delpha

  I blinked. I could see again. I had no idea what was happening, but suddenly I could see.

  “Delpha?” Mattie’s voice was close, but she wasn’t in my line of sight. “Are you okay?”

  “I think so.” I tried to sit up, but I quickly slid back down. “What happened?”

  Mattie appeared at my side, and she carefully eased me up to lean against a pillow. She propped it up with a pile of books. “Take it slow.”

  “What happened?” I repeated my question.

  She wiped some of my hair away from my face. “Where should I start? Okay. You went into the water and never came back. Cad went in after you, but when he pulled you out, you were completely unresponsive.”

  “Cad?” So that wasn’t a dream. He had been right there. That had been one of the worst parts, knowing he was so close yet being unable to touch him or even communicate. I could argue all I wanted, but at the end of the day I wasn’t prepared to spend my life without him. I hoped I still had time to explain myself and beg for another chance. “Where is he?”

  “He went out there to save you.” Vicky walked in. “Evidently he was successful.”

  “Out where?” I rubbed my eyes. It felt as if I’d been sleeping for days.

  “The ocean.” She pointed in the general direction of the beach.

  “Why did he have to go out there?” I stretched my legs out in front of me, trying to get my blood flowing better so I could stand up. “I’m confused.”

  “To get your magic back from a dark one.” Vicky studied me. “Take it easy. This isn’t a race.”

  “A dark one? That’s what that was?” Memories flooded back. The cold, the pressure around my neck. “I only went down to find my mother. I never imagined… I can’t believe I was out like that.”

  “I’m sure you didn’t mean for anything to happen, but next time wait for some help before you go chasing anyone down under the water? Okay?” Vicky pursed her lips. “And yes, I’m sure somewhere in the books there is a more official name for them, but that’s all I’ve got.”

  “You’re admitting you don’t know everything?” I rubbed my neck, trying to get a dull ache out. “Maybe I’m still dreaming.”

  “Very funny. You’re lucky you are still in recovery.” Vicky waved her finger.

&nbs
p; “Vicky?” After everything I’d gone through, I wasn’t going to be afraid to ask questions, even if it meant rocking the boat so to speak.

  “Yes?” she waited for me to continue.

  Mattie watched on with rapt attention.

  “Where were you yesterday?” That was one part that still didn’t make sense.

  “I had a lead in a case I’ve been working on for some time now.”

  “A case?” Mattie put a hand to her chest. “Are you a detective now in addition to running the library?”

  Vicky chuckled. “More than you know.”

  “Then maybe I should know.” Mattie rose to her feet. “I admit this might not be the best timing, but I’m going to be your daughter-in-law soon, and—”

  “Mattie, you are already my daughter-in-law. This wedding is more symbolic than anything. There’s no bond stronger than mating.”

  “Then why are there so many secrets? How is it I still don’t know what you are or what you really do?” The hurt was clear in Mattie’s voice, and I half expected to see tears stream down her face. I didn’t.

  “Because some secrets we are burdened to carry. That doesn’t mean we should push those burdens off on our family.”

  Mattie straightened her shoulders. “How about sharing the burden? Ever think about it that way?”

  “Guys? I’m sorry to get in the middle of this, but should Cad be back by now? Do we need to go find him?” I was panicking inside. I needed to know what was happening.

  Vicky cleared her throat. “We can go down to the beach if you are sure you feel strong enough.”

  “I need to find Cad.” What had started as early stages of panic was quickly becoming much more.

  “I’ll take that as a good sign.” Mattie held out her hand to help me up. “But just so you know, he isn’t alone.”

  I accepted her hand. For a split-second I thought of Bridget but then realized what she was really hinting at. “Was that voice—I could have sworn…”

  “Yes, your father is here.” Vicky put it bluntly. “It’s your choice whether you want to speak with him.”

  “Why is he here exactly?” My legs ached, but it was good to be standing.

  “Cad brought him back.” Mattie linked her arm with mine. “That’s where he went.”

  “He went to find my dad?” I must have spoken louder than I meant to because Pax came running in, followed by a sorcerer named M.P. I hadn’t seen since I was a kid.

  Pax held his hands up in front of him. “Ok. Before you get all angry at him, let me explain his reasoning.”

  “I’m not getting angry at him. I’m just confused.” I managed to stay calm. I was sure Cad had his reasons. He knew how I felt about my father’s absence.

  “He wanted you to have closure,” Pax explained. “He believes that’s why you’re so afraid.”

  “I’m not afraid of anything.” I raised my chin.

  Mattie made a face. “Nope. Of nothing at all.”

  “I know what you’re implying, but it’s not true. It’s not fear.” I was surprised I even had the energy to argue. Physically my body begged me to lie back down, but adrenaline surged through me.

  “Oh yeah?” Mattie unlinked her arm from mine. “Then what is it?”

  “It’s complicated.”

  “I know all about complicated. This isn’t complicated. The man just risked his life for you again. He didn’t even bat an eye or hesitate a moment.” Mattie put a hand on her hip. “And don’t pretend you didn’t know I was talking about him.”

  “I’d do the same for him.” I would. I’d give my life for his in a second. I wasn’t sure where that realization came from, but it nearly knocked me over. As did the guilt for what I’d put him through. If he wasn’t okay, I’d never forgive myself.

