Page 44 of Cursed Magic

My chest throbbed, and I wished I could take all his pain and suffering away. I understood that he’d kept something from me and the others, but I also understood the anger that kept festering in my own soul for the same reason as his.

“They’re getting bolder.” Foster’s forehead creased with concern. “Attacking this close to vampire territory, taking a witch, and acting this close to another witch—they’re either desperate or crazy.”

I wished I could agree with that, but I didn’t. “They’re growing more confident.”

“Which will make them reckless.” Raven pressed her lips together. “We have to either determine how to track them or wait for them to make a mistake.”

The SUV’s engine started, and my gut hardened. The sound seemed to burst my eardrums, and a chill ran down my back. What if the attackers swung back around to finish us off?

No. I refused to become fearful. If I allowed them to influence my emotions, then they would win. No person, pack, or group would ever make me cower. I let out a sigh and pushed away the nagging fear that wanted to devour me. “But how many more people will die before that happens? And what if it doesn’t?”

The vehicle zooming toward us came to a screechinghalt. David swung the door open and jumped out, leaving the engine running.

I scanned the area for any signs that something lurked nearby. Nothing seemed amiss, but the back of my neck prickled once again, signaling we were being watched.

The Blackwood witch had to be close. She was messing with my emotions right now. I bit the inside of my mouth, and more blood filled it, causing my stomach to roil in protest.

I moved toward Ryker and stumbled. I tried to catch myself, but my legs were jelly underneath me. Raven tried to catch me, but she, too, buckled under the pressure.

Moments before I would have hit the ground, Foster caught me. He pulled me to his chest, cradling me like a fucking princess, while David caught Raven by the arms. She whimpered, a sound I never expected to hear from her.

I tried to get out of Foster’s arms to check on her and Ryker, but he held me tighter. “Nope. That’s the second time you’ve almost fallen. Let me take you to the Suburban.”

I wanted to climb out of my skin. Being in his arms felt sowrong. “I appreciate the help, but I’m fine.”

Foster ignored me, tightening his hold even more. “You’re not fine. Let’s get you settled so we can get you three out of here.”

Swallowing loudly, I bit back my protests. I clearly couldn’t stand, and the world was spinning ever faster. Sitting down so I could rest and recover would be best and would allow them to focus on Ryker.

We had to stop his bleeding.

I shot a desperate look over Foster’s shoulder as David got Raven back on her feet. She was paler than usual, her face almost as white as a sheet.

“Are you going to be okay?” I despised that I’d allowed her to help me when she was also so injured. Had I known, I would’ve fallen to the ground instead.

“I’ll manage.” She winced and clutched her arms to her sides. No doubt her injuries were similar to mine.

“Do you need help?” David arched a brow.

When Raven shook her head, he went to Ryker’s side. He crouched and hesitated a moment before lifting him over his shoulder in a fireman’s carry.

Ryker didn’t stir, and fear gnawed at my insides. This was bad. Like he’d been the other day when he’d nearly died.

“See? They’ve got it covered.” Foster began moving toward the vehicle, and suddenly I couldn’t see Ryker any longer. Desperation froze my body.

I needed to watch to ensure a shadow didn’t try to attack Ryker again…not when he was in this state.

I thrashed weakly, panic suffocating me. “Let’s wait for them.”

Foster’s voice dripped with impatience. “You need to sit so you can start to heal.”

“No,” I yelled as my wolf surged forward, but I was too injured to shift. Ihadto watch to make sure Ryker wasn’t attacked again, but Foster continued toward the vehicle, ignoring my protests.

A crash sounded behind us, followed by David’s yelp of surprise.

Then a deep, guttural growl.

No. This couldn’t be happening again.

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