Consumed

by Julia Crane

Pain flashed across his face. He turned away, his eyes studying the people hurrying past outside the window “Why?”

  “She said you haven’t returned her calls or texts, so she was worried about you,” Lauren said quietly.

  “Where is she?”

  “She’s back at the hotel. She slept in so she sent us for coffee.”

  The corner of his mouth quirked up as if her were going to smile and stopped himself. “Tell her to go home. I don’t want to see her, and I don’t need your help.” He stood up, threw a $20 bill on the table, and walked out.

  “Well that went well.” Anna reached over and grabbed a slice of toast from his plate while Lauren rolled her eyes.

  They ordered their coffees and went back to the hotel. The guys were already waiting in the lobby, so they filled them in on the exchange.

  Calvron narrowed his eyes and tapped a finger on his chin. “I could probably track him if he changed into his tiger form.”

  Spencer and Sam exchanged looks, and the three guys bolted out of the hotel, hoping to catch Donald before he got too far.

  Anna handed Keegan her coffee as she came out of the bathroom still wrapped in a towel.

  “We saw Donald at the coffee shop,” she said with a frown.

  Keegan stopped, clutching the towel at her chest. “What?”

  “Yeah. He was sitting inside. We talked to him.”

  “I’m sorry Keegan, but I really think he doesn’t want to see you,” Lauren cut in as she sat on the bed.

  “I didn’t think he would.” Proof that he didn’t filled her with sadness. She hated that she had caused his unhappiness. “But, Calvron asked me to try, so I have to.”

  Calvron, Spencer, and Sam showed up a couple of hours later and knocked on the girls’ door.

  “Hey,” Keegan said when she opened it. “Did you find him?”

  Spencer shook his head. “No. He’s gone.”

  “Again,” Calvron said disgustedly.

  Anna grabbed her bag and started setting up her altar. “If you guys can step out really quick, I’ll track him.”

  Keegan watched in awe as Anna’s movements were sure and quick. She had turned into a completely different person. Gone was the quirky, awkward girl Keegan had grown up with. She had been replaced by a beautiful, confident—and powerful—witch.

  Anna eventually turned towards them and motioned for Keegan to let the guys back in. “Maybe we should just leave him alone. He really doesn’t want to be found, and I don’t think he’s ready for our help.”

  Calvron stepped towards her. “What did you see? Where is he?’

  “He’s not far from here. He’s in the woods. Watching us.” Anna sighed and began to put away her crystals.

  Keegan looked up from the bed. “He’s close?”

  “Yes. He’s behind the hotel in the woods.” Anna started picking up her things. She held onto her crystal for a few minutes and closed her eyes, smiling.

  “I think I should go talk to him by myself.” Keegan walked over and grabbed her coat. She needed to at least try to speak to him. Alone.

  Sam spoke up. “I don’t think that is a great idea. We should all go together. He’s made it obvious he doesn’t want to see you. You’ll probably make him run.”

  Keegan zipped her jacket. “I’m going. Don’t follow me.” She walked out the door and didn’t look back.

  The woods weren’t that far away. She thought about Donald as she walked, and all the good times they had shared together. He was her rock when she was dealing with her emotions of coming back to life from the black magic. She wasn’t sure what would have happened to her had it not been for him. Every time the darkness came to her, he had been there to push it back. She owed him.

  She walked into the woods and looked around at the huge trees. She knew he would know she was there if he was in his tiger form. She walked deeper into the woods and tried to be as loud as possible, stomping on fallen branches so that they cracked under her feet. “Donald, please come talk to me. I know you’re here.”

  Rocks fell from above, startling Keegan; she looked up and saw it was Donald. He was standing on the edge of an embankment not too far from her, watching her. He looked different. He was scruffy with a few days’ growth on his face, and his hair was crazier than usual. She smiled when she noticed his shirt was buttoned wrong.

  The hill wasn’t that high so she started to climb up. Donald didn’t move; he just watched her. She’d almost made it to the top when she slipped on the loose rocks and started sliding back down. He ran towards her and offered his hand.