  “Doesn’t that tell you something? When two people care about each other that much? And you know what you have isn’t platonic. The chemistry that oozes between you is ridiculous especially considering how long you’ve been together.”

  “Nothing lasts forever…” That was the hard part. But maybe that was okay? Maybe it would all be worth it to have a touch of something real.

  “See. It is fear. You are afraid of what will happen if you really let your guard down. But you can’t experience anything truly great unless you do it.”

  “You can experience plenty.” Plenty of disappointments. There was no reason to argue with her. I’d already made up my mind.

  “But nothing truly great. You can’t. it’s impossible. Love requires vulnerability.”

  “I think you’ve been spending too much time with all those wedding magazines.” I smiled, hoping she realized it was time to drop the argument. She’d won. Or rather common sense had won. “I’m not afraid.” I mustered all the strength I had and stood up. “Let’s find him.”

  My heart nearly stopped. He was lying on the sand unmoving. Several men stood around him, but no one was doing anything.

  I felt like I was back in my memory of my mom. My feet couldn’t move me fast enough as I dashed across the sand to Cad. Finally I made it, and I fell to the ground beside him.

  “It’s like déjà vu except someone else is lying there…” Mattie’s voice carried over the wind.

  I blocked it out. I blocked everything out as I stared down at Cad. His eyes were closed, and his chest moved up and down slowly and gently. If it weren’t for his wet hair he would have looked exactly the way he’d looked when I’d left his house the last time just the day before.

  “Cad?” I whispered his name as I slipped my hand around his. “Are you awake?”

  Tears streamed down my face when he didn’t answer. I couldn’t lose him. Not Cad. I’d lost too much already. And this would be all my fault. He’d only gone into that water to protect me.

  I leaned over him and pressed my lips against his. I put everything in that kiss. My desperation, my love. Nothing happened at first, and I was close to pulling away when his lips moved tentatively against mine. I squeezed his hand. In a flash his arms wrapped around me, pulling me down on top of him without breaking our kiss. I didn’t care who else was there. I didn’t care about anything. In that moment all that mattered was that Cad was ok. And Cad was kissing me back.

  I let my lips do the talking. I hoped they could convey even a fraction of what I was feeling and of the words I owed him. I heard and felt nothing but Cad as I got lost in the kiss. All too soon he broke the kiss, and I slowly pulled my head away.

  He opened his eyes. “You scared me, Delpha.”

  “I scared you? What about you? I thought I’d lost you.” I held on to his wet suit.

  “You did it first. And longer.” He smiled.

  I could barely concentrate. His smile about made my heart stop. “I don’t think this is supposed to be a competition.”

  His face turned serious. “I never hooked up with her you know.”

  I was taken aback. It took me a minute to even realize who he was talking about. The stuff with Bridget felt like a lifetime ago. In truth so much had happened since I nearly flooded the bar. I’d tried unsuccessfully to find my mom. But even though I wasn’t successful, I did learn something. She wasn’t there as a guardian. She was somewhere else. I wasn’t sure where, but I wasn’t ready to give up. Not yet. Not ever. “Oh. I know. Don’t worry about that.”

  “I heard you almost took out the town over it.” He grinned.

  I swatted at him. “Really? Going to rile me up?”

  He smiled, that smile of his could melt butter in the matter of seconds. “Just so glad to see you.”

  “You’re the one who left.” I tried to roll off of him, but he held me close.

  “He did it to find me.” An old familiar voice spoke from behind me.

  Cad’s arms loosened, and I carefully rolled off to the side and stood, careful to keep my back to him. I wasn’t sure whether I was ready to face my father, but if Cad went through that much effort to find him, I had to try. I counted to ten before I slowly turned ar
ound and allowed myself to look at him.

  He looked so much older. His hair was completely gray now, and his deeply tanned skin hinted at the passing of years. His eyes were the same though. Deep grey eyes that seemed so at odds with the rest of him.

  “Delpha.” He spoke my name and said no more.

  I searched his face. I searched for a reason. For understanding. I searched myself for the anger I’d always felt. The hurt. The guilt. But I came up empty.

  My eyes settled on his eyes, the ones that still looked exactly as they did in all of my young childhood memories. Without even thinking it through I walked over. He opened his arms, and I fell into them. I let him hug me. I should have punched him. I should have kicked him and screamed. But instead I let him hug me, and I hugged him back. It was as if every rational thought I had disappeared. Maybe that wasn’t so surprising considering the kind of day I’d had, what with Cad and me almost dying. But we were both alive. And my father was there. for a few moments I let myself forget about everything else. I let myself pretend I was still a little girl allowed to run into her father’s arms for reassurance.

  “Delpha. Can we talk?”

  I nodded, not sure whether I was giving the right answer. What would my mom have said? To do it. The response came instantly. She never wanted me to hate him. She always told me he had his reasons, but he was going to have to tell me himself. I wondered if she’d predicted something like this—us coming face to face without her there.

  I pulled away from him, shrugging off the embarrassment of having turned to him for comfort. I wiped away a few stray tears that had made there way down my cheeks.

  Without discussing it further, we walked a short ways off. I looked back over my shoulder to make sure Cad was still there. He waved at me, giving me a reassuring smile. He deserved so much better than the treatment I’d given him.