Saved By Her Dragon

by Julia Mills

  Both women looked at him and almost in unison said, “Good! You’re here. We need to talk.”

  Devon nodded, heading towards his mate’s bedside, needing to be near her. “Okay. Whatcha need?”

  The ladies looked at one another, Siobhan nodded once before they turned back, and Kyra spoke, “I want…well, we want,” she motioned towards his mother. “To start the spell to find out what’s going on with your girl right away...like...now.” She rushed on and Devon wondered why. He was just as anxious, probably more, to have her awake. Then Kyra said the one thing he hadn’t thought of and his blood ran cold.

  “She’s been out a long time, Dev and I’m afraid the longer we wait the harder it’s going to be to identify the magic and/or the magic user and rid her of whatever it is that isn’t letting her wake up.”

  The little witch turned and paced. “I could just kick myself for not thinking that it could be magical when you first told me about her, but I was so wrapped up in Calysta’s shit that I figured she was human and it was a human problem, but Dev…she isn’t human. Well, not completely human any way. I’m not sure what she is but I do know it’s good and pure, nothing dark or evil about your girl.”

  She walked towards him and he saw the love and concern in her eyes. When she grabbed his free hand, she squeezed for a second and looked him right in the eye. “I’m no doctor and I understand that moving her probably took a lot, but I truly think we need to get started right away. Call Sam and make sure it’s cool physically and all that. I’ll head down and see what havoc my hubs and the rest of the crew are causing. You holler when you decide.”

  Kyra dropped his hand and hugged his neck then looked at his mate, touching her arm just above where his hand held hers. Devon could feel the little push of love and magic that Kyra gave her. It made his heart swell to know that his ‘family’ was already growing to care for her as much as he was. He watched Kyra go and sent a real quick thought to Royce, “Kyra’s the best. You’re damn lucky, Bro.”

  His answer made Devon smile, “Don’t I know it, Brother. Don’t I know it.”

  He had almost forgotten his mother was in the room until she appeared at his side. Concern flowed from her fingerstips where they rested on his shoulder, prompting Devon to ask, “What do you think we should do?”

  Siobhan took a moment to answer and when she did, he was glad he had asked. “I will tell you what I told Kyra. When I focus on your mate I feel strength and courage and a desire to emerge from the cocoon she has been forced into. I have yet to feel any real consciousness that I can use to try to communicate with her, but she is in there and her spirit longs to be free. I think we should proceed. You and I will stay linked to your mate in every way we can to make sure she is okay, and Kyra will do what she does best…locate the magic and the sorcerer.”

  Devon nodded as his mother spoke, internally agreeing with every word she said. He took the cell phone from his pocket and called Sam, glad she answered right away. “Hey, Dev. I was just thinking about you guys. How’s everything?”

  He quickly explained what he, Kyra, and his mother had talked about. Samantha readily agreed and said she, Lance, and Sydney would be there within the hour. After thanking her and disconnecting the call, Devon told his mother it was a go and called to his brethren, “Royce, tell Kyra we’re ready.”

  The older Guardsman answered immediately, “She heard. She’s on her way.”

  Before he could respond, the tap of the little witch’s boots against the hardwood of his mother’s floors could be heard heading his way. Kyra rushed through the door, she and Siobhan immediately becoming engrossed in clearing the large dressing table across the room for all their supplies. Devon stayed with his mate, telling her what was about to happen and assuring her that he would be right by her side every step of the way.

  In less than an hour, all the members of his Force that were in attendance, along with their mates and children, were assembled, and the time had come to begin the ritual. Devon, Siobhan, Royce, Rayne, Kyndel, Lance, Sam, and Sydney formed a circle around his mate. Kyra moved around the room, chanting in Latin and magically lighting the hundred or so candles that adorned every available surface. She then walked the entire circle, sprinkling what he recognized as thyme, which she explained was a feminine herb used for healing, while she spoke an incantation in English that closed the circle.

  He watched as she pulled a deep indigo candle and the heirloom mirror he knew she used for scrying from the brown leather messenger bag that was slung across her body. Kyra handed the mirror to Royce, lit the candle, and asked everyone to focus their attention and energy on the flame. She then asked the Goddess to reveal the spell that was holding his mate captive and to show her the face of the one that had cast it. Time slowed and minutes felt like hours, but finally he saw recognition in the witch’s eyes and watched as she mouthed, “Fuck!”

  From there things moved very quickly. Kyra seemed to fly around the circle, handing each person an antique silver pill box filled what she explained was rosemary, thyme, and cinnamon; herbs that promoted strength of memory, healing and well-being. She went on to say that the Uncrossing Spell would break the hold of the offending magic. True to her words, it was mere minutes from the time that she returned to her spot next to Royce and spoke the words of the spell that Devon could actually feel a weight being lifted from the room. The flames of all the candles dimmed and then shot up before returning to normal.

  Kyra threw salt on the scrying mirror and gently placed a large silver disc with what he recognized as black tourmaline, often used for its protective qualities, embedded in three intertwined circles on its surface on his mate’s chest. She spoke words from a language he could only guess was as old as time and every candle in the room was extinguished, leaving them standing in total darkness.

