Page 123 of Enchanting Her Monsters
Amira admits she has her own beef with Galiana from back when she was an active member of the ASO. But the powerful witch on our side no longer uses destructive magic. So she’ll be assisting us by laying down a suppressant spell to prevent our enemies from creating an escape portal or leaving the area. No one can come in or out unless Amira dies or releases her heavy-duty ward.
Fortunately, Raithe and Darius have no hangups about using their magic to attack and kill these asshole witches and warlocks.
We go over our plan one more time, then Maxum gives Erwald a nod to set things into motion.
My father draws his electric magic, wrapping it around his body in what appears to be a shield. It crackles like one of those science globes you find in novelty gift stores.
We all race into position, surrounding the house. Since Maxum insists on staying by my side, we approach together from the opposite direction from my father. Raithe and Darius advance from the other two sides.
I send out a plea to the universe to protect my friends and loved ones.
“Galiana!” My father’s voice booms, and I suspect he can be heard for miles. “You killed my mate, Patricia Rosethorne. Now, come and meet your end,” he challenges.
I’m shaking with nerves. My father is risking himself for me and my mates. If our plan fails, my chance to get to know him might have come and gone in a blink of an eye.
Maxum tugs me closer to his side, sensing my anxiety.
There’s a stirring in my bonds, and I reach out with my mind. “Flint?”
“Jade?” he asks, sounding confused.
“Hang in there,”I say.“We’re getting you out.”
“No. Leave, Heartstone. It’s a trap.”
“We know. And it’s okay. That’s my father outside, calling to Galiana. Raithe and Darius are here too.”
“Jade, it isn’t worth risking you and the others. Arran and Osen are egregiously injured. They may not make it.”
The horrific news that my mates are dying takes me to my knees. I clutch my chest and already feel the pain of their loss.
Maxum falls to my side and pulls me into a crushing embrace. “What is it?” he whispers.
“Flint doesn’t think they’ll live.”
“Fuck him. He’s being a martyr to make sure you turn around. To keep you safe.” Maxum kisses my forehead. “We’re going in.”
I nod violently, my tears flying from my cheeks. “Yeah, fuck him. I’m saving his rock-hard ass.”
Maxum smiles sadly, then gives me a kiss that feels too much like a goodbye.
“Witch!” Erwald commands with the force of someone who is accustomed to getting their way.
“Lord Erwald Krathion, so good of you to join us,” Galiana says with an airy tone, as if he’s a delightfully unexpected arrival at a cocktail party. “I’m about to kill off one abomination. Might as well kill off two. I’ll finally have the father and daughter in the set.”
Lord?That’s something I’ll have to inquire about when this is all over.
Maxum snatches up my hand, and we snake through the brush toward the house.
Arran’s mate bond stirs in my heart. He’s awake, hurting, and frantic with worry. I desperately wish I had telepathy with him. Instead, I send an emotion—hope—letting him know I’m alive and nearby.
I hear a blast go off at the front of the house, and the air vibrates with magic.
We make it to the outer wall of the house without incident.
Maxum stands up and peeks into the building’s back bedroom window. He hovers his hand over the glass. His eyes close to concentrate on disabling the ward. After a moment, he smirks and gives me a wink.
I don’t care if his saucy behavior is all false bravado. It helps me keep my wits as he swings open the window and jumps through the opening like a fucking acrobat. He somersaults inand bounces lightly to his feet. Dang. I wish I were half as graceful as I clamor up to the high sill. Maxum gives in to his need to help and pulls me through like I weigh nothing and sets me behind him as he faces the door.
