Page 7 of Fighting for Her Heart

I open my eyes. “And what about my powers?”

“Your powers to let vampires walk in the light?” she asks.

“No. Mymagicalpowers.”

She shakes her head as if her entire body’s refuting my claim. “You have usedmagic?”

I nod.

“Whatkindof magic?” She turns toward me, bending up one leg between us on the boulder.

“How would I know?” I shrug. “You never explainedanythingabout magic to me or ever even hinted that I might develop the ability to cast spells. Every time I brought it up you shut me down. My magic took me by complete surprise.”

“Tell me everything.” Nora leans forward as if this is the most exciting news she’s ever heard. “Every little detail.”

Zuben takes a step back. “While I am exceedingly interested to hear this discussion, the mention of magic has reminded me that, should Ryker return this night, he will not be able to enter this property without assistance.”

I jump down from the boulder, turning toward the edge of the property.

Zuben softly touches my shoulder. “Stay here. Talk with your mother. It will be my pleasure to keep watch for Ryker.”

I reach up to touch Zuben’s handsome face, and then nudge it down so I can kiss him softly. His lips tremble under mine.

“Thank you.” I look deep into his eyes, and he nods.

Axe steps out of the woods. “I’ll stay with Ember.” Crossing his arms over his chest, he widens his stance. “I won’t intrude on your conversation with the witch, but I’mnotletting you out of my sight.”

Chapter Three

Ryker

Iknowthis is the right road. I’m sure of it. I might not have a photographic memory like Zuben, but unless I’m losing my mind, I’m in the right place.

I slowly walk the three-quarters-of-a-mile stretch of road for the seventh time. I’ve already run it dozens and dozens and dozens of times before I slowed down to watch the edge of the road more closely and make sure I wasn’t missing anything.

Shit. What if I can’t get back to her? I did worry that they might have left the property without me, but it never crossed my mind that I wouldn’t be able to evenfindthe place.

She must be terrified. It’s not like I can’t take care of myself, but she probably thinks I got caught.

Hitting an intersection that I’mpositiveis at least a half-mile past the farm, I shift my grip on the two duffels and turn back in the other direction.Fuck.

There’s got to be some kind of magic spell hiding the property. Maybe something Ember’s mom did back in the day. Who knew magic lasted so long.

I walk as slowly as my nerves allow, keeping my eyes peeled, looking for even the smallest clue that might help. A strange looking twig, a leaf that’s too perfect. Who knows what a forest created by magic looks like. Everything looks pretty normal. Fuck me.

“Ryker.”

Stopping abruptly, I turn toward Zuben’s voice. “Where the fuck are you?” I stare into the woods, trying to see him.

“If you alter your aggressive tone, I may choose to inform you.” Zuben’s smug voice is nearby. It’s coming out of the clearly magical woods, but his ability to piss me off isveryreal.

“Stop fucking around.” I drop the duffels onto the road.

“I am not certain whether or not I can get you onto the property without Ember’s presence,” says Zuben’s disembodied voice.

“Where is she?” My heart gallops. “Why isn’t she with you? Has something happened to her?”

“The bear is keeping her safe.”