Page 18 of Eclipsed Heart

Even though Bodey’s rage was barely contained, he spoke calmly. “I don’t like this either, Jack, but we do need rest. He’s had seventeen years to plan whatever he’s doing, so he’ll have every contingency in place. Dad’s right. We need to go in rested and prepared for a fight.”

However, questions circled my brain. Was Zeke the person who’d had me spelled? Was he behind everything? Or was he just a small player in the grand scheme of things?

“Fine.” Jack crossed his arms. “But Bodey and Callie need the most rest since they were the most injured during the past twenty-four hours, which means I should be the one to question Stevie. She might be more willing to talk to me than the sister who had her locked up anyway.”

I recoiled. I couldn’t help it. Guilt crashed over me like a tidal wave.

“Don’t be a jackass,” Bodey growled, feeling my emotions.

“What?” Jack’s brow furrowed.

Lucas shook his head. “I'll go with you.” He grabbed Jack’s arm and pulled him toward the back deck.

“I can question her on my own.” Jack scowled. “I know how to talk to women.”

“You just proved otherwise,” Lucas replied, opening the door and leading Jack outside.

When the door shut, Janet sighed. “He didn’t mean it like that, Callie.”

But he did; he just hadn’t meant to hurt my feelings. He was stating facts, and I couldn’t be upset with him for doing that.“He’s fine.” I wanted to say I was fine, but that would be a lie. The whole day had been shit.

Miles squeezed Stella’s shoulders and forced a smile. “I'm going to take my mate to get some rest too. I’ll admit, the two of us are exhausted.” He removed his hands and took a few steps back.

Yawning, Stella stood. “I’m ready to take you up on that.”

“And we should follow their lead.” Michael climbed to his feet and helped Janet up.

“Well, then, I guess it’s good night.” Janet came over and hugged the two of us while Dina stood by watching.

Soon, everyone walked out the front door, leaving Samuel, Dina, Bodey, and me in the living room.

Dina tapped her fingers on her leg, nervous energy surrounding her.

I smiled. “Thank you for everything.”

Her forehead creased, and then she bowed slightly. “Of course, My Queen. Anything for the royal family.”

My heart warmed. “Let us know if you and your coven need anything.”

Wrapping an arm around my shoulder, Bodey nodded. “Please, go grieve, and know that you all are in our thoughts.”

Dina’s eyes shimmered, and she mashed her lips together. “Thank you. I’ll be in touch soon.” She turned and left like the others.

When I glanced at Samuel, he was staring at me.

A twinge of discomfort pulsed in my chest.

Bodey cleared his throat awkwardly. “I'm gonna take a shower.”Feel free to join me if you two finish talking in time.

My body warmed for a moment, but then I focused on my breathing. Samuel obviously wanted to speak with me. “I’ll be up to our room soon.”

He kissed my cheek and took off up the stairs.

Samuel didn’t move his gaze from me, and I swallowed. He studied my entire face as if he was taking in every blemish.

When Bodey’s and my bedroom door opened and then shut, Samuel grinned. “So we’re family? Blood family.” Hope sparked in his eyes.

My body almost sagged from the weight lifting off me. “Yup, we are.” I beamed, returning his joy. My parents and Stevie were family, but this was different. I'd felt a bond with both Samuel and Bodey when I got here. The easy connection I had with Bodey made sense. He was my fated mate, and we were born to complement each other. Even though we hadn’t been able to feel our magic at first, our souls had recognized one another. That had to be why we’d fallen in love so effortlessly and quickly. Now I understood why I clicked with Samuel as well—we had a true familial bond. The blood and magic that ran through our veins had been created by the same parents.

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