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

and with her lids narrowed, she focuses intently. The rock rolls twice, and her eyes expand. Throwing her hands up, she hugs me.

“I did it!”

“You did!”

Trying again, she rolls the rock a few more inches. Cyrus, Griffin, and Killian smile at her triumphant glee. Emeric and I meet eyes, my gut heavy with apprehension. Going over to him, I slide under his outstretched arm.

Leaning into his ear, I whisper, “I wasn’t ready for this. She doesn’t know what’s out there.”

The reflective glow of the fireball dances in his black eyes as he stares at me with empathy.

“I know, baby, but that’s magic. You can only control your own.” His hand rubs my lower back and over the top of my ass. “You’ll have to tell her the truth now.”

“I’ll wait until tomorrow. I want her to enjoy her magic tonight.”

CHAPTER TEN

SELENE

Rachel tugs on the sleeve of her maroon sweater, her mouth downturned. Setting my coffee mug down, I leave my chair and join her on the patio couch. With a side hug, I try to comfort her.

“This is shitty. I just learned I have magic, but now I can’t use it because of these Accolade assholes.”

“I know it’s shitty, but I’d rather you be safe, especially with being pregnant. I couldn’t bear if something happened to you.”

Flipping her braid off her shoulder, she angles her shoulders to face me better.

“What about light magic, just at home?”

“That would be fine, but don’t let Lucas see unless you’re ready to explain it to him.”

She laughs aloud, then rubs her forehead as her eyelids rise.

“How am I going to explain it to him?”

Taking her hand, I wrap my other around our joined hands.

“When the time is right, you’ll tell him, show him, then be patient and let him process it.”

She gives my fingers a squeeze. “I wish we had more time to hang out. I’m sad you’re leaving today.”

“Me too, but unfortunately, there isn’t enough room for all of us. The guys literally took turns kicking each other off the bed to sleep with me. I got maybe four hours of sleep.”

Laughing, her shoulders shake, and her blue eyes brighten. “Those guys are madly in love with you. I can’t express enough how blessed you are. So much dick, honey, so much dick.”

“You have no idea. When we all sleep in our bed at home, there’s dick flopping everywhere.”

Her laughter continues, her eyes watering.

“I hope you’ll bring me to your home on Fae island. I’d love to see it.”

“I will. I promise.”

“I’m still absorbing everything that happened this weekend. We’re witches, you live with four supernatural boyfriends, there’s a whole supernatural world hidden from people, and a crazy cult that murders innocent supernaturals. Did I get everything?”

“That just about sums it up.”

Standing from the patio couch, she stretches her arms out to hug me.

“I’m leaving here with a new perception of life. It’s going to be weird going home and back to work.”

Squeezing her a little tighter, I stroke her back. “Keep in touch often.”

“I will.”

The door opens, and Mom and my guys come out onto the patio. Killian has my duffle bag slung over his shoulder, along with his. I appreciate them giving Rachel and me privacy to talk. Mom steps closer, pulling me into a hug.

“Be careful, my sweet girl.”

“I would tell you not to worry, but I know better.”

Stroking a sleeve, an inward, pained look fills her face. “It’s hard not to worry, knowing what’s out there.”

Griffin comes nearer, rubbing her shoulder. “We’ll look after her. I promise.”

My mother places her hand on Griffin’s cheek. “Thank you. I believe you all will.”

Cyrus steps back from the others and creates a portal behind us. My mom gives me another hug and kisses me on the cheek. The guys step toward the portal, waiting for me. Joining them, I wave goodbye to Rachel and my mom before stepping through.

Our next steps are into Killian’s living room. Killian takes our bags upstairs as I enter the kitchen to get a mug of tea. Emeric follows me into the kitchen. Squeezing my ass, he gets my attention.

“Hey, babe, I’m going to stretch my wings. I’ll see ya in a while.”

“Okay, have fun.”

“Always.”

Griffin and Cyrus have taken seats on the brown leather couch. Killian returns without a shirt and drops into the matching leather chair.

“It was nice to meet your family,” Griffin says as I rejoin them.

Sitting on the padded arm of Killian’s chair, I stir the honey I added to the tea.

“I loved having you all there. It was tough to leave, but I plan to go back again soon to help Rachel with her skills and spend time with them. It makes it a lot easier when we can portal and be there in minutes.”

Cyrus removes his glasses and wipes them with the bottom of his olive-green t-shirt. “How do you feel about Rachel having magic abilities?”

“Nervous and excited. I love that we can explore our magic together, but I told her not to use it because of the Holy Accolades, and well, I didn’t tell her about demons. I didn’t want to terrify her.”

Killian rubs my leg. “That was probably best.”

“I agree,” Cyrus adds.

“I’m worn out from the eventful weekend. Can we all hang out tonight, relax, and have dinner together?”

“Of course.” Killian pulls me from the arm of the chair and eases me onto his lap, so I don’t spill my tea. “What do you want for dinner?”

“I thought we could cook a big meal together, maybe some chicken, stuffing, potatoes, and vegetables.”

Stroking an arm down my side onto my leg, Killian kisses my shoulder.

“That sounds perfect.”

Griffin and Cyrus give approving nods.

“Sounds delicious,” Cyrus smiles.

Griffin outstretches his legs and rests his feet on the coffee table.

“Do we need to pick up any of the ingredients, or do you have it all here?”

“I’ll check.” Setting the mug on the table, I stand from the chair.

“If we need anything, I’ll go into town.”

“I’ll go with you,” Cyrus offers.

“Thanks, Cy.”

“We’ll probably