His magic is intense. How does he not feel it? And why is it so unstable?
A sense of panic fills my chest, causing my kraken to thrash against me. Kaleb is so damn powerful. I deepen the kiss, letting my magic explore. He moans against me, climbing onto my lap. Panic and lust twist together with desperation and fear. To my dread, I can tell Kaleb’s magic is ready to combust and has nowhere to go.
It’s terrifying.
If I don’t try to help Kaleb now, there’s a good chance the magic might burst out of his body, hurting him and those around us. Tentatively, my inner kraken and I simultaneously extend our magic, reaching out like one of our tentacles. Desperate to help, our magic wraps around Kaleb’s as we guide as much of the unstable power toward my body instead.
He continues to kiss me, unaware that he’s a ticking time bomb. “Feels so good,” he whimpers, unknowingly pushing even more of his magic into me. I take it. I take it all willingly, praying I’m not too late.
Bright green tendrils of chaotic magic burst from his body, his fingertips, and his lips. Usually, something like this would be dangerous to anyone else, but my inner kraken rubs and clicks against the magic, savoring the sensations. The power shoves its way violently into my body, lighting me up inside.
Kaleb gasps, scrambling off my lap, but it’s too late.
Electric jolts hit me like a lightning strike to the chest. Images, memories, and dreams flicker across my mind at a rapid pace, while, at the same time, I’m thrust out of my chair and slammed into the nearby wall. My legs crumble under me as I fall to the ground and sit there, stunned.
“Wha-what just happened?” Kaleb stares at his trembling hands. Tears fill his pretty blue eyes before he takes off. With his chaotic magic still swirling inside of me, I can sense his emotions plain and clear.
Fear.
My inner kraken urges me to stand, to go after him. But I’m still too shaky to move. There’s one thing I know for damn sure. Kaleb Dumas, the heir to one of the most important covens in the world, is the man I’ve been dreaming about for years.
Kaleb is, without a doubt, my fated mate.
Chapter four
Kaleb
When a witch is cut off from their coven, their power can become pent up within the body until their magic either fades away or boils over.
(From an article on the scientific studies of magic and covens.)
The crisp, cold air hits my cheeks and fills my lungs as I sprint down the street and away from the club.What the fuck? Whatthe fuck was that?Dizziness threatens to overwhelm me. As soon as I turn the corner to the next block, I lean against a random tree, staring down at my still trembling hands.
No sparks of magic. Nothing. Did I imagine it? Oh crap, I must be going crazy.
When Stacy said tonight was going to be magical, this is not what I had in mind.
At. All.
I must be going crazy.It’s the only thought that pings around in my mind as I gasp, trying to pull air into my lungs. I crouch down on the ground as I continue focusing on my breathing, eyes closed. I don’t know how long I stay like this before the world finally seems to right itself again. The sharp bark digs against my back, but somehow, the pain is welcomed.
By the time I stand, my body is no longer burning up. Instead, I shiver from the cold. I pull out my phone to see I have two missed calls and three texts. I wince when another text flashes and I realize they are all from my bestie.
Stacy: Kaleb. You’re starting to worry me. Call me ASAP.
Before I can freak her out even more, I tap the call button.
“Kaleb, please tell me you’re okay.”
“I’m fine. I’m so sorry for making you worry like that. I’m just a few blocks away from the club, but I’m walking home.”
A few teenagers in costumes catcall and start chasing each other while crossing the street. Trick or treating is still in full effect. Gods, it felt like four or five hours ago when we entered the club, when in reality it was less than two.
“Hang tight. I’m coming to meet you,” Stacy says.
I shake my head even though she can’t see me. “No, Stace. I’m fine. I don’t want to ruin your night, too. Stay at the club and have some fun. Maybe meet a hot guy. Just text me a photo and address if you go home with him.” Stacy and I have always looked out for each other. Just because I might be having an early midlife crisis doesn’t mean I won’t protect my bestie.
“Nonsense. I’m already on my way, hon.”
