by Deanna Chase
“There’s nothing to forgive.” I reached up and brushed a lock of hair out of his eyes. “Just take me home, love. I want to nest with you and the little one and get ready for the next chapter.”
His eyes glinted with tears, but then he blinked and they were gone. “You got it, love. Anything you want.”
“I just want you.”
He smiled down at me, and we shared a silent moment filled with all the love that was too big for either of us. Finally, he lowered his lips to mine and kissed me softly. Then he handed me the cup from the Grind and said, “Decaf chai latte from Pyper.”
I pushed myself up and took a long, fortifying sip. “Okay, I think I love her almost as much as I love you.”
He chuckled, positioned himself so he was sitting next to me, and wrapped an arm around my shoulders. “Good thing I feel the same way, otherwise I might get jealous.”
“Nah. I’d just do that thing you like, and you’d forget all about her.”
His eyes glinted with mischief. “Don’t tease me, Jade. I’m pretty sure the image that just flashed through my mind is off-limits for a few months.”
I sighed and patted my abdomen. “Yeah, probably.”
“She’s worth it,” he whispered.
“I love you.”
He pressed his lips to my temple and said, “Ditto.”
By midmorning, Healer Hanna had me discharged and set a follow-up appointment for a few weeks later. My bag was packed, I was dressed for the first time in days, and I was more than a little impatient get going.
“I’m ready,” I said, clutching my overnight bag.
Kane handed the clipboard to the discharge nurse and turned back to me. “Okay. Let’s roll.”
“Finally.” I leaned back in the chair, and even though I was dying to walk out on my own two feet, I tried to relax as he pushed my wheelchair down the stark white hall. But instead of heading toward the exit, Kane steered the chair in the opposite direction and took me up to the ICU so we could finally see Liam.
Harper was waiting for us just outside his door. Her eyes filled with tears when she saw me, and before either of us said a word, she wrapped her arms around me and gave me a gentle hug. When she released me, she asked, “How are you doing?”
“Better.” I grabbed her hand and squeezed it lightly. “My healer just wants me to rest, keep everything low-key until the baby gets here.”
“I’m sorry, Jade,” she said, trying to blink back tears. “I should’ve never dragged you into this.”
I sat up straighter. “What do you mean, drag me into it? Wasn’t it pure chance that Pyper and I were in the store when you were hauled away by the council?”
“Yes, but…” She squeezed her eyes shut, looking pained. “It was me who told the council that you were the key to sorting this out. If I hadn’t left Peanut with you or said anything to them, they probably wouldn’t have ordered you to find me.”
I shook my head. “I doubt that. Pyper and I were already looking into what happened. It was because of the dragon thing. It’s likely I would’ve been in the middle of it anyway.”
Kane snorted but kept his comments to himself.
“Let’s not play the blame game, okay? It’s not your fault Zeph was an insane black-magic user who was willing to do anything to get what he wanted.”
She glanced down and nodded. “Thank you for that.”
“How’s Liam?” I asked.
“He’s… okay. Getting better.” Frowning, she glanced back at his room. “Do you want to see him?”
“If he’s up to it.” I wanted to thank him for being so brave and saving us all. If it hadn’t been for him shooting Zeph, who knew what would’ve happened?
“Let me check.” She disappeared into the room for a moment, and when she returned, she waved for us to follow her in.
Liam was propped up on a couple of pillows, his arm in a sling. He had a fading black eye and a splint on his left knee, and who knew what other injuries he’d suffered that we couldn’t see. He hadn’t fared very well at all through the ordeal.
“Hi,” I said and held my hand out. “I’m Jade Calhoun.”
He lifted his good arm and shook my hand, his grip surprisingly strong considering his current state. “Hello.”
“This is my husband, Kane Rouquette.”
Kane nodded at the young man and said, “Thank you, Liam. I believe I owe you my deepest gratitude. I understand if it wasn’t for you, we’d have had a much harder time getting in to help you guys.”
