Page 130 of Enchanted

“Oh yes.” Her face reflected the serenity I’d felt on arriving. “It’s much better than being alive, apart from not being able to talk to you, of course. I just have to think of something I’d like, and it appears.”

A steaming teapot suddenly materialised on the table, along with a paperback I recognised as one of her favourites.

“See?” She grinned. “What more could I want? I can have almost anything I desire, and there’s no pesky bills, work, or even red-flag men to piss me off.”

That had me laughing. “I’ve missed you, Mum. So much.”

“I’ve missed you too, darling.” She cupped my cheeks and kissed my forehead. “I think it’s time for you to leave now. I love you. Remember that.”

“I love you too,” I said, clinging to her even as the world around me started to dissolve. “I love you, Mum. Goodbye.”

“See you soon,” she called as I was sucked away, the light fading. “Don’t forget, I’m always with you.”

Her words carried me through the darkness. Back into the warehouse. I could see myself, slumped in the chair. Blood was cascading from my neck. Damien was on the floor beside me. Dead or unconscious, I didn’t know.

And Rami…

Oh, Rami. My sweet, kind, considerate, Rami.

Heartache and anger were written over his face as he knelt before me. Tender hands cradled me as he whispered soundless words. He was so close to losing it.

I was okay. He had to know that. He’d be dead too if I weren’t.

But he needed to see me, I realised. Nothing else would stop him breaking.

I dropped back into my body.

And opened my eyes.

Chapter 36

Rami

My power slammed into Damien before the blood finished dripping from his dagger.

Ethan’s blood.

My mate’s blood.

Logically, I knew Ethan was fine. He’d spoken those magic words at the last possible moment, binding us together for all eternity. In just a few moments, he’d reincarnate. I could feel him on the other end of the bond.

But logic was nowhere to be found right now.

I didn’t let my power kill Damien permanently. Not yet.

He hadn’t suffered nearly enough.

His sons swept forwards, but I stopped them with a growl. “He’s mine.”

As they backed off, I crashed to my knees beside Ethan. God, there was so much blood.

“Come back to me, Eth,” I whispered, gently holding him. My power swept from me again, this time to heal. A pointless task. The wound had closed already, but it wasn’t moving fast enough. I needed him to look at me, to heal this fissure in my heart with his smile. “Please, Ethan. Please, baby. Open your eyes.”

Like he’d heard me, he sucked in a breath.

And opened his eyes.

Ethan didn’t take any time to adjust, just grabbed my shoulders fiercely, staring into my eyes. “I’m okay, Rami. I’m okay. I promise.”