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Chapter 198
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2024-10-29 19:42:56The ride in Rave’s arms was much different this time. The speed was still thrilling and the strength in his arms kept Leesa feeling loved and secure. What was missing was his heat. Without his amazing warmth, she was forced to keep her face buried against his chest and her hands balled up in the sleeves of her windbreaker for protection against the cold air that whipped against her skin. Despite the cold, she couldn’t think of any other way she’d rather travel, especially with the feel of his heart beating strongly against her cheek, giving her a feeling of reassurance she sorely needed right now. She pressed her face more tightly against his breast.
She was less disappointed than usual when he finally put her down on the path outside Balin’s cabin. For the first time, the ride had felt just long enough, rather than way too short. She didn’t like the feeling at all. She hoped they got to the bottom of all this quickly.
The door to Balin&rs
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For the first time since way back at the beginning of their relationship, Leesa felt a bit awkward around Rave. That was totally normal, she told herself. Balin had just given them permission to do what she had been longing to do for months—kiss for as long as they wanted without worrying about her safety. They were both pretty inexperienced with this stuff, so it was only natural to feel a little nervous. She gave Rave’s arm a squeeze. “Talk about a silver lining,” she said, smiling. “I’m just sorry it had to be because of something like this, with your fire being weakened.” “I’m not,” Rave said. He reached up and tenderly brushed a few stray strands of Leesa’s hair away from her forehead. “I told you I would give up my fire for you. I meant it.” Leesa sighed. Even without his heat, she still thrilled to his touch. “And I meant it when I said I would never let you do that.” Rave gently cupped her head in his strong hands, his fingers entwined
Leesa's Advent Chapter 200
By the time Balin returned, Leesa and Rave were sitting in front of the fireplace, holding hands and talking quietly. The slow burning fire was mostly embers now, but neither of them had felt the need to add any wood. A pewter mug of water—half empty now—rested on the chair beside Leesa. The bearskin rug was back in its usual place in the middle of the floor. To Leesa’s disappointment, Rave had put his shirt back on.True to his word, Balin knocked and waited to be invited in before entering.Once inside, his eyes swept the interior of the cabin before fastening on Leesa and Rave. Leesa was sure he noticed some kind of change in his sleeping mat and in the position of the bear skin. If he did, he didn’t say anything about it.“I trust you two enjoyed your time alone?” he asked, smiling.Leesa returned his smile. She was pleased to discover she did not feel awkward at all.“Yes, Rave was very comforting,&rdq
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Waiting with Rave on the side of the lightly traveled highway, Leesa spied her mom’s car approaching in the distance. A moment later, she could see Bradley behind the wheel. She smiled and waved to him.Bradley swung the car in a tight u-turn and pulled over on the shoulder in front of Leesa and Rave. He switched off the engine and climbed out. He was wearing a jeans and a gray sweatshirt, which he zipped halfway up against the chill.As soon as he came around the front of the car, Leesa bounded forward and enveloped him in a tight hug. She hadn’t seen her brother in almost a week and as usual, was happy to see him. Until Rave, Bradley had always been the most important person in her life. Ever since his return from the vampire caverns, her time with him had become especially precious.Finally, she let go of him and stepped back.“Thanks for coming to get me,” she said.“No problem.” Bradley nodded hello to Rave
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Thousands of miles away, the Necromancer pushed his heavy body away from his magical table and leaned back in his favorite chair. Unlike Leesa, he was having no unusual problems with his magic, but he was just as frustrated and impatient. Sensing his mood, the four novitiates watched him closely, hoping he would not take his discontent out on them. Each had felt his wrath before, and it was never pleasant.The Necromancer had just listened to his black waziri lieutenants report that although they remained on Dominic’s trail, the wizard was still managing to elude them. Apparently, a hundred years on the run had taught Dominic a number of tricks that the black waziri had so far been unable to overcome.The Necromancer decided it was time to make an adjustment in his plans. He turned to two of the novitiates, Makenzi and Matthew.“You two will be joining your masters in America,” he said. “I am bringing Viktor back here, to help me with my
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Sunday evening, Leesa was alone in her room, studying her psychology book. She wondered if there was anything inside that would tell her why she was missing Rave so fiercely already, when she had just seen him the day before. She was used to going days without seeing him, but guessed that her feelings had something to do with having no idea how long it might be until she saw him again.A soft knock sounded at her door. She wondered who it might be—she wasn’t expecting anyone. She knew it wasn’t Cali, because Cali’s knock was louder and faster, as if the door was an obstacle that needed to be removed as soon as possible. Leesa closed her book and crossed to the door. When she pulled it open, she found herself staring into an unfamiliar face.The woman was a few inches shorter than Leesa, with long, wavy silver hair cascading down across her shoulders. She was wearing a knee-length, dark red knit sweater jacket over black pants. Her unlined face w
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“You can trust me, if that’s what you’re worried about,” Leesa said.Jenna nodded. “Yes, I think I can.” She stood up and turned her back to Leesa for a moment, pacing a few short steps before turning back around. “Has anything happened to your magic in the last day or two?” she asked quietly.Leesa looked up at the witch. Things were beginning to fall into place. She thought she knew now why Jenna was here. Still, Leesa felt it best to proceed carefully.“Why do ask? Has something happened to yours?”Jenna grinned. “You are cautious. I like that. I’m quite cautious by nature myself.” She sat back down. “One of us has to begin. Since I came to you, I guess it should be me.”She sucked in another deep breath and blew it out slowly. “For some reason, my magic has suddenly weakened greatly. I have no idea why. So I wanted to know if something similar has be
