Chapter Eight
Macgrath
I was too late. Too fucking late.
As I tackled Ava, I felt the hot breath of the explosion fly over our falling bodies. I did everything I could to cushion her, trying to twist my torso so she could fall on top of me, but we still hit the floor with a hard thump.
She murmured something I couldn’t understand and magic swelled around us. Tremendous pressure surrounded me. My ears popped and my chest compressed causing my breath to leave my lungs in a rush.
Then the flames and heat were gone and Ava’s body went limp beneath mine.
“Oh, fuck. Ava,” I said, rolling off her and to my knees. I bent over her boneless form, turned her over, and brushed her hair away from her face. Ava’s cheeks were pale and cool to the touch. Her eyes were closed but her chest moved with slow, even breaths. A large knot rose on her forehead, rapidly turning red.
I focused on the sound of her heart, relieved when I heard the steady thump of each beat. She was alive and she didn’t seem to be injured beyond the bruise forming on her head. I didn’t smell blood on her.
“Oh my Goddess, Ava!” Savannah cried as she fell to her knees next to us. She reached out, stopping just short of touching Ava. “What should we do? Should I call one of the witches in the local coven to heal her?”
“I can do it,” Harrison said, skidding to a halt next to us.
I bristled at the idea of him being near Ava, overwhelming possessiveness rising like a tide within me. Then logic asserted itself. The only way I could help her without giving away my secret was to give her my blood and that was an intimacy that I doubted she would welcome. At least not yet. The sharing of blood between us would create a bond that would last for at least a year or more.
I doubted that Ava would agree to that if she were conscious.
Harrison wielded strong magic. He would be able to heal her just as well as my blood could.
My eyes met the shifter’s and I nodded. I moved back just enough to give him room to kneel next to Ava’s prone form. I watched him closely as he leaned over her and held his hand inches from her chest. A golden glow emanated from his palm and spread from her throat to her upper abdomen. Then he moved it to her forehead, the light encompassing the bruise.
A few seconds later the bruise and the glow faded and the shifter relaxed. “You were right. No major injuries. Just a mild concussion and bruised ribs.” His brown eyes met mine. “She’ll be fine.”
“Why is she still unconscious?” Savannah asked, looking worried.
I was glad that she voiced my concern because the wolf likely wouldn’t have answered me.
Harrison sighed and sat back. “It’s the magic. Whatever spell she cast, it took a tremendous amount of energy. It’s going to take some time for her body and her power to recover.”
“How long?” I asked, staring down at the petite witch who’d somehow saved us all.
The wolf looked at me, his eyes flaring from dark brown to bright amber. He didn’t want to tell me. I could smell the hostility and jealousy radiating from his very pores. But he did answer me. “A few hours at the least. Most likely, she’ll be down until tomorrow morning.”
I leaned down and lifted Ava in my arms.
The wolf was in my face immediately. “What do you think you’re doing?”
“I’m taking her somewhere safe.”
He growled, his eyes losing even more of their humanity. “Like you kept her safe just a few moments ago?”
I snarled and knew my eyes were likely glowing from my rage.
Savannah, both brave and foolish, stepped between us, putting a hand on each of our arms. “Please, calm down.”
Her sweet, soothing tone dampened some of my anger. I glanced at Harrison, whose eyes were once again dark brown and completely human.
The shifter was staring at Savannah, traces of ire still in his face and scent. “He can’t take her.” His gaze flicked back to me. “He can’t be trusted.”
When Savannah spoke again, there was steel in her tone. Something I rarely heard from her when I watched both she and Ava from a distance. “I trust him with my life and he threw himself on top of Ava when that spell exploded. He’s taking her.”
Harrison growled and suddenly a pissed-off Rhys was in the mix.
“Do not growl at my mate,” Rhys commanded, his voice so low and dark that it was like listening to a volcano rumble. Tiny sparks of electricity emanated from his hands as he crossed them over his chest. “Ava is going with Macgrath,” he paused. “But they’re both coming with us.”
