“No,” I growl, storming over to my bag to grab my phone. “I want to get back to Virginia. That’s where my home is, and it’s where I need to be.”
Evangeline throws her hands up in the air. “Are you always this stubborn? You can’t go out into the world without protection, especially not being as weak as you are.” I glare at her, and she flashes back. “Don’t even look at me like that. That bracelet overpowers everything, which means I can’t shield your presence. You won’t be able to defend yourself. Every horny, unmated male will be able to sense you wherever you are. Here, with Chase, he can protect you.”
“I don’t need protection!” I shout, rummaging through my bag. I find my phone and toss my bag onto the floor.
“Who are you calling?” Evangeline demands.
I search for flights to Virginia, and it just so happens there’s a plane leaving in three hours with only a couple of seats left. “I’m not calling anyone. I’m finding me a flight home.” Usually, I fly first class, but this time, I don’t care. I secure my ticket, knowing I’ll probably be stuck by a screaming baby. At this point, it doesn’t matter. I’ll endure whatever I have to just to get away.
“Kara, please. Think about this. Chase is your mate. You can’t tell me it didn’t feel good to be with him tonight.”
It felt amazing. “It doesn’t matter,” I lie. “Either you take me to the airport, or I’ll find another ride.”
Evangeline grumbles to herself and marches over to the corner of the room where her purple suitcase sits. “Damn, you’re infuriating. There’s no way in hell I’m letting you go by yourself.” She tosses her bag onto the bed and disappears into the bathroom to grab her toiletries. “I was hoping to see more of California.”
I didn’t want to drag her into my mess, but I am glad she’s coming with me. “I already booked my ticket, but I’ll get back on and grab you one before they sell out.”
Evangeline walks out of the bathroom and shoves her toiletry bag into her suitcase. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been to Virginia.” There’s a sadness to her tone. I know why she left Virginia and how it tormented her to do so. I don’t want to hurt her even more, but the reason for her broken heart is why I need to go back. If she can’t help me, I have to seek out another who can.
Sighing, Evangeline sits on the bed. “All right, I’m packed.”
I log into my airline account to purchase her a plane ticket, but there’s nothing available on my flight; they just sold out. “Dammit,” I hiss. “The flight’s full.” I scroll through the others, and the next one doesn’t take off for another six hours. “I’m putting you on another flight. I’ll forward the confirmation to you.” I send her everything and hurry to the door. “We have to go.”
Evangeline shakes her head. “You’re going to owe me big time for this.”
Yes, I am, especially when she finds out my plan.
We climb back into her rental car, and she drives me to the airport. It’s late, so when we pull up at the terminal, there isn’t a long line at the drop-off.
I open the door, but Evangeline grabs my wrist. “Please tell me you’re going straight home when you land in Virginia.”
She’s the only person in the world I’ve never been able to lie to. Her grip tightens on my arm. “Kara, I know that look on your face. You’re keeping something from me. I’m hoping like hell you’re not going to do what I think you are.”
She knows. “I have to, Eva.”
Her eyelids stretch wide. “Kara, no. You can’t go to him. He’s the last person you can trust.”
His name is Xavier King, Evangeline’s lover and my friend for many years before turning to dark magic. But, unfortunately, the power got to his head, and it destroyed their relationship. So when they split ties, I let him go, too. Out of all the magic in the world, I thought light magic would be my ticket to freedom. Sadly, it’s not.
Pulling my arm away from her grasp, I slide out of the car. “I have to try other ways. If it means dark magic, then so be it.” I sprint toward the airport entrance.
“Kara, stop!”
I’ll apologize to her later. I don’t want to hurt her, but she has to understand the dire situation I’m in. I can’t live the rest of my life without my wolf. Every day without her, I get more and more desperate.
I have no choice.
21
CHASE
Dreams usually don’t last long for me, but this one seems to be never-ending. I’ve walked around my vineyards a million times over, waiting for something else to happen. The sun is brighter than it’s ever been before, and everything looks different, almost magical. Like I’m in a different world where everything glimmers and shines. My vines glisten in the early morning dew, and the grapes are so ripe and plump they could almost burst. I pluck one and pop it into my mouth, chewing slowly to savor the sweetness on my tongue.
Peering up at the sky, I notice the sun hasn’t moved an inch. I’ve been in the field for hours, but nothing has changed. Something is off. I can feel it.
I run through the vineyard to the edge, only to hit an invisible wall. The force tosses me back, and that’s when I feel the magic. It’s not dark or menacing, but it’s keeping me away from something for a reason. Kara.
I have to wake up from my dream. Extending my arm, I move closer to the invisible wall, my fingers gliding over the shimmering veil. It doesn’t hurt to touch it.
Rearing my arm back, I use all my strength to punch through the wall. The impact makes the bones in my hand crack, the pain radiating through every inch of my body. Ignoring the ache, I hit the wall, again and again, watching as the cracks expand out like veins. Stepping back, I move away as the wall begins to crumble, knowing I won’t escape from it crushing me. When it crashes down, I close my eyes …
My eyes flash open, and I jerk awake, my senses on full alert. I look over at the clock; it’s six in the morning. The room is dark, but I can see the sky beginning to lighten through the edges of the blinds on my windows. When I stare down at Kara’s side of the bed, it’s empty. I can’t sense her anywhere close by, but I can still smell her scent. Panic and fury rise in my chest.
“Fuck,” I hiss, jerking off the covers. I grab my clothes off the floor and put them on. It wasn’t just an ordinary dream; it had to be because of Kara’s friend, Evangeline. There’s no other explanation.
Grabbing my phone, I race downstairs and follow Kara’s trail to the front door. Before I can open it, I hear a car pull up the driveway. Not only that, I know who it is. Whipping open the door, I storm down the stairs just as Evangeline gets out of the car.
“Where is she?” I growl, knowing my eyes are blazing at her.
Evangeline holds up her hands, the smell of her fear making me back down. “I’m sorry. It’s a long story. I came here to get you out of the spell, but it looks like you’re a lot stronger than I thought.” Still holding up her hands, she cautiously approaches me. “I tried to get her to stay, but you and I both know how hard-headed Kara can be. I’m worried about her. I never should’ve helped her leave.”