  Devon stood completely still, praying to the Universe that all had gone as planned. Kyra’s hand on his shoulder caused him to jump as she took the pill box from his hand and placed it in a ratty old burlap bag. With his enhanced eyesight, he watched as she did the same with every person in the circle, then gathered the amulet from his mate’s chest and shoved it into the bag as well. After uttering a phrase in Latin, she used the toe of her boot to break the circle of thyme and turned back towards the group.

  “We’re almost done. You guys have been great. We just need to go to Siobhan’s Blackthorn tree, burn all of the talisman, and bury them under its roots. Follow me, please.”

  Kyra headed out the door, holding the burlap sack in front of her like trash as they all followed. Devon called to Aaron, who had opted to hang out in the kitchen during the ritual, “Can you go up and stay with her while we finish this?”

  “Gotcha covered,” was his quick response.

  “Thanks.”

  Devon was sure his mate would be fine and Kyra had said before they began that it would take some time after the spell was removed for his mate to wake, but he still didn’t want to take the chance that her first glimpse of her new life would be while she was alone and frightened in a strange place. He knew Aaron would call to him if anything changed and take care of her until he could get back.

  Kyra had them form a circle around the tree, said a quick incantation, poured kerosene on the bag, and lit it ablaze. It took less than two minutes for the bag to be reduced to nothing more than a pile of ash. Devon was sure it was because of her intense magical power, not to mention the healthy dose of kerosene she had used. Royce dug a small hole, brushed the pile of ash into the hole, and covered it again.

  Devon had to hold back his laughter as Kyra jumped up and down on the overturned soil and spoke in Latin. He was glad to see the smirks on Lance and Royce’s face that mirrored his own. When the time was right, he planned to ask her if jumping helped with the magic or if it was just because she was so petite. It was not that he didn’t respect her ability; it was just a crazy sight to see a five-foot-two, platinum-blonde witch jumping up and down chanting in the moonlight. When she stopp
ed and walked towards Royce, Devon saw her grin and knew she thought it was funny too.

  “Can you all please join hands?” Kyra asked right before she prayed, “Thank you to the Goddess of All, whom without your goodness and light we would be lost and alone. Thank you to the Universe for your great wisdom and the life that flows through us. Thank you to the Heavens above, below, and all around for providing us with the proof of yesterday, the reality of today, and the hope of tomorrow. Blessed be.”

  Everyone repeated, “Blessed be.”

  “Okay, you crazy kids. Let’s go get something to eat and we can discuss…”

  Kyra’s next words were drowned out as a scream tore through the air. Devon’s heart felt as though it was in a vice as “Please help me! He’s gonna kill me this time!” rang through his head.

  CHAPTER TWO

  She floated towards consciousness and knew it was different this time. Her mind was clear, more focused, and thankfully…without the damn black fog. It was as if the sun had decided to shine after being hidden for so long. She knew the surface was quickly approaching and with it came the first deep breath she had taken in what seemed like an eternity. Her entire being was filled with the fresh, crisp scent of a summer storm combined with sea and sun. It was his scent, and although she had no idea who he was, her heart recognized him as important. Her mystery man had talked to her, held her hand and kissed her forehead when she was lost, alone and terrified in those sparse moments when the fog had receded. Every other moment was nonexistent. There was just…nothing and she was left feeling empty, except for…him.

  When her eyes opened, she was pleased to confirm that she no longer inhabited the cramped dormitory style room at the mansion of the wizard that kidnapped her as well as many others. Even better, she was nowhere near the empty field where they had trained them to work terrible magic. It was the training that had landed her in the horrible black nothingness…hopeless and helpless for days, weeks, months… How long have I been out?

  Not ready to think of anything but the fact that her eyes were actually open, that she could see something, she focused on the pale yellow walls and beautiful floral paintings that adorned much of the available space. Everything was bright and happy. Hope infused the very air she breathed; it was even in the light of the small crystal lamp and white candle burning at her bedside.

  She shook her head slightly, causing her nose to make contact with the pillow. Once again the wonderful scent of her rescuer filled her senses with hope and her heart with longing. It was unclear how she knew he was responsible for her return to the land of the living, but deep inside, she just knew. Testing her mobility, she rolled her head to the other side and felt only the slightest twinge of sore muscles in her neck. Spying the half-opened door, she listened to the happy conversation coming from the other side. No more grumbling, anger, and fear; it was a blessed change from the recent past. Resuming her inspection of her surroundings, she saw more candles - pink, silver, and black–lit throughout the room, and smelled what she thought were spices. The candles and scents were familiar, but for some reason her brain failed to latch on to the memory.

  The harder she tried to remember, the farther away the recollection floated. She closed her eyes and focused, but still nothing came. The sound of approaching footsteps jarred her from her thoughts as anticipation built. She was finally going to see the man who had given her faith that she would wake up and the strength to survive the black fog. She took a deep breath as the breeze from the opening door touched her arm, loving the feel of freedom. One more deep breath and her eyes opened of their own volition, no longer willing to wait. It seemed they were even more ready than her to see their hero. Instead, the sight before her tore the breath from her lungs and caused her heart to beat with such force that she was sure it would burst from her chest. Unwilling to be held captive again, she searched for a way to escape or anything to use as a weapon.

