Eliza Gayle Witch Bundle (paranormal romance), Eliza Gayle [books suggested by bill gates txt] 📗

him. “Seriously. Let it go. We’ve got bigger things to worry about. We need to talk to Denn.” She reminded him.

“You should give him some time, I’ve learned he can be pretty stubborn.”

“Uhm…the hell with that. We don’t have time. We have a job to do and all we have is each other now.” She paused. “Goddess, I must be crazy.”

Jake stepped closer. “Not crazy, Raven. We all feel it. It’s something tangible that can’t be denied.” His lips touched against hers, soft and light. She sighed against him, wanting to trust in what he said despite the warnings in her head.

She pushed her hands against his firm chest. “Stop trying to distract me, Jake, I’m going to talk to him and I’m going right now.”

She walked away without looking back, leaving the door open behind her. Jake could follow her or not, she was still going to find Denn and make him understand. Going room by room she searched for him.

Ten minutes later she still hadn’t found him, and decided there was an easier way. She inhaled a full breath of humid New Orleans air, absorbing the water molecules into her body. She called on her magick, letting the water particles fuel her command. Carefully she loosened her hold, allowing just enough to slip out to do what she needed. Her senses sharpened as the room around her swelled with the musk of jasmine, the spice of men, and the heat of the South. She reached out, seeking the moisture displacement created from a body in the house. Nothing. Denn was no longer in the building. Which left only one place he could be. She turned and headed for the courtyard.

Stepping outside, the sultry night air and the scent of jasmine on the breeze enveloped her. Sometime during her talk with Jake the rain had let up, leaving only a gentle mist she now found refreshing. Her eyes slowly adjusted to the dark as she followed the footpath to the sitting area where she knew she would find him.

“I don’t want to talk anymore.”

Raven sat on the chair next to his. “Good, then you can just listen.”

Denn groaned at her words but she continued on. “I know you feel betrayed right now and rightfully so but—”

“Raven—”

“No, Denn, hear me out, please.” She paused, peering over at him to see if he was listening. “Jake told you that Scott has been stealing his sister's magick. You heard that, right?” He nodded. “Do you know what that means? Surely a powerful witch as you understands that. But have you ever had your magick stolen and used against you? Had your mind and body raped of its powerful essence? To feel the empty shell left behind every time it happens.” Powerful memories crashed down on her as she talked to Denn of the process one goes through when their magick is taken against their will.

Old wounds barely recovered from her talk with Jake ripped open inside as she bared her soul. Wetness tracked down her face. “Nothing is more painful than going through that ordeal. In fact many witches don’t survive it, trust me I know.”

“Raven, I don’t know what to say.” His voice was soft and infused with more sympathy than she could bear.

“Don’t go there. It’s like I told Jake. Your sympathy is not why I’m telling you this. This is for Jake’s sake. He and I have both done some things we are not proud of, but knowing what his sister is going through, well, you need to consider the circumstances. That’s all I can ask.”

“Babe, please.” His hand reached out his fingers intertwining with hers. The heat and size of his hand engulfing hers gave her hope. Made her feel protected. She absorbed some of his magick. So much of it was dark and angry, which she immediately pushed away from them. She released more of her own to relieve his. He had healed her when she needed it, now it was her turn to heal him. Remove some of his pain, leaving him lighter than before. Sweat broke out on her brow at the force of their connection. As hard as it was to face, she believed in what they’d told her. Her role was clear and she belonged here with both of them. If only Denn would believe.

Minutes later her body gave out and she broke their connection. Exhaustion swamped her as she fought to stand. If she’d met Denn sooner, she might have been able to do something more powerful to help him.

“Babe, you need to rest. Let me get you something to return your strength. I’m worried about what that is going to do to your health. You’ve just recovered from a life threatening trauma.”

“Denn, don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine. I do need some rest, though, so I’m going to bed. I hope you’ll consider what I've said.”

“I will. But I need some time to think. Are you sure you don’t need my help?”

“I’m sure. I just need sleep. Good night.”

Before she turned away she noticed he seemed more relaxed from when she’d first come out. At least that was something.

* * *

Hours later, Denn still couldn’t get the image of Raven walking away from him and back into the house. Her lithe, athletic body moved with instinctual grace and stealth. He imagined the years of training she’d endured to made her like that. She was quite a fighter, and after the pain and information she’d shared with him his doubts about her had dissipated. Her tired and sad eyes had looked right through him just before she’d turned away.

Now he craved her touch, her warmth, and even just the way she looked at him. He wanted to feel her under him, Jake right alongside her. His body tightened with those images running rampant. His feelings ran deep for Jake and he’d already decided he could forgive him, the only question remaining was could he trust him again.

In reality he knew