  Keegan grasped his hand. Donald grabbed her forearm and pulled her up. His hand was so warm against her skin. She stared into his startling blue eyes. “Thank you.”

  Donald returned her stare, but didn’t say anything. He dropped her hand and shoved his own hands in his pockets.

  Keegan thought carefully before she spoke. She didn’t want to make it any worse.

  He looked so much older than the last time she saw him. She knew she would only have one shot at getting through to him. “It seems the tables have turned. What’s going on with you Donald? I’m not worth this. You deserve so much more.”

  “You’re worth it to me.” Donald kicked at the ground, refusing to meet her eyes.

  “I’m sorry I hurt you. You have to know that was never my intention.”

  “I’m not mad at you, Keegan. I know it’s not your fault.” He looked off in the distance. “I just can’t seem to accept that you’re gone. You’re everything to me.”

  Keegan didn’t know what to say to that. Her heart ached for him.

  “Are you happy?” Donald asked. Keegan could hear the pain in his voice.

  “Yes.” She took a step towards him. “But I’m not happy that you’re going through this.”

  “Can’t you try to fight the bond Keegan? We were great together.”

  “I couldn’t if I wanted to,” she said softly.

  “Why are you even here? Why don’t you go back to your chosen?” Donald glared at her.

  “Magic is beyond us, Donald. We just have to accept it. You will find someone new and forget all about me.”

  “I don’t want anyone else.”

  Donald reached for her, both of his hands grasping her arms. He pulled her against him and tried to kiss her.

  “Donald!” Keegan pushed him roughly away. “I can’t.”

  “You had no problem kissing him when we were together,” Donald spat, his hands balling into fists at his sides.

  Keegan stared at him, wondering if the Donald she knew was still inside him.

  “I want you to see something. I want you to see the strength of an elf’s bond.” Keegan reached up and unclasped her necklace, letting it drop to the ground.

  Pain flashed in her eyes as she clutched her stomach and doubled over. The pain hit her with an intensity she hadn’t expected; she couldn’t breathe.

  “What’s wrong?” Donald bent down and tried to hold her up, but she fell to the ground and curled up as the pain coursed through her body.

  Donald was frantic. “Keegan, please, what’s going on? Tell me how to fix it.”

  “Necklace.” She managed to get out between clenched teeth.

  Donald looked around in a panic and found the necklace of pink stones laying on the ground. He grabbed it with shaking hands and tried to clasp it around Keegan’s neck.

  Slowly, the pain dissipated from her body, allowing her body to relax. She stayed on the ground, waiting for it to disappear entirely.

  Donald was on his knees beside her, his breath coming fast. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly. “Keegan, what just happened? Are you ok?”

  Keegan pulled herself up to sitting position and tried not to think about the lingering pain. “When I’m separated from Rourk, that is what happens to my body. My mom made a necklace to keep the worst of it at bay.”

  Donald stared at her, the disbelief clear on his face. “He did that to you? I’ll kill hi
m.”

  She had never heard the edge in his voice before. “He didn’t do it. The bond did. I told you—we can’t fight the bond. Would you want me to be in constant pain?”

  Donald looked away, his jaw clenched. “Are you only with him to avoid pain?”

  Keegan smiled sadly. “No, my heart needs him Donald. I can’t be with anyone except him. We are made for each other, and I love him.”

  “If you came here to make me feel better, you didn’t do a very good job. You need to leave.” He stood up and put distance between them.

  “Please, don’t shut me out. I still want to be your friend.”

  Donald laughed. “Not going to happen.” He shifted and took off into the woods.

  Keegan reached down and picked up his clothing. Her heart ached—she really thought she would be able to get through to him. It seemed she might have made things worse.

  Back at the hotel, she told everyone what happened, then called Rourk and filled him in.

  “So am I coming to Alaska or California tomorrow? I need to get my ticket,” Rourk said calmly.

