Page 25

Chapter 25

The touch of a wet tongue woke Callum from the dead. His eyes snapped open groaning as Broderick frantically licked the life back into him. “I’m back. I’m here. No need to drown me.” Callum pushed the stag aide, his limbs tingling as their sensations returned. By the Goddess’s tits, Rowan was a sight to behold. A powerful, vengeful witch protecting his own. And he’s my mate.

Pride swelled inside him as he shoved himself into a sit, still feeling like soggy mud. “Witch-boy, you were remarkable. I am so…” Rowan lay beside him, as lifeless and pale as he had found him. “Rowan!”

No air came from his lungs, no movement from under those closed eyelids. Broderick nudged Rowan, bleating at Callum before pacing around the two.

“I don’t know what happened! We both crossed! I’m sure of it!” Callum pressed his ear to Rowan’s chest, listening for any sign of life. The faint thump of a heartbeat touched his ear. Callum held his breath, waiting for another. Please let there be another!

There it was, stronger this time. He held Rowan in his arms, Broderick administering his reviving licks to the witch’s cheek. “Come back to me Witch-boy. You’re strong.” Rowan shuddered, lips parting. “Yes, that’s’ it. I’m here waiting for you.”

Rowan’s lungs rattled as he sucked in his first breath, body plumping with heat. His eyes popped open, and he rolled onto his side, coughing and sputtering.

Callum curled his arms around him. “Thank the Goddess.”

“I’m all right,” Rowan choked. “I just got stuck for a bit. Happens all the time.”

“I thought I’d lost you!”

Rowan chuckled weakly burying his face against Callum’s neck. “Got to work harder than that to get rid of me.” Broderick grunted, earning a scritch between his antlers. “If it wasn’t for you, buddy, I’d be lost. Thank you.” He looked to Callum. “And thank you, too.”

Callum shook his head. “No need for thanks. My intentions to bring you back are purely selfish.” He melted as Rowan laughed.

Callum had never been happier to see a house before. It stood proud amongst the trees, its windows glowing, shingles coated in sparkling snow. Home. They were home, alive and safe. Ivy was out the door as soon as they set foot on the porch flinging her arms around Rowan.

“Oh, thank Brigid you’re alive! I couldn’t feel you for the longest time and I really thought…” Her voice crumbled into tears. “Gods, Ro, what happened? Where’s the wraith?”

“It’s dead.” Rowan’s grateful gaze fell on Callum. “We crossed the veil and got rid of it.” He bowed his chest, pride swelling. Rowan hugged his sister, resting his chin on top of her head. “There’s some stuff I never talked about with you Ives and it came and bit me on the ass. I’m so sorry.”

“It’s okay,” Ivy replied. “As long as you’re alive, it’s totally okay.”

After taking stock that Rowan was indeed safely home, Broderick trotted to the porch swing. He knocked the snow from it before awkwardly hauling himself on to it, curling as tight as he could. But he kept his head raised; his familiar forever diligent.

“Can we get him a blanket?” Rowan asked.

“We can build him his own damn roofless house after this. But we’re defrosting you inside first” Ivy replied. The door opened, anticipating Ivy’s command.

Callum picked Rowan up, carrying him across the threshold. “Any sign of Aster?”

“Finn is out tracking her now. He said he caught her scent. Aunt Dahlia and Aunt Rosemary are driving the roads to see if they can spot the gargoyle and I’m here in case someone came back. Glad I stayed too.” Ivy closed the door behind them, hurrying to fetch some blankets.

The house had restored itself after the wraith’s destruction, thawing the ice and repairing its windows. The hearth flamed up in welcome, ceiling beams groaning with excitement. Ivy wrapped a blanket around Rowan, another around Callum. “I’ll take this last one to Broderick then I’m raiding your healing potions, Ro,” Ivy said “You’re both resting here until you don’t look like popsicles.”

“I’m fine really, I…” He bit his lip at the pointed look Callum gave him. “No, you’re right. I’ll rest.”

Ivy gave Callum a smile. “Rest. Then you can spill your guts to me about this wraith.” She patted his cheek. “I’m just glad you’re okay, Ro. That’s all that matters to me.” She slipped to the porch, leaving them settled on the couch.

Rowan sighed, laying his head on Callum’s shoulder. Firelight danced over him, making his already bright hair a bonfire. “I can’t believe I killed the damn thing.”

“I can.” Callum, pulled him to against his side, draping the blankets over them both. “And you earned this victory, my brave Witch-boy.”

“And so did you,” Rowan added.

Callum smiled, running his fingers through Rowan’s damp hair. “I lost your talisman.”

Rowan shrugged. “Don’t need it anymore. My parents made it to remind me I’m not alone. They said it would bring me someone if they couldn’t be there for me.” He took Callum’s hand, kissing his fingers. “The talisman served its use. It brought you to me. And I love you Cal. This is what I want. You are what I want.”

Callum laced their hands together. “Mates?”

Rowan nodded, raising their clasped hands. “Mates.”

They reclined on the couch, watching the fire crackle as they regained their strength. Mates. Rowan’s parents had cast their spells. Orlaith and given her blessing. And Callum finally felt free. He kissed Rowan, slow and soft, fingers sliding into his hair. “You’ll never be alone, Witch-boy.” And neither am I.