Liam just blinked at us. Then he shook his head. “I don’t remember anything.”
“You shot Zeph, Li,” Harper said gently. “He was trying to force Jade to give him her magic so that he could—”
“I know,” he said, cutting her off. “You told me. I still don’t remember it.”
I glanced at Harper and then at Kane. “Do you two mind if I have a moment alone with Liam?”
“Sure, babe.” Kane kissed me on the top of my head and backed toward the door.
Harper hesitated.
“It’s fine, Harper,” Liam said. “Go. I’ll be okay.”
She still didn’t move, but when Liam sighed, she got up and followed Kane out the door.
I rolled my chair closer to the side of his bed but didn’t say anything. I just let the silence settle between us.
After what seemed like forever, Liam sighed and asked, “What did you want to talk to me about?”
“Anything you want.” I gave him a tentative smile. “Or nothing at all. Your choice.”
“I’m tired of people asking me how I am.”
I glanced over at him, surprised that was his first response. But then I laughed. “Yeah. Me too.”
He eyed my belly and asked, “Are you okay?”
“Yeah. This chair is just a precaution. Trying to stave off premature labor. You?”
“No.” His tone was full of resentment. “I mean, I’ll live if that’s what you’re asking. But I don’t know if I’ll play again.” He cut his gaze to his immobilized arm. “Shattered bone. Won’t know what kind of movement I’ll have until it heals.”
“Damn,” I said softly. “I’m really sorry.”
“Me too.”
“Do you know who Bea Kelton is?” I asked.
He frowned. “Wasn’t she one of the ones who busted in after I shot that bastard?”
“Yep. She’s also the former coven leader of New Orleans. She’s a badass to the nth degree.”
“Oh. Okay.”
“And she’s the one who conjured the goddess who turned Zeph to ash,” I said. “I know that’s no consolation for losing something so obviously precious, but I thought you should know who ended that bastard.”
He stared at the wall, and then in the quietest voice said, “Thanks.”
“I heard you play…” I cleared my throat. “You know, I was going to say I heard you play and it was mesmerizing, but now I’m not so sure. Was that you in the music hall that day last week or someone else?”
“I haven’t been back to school since the spring.” He frowned as he studied me. “You thought you saw me play?”
I nodded and explained how I’d heard his music and then saw the multiple violins playing on stage. “Was it an illusion?”
“Yeah. Zeph made me play for him and then told me no one would ever miss me. That must’ve been why.”
“Damn.” The guy had been an evil genius. I’d suspected illusion spells, but I’d thought Liam had been the one casting them. “I’m sorry, Liam.”
“Me too.” He sucked in a fortifying breath. “Would you do me a favor?”
“Sure.” I leaned in, waiting to see what he had to say, and added, “If I can.”
“Can you do whatever you can to protect Harper? I know the council is still after her. They’ve told her she needs to surrender herself by tomorrow morning. The dragon thing…” He swallowed. “It’s not her fault, you know. She can’t help what she is.”
“They did!” I
nearly jumped right out of my chair, wanting to storm down to the council offices right then and there. “Those bastards.”
His eyes glinted with a determination I hadn’t seen before. “So you’ll do it? You won’t let them lock her up again? You’ll keep her safe?”
“I’ll do my best,” I said. Then I softened my voice as I asked, “You love her, don’t you?”
He jerked his head to stare at me. “Of course. I’d do anything for her.” Then he gave me a sad smile. “I already have.”
I recognized the love shining through his pain and pushed myself to my feet. Taking his hand in mine, I leaned down and gave him the gentlest kiss on his cheek. “Hold on to that love, Liam. What you feel for her, it’s rare and important. More important than your talent. More important than all the crap that’s going to be thrown your way. Listen to your heart, prioritize each other, and you’ll get through anything. And trust me, with your magic and Harper’s dragon blood, you’ll need it.”
“You think we can survive more of this?” he asked, staring me in the eye.
