Chapter 14
The drive was silent. So much so that Blane was nervous. No one had much to say as they made their way back to Stratham. Blane could have just as easily teleported them, but he didn’t want to leave Bev, and he wasn’t sure if he could transport more than one person besides he was her keeper now. That meant something to him. The witches saved his mate He took his promise seriously. He didn’t like it, she didn’t like it, but the witch insisted. She was now on magical probation and wasn’t allowed to use her powers unsupervised. He wondered how that was going to work. She barely was able to be around them better yet use her magic. Will was the only one of the tribe she actually liked and trusted.
Blane was that supervisor. He didn’t know what that meant in complete terms, but he gathered that he was only supposed to make sure she didn’t attract more baddies to Stratham. The witches used the nexus as a power source for their own magic.
All he wanted to do was get his mate alone and complete the bond. His dragon paced in his mind anxious to have that closeness with her. It was a long time coming, and he knew he wouldn’t be able to wait much longer.
He glanced in the rearview mirror and frowned when he realized she was asleep.
“Dallas,” he said fear lacing his tone. “Wake up baby.”
She shifted in her sleep and he sighed in relief. She really was sleeping this time.
“Stop worrying so much beast, she’ll be fine now. I don’t sense anything off about her anymore.”
He sighed. He didn’t either, but he was afraid of her sleeping. “I know, it’s just—”
Bev laughed. “You are afraid she’ll fall back into Summerland since she’s been there.”
“Yes.”
“Madrid knows what she’s doing. You don’t have to worry anymore. Now get us home.”
He didn’t need to say anything else.
The rest of the drive went back to silence.
***
Instead of going straight home he dropped Bev at the diner. The car idled while he waited for the witch so get out of the car.
“Thank you for going with me.”
He nodded.
“I know you didn’t want to and only did because of Willow.”
“True, but it worked out for everyone.”
“Ha, I’m on magical probation. Do you have any idea how hard that is for someone like me?”
He noticed her bitter tone, but since he didn’t know much about witches or their craft he didn’t know. “Look, I did what you wanted and your punishment for all the magic you’ve been using was like a slap on the wrist. It could have been worse, right?”
She sighed. “Yes, I could have been stripped of my powers or put in prison, which isn’t fun for witches.”
“Then be happy. You’ll just have to deal with me.”
“I guess that isn’t too bad. You’re okay for a dragon.”
“You’re not bad for a trouble making witch.”
“I’m not trouble maker. My magic just gets away from me sometimes.”
Dallas stirred in the back seat and smiled at him. “Hi,” she said.
His heart raced. “You slept well.”
“Yes.”
Bev groaned. “Okay, okay I’m off. Tell Willow I’ll come by tomorrow.”
He nodded not even voicing an answer. He stared at his mate and watched as she licked her lips. “I’m hungry.”
Of course she was. She hadn’t eaten in days. Probably more than he even knew. “We’ll get you something at home.”
“Okay.”
Bev took that time to open the SUV’s door and climbed out. She didn’t say another word as she made her way to the locked door of the diner. She’d closed down unsure if she was coming back. Now she could get back to business.
“Want to come up front?”
“No, I’m okay back here. Too comfortable to move.”
He chuckled. “Let’s go home.”
***
She sensed his need as if it were her own, and maybe it was. The beast inside of her was restless. Anxious to complete the mating bond. Dallas had to admit she was too. It had been a long time for her, but she had no doubt it would be worth it when she was finally in his arms.
She watched him from the backseat as he took the curvy roads with ease. His hands tightened on the wheel as if he knew she was watching him.
He did.
“Stop that, we’re almost home.”
She didn’t know what to say. No man had ever wanted her so badly. “I’m not doing anything,” she replied in a low voice.
Who was this woman? She didn’t sound sexy. She didn’t play coy. But she wanted him.
“You know exactly what you’re doing, mate.”
Shivers ran down her spine at how deep his voice went. The growl made him even sexier. He was such a calm man, but now he wanted her. He craved her. She could feel it. Soon they would be one.
Blane took a sharp turn down a gravel road.
“This is how to get to the house?”
“No,” he said.
“Then where are we going?”
“You’ll see.”
Dallas leaned back in the seat and nibbled her lip. He wasn’t taking her home. She knew what that meant. But it had been so long for her. Would she know what to do?
***
Blane knew if he went home with Dallas they would be bombarded by the others, and right now he needed her alone. There was only one thing to do—off road it. He needed to find a place where they could complete the bonding before they had to deal with reality. The feeling that all was not well hadn’t diminished. But right now, he didn’t care. Right now, all he cared about was the woman in the back seat of the SUV putting off a scent that was so strong he could barely drive.
“Almost there, baby,” he said and drove around a gravel bend. It was surround by trees covering the vehicle instantly. Normally he wouldn’t have done this, but he needed her, and he needed her now. The beast ached to be inside of her and show her just how much he loved her. Not that she needed to know that. For hell’s sake, she was unconscious most of the time, but his beast knew, and most of all so did he. The bond between them was growing by the second.