Page 73 of Magical Melee

I opened my mouth to respond, but my voice caught in my throat. It felt like his words were wrapping around me, binding me to him.

And we’d already met.

I was sure he knew it.

“Leave her alone,” Stella snapped, stepping between us. She held up her hand, and I noticed the faint shimmer of magic, like a protective barrier, forming around her fingers.

So, she was a witch…

“You’re not welcome here, Gideon.”

Gideon. The name sent a shiver down my spine.

He tilted his head, and his eyes never left mine as a shiver ran over my flesh.

“Maeve and I have much to discuss,” he said, ignoring Stella entirely. “You can’t keep her in the dark forever.”

“I won’t let you hurt her,” Stella said, her voice low and dangerous.

Gideon’s smile faded slightly, and I saw a flicker of annoyance in his eyes for the first time. “I have no intention of hurting her,” he said. “Quite the opposite. But if you insist on being difficult…”

The bell jingled again.

I turned to see the three young guys from the laundromat the other night walk in. Their eyes were cold and predatory as they swept over me.

The playful bravado they’d displayed before was gone. It had been replaced by something far more sinister.

“Well, well,” the leader of the trio said. His voice dripped with mockery, leaving me with a sick feeling. “Looks like we walked in on something interesting. And this time, your superhero boyfriend isn’t here.”

“Ah, perfect timing then,” Gideon said, his smile returning. “These gentlemen have been very eager to spendsome alone time with you, Maeve. Bryce, especially.” He pointed at the taller guy who pestered me at the laundromat.

I knew without a doubt that Gideon was the true leader.

Stella muttered something under her breath, and the shimmering magic around her hand intensified. “Maeve, get behind me.”

But I couldn’t move.

My legs felt rooted to the spot, and Gideon’s eyes held me captive. It was as if he were drawing me toward him with an invisible thread pulling tighter with each passing second.

The air in the shop grew heavier—an oppressive energy charged through each molecule.

Frank, who had been napping in the corner, suddenly jumped to his feet, barking furiously.

His little body bristled with tension as he positioned himself protectively in front of me.

“You should listen to her, Maeve,” Gideon said softly. “Stella’s a wise woman, but even she can’t shield you forever. You have a destiny, one that’s far bigger than this quaint little town.”

“Enough,” Stella said, her voice like steel.

She raised her hand, and a burst of light shot toward Gideon.

He moved faster than I thought possible and sidestepped the blast with a fluid grace.

The explosive energy hit the wall behind him, sending a shelf of teapots crashing to the floor in a pile.

Bryce and his friends lunged toward me with unnaturally quick movements. Stella countered with another burst of light, but one of the men deflected it with a swipe of his hand. His fingers left a dark, smoky trail in the air.

My throat clenched, and I couldn’t stop coughing as I reached for my throat.