Page 80 of Blood Match

Gran steps forward, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. “Why don’t you head home and get some rest, dear? I need to discuss a few things with the others.”

“Okay, Gran,” I agree, suddenly feeling exhausted.

“Heath,” Gran calls, “would you mind giving Rowan a ride home?”

He nods, flashing a charming smile. “Of course, Lady Blackwood. It would be my pleasure.”

As we head toward the door, I glance back at Gran and the other witches. They’re already huddled together, speaking in low, urgent tones. I can’t help but wonder what they’re discussing – and whether it has anything to do with the strange connection I share with Darick. I can’t imagine that Gran would share my secret, though.

I slide into Heath’s car, still preoccupied by the ritual. As we pull away from the Hidden Oasis, he glances over at me, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.

“So, Rowan,” he says, his voice warm and friendly, “I was surprised to learn about these new magical abilities. Pretty exciting!”

I shift uncomfortably in my seat. “Oh, um, yeah. It’s been…interesting.”

Heath’s enthusiasm is unmistakable. “What kind of powers are we talking about? Elemental magic? Divination? Or is it something rare like dreamwalking?” He winks.

I bite my lip, unsure how much to reveal. “It’s kind of hard to explain. I’m still figuring it out myself.” This much is true.

“Well, whatever it is, it must be pretty special if it warranted a strengthening ritual,” Heath says, flashing me a dazzling smile.

As we drive, Heath peppers me with questions about my magic, my family, and what I’ve been up to lately. I answer as best I can, but my mind keeps drifting to Darick. I can’t shake the image of his startling eyes, the way he touched me.

Before I know it, we’re pulling up in front of my house. Heath puts the car in park and turns to face me.

“Hey, Rowan,” he says, suddenly looking a bit nervous. “I was wondering… would you like to grab coffee sometime? Maybe we could talk more about your new powers?”

I blink in surprise. Heath Moonshadow, the guy I’ve had a crush on for years, is asking me out? A few months ago, this would have been a dream come true. But now…

“Oh, um, that’s really nice of you to offer,” I stammer. “Can I think about it?”

Heath nods, looking a bit disappointed but still smiling. “Of course. No pressure. Just let me know.” As if on impulse, he leans forward and brushes a chaste kiss on my cheek.

I thank him for the ride and climb out of the car. As I walk up to my front door, my mind is a whirlwind of confusion. Heath’s sudden interest, the ritual, and through it all, Darick’s face keeps flashing in my mind.

What does this all mean?

26

Chapter 26

Darick

Ishouldn’t be here, but I can’t seem to help myself. I’ve cloaked my presence in shadows and made sure I arrived undetected; if Lucien found out about her, she’d never be safe. This is dangerous. Not to mention foolish.

Why the fuck can’t I stay away?

Now, watching her clamber out of that car after that fucker had put his lips on her, I feel cold anger set in.

I materialize from the darkness as Rowan approaches her front door. She jumps, letting out a small yelp of surprise.

“Jesus! What are you doing here?” Her hand clutches at her chest.

“Waiting for you,” I reply coolly, my eyes narrowing as I catch the scent of another man on her. “Who were you with?”

Rowan’s shock quickly morphs into indignation. “Excuse me? Are you stalking me now?”

I ignore her accusation, taking a step closer. “Answer the question. Who was that man?”