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Leesa lifted her hand from Jenna’s and crossed to her dresser, where she grabbed her cell phone.“Do you want to trade numbers?” she asked. “So we can stay in touch?”Jenna’s expression turned wistful. “I wish I could, but I don’t have a phone.”Leesa almost couldn’t believe her ears. First Rave, then Dominic, and now Jenna. How was it that so many people she met didn’t have a phone? The answer was obvious—because they weren’t people, of course. They were a volkaane, a wizard and a witch. Still, it would be nice if at least someone else with magic had a freaking phone. After all, she owned one, and she had magic. She put her cell back down onto her dresser.“Really? Why not?”Jenna shrugged. “A couple of reasons, I suppose. I’ve always kind of kept to myself, so I’ve never really had the need for one. I live in a pretty isolated old house. It
Leesa's Advent Chapter 206
For the rest of the week, Leesa concentrated on two things: school and her magic. She wasn’t certain how important her schoolwork really was in the overall scheme of things, even with midterms drawing steadily nearer, but she was a college kid, and college kids went to classes and did homework—at least most of them did. Besides, school kept her distracted from other things, like missing Rave terribly and wondering where Dominic was and how he was doing. So she dutifully attended all her classes and kept up to date on her homework. Practicing her magic was difficult and frustrating, but she hung in there and did her best. Dominic had stressed the need for her to increase her practice so that was what she was doing. With her magic weakened, everything took more effort than it used to, and by the end of her daily two-hour practice sessions she was usually drained, mentally and physically. Even if she’d wanted to practice longer, she didn’t think she could manage much more than
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Serena awoke to the sound of birds chirping and the smell of fresh coffee brewing. She rolled over lazily, reaching out for Raphael, but the space was empty. With eyes still closed, she frowned. Where is that man? That man had probably been out of bed since the crack of dawn, beside himself with nerves for today’s big event, she thought regretfully. They were to be married today. Their lives intertwined for all of eternity. What man wouldn’t have cold feet at the prospect? And they’d known each other such a short time, too. She opened her eyes and blinked a few times, and frowned again. She had awakened in the safe house. Last night, she’d killed a man in her own home, and knew she could never go back there ever again. She didn’t care how good the Brethren’s cleanup crew could restore her home. It would never erase the vivid memories and horrors of what had happened there. She and Raphael would have to find themselves a new home, together. Until such time, this place would be it, th
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It’s going to be a long day without Raphael, Serena thought, as she washed and dressed. But she carried on. With so many loose ends to tie up, final checks to be made, people and places to coordinate, she scarcely had time to think about anything else. Except for her father. In the quiet moments between the bedlam of planning a wedding, she reflected upon him and her heart ached. She had arranged for a nursing home staffer to drive him and his wheelchair to the Chapel of the Holy Cross for the wedding. They didn’t usually allow weddings there, but somehow, Raphael swayed their decision. Kemuel promised to wheel her father down the aisle beside her, and she loved him instantly for that. But her dream was to have him walk her down that aisle. A sob caught in her throat, and she quickly shook her head to whisk it away. None of that nonsense, Serena. Don’t be greedy. At least he is alive and here to be a part of it all. As the day waxed on to evening, Serena felt unsettled. She hadn’t s
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Raphael spent the next few days cloistered with Serena, away from everyone and everything, like a honeymoon before the wedding. But every morning he made creative excuses to tear himself away from her for a little while and work with Fred. To make sure she didn’t visit her father, he dropped her off at her shop first so she could plan a small wedding with Callie and catch up on the mountains of paperwork.The healing sessions with Serena’s father went spectacularly, and with Raphael’s charisma, he convinced the nursing home staff to keep any improvements secret from her. They thought it romantic that he came to help with his fiancée’s father’s rehabilitation. Everyone there rooted for him, amazed at his miraculous awakening. All of the therapists worked their tails off during his therapy sessions, wanting to see their severely stroke-damaged patient beat the odds and walk his daughter down the aisle.On the morning of the fifth day, Raphael got Fred walking without any assistance.“Co
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Raphael grabbed her hands. “Do it!” he demanded. He placed them on his temples and spoke to her through their bonded connection. She felt every thought he had had of Sirona over the years straight to the present down their threaded connection. She heard every thought he’d had of her, including every word he had spoken while holding her in his arms at Dr. Chappo’s estate. He sent her everything that filled his heart and soul about her, and finally, at last, she knew.She knew. And knowing was everything to her. He gently brought her hands away from his face, kissing her fingertips as he eased them down, and she took a few steps backward, looking at him as if for the first time. No one before had ever felt about her the way he felt about her, let alone express so strongly all he’d expressed when she’d lain dying in his arms.“You’re in love with me.” She gasped, astonished. Tears welled again in her eyes, but this time, for a very different reason.“Yes.” He took a bold step toward her.