Some of the fight went out of the wolf then. I understood that it wasn’t just jealousy riding him, but worry. He worried that I would take advantage of Ava when she was defenseless. I nearly laughed at the thought. The witch would never be defenseless. I doubted very much that anyone would be able to kill her even when she was unconscious. No one lived as long as she and I had without being paranoid in the extreme.
“You’ll stay with her?” he asked Rhys, his gaze intent.
The male nodded, his shoulders relaxing. “Until she wakes up.”
Harrison relented. “Very well.” He looked around at the mess that the explosion had created. “I’ll clean up here. Please text me when she wakes.” I could tell he didn’t want to stay behind, but he also didn’t want Ava to have to face the destruction in her shop when she woke in the morning.
Savannah stepped forward and rested a hand on his arm again. “She’s going to be fine, Harrison. I’ll keep you updated,” she said. Her touch was hesitant, but her words seemed sincere. I recognized what she’d done then. It seemed little Savannah had discovered that she was capable of much more than just empathy. She could exert her influence over other creatures if she wanted.
I nearly felt sorry for the male when he finally moved, his eyes dropping to where Ava was cradled in my arms, her face against my chest. He reached out and brushed a long blonde lock away from her cheek. It took every ounce of willpower I possessed to remain still and not jerk her away from him.
His gaze lifted to mine and I saw the promise of retribution should I not protect her with my very life. Though shifters were difficult to read, he projected the thought loud and clear, wanting to be sure I heard him.
I nodded once, short and sharp, to let him know I understood and that I intended to follow through.
As the shifter walked away, Rhys turned toward me. “Okay, I’m going to trace us all out of here. I’ll have to touch both of you. Don’t pull away or you might end up in a place where you’ll never be found.”
“Understood,” I stated.
He glanced at Savannah. “Hold on to me, Van.”
She stepped into his side, wrapping her arms around his waist and tucking her face against his neck. He lifted both hands and placed one on my shoulder and the other on Savannah’s arm.
A dizzying blink later, we were standing in a living room. It took me a moment to recognize the interior of Savannah’s house.
A small black feline came running into the room, heading straight for Rhys. She meowed and purred as she rubbed against his legs briefly. When the greeting ended, she sat on her haunches and stared up at me with unblinking eyes.
“Ignore Satchel,” Savannah said. “She’s a traitor.”
“Van,” Rhys began but he stopped when Savannah lifted a hand.
“I don’t want to hear all your excuses about how you didn’t steal my cat.” He sighed, but the look in his eyes was affectionate.
She turned back to me. “Let me show you where you can lay her down,” she offered, turning and walking down the hall.
As I followed her, I heard the telltale padding of small feline feet. A quick look over my shoulder confirmed what I heard. The sleek cat followed behind me, meeting my eyes with a gaze that appeared more human than animal.
Disconcerted, I twisted my head back around to ask Savannah why she was keeping a shapeshifter as a pet. Before I could speak, sharp claws dug into the hem of my pants, grazing my flesh. When I looked down the cat stared up at me and shook her head. Her tail twitched nervously, as though she were afraid I would out her for what she was.
I narrowed my eyes and asked, “Savannah, how long have you had this cat?” The animal’s eyes mirrored my expression, turning into threatening slits.
“Several years. Why?”
“Just wondering,” I commented. I followed Savannah into a room to the right off the hallway. A queen-sized bed dominated the small space but there was enough room for a chair in the corner and a dresser. The colors and furnishings were plush and soothing, inviting you to stay a while and rest.
I laid Ava on the bed as Savannah tugged the comforter back. Gently, she tucked the blanket back around her friend.
“I hate seeing her like this,” she murmured.
The cat hopped onto the bed and I nearly reached out to pluck her from the mattress and hurl her against the wall. As though she read my thoughts, the feline butted her head against Savannah’s hand, demanding a stroke.
Savannah’s face softened into a smile. “You know just when Mama needs some comfort, don’t you, Satchel?”
Once again, it was on the tip of my tongue to ask Savannah if she knew the cat was a shapeshifter, but something about the way Satchel looked at her mistress changed my mind.
Staring at me, the animal cautiously moved away from Savannah and curled up next to Ava’s hip, placing one paw on her abdomen.