“You can, and you will,” I said, sitting back down. “Trouble finds the powerful, my friend. And you and Harper, you both have special gifts that will call to those who seek to manipulate power. But here’s the good news. Together, you’re stronger. Hold on to that and just take life as it comes.”
He eyed me and then glanced toward the door. “Your husband… Kane?”
“Yes?”
“Does he have magic?”
“Yeah, he does,” I said. “He’s a demon hunter. We’ve… seen a lot.”
He let out a low whistle.
“But we’ve also helped a lot of people. It’s not always like this.” I almost laughed. No, it wasn’t always this bad, but it was bad enough. Still, the young couple possessed power others would seek. It was better he be prepared for what was to come.
“Yeah. I can see that.” He held his hand out again, and I placed mine in his. “Thank you, Jade. Your visit helped.” His words warmed my heart.
“You’re very welcome. Now I’ll take care of Harper while you concentrate on healing.”
“Just make sure she’s the one waiting to take me home.”
I grinned at him. “It’s a deal.”
23
“I have to go,” I insisted as I got dressed.
Kane sat on the edge of the bed, scowling at me. “Jade, you’re supposed to be on bed rest.”
Guilt made me wince, and I pressed my hand to my belly. He was right. There was no arguing with him. But I had to get to the council and make sure they didn’t do anything stupid like strip Harper’s soul from her. “Kane, what else am I supposed to do? You know I won’t be able to live with myself if I don’t stand up for Harper. You know how the council is.”
He sighed and closed his eyes. “This is why we never have a moment’s peace.”
I sat down next to him and slid my hand into his. “Come with me?”
“Yeah, all right. But if at any moment you feel a contraction or weird pain or even mild nausea, I’m bringing you straight home. Got it?”
“Got it.” I smiled up at him.
“Don’t do that.” He gave me a stern look. “Promise me you won’t take any chances.”
I drew a cross over my heart with my finger and said, “Promise.”
“Is Pyper coming?” he asked, running a hand through his thick dark hair.
“Yes, she—”
“I’m here!” Pyper called from the other room. “Ready?”
Kane raised one eyebrow. “Think she brought coffee?”
“Of course I did.” Pyper strode into the room, carrying two cups. She handed one to me and one to Kane. “Pastries are in the car. Let’s go.”
Kane took the cup from me and handed both back to her. Then, before either of us could say a word, he lifted me into his arms and carried me out to the car and set me in the back seat.
I laughed. “You know, I could’ve walked to the car.”
“Maybe. But one of us has to be cautious.” He ran around to the other side and climbed into the passenger seat. Then he leaned over and glanced at Pyper, who was standing on the sidewalk. “Come on. Let’s go.”
Shaking her head, she climbed into the car, handed us our cups, and then chauffeured us to the council grounds.
“You can’t be here,” the receptionist at the front desk said. “Madam Tempest told me to tell you to make an appointment.
“We’re not leaving,” I said. “Madam Tempest put me in charge of finding Harper. I did. Now I need to give her a report. And since I’m not supposed to be on my feet, if I go into labor right here in your lobby because you made me wait, you’ll have one massive lawsuit on your hands.”
The poor receptionist gulped and stammered, “I’ll… um, I’ll be back.”
Pyper chuckled and leaned against the counter. “Nice.”
Kane sat in one of the waiting chairs and tapped his foot impatiently.
A few minutes went by before Madam Tempest appeared. She frowned at me. “Bed rest?”
“Healer Hanna’s orders. If you want to hear my report, you’ll hear it now.”
She gave me a flat stare.
I shrugged.
“Come on,” she said, clearly annoyed.
I gave her a pleased smile and indicated Pyper should follow me. Kane didn’t move. He knew Madam Tempest would only tolerate so much.
We followed her back to the same room where she’d first ordered us to track down Harper.
“Sit,” she said.
Pyper and I glanced at each other and took our seats.
