Page 84 of To Ignite a Dragon's Desire

“Doesn’t he have these tattoos on his side?” I looked at Lucan, wondering if I was wrong.

My mate dragged his hand over his face.

“She’s met Malachy?” Kieran asked.

“The three tattoos have always appeared on the next chosen guardian at birth,” Lucan answered me before addressing his cousin, “Malachy got injured and he came to me. The MacAlisters attacked him. When I fought off Shawn, I sensed dark magic.”

“So he’ll visit you, but won’t come when I call.” Kieran’s bitter tone went away as Ember rested her hand on his shoulder. “You’re right. No, it’s good he came to you for help.”

“And he is coming,” Lucan looked Kieran in the eye. “He’ll be here tomorrow unless Earth calls. He swore it to me.”

“Too late for tonight, of course.” Kieran shook his head. “But better late than never.”

“Late for what?” I asked.

Lucan sighed as he wrapped me in his comforting embrace. “The witches convene under the full moon tonight.”

32

Lucan

Practical Magic

“These witches… Are they the real deal?” Riley stayed close as we walked the worn path up the hill to where the burnt sage and salt circle marked the magic gathering.

Her dose of fear was healthy and justified.

Witches scared the hell out of me, too.

I’d come across more than I cared to admit on various battlefields. Supernaturals from different species and ethnicities fought alongside their local populace where they saw fit.

I still had a bone to pick with one particular sorcerer in the Helmand Province.

The cheating coward hid behind those kids.

“They’re very real.” I held Riley’s hand as we approached the bonfire, walking behind Kieran and Ember with Willow bringing up the rear while the path widened.

The glow of the full moon shone down on the thirteen women, all dressed in flowing skirts of various colors and all barefoot on the dewy grass. The youngest looked maybe sixteen.

The oldest?

Don’t even try to guess.

She seemed to be the head priestess, judging by her aura and the moon-streaked silver in her long black hair. I also could’ve sworn I recognized her from somewhere, long enough ago that my memory failed me now.

“Ward Weaver.” She grinned at me with a mouth of clean, straight teeth strong enough to chomp bone.

“Witch.” I bowed my respect, keeping Riley behind me.

Riley spoke through our mating link.“Ward Weaver? You know what… The knitting kind of makes sense.”

I kept my face stoic despite wanting to laugh, not showing weakness in front of these women who probably had a recipe for dragon scale or ball sack.

“You can call me Morgana.” The witch was still in good humor as she turned to Riley. “And you must be his mate.”

Be ready.I stiffened.

Riley gave a short wave. “Yep. That’s me.”

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