Page 34 of Untraced Magic (Cutters Cove Witches #1)

I would do anything and everything to protect her.

I didn’t let her in on the fact my nerves were spiraling into a dark abys, screaming at me that this dance was a bad idea. But the reality was, Morgan had nothing to hide, and her not attending would deem her untrustworthy to the town.

I would speak to the group, keep them on high alert.

Call in every available favor owed to me and amp up security.

Eventually, we walked along the beach to the entrance of the cave, our shoes dangling in our hands and water splashing over our toes. Our footprints indented in the sand, quickly pooling with water like we had never been there, like this morning was our secret.

Climbing back through the cave, daylight found us again, and Morgan took off as fast as she could down the beach.

I chased her and her laughter carried in the air, a smile creasing the corners of her eyes as she peered over her shoulder at me. I didn’t know if I could ever stop admiring her beauty; it was infectious.

Mate bond or not, I was addicted to everything that was her .

I didn’t want to think about the what ifs, because Morgan leaving Cutters Cove was not an option. I wouldn’t let it happen.

The council couldn’t deny the mate bond. It had to stand for something.

When we got home, Morgan ducked into the shower to freshen up while I made my way to the kitchen, lowering to find the usual full-of-shit drawer every house had under the counter. Third drawer down. Bingo.

“What are you doing?” came Morgan’s voice from above.

I lifted my chin to find her freshly showered, peering down at me as she leaned over the top of the counter, curiosity plunging her brows.

I pulled a plastic container out of the drawer, and standing again, lifted it into the air.

“You need to practice your magic.”

She gave me a crooked smile, as if not convinced this container was worth conjuring.

“With that?” she said, waggling her finger at the container in disbelief.

“Yes, with this. I hate to remind you, but whatever you have inside you, someone else wants. Not everyone has the ability to call on both light and dark magic, Morgan. It will most likely be both a blessing and burden. So today, we practice magic, starting with this.”

I gestured for her to follow me into her living room, and she did.

“Sit down here, like this,” I said, dropping to the floor and placing the container in front of me.

Her head dipped to the side, but she sat down, remaining silent .

“Okay, now concentrate. Look at the container and think only about it and try to move it. Close your eyes if you have to.”

She complied, her nose scrunched up as she focused.

After a long half minute, she let out a huff of frustration.

“Nothing’s happening. This isn’t working.”

I nodded. “That’s okay. When my magic first came through, it was inconsistent and would surface only when I was overwhelmed with emotion.

Let’s try something. Can you shut your eyes for me?

” I said, and she obliged. “You have to dig deep the first time you use your power. Use any emotion you can. Anger, frustration… desire .”

She opened one eye at the last word, and a smile spread over my face at the look she threw me. “Are you for real?” she asked.

I grinned. “I am.”

Morgan looked up and sighed, worry clouding her gaze. “I’m really not sure about this. What if I hurt you?”

My hand fell to her knee. “Don’t worry about me. Just concentrate on the container.”

She held my gaze until her lids flicked shut again.

“Now, clear your mind and whatever emotion you choose to focus on, visualize pulling it tight, nice and close. Draw from its strength.”

I heard her pull in a few long breaths, releasing them evenly again.

“I’m going to take your hands now,” I warned.

Placing her hands in mine, the mate bond streaked desire between us.

“Do you feel that?” I asked, trying to keep my tone even .

Her answer stormed through me as she released it on a moan. “Yes,” she breathed.

It took every effort to keep our bond in check. To not take her again right here and now. “Good. Now, look at me.”

Her lids opened, and a seasoned look only made for a mate pulsed through me.

“That feeling, pull it from within.” I paused, waiting, giving her time. “Now, use it,” I ordered. “Push that feeling onto the container and push it away with your mind.”

The atmosphere between us became magnetic. Morgan looked back to the container, and for a moment, nothing happened.

Then without warning, I was catapulted into the air, the breath squeezing from my lungs as I slammed into the wall on the other side of her living room.

“Holy crap!” she cried out, scooting across the room to where I lay in a heap. “I’m so sorry. Are you okay?”

I caught the worry in her tone but was more interested in the placement of her hand on my thigh.

“Yeah, I’m good. I think we’ve got that sorted now,” I wheezed, trying to replace the burn in my lungs with much-needed air.

Her brows crumpled together. “Are you sure?”

“I’m fine,” I promised, forcing a smile. “I think I may need crash pads and a helmet next time we try that.”

She laughed out loud. “I’m so sorry.” Her hand covered her mouth, stifling a giggle.

I shook my head, chuckling lightly. “Remind me not to misbehave anytime soon. ”

She gave me a playful punch, and I crossed my arms in front of my head, feigning hurt. We both laughed, and she sat beside me against the wall, a smile spread over her delicate features.

There was a shift in her. A release of self-doubt maybe, now that she knew she could use her magic. Albeit irrational magic, she had done it, and my heart warmed to see her confidence.

When my breathing finally returned to normal, we rose to our feet.

“I have a surprise for you,” I said, lacing my fingers through hers.

She let out a playful groan. “You know I hate surprises…”

“This is a good surprise, I promise. Will you be okay if I duck out for a few hours?”

She nodded. “Sure. I have a few jobs I need to sort anyway.”

I pulled her against me, tucking her arms behind my waist. This mate bond was firing off every nerve inside me at only her slightest touch, and when she leaned up to kiss me, I ignited again.

Reluctantly, I pulled away, slipping her hands from behind my waist. “I won’t be too long, I promise,” I assured her.

A devilish smile crept over her face. “Don’t keep me waiting.”

My finger grazed the underside of her chin, tipping it until her gaze fixed on mine. “I wouldn’t dare.” I kissed her once more before heading to the door.

What I needed to do was not a simple task for a guy, and I knew just who to call on to help me.