Page 77 of The Mating Frenzy
“You still must complete the ceremony to transfer the powers.” Darcy started the motor. “The books in the archives back in Colorado contain the spell. Let’sgo.”
In the boat, Kieran snarled, pacing back and forth. Worried, she looked at him. “Is heokay?”
“It’s the crystal. The power of the stone is forcing him to remain in his jaguar form. Here, put the crystal in this.” Darcy handed her a small leatherpouch.
Soon as the crystal was inside, Kieran shifted back to his Skin form and conjured clothing. Shivering, he hugged himself. Ella went over to him, gathering him close. Immediately his violent shudderseased.
“My foolish Ella. I saw what you did—draw away theattack.”
“I couldn’t let you have all thefun.”
Then Darcy pointed to the island. “Look!”
All the translucent birds had suddenly fallen from the sky, into the water. Once they hit the water, they turned todust.
It was an ordinary island oncemore.
“Ella-mine, are you ready for what lies ahead?” Kieranmurmured.
She smiled. “Saving my mother? Yes. Whatever it takes, I can handle it, as long as you’re withme.”
He kissed her as they made their way back to themarina.
A distant cawing in the sky made her pull away and glance up. The bird, flying against the light of the waning moon, looked like a raven. She hoped it was only abird.
But deep inside, she had a badfeeling.
