Unleashed: The Cursed Trilogy, Book Two by Betty Legend (little bear else holmelund minarik .TXT) 📗

has exciting news to share with you.”

“What’s the news?”

“I can’t say. It’s her news to share.”

Taking a drink, I give her the side-eye.

“Patience, my sweet girl.”

Emeric laughs. “Only when she’s painting.”

My mom chuckles. “So true. Would you like to join me on the back patio? We can sit and catch up.”

Emeric grabs the tray of tarts. Mom and I glance back at him, our mouths upturned. On the patio, Emeric sits next to me on the couch with my mother across from us. When Emeric leans forward to set the tray on the metal coffee table, my mother’s gaze lingers on Emeric’s back. It hits me then. She would’ve felt his wings under his shirt when she hugged him. No wonder he went rigid.

“Emeric, what is it that you do for a living?”

“Security,” he’s smooth to reply.

“What kind of security?”

“Contracted security. I’m good at keeping trespassers out of places they shouldn’t be.”

“He’s very good at his job.”

Emeric rubs his fingers over my arm, and the feathers brighten. My mother’s eyes snap right to my arm.

“That’s an interesting tattoo.”

“Ah, yeah, I love it.” Placing my hand over it, I rub it.

“I’d love to see it more closely.”

“Of course.” Rising from my seat, I outstretch my arm as I near. She takes hold of my wrist and examines the tattoo, her eyes switching to Emeric once she’s finished.

“So unique.”

Her gaze comes back to me, and her lids narrow, studying me.

“I feel like we have so much to catch up on.”

“We do.” Returning to my seat, I don’t bother keeping up a charade. “I know I’m a witch.”

Taking a drink, my mother looks at us over her cocktail glass. She quietly studies Emeric, then me, then Emeric again.

“Are those wings on your back?”

“Yes.”

“Guardian?”

“I am.”

“Are you the reason for her newly discovered lineage?”

“Not entirely.”

“Have you used magic?” she asks me, concern filling her brown eyes.

“I have.”

“What kind?”

“Three out of five of the elements.”

“Four,” Emeric corrects me. “You used earth regeneration magic when I was injured.”

Surprise sweeps over me. “I didn’t realize that.”

My mom sets her glass down and moves forward on her seat, her long, paisley skirt billowing out around her shoes.

“You can wield four elements of magic?”

“She can wield five but hasn’t practiced earth or blood magic.”

My mother stands from the chair, her hands steepled in front of her mouth, her cheeks turning red.

“This can’t be happening.”

“Mom, what’s wrong?”

She turns to me with tears in her eyes. “They’ll come for you, my sweet girl. They’ll want to kill you.”

Standing, I take her hands in mine. “Mom, it’s all right. I already know about demons and the Holy Accolades. Emeric and the others have been teaching me in a safe place.”

“The others?”

“The other guys in the email. I’m… in a relationship with all of them, except Phoenix. He hates me.”

“He doesn’t hate her,” Emeric interjects. “He’s still adjusting to the changes he’s had lately.”

“Where is this safe place?” Suddenly, my mom looks older, her concern etching deeper wrinkles around her eyes and mouth.

“Somewhere Dad used to go, a Fae Island.”

“Mordeeves Island?”

“You know about it?”

“Yes, your dad took me there once.”

“How did he get there?”

“He could travel to distant places quickly and easily. He was what’s called a warlock.”

“I’m familiar with the term. Cyrus is a warlock. He can portal too.”

Placing her small hand on my hair, she follows the strands down over my shoulder.

“I’m sorry I never told you. I wanted to protect you from that world, but now it’s found you.” Tears and sadness fill her eyes.

“It’s okay, Mom. I understand why you did it.”

Pulling her to me, I hug her tight. She holds me close to her for some time before releasing me. Looking at Emeric, her expression transitions to a concerned mother.

“Do you care for my daughter?”

“Yes, deeply. There aren’t good enough words to describe what she means to me.”

“Then you’ll protect her?”

Emeric stands from the chair and joins us, putting his arms around me, his warmth as fervent as his words.

“With my life.”

My mother wipes at her tears and smiles.

“I’m glad she has you. It gives me some comfort.”

Emeric lifts my mother’s drink and hands it to her. She takes it with an appreciative nod.

“Thank you.”

“I have to ask, does Rachel know she’s a witch?”

“No, my sister never told her. Rachel is a half-witch since her mother had her with a human. You, on the other hand, are a full-blooded witch from a line of druid witches. Druid witches are the most powerful witches.”

“So, I’ve learned.”

“What else have you learned?”

“My lineage, the curse on supernaturals, a prophecy about the curse, how to use water, fire, and air magic, how to portal, and the ugly parts about demons and the Holy Accolades.”

“You must be careful, Selene. Demons can shapeshift into humans.”

I glance over my shoulder at Emeric and narrow my eyes. “Oh, I know.”

Emeric winks back with a mischievous grin.

“The Holy Accolades are just as dangerous. They believe all supernaturals are evil and need to be eliminated.”

“I’ve seen what they can do.”

“What do you mean?”

The doorbell rings, pulling our attention to it.

“That’s a story for another time. I’m guessing that’s Rachel.”

My mom sets her glass down, wipes at her face, and smooths her blouse and skirt.

“Wait here, I’ll get it.”

Touching her arm, I rub my thumb on it. “No, it’s okay. Take a moment. I’ll get it.”

Leaving my mom with Emeric, I head to the door. Through the peephole, I see Rachel in a pretty blue dress with her dark hair hung loose, carrying a gift bag. I open the door, and she beams a smile.

“I’ve missed you.” My arms outstretch to hug her, but slow as I notice the baby bump. “Is that the news? You’re pregnant?”

“Guess I couldn’t hide that news well,” she quips.

“How exciting!”

We hug, rocking back and forth with glee. When I pull back, she looks me over.

“You look smoking hot. Those guys must be keeping you satisfied. You’re practically glowing.”

“One of them is here with me.”

“Ooh, which one?”

“Emeric.”

“The one that looks like a sinful Rockstar?”

“Yeah, him.”

“I