“Hmmmm,” Savannah hummed. “That’s different.”
I tensed at her words. “What is?”
She looked up at me with a distracted smile. “Oh, it’s just that Satchel and Ava have a weird relationship. They act like they dislike each other most of the time.” She winked at me. “But I’ve caught Satchel cuddled up to her like this on more than one occasion and Ava petting her while she coos nonsense. It’s almost like they don’t want me to know that they actually do get along.”
I eyed the cat again, determined to find out just what in the fuck was going on here.
“Savannah, do you mind getting me some water? I’m thirsty.”
Her eyes widened and darted down to my mouth as though she expected to see my fangs. I could have sworn the cat laughed quietly, but Savannah didn’t seem to notice. Then her gaze darted back up to mine. “Uh, are you, uh, well, you know…” she trailed off. “Hungry?” she squeaked.
I grinned, showing her that my teeth still looked human. “No. I’m taken care of as far as blood is concerned,” I reassured her. “The fire made my throat dry.”
“Oh!” she exclaimed, a dark pink blush coloring her cheeks. “Okay then. I’ll, uh, just go, uh, get that water for you.” She hesitated by the door. “But if you do, uh, get hungry, let me know. Rhys and I can figure something out to help you.”
“I’ll be fine, Savannah,” I stated. “I’m old enough to go a good long while between meals.”
Her head cocked to the side as she leaned a shoulder against the doorjamb, my request for water forgotten. “And just how old is that?”
“Older than any other vampire you’ve ever met,” I answered.
“How do you know?” she prodded.
“Because I’m the father of the vampires.”
Her eyes grew huge. “You’re the first,” she breathed.
I nodded.
“Wow,” she whispered. “I think my brain just exploded.”
I chuckled at her words and that seemed to break the spell.
“I’ll be back in a few minutes with your water,” she said, her eyes drifting back to Ava. “Call for me if she comes to.”
I nodded my agreement, waiting until I knew that she had gone back down the hall. Then I faced the feline on the bed. Only the cat was no longer there. I looked around wildly until I saw it sitting on the edge of the tall dresser, almost eye level with me.
I tensed at the way the cat studied me. “Why are you here?” I asked softly and let my arms fall to my side, readying myself for a possible attack.
The cat tilted her head to the side and stared at me as though she were considering her options, her tail swishing back and forth.
“Why are you here?” I whispered, taking a single step closer.
“The same reason you’re here.”
The echo of the soft feminine voice in my head startled me and I jerked. “And how do you know why I’m here?”
There was a low chuckle that I could hear in my mind but I doubted anyone else listening outside the door would have.
“Ewan Macgrath, father of the vampires, man of lost memories and powerful magic, I see into your soul. That is the only reason I allowed you in my ward’s home. You will protect them when I cannot.”
I’d seen too much to take her words at face value. “And why should I believe you?”
“Because I know who you truly are.”
I scoffed. “You know, that might have worked a century ago. But I met another woman who told me that she could help me find out about my past.” I knew my eyes were glowing. “She lied.”
The cat’s eyes moved to Ava. “There is a reason you are so drawn to her.” She looked back at me. “Look to your dreams, Ewan. They hold the key.”
With those cryptic words, she disappeared from sight, winking out of the room in the blink of an eye. I heard the distinct sound of meows in the living room and Rhys’ low words to the cat.
I sighed. It seemed I wouldn’t be able to relax while I was here. Between the threat of Rhiannon and now that damn shapeshifter, I couldn’t let my guard down for a single second.
“Here you go,” Savannah said.
I sucked in a breath and silently cursed myself. I’d been so wrapped up in thoughts of witches and shapeshifters, I hadn’t even heard her approach. What kind of fucking protector would I be if I didn’t get my shit together?
I faced her and took the glass she held out to me. “Thanks.”
She nodded and moved over to the bed, sitting next to Ava and picking up her hand. “Do you think it was Rhiannon?” she asked, her eyes never leaving Ava’s face.
I swallowed a large gulp of water. Now that I held it and smelled it, I found I was actually thirsty. “Do you have many other enemies who currently want you dead?”