  “I don’t know what to do. I don’t think I can help him. I don’t think anyone can help him until he is ready. They want to stay the weekend and see if the guys can get through to him. I don’t know if I should stay or just go home. Anna and Lauren are staying.”

  “I’ll make my ticket to California. I know you want to be there. I really don’t care where I go as long as I’m with you.”

  “Thank you. I can’t wait to see you.”

  “Keegan, please don’t take off your necklace again until I’m around. I really hate knowing you were in pain.”

  “I won’t. I promise. I really thought it would help.”

  Chapter 15

  During the flight, Rourk thought about the shifter, and tried to see things from his point of view. Rourk knew what it felt like to lose Keegan, and it wasn’t a good feeling.

  However, the boy should simply have more self control than he’d been showing. Rourk was slightly disgusted with the fact that he shifted in public; it was really inexcusable.

  Because of the time difference, his flight touched down in California fairly early. His pulse quickened as he walked off the plane. Just the thought of seeing Keegan drove him crazy. He had to consciously tell himself not to push people out of the way to get to her. Through the sea of people, all he saw was her beautiful smile. He loved the way her eyes lit up when she saw him. He lengthened his stride and pulled her into his arms, inhaling the scent of sandalwood and vanilla. “I’ve missed you.”

  “You better.” Keegan grinned. “I’m so glad you’re here. I felt lost without you.”

  Rourk ran his hands through her hair and she tilted her head to meet his lips. It was as if all the people in the airport disappeared and it was only them. He loved the way she made him feel.

  Rourk took a step back to take her in. He smiled when he saw the blush creep up her face. “How are you doing?”

  “I’m fine, much better now that you’re here. Thank you for coming.” She gave him a slight smile. “I’m sure it’s not easy for you.”

  Rourk laughed. “It’s fine Keegan. As long as I am with you I really don’t care where we are.” He laced his fingers between hers and walked out towards the exit. “I get to properly meet your friends.”

  Keegan squeezed his hand. “Don’t expect a warm welcome from the guys, but Anna and Lauren will be excited to meet you. I got you a room next to ours. I hope that is ok?”

  “Thank you. So, no luck talking sense into Donald?”

  “He wouldn’t listen to me. I think he hates me.”

  Rourk shook his head. “He doesn’t hate you. If he hated you, he wouldn’t be taking things so hard. I’m sure he wishes he could hate you. It would make his life easier.”

  Keegan tilted her head to the side and looked up at him, her blue-green eyes looked serious. “Did you wish you could hate me?”

  “No, I didn’t bother to try to fight my feelings for you. I knew it would be useless.” Rourk wrapped his arm around her and pulled her closer. “We’re together now. I don’t like to dwell on the past.”

  Keegan knocked on the door and Lauren flung it open. “It’s about time. Rourk, it’s so good to finally meet you. I don’t think we got introduced at Keegan’s birthday party.” Lauren winked and nudged his arm.

  “Keegan talks about you two constantly. She is lucky to have such great friends.” Rourk smiled over at Anna, and she waved back.

  “Are you starving? There’s a little diner down the street. Actually, my stomach just growled. We’re going to eat.” Anna stood up and moved towards the door.

  Keegan looked over at Rourk and he shrugged. “That works for me. Let me just throw my bag in my room and I’ll be right back.”

  Keegan grinned at the girls after he left the room. “Isn’t he amazing?”

  Lauren gave a mischievous grin. “Spill the beans. How’s the elven sex? I imagine with his intensity it’s incredible.”

  Keegan looked down at the tan worn carpet and focused on a spot on the floor. “I wouldn’t know. He wants to wait till we get married.”

  “Get out of here!” Anna pushed her and almost made her fall to the ground. “That boy is too good to be true.”

  Anna sighed. “How is it possible that the three of us are still virgins? We’re hot right?”

  Keegan laughed, and Lauren was strangely quiet.

  “Lauren!” The both said at the same time.

  Anna screamed, “You lost your virginity and didn’t tell us?”

  Lauren had a far away look on her face with a secret smile. “I told you about Tristen.”

