Page 90 of A Bolt of Magic

“I’ve missed you, too. I’ve been so worried. You were away for too long…far too long.” Her gaze shifts to Kian, who’s standing respectfully near the door. “And who is this handsome young devil you’ve brought with you?”

Heat floods my cheeks. “This is Kian, Grandmother. He’s…he’s a dear friend.”

Kian steps closer. “It is good to meet with you, my lady.” He inclines his head for a moment.

My grandmother’s eyes sharpen slightly despite her condition. “Such a lovely, deep voice. And handsome, too. A friend, you say?” She gives me a knowing smile that makes my face burn even hotter. “Come a little closer, Kian, so that I can get a good look at you.”

My cheeks are on fire.

Kian does as she asks; he has a smile on his handsome face.

“Tall and well-muscled. I hope you’ve bedded him, sweetheart.”

Kian chuckles good-naturedly.

“Grandmother!” I protest, but she just laughs weakly, her shoulders shaking. “I’m old and dying. I can say whatever I want.”

“Don’t say such things, Grandmother.” My heart clenches, even though I know it to be true.

“It is an honor to meet with you. McColl has told me so much about you.”

“Such lovely manners,” my grandmother approves. “And such striking eyes. You have excellent taste, my dear.” She winks at me, and I want to disappear into the floor.

“Shall I leave the two of you to catch up?” Kian says, looking from me to my grandmother and back.

“You are a dear, young man. Yes, I would love a moment with my granddaughter. Would that be alright?” she asks me.

I glance at Kian, who immediately nods. “I’ll wait right outside the door,” he says pointedly. “Close by, so you needn’t worry about anything.” He winks at me.

I understand his meaning. He’ll be close enough that our magical connection remains strong, close enough to use his power if needed. The knowledge relaxes some of the tension in my shoulders.

“Okay, then,” I tell him. “I won’t be long.”

Once Kian has stepped out and closed the door behind him, my grandmother gestures for me to come closer.

“Lilith came by just now to tell me you were here. She mentioned something about you finally having access to your power,” she says, her voice growing stronger with excitement. “She said you’re a powerful witch now. She seemed so happy and excited, so very proud of you, sweetheart.”

Despite everything, warmth blooms in my chest at the words. “She said that? About me?”

“Oh yes, dear one. Those were her exact words to me…” She lifts her eyes. “Give or take. You get the gist.” My grandmother squeezes my hand. “I’m so happy for you, McColl. I know how hard you’ve worked for years and years. How much you sacrificed. When the others were having fun, being young, you were at your desk. I know just how much you’ve always wished for this. It’s wonderful that all your dreams are finally coming true.”

There is a part of me that wants her to have the excitement. To feel joy for me, but I can’t lie to her. Not to my grandmother. The joy in her voice breaks my heart.

“Don’t get too excited, Grandmother,” I say gently. “My powers are tied to Kian’s. When he leaves, my abilities will leave with him.”

I feel sad, but it’s more at the thought of him leaving than at losing my powers. There was a time when I put having power over everything. I know better now.

My grandmother’s eyes are at half-mast. She yawns. “Sorry, dear.”

“Are you getting tired?”

“A little. My mouth feels dry. I guess I’m not used to talking quite this much.”

“We can fix that.” I reach for the water glass on her bedside table, helping her take a few sips.

“Much better,” she murmurs.

“I should let you rest,” I say. “I’ll come back later to talk some more.”

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