Savannah huffed a laugh, but it was clear she didn’t think it was funny. “Not that I know of, but Ava’s always been so mysterious. And she’s not young either. In fact, I’m pretty sure she’s as old as you are, even though she refuses to confirm or deny.”
I stared down at the still witch that haunted me each day and night, always in my thoughts and eventually my dreams. “You’d be right.”
Savannah did look at me then. “You know how old she is?”
I shook my head with a shrug. “Yes and no. She’s extremely powerful but she also has iron control. That’s one sign that she’s not as young as she appears.”
“And the other signs?” Savannah prompted when I stopped speaking.
“I can’t explain it,” I answered with a sigh. “Beings with centuries behind them, they carry this… aura. The power is almost like a nearly invisible halo. A mirage. It shimmers around them from time to time but you can never truly see it.”
Savannah gaped up at me. “That explains so much about her real aura,” she murmured.
“You can see her aura?” I asked her, my eyes probing hers now.
She blushed a little. “Sometimes. Only when the person is very powerful or very special in other ways. Most of the time it’s supernatural creatures but once in a while I meet a human with a beautiful, strong aura.”
I smiled at her. “That’s amazing. What a special gift you have,” I commented.
Her answering smile faded. “You think it’s a gift.”
I saw the disbelief in her face. “Yes, I do. Any gift worth having also has a responsibility attached.”
She frowned at me. “I don’t understand what you mean.”
I walked around the bed and sat down on the other side, my hip brushing Ava’s arm. “There are gifts we are given that we can never truly touch, but that we must handle with great care and attention or they are lost.”
Savannah shook her head. “I’m still confused.”
I chuckled. “Love is one good example. When another being gives you their heart, it’s a gift. But if you don’t handle it with care or gentleness, when you don’t appreciate what they’ve entrusted to your hands, it can be broken. The love dies.” I smiled at her. “Your gift is similar, though a heavier responsibility I’m afraid. You feel what others feel. It goes beyond compassion and it gives you a greater understanding of the world around you. You can be a guide for those who struggle to empathize with others. And maybe even nudge them in the right direction.”
She blinked at me, but I still saw the flash of guilt in her eyes.
“Yes, I know that you used your power to calm Harrison and me.”
The blush in her cheeks intensified. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I try not to do that unless it’s necessary.”
“I’m glad you did,” I admitted. “It’s difficult to remain rational when instinct takes over. It wasn’t the time or place.” As the pink in her cheeks receded, I saw the pallor of her skin and the circles beneath her eyes. The events of the afternoon had taken their toll on her. “Go lie down with your male. I’ll keep watch here.”
Savannah shook her head. “I’ll wait a while.”
I laid a hand on hers. “Ava may decide she doesn’t want me here when she wakes, which means you’ll have to care for her. Rest now so that you’ll be able.”
Her eyes moved over my face, taking in my features. I had the distinct impression that she saw into my heart though she shouldn’t be able to get past the protection spells I wore.
“You truly believe that, don’t you?” she asked, her voice nearly dreamy, as though she were falling into a trance.
“Yes,” I answered simply.
She smiled, sweet and warm. “I think you’re wrong.” She got to her feet, swaying a bit. Before I could jump to my feet, she lifted a hand. “I’m fine, but you’re right. I’m tired. I need to lie down. I’ll be back in a couple of hours.”
I doubted that. Rhys would take one look at his woman and make sure that she slept for as long as she needed.
Once Savannah left, I looked down at Ava and studied her tranquil face, taking in the way her chest rose and fell steadily. The color was returning to her cheeks and, when I touched her jaw, she no longer felt chilled.
I was tempted to stretch out next to her and nap, but heaved myself off the bed before I could give in. I would be a shitty protector if I fell asleep while watching over Ava.
I moved to the chair and sat down. Thank the Goddess it was comfortable. I extended my legs and took my phone from my pocket. The protection spell I wore around my neck had prevented the magic at the shop from frying it. Smiling, I tapped the screen and pulled up a reading app, clicking on a book I’d been reading a few days earlier.
As I settled in to read, I hoped that Ava would wake soon. I needed to hear from her own lips that she was fine.