“We’re bringing Harper and her cousin in momentarily, but I want to hear from you first,” Tempest said.
“Fine.” I leaned back in the chair. “Harper isn’t a danger to anyone. She didn’t try to unleash any dragons. That was Zeph. And do you know why?”
Madam Tempest didn’t say a word. She just stared me down, waiting for me to continue.
I sighed. The council would never change. “He used to date Delphinia. He was convinced that if he could steal my magic, he could wield enough power to steal their dragon souls and turn into one himself. He was going to free Delphinia and rule at her side. Whatever that means.”
“Yes. That’s what we’ve heard.” She waved a hand, and a moment later Kinsley walked into the room. “Was that true?” she asked the young woman.
Kinsley nodded. “It’s her truth as she sees it.”
“It’s what Zeph said,” I insisted. “I have no reason to think it’s not the truth.”
“I understand.” Tempest got up and left the room.
Pyper and I glanced at each other and then at Kinsley. “What’s going on?” I asked the truth seeker.
“She’s going to have Harper testify.” Kinsley sat at the head of the table and pulled out a yellow legal pad. A pen appeared out of nowhere and she started to write.
The door opened, and Tempest walked back in. Harper followed but her hands were secured with zip ties.
I scowled at Tempest. “Are you kidding me? She’s not a criminal. Why are you restraining her like that?”
“It’s standard procedure, Ms. Calhoun,” Tempest snapped. “I suggest you calm yourself, or we’ll be forced to restrain you as well.”
“Holy hell,” Pyper muttered. “This place is eight different kinds of crazy.”
“It’s fine,” Harper said, keeping her head held high. “If this is what I need to do to prove I’m not a threat, then this is what I’ll do.” She met Kinsley’s eyes and said, “Be sure to tell her if anything I say isn’t one hundred percent honest.”
“I will,” Kinsley said with a nod.
“Let’s start with the day we brought you in for questioning,” Tempest said.
Questioning? Who was she kidding? They’d hauled her in and had planned to charge her with endangerment. But I said nothing, waiting to hear what exactly went down that day.
“Well, I was at work,” Harper said. “I hadn’
t been there long. Zeph, the manager, he sought me out at the deli I worked at. Offered me the job, better pay, better hours. I took it, not knowing he was just trying to keep an eye on me. Anyway, the day the council brought me in, Zeph got word, and he’s the one who broke me out of here.”
“How?” Tempest asked, her eyes narrowed.
“He’s really good at illusion spells,” Harper said.
“Was good,” I interjected.
“Right,” she agreed. “Was. Anyway, he spelled himself to look like one of the guards, and when he got in to see me, he spelled me to look like another one and we both walked right out of here without anyone saying a word.”
Tempest glanced at Kinsley. She nodded. The council witch leaned forward. “And you willingly went with him? You didn’t think maybe you’d be in much deeper trouble when we finally caught up with you?”
Harper let out a humorless laugh. “You’re assuming I had a choice, Madam Tempest. Zeph didn’t ask my opinion. He just spelled me and then ordered me to go. I couldn’t have stayed even if I wanted to.”
“I see.” Tempest scowled. “Then our defenses aren’t nearly as strong as we think they are.”
Kinsley continued to scribble notes while Harper went through every gory detail of being locked up in Zeph’s Victorian. When she got to the part about Zeph impersonating her to attack me, I paid particular attention to Kinsley. And when she nodded that Harper was still telling the whole truth, I relaxed. The college student had proven herself to me over and over again. As far as I was concerned, she deserved a medal for helping take down Zeph.
By the time she was finished, tears were streaming down her face, but her voice was steady when she turned to Tempest and said, “I know you’re going to do what you have to do. But I hope you’ll consider my offer.”
“And what offer is that?” Tempest asked, watching the woman with interest. I wasn’t sure if it was just my imagination, but I could’ve sworn that the council witch was impressed with Harper’s spine of steel. I certainly was.