  When she came up empty handed, she did the only thing she could…she screamed–as loud and as long as she could. Then she prayed that someone would save her from the repeat of her past torment. Curling into a ball and shoving herself against the headboard in the farthest corner of the bed, she continued to scream, both aloud and in her head. The startled man before her threw out his hands and slowly backed away, shaking his head and saying something she couldn’t make out over her own shrieks.

  Feeling light-headed from lack of oxygen, her screaming died out, but only long enough to draw another breath. The sound of thundering footsteps heading in her direction caused her to pause. Fear piled on top of fear and threatened hysteria, leaving her paralyzed. One glance at the stranger told her that he was in the exact same spot and just as confused as she, which made no sense, but nothing had in so long she had stopped expecting it. The sound of splintering wood drew her attention as the door bounced off the wall. All she saw was a blur before she was enveloped in pair of extremely warm, extremely strong arms. One breath and the unmistakable scent of a summer storm filled her lungs, easing her panic.

  Unable to grip her rescuer with her arms held tight to her sides, she simply burrowed into his body with the hopes of somehow fusing their bodies together. He was the perfect barrier between her and her abductor. His chest vibrated under her cheek as he whispered words of comfort and she knew at once he would never let anything or anyone hurt her. As her pulse and breathing slowed, she felt his head turn. He addressed the man behind him. “What the fuck, Aaron? What did you do?” His words sounded angry, but his tone was questioning.

  “Me? What the hell, Dev?” The man across the room answered. The sound of others entering the room and whispers could be heard as he continued, “I walked in, looked out the window, and she started screaming. I didn’t know she was awake and damn sure didn’t have a chance to speak.”

  Warm hands rubbed up and down her spine, and for the first time in her life she understood why cats purred. Just his touch made her want to live in the safety of his embrace for all time, but she could tell from the tension in his body that it was not the time for friendly hellos. When he spoke again, it was in little more than a breath beside her ear and made goose bumps rise all over her body. “What happened, Sweetheart? Can you lean back just a bit and talk to me…please?”

  The tone he used was gentle and caring and left her no choice but to do as he asked. At her movement, he loosened his arms just enough for her to lean back against the headboard but kept his hands at her waist. His continued touch gave her the encouragement she needed to look into his eyes. She was left breathless; not from fear, but from the sheer depth of emotion reflected in her rescuer’s eyes. She knew it was wrong to think of a man as beautiful, but all other words escaped her. His nearly black hair was tousled, with a few strands haphazardly slung across his furrowed brow. The look in his fathomless grey eyes was intoxicating and the thick, dark lashes that lined his gorgeous eyes would make any woman jealous. The patrician line of his nose, his high cheek bones, and his strong jaw reminded her of the Gladiators she had seen in the old movies Pops used to watch. She wondered if his stubble would tickle against her skin, but it was his mouth that drew and held her attention. The light pink color against the deep tan of his complexion and the perfect bow of his full lips made her mouth water. It was only through sheer strength of will that she was able to resist the urge to lean forward for just a taste.

  She watched those perfect lips move and realized he was speaking. Not wanting him to think she was ignoring him, or worse yet, daft, she shook herself out of her stupor and focused on his words. “Tell me what happened. What frightened you?”

  The weight of his words settled in and around her. Taking a deep breath, she nodded slightly and answered, tentatively pointing at the man now pacing in a tight circle by the window. “It’s him. He’s going to try to take me again.”

  It was as though her words sucked all the air from the room. Both the man in the corner and the man in front of her said, “What the…?” at exactly the same time, and g
asps could be heard from the vicinity of the door.

  “Dev, I swear I’ve never seen this woman before that day in the hospital with you!” the man she knew as her abductor shouted from across the room.

  The one holding her answered him while maintaining eye contact with her, “I know, Aaron, I know. Something’s not right. We just need to chill out for a second and figure this shit out.”

  Then he spoke to her, “It’s gonna be okay, but there’s got to be a mistake. That’s Aaron,” he motioned over his shoulder. “He’s my bre…friend, and I know he didn’t abduct you. Hell, he didn’t even know you until I told him about you. He helped me watch after you in the hospital.”

  Hospital? Had she been in a hospital? She remembered him saying something about doctors during one of her too sparse, too brief moments of cognizance. Then there were the pokes to her arms and the humming sound she now knew must’ve been medical equipment. How long was I out? What day is it? A million thoughts ran through her mind and then she heard him like she had all those times before, “I promise to answer all your questions, as soon as possible, but right now we need to figure out why you think Aaron had anything to do with what happened to you.”

  Her eyes snapped to his, only to find him waiting patiently for her response. It should’ve seemed weird that he could hear her thoughts and even weirder that he could answer directly into her mind, but it didn’t. Instead, it seemed right and made her feel closer to him…safer somehow. His voice was all she’d had to cling to while fighting the black fog and it was his voice that would help her again. Nodding her agreement, she looked over his shoulder and was surprised at all the people watching. When did they all get here?