  “We want details. Is it wonderful?” Anna asked.

  “You have no idea. I can’t even begin to describe it. It’s like we’re brought to another dimension. I know that sounds ridiculous, and I’m sure it’s because we are both fairies although I have nothing to compare it to.” Her face flushed red.

  A knock on the door startled them out of their thoughts.

  Keegan opened the door. Rourk stood on the other side, running his hands through his hair. “Am I interrupting something?”

  “Nope, just girl talk. Let’s go eat.” Keegan put her arm through his and they left for dinner.

  Lauren had invited the guys, but Keegan guessed they decided not to show up. Which was understandable, but the girls found it slightly annoying. It wasn’t as if Rourk had any control over being Keegan’s chosen.

  Keegan enjoyed seeing her friends get to know Rourk better, although he seemed uncomfortable being grilled by them.

  “When are you moving to Washington?” Anna asked.

  “If everything goes as planned we should be moving next month.”

  Keegan’s eyes lit up. “Really?”

  Rourk put his hand on hers. “Really. Tommy has already been looking for a place for us.”

  “Ohhh…who is Tommy? Is he hot like you?” Ann grinned wickedly and rubbed her hands together.

  Rourk’s face flushed, and he looked at Keegan for help. “He’s a friend I made at basic training, and we’ll be roommates. He’s a great guy.”

  Anna slummed in her seat. “Great guy is codeword for not a sexy beast.”

  They all laughed.

  “Keegan, you’ll be moving soon too, right?” Lauren reached over and grabbed a napkin.

  “Yep. I’m going to move in with Anna—well, we’re going to get a place together.”

  “I’m so jealous.” Lauren sighed. “Tristen and I will have to come visit once you guys get settled in.”

  “Sounds pretty serious.” Keegan raised an eyebrow.

  Lauren smiled. “I hope it is. We haven’t been together long, but I know he’s the one.”

  “I don’t think I’ll ever find anyone.” Anna frowned.

  Keegan decided to change the subject. “So what are we going to do about Donald? I have to leave by Sunday.”

  “I don’t know, maybe we should just leave hi
m alone. I wouldn’t want someone chasing after me if I wanted to be alone,” Lauren said.

  “Does anyone know if he has shifted in public again or if it was a one-time occurrence? That’s the main issue. Can you imagine if the humans realized shifters were real? That would be trouble for all of us.” Rourk glanced around at the girls seriously before he took a bite out of his sandwich.

  “I’ve only heard of the one incidence, but who knows? There could have been more. He gets drunk all the time and loses control. I don’t think he has been to a class in weeks,” Lauren said.

  Keegan lowered her head. “It’s all my fault. I should have handled things differently.”

  “It’s not your fault, Keegan. You have no control of how someone reacts.” Rourk squeezed her hand under the table.

  They spent the day driving around and looking for Donald. Occasionally, they stopped to ask passers-by if anyone had spotted him, but no one had. He was probably hiding in the woods, or he had moved on. After a day of no luck, they all went to their rooms for the night and agreed to try again tomorrow. If they didn’t have any luck, Anna would use a spell to track his location again.

  Rourk had an idea of his own, but he didn’t want to let the girls in on the plan. Tracking was what he did best. He knew as long as Donald was in the area, he could find him. Usually, Rourk would take the hard route and search for him without using his powers, but they were running short on time. He wanted to get this wrapped up so he could spend more time with Keegan.

  He shook his head at the simplicity of it all, closed his eyes, and thought of nothing else but Donald. Rourk saw the dimly lit room with a tacky neon sign the said “Beer Here.” He tried to look around for clues, but his gift only allowed him to see the person he was thinking of and whatever was directly behind that person. Donald was sitting at a bar drinking and looking pissed off. Rourk snapped his eyes open.

  He grabbed his laptop; he was surprised how much it had come in handy. Rourk searched for local bars: there were five. He would check them systematically. He wasn’t sure what he would say to the shifter, but he was hoping he could talk some sense into him. Rourk grabbed his jacket and headed out on foot.