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A bundle of nerves, that’s what she’d turned into. Since leaving her father’s, Serena had been nothing but a bundle of nerves, rehearsing over and over again what she would say to Raphael up on the Rock. Looking all around her now, frightening memories kept popping into her mind, making her think that at any moment, Steve or Wheezer were going to jump out and nab her. Unfortunately, she had gotten to the summit way too early, and now paced like a caged bobcat. It had to stop. The bad guys are dead, Serena. Think positive, and let go the past. So, finding a suitable rock to sit on, Serena decided to do a little meditation to soothe her worried heart. “When I see him, I’ll know the right words to say,” she notified the birds. It may sting for a bit, but it’s for the best.****Raphael showed up at the base of the mountain with time to spare, and noticed Serena’s Jeep already parked. Perfect, he thought. He checked his pocket for the millionth time, making sure the ring box hadn’t fallen
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Raphael watched Serena leave the nursing home from behind one of the bushes in the front. She seems in good spirits, he thought. Only when he saw her disappear down the street did he dare to venture out of his hiding place. He walked into the nursing home and headed straight to the reception desk.“Hello, I’m here to see Mr. Sikes.” He smiled amiably at the receptionist.“Wow, two visitors in one day. Fred’s a lucky guy. Sign in right here, please. You’ll sign out before you leave. Take this badge so we know you belong here. Room 103 is down the hall, make a left, and he’s at the end on the left.”He looked at her name tag, and winked. “Thanks so much, Judy.”Walking down the hall, he found himself fidgeting with the badge in his hand. Am I actually nervous? Hell yeah! Raphael, the man, is about to meet the father of the woman he loves. Raphael, the man, is about to ask for this guy’s daugh
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Great! Just great! There’s a leak in my bedroom ceiling. Wait a minute, that’s not right. I’m not in my bedroom. I’m locked away in Dr. Chappo’s house. She remembered more. Being bound to a gurney, her body broken and dying. But I’m not lying on a gurney now, and I actually feel great. How could she be dying and still feel great? And what’s with the rain shower on my face? Slowly her eyes fluttered open, and she gasped.It was raining. Angel’s tears. Raphael’s tears, to be exact.She lay in his arms, and from the way he shuddered and sobbed, she thought maybe he didn’t know she lived. To be honest with herself, she’d only realized this fact just a few moments before. Iridescent wings were outstretched and trembling though no breeze made them flutter so.She gently raised her hand to caress his cheek and whispered softly. “Shh…there now, Raphael, shh. It’s all right. I’m ok
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Raphael noticed a knob on the box. It made sense to dial it to its lowest setting. He followed the tubing to its clamp on Serena’s side and decided to completely clamp it off. Now, no more blood could flow. But he still needed to get the needle out of her arm. He found gauze and tape on the tray stand and proceeded to extrude the catheter from her arm carefully so as not to injure her. He replaced it securely with the gauze and tape. His hands shook. I can’t fall apart like this right now! He quickly shrugged off the threat of paralyzing fear.“Hey, Raphael, this guy says his name is Steve. Isn’t that the name of one of guys who assaulted Serena?” Gabriel asked.“Yes, yes it is,” he said through gnashed teeth. Rage filled him and he clenched his fists, trying to gain some semblance of control. “Bind him, tightly. Make sure he can see Dr. Chappo. I’d like him to see what happens to assholes like him when they choose
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Searing hot pain shot like lightning throughout every inch of Serena’s body. Well, every inch she could feel, which left her very disturbed indeed, because she couldn’t feel anything past her waist. She could barely breathe without severe pain ripping through her chest and back. She knew what that meant—broken ribs. But what about her legs? Where were they? And why did her wrists feel shackled? Oh, dear God! What’s become of me? Her shallow breaths quickened. Her heart raced and fought for freedom behind her aching chest. Tears burst through her closed eyes and flowed untapped down the sides of her face.A voice sliced through the whooshing sound in her ears. A voice she knew all too well, and had come to despise with every molecule in her being.“Uh, Doc, I think she’s coming ’round. What do you want me to do?” Steve asked.“Hmm? Oh, nuffin. Nuffin, Seeve. Jus’ keep watchin’,” Dr. Chappo sl
