Page 56 of Summertime Hexy
“Phoebe,” I bark, turning to her. “You’re in charge. Lead them to the scry pond. Take the ward path. Stay under the brush, eyes sharp, don’t stop until you’re at the top of the ridge. Got it?”
She salutes. “Got it.”
“And if anything tries to follow?—”
“Kick it in the magical nuts.”
“That’s my girl.”
Milo gives me a thumbs up, already dragging Jax behind him like a determined raccoon hauling a backpack.
I stand, hands shaking harder now.
Not from fear.
From focus.
Because I almost panicked. Almost froze.
But I didn’t.
Iacted.
I led.
And they’resafe.
“Hazel.”
Derek’s at my side, his voice taut but steadier now.
I glance at him.
“I saw you,” he says. “That was…”
“Hot?” I offer, a little breathless.
His mouth twitches. “I was going to say impressive.”
“Well, yeah. That too.”
And for the first time since the tear opened, since my magic flickered and vanished like a pulled plug, I feel something new crackling beneath my skin.
Not magic or fear.
Purpose.
The veil hisses again behind us, louder now, angry that its meal ran away.
Let it be mad.
I’ve got kids to protect, a partner at my side.
And I know exactly who the hell I am.
CHAPTER 20
DEREK
