CHAPTER
TWENTY-FOUR
CALLUM
Stomping on the gas, I listen to the abused engine whine and watch the sun rise. I’ve never hated these winding mountain roads more. When I round a narrow curve too quickly for the SUV to handle, I smell burning rubber. Gritting my teeth, I keep it between the lines and slow down a hair. I need to get back to the woman I love. A wreck won’t help me get there any faster.
Holy gods. I actually did it.
Calling Alina last night was a desperation move, and when she demanded we meet in person to talk, I almost said no. Gideon and I haven’t exactly been on speaking terms with her since her coven split with the enclave. Still, I had to try. We don’t have any other leads left.
When Alina and the rest of the witches moved out of their wing at the compound, I was relieved. I think most of us were. The fighting—the constant, unhinged disagreements happening behind closed doors—it was toxic as hell. But Alina seemed overthe drama when we ran into her at the library. She even hinted at our shared childhood like she wanted reconciliation.
I’m not a fool. I know she hopes for more from Gideon and me. While we’ve never reciprocated her feelings, I’m not above using them to save Sheena. Alina is a strong witch. I took a chance that she could help and it’s paying off.
Alina has a talisman that could save Sheena.
Speeding up again, I grope around in the cup holder and turn my phone back on. I wince as I scroll over all the missed texts and calls from Gideon. It was a dick move to sneak out in the middle of the night, but when I felt Sheena’s fever take hold, I had to do something. There wasn’t time to argue.
I dial Gideon’s number. He picks up on the second ring.
“Are you okay?” His tone is clipped.
He has every reason to be mad, but I barrel ahead.
“Yeah, I’m fine. I’ve got a lead. Tell Sheena to get ready to go.”
“Cal—”
“I don’t want to hear it right now, dude. You can yell at me later. Alina has a talisman.”
“Callum—” He tries again, and I groan in frustration.
“Gideon, are you even listening to me? This could be the answer to everything. Get Sheena dressed. I’ll be there soon.”
“Fuck, Callum—she won’t wake up.”
His frantic words penetrate my brain, and my knuckles go white as bone against the steering wheel. “What? Get Idris over there.”
“He’s here. She’s not hurting. She’s just not... alert.” Gideon sounds terrified. My heart rate spikes. “Why can’t you bring the talisman here?”
I wince. It’s the exact question I expected him to ask.
“Alina says I need to bring her.”
“Well, fuck Alina’s games,” Gideon growls. “That’s sketchy as hell.”
“She doesn’t want to come back to the compound. Which I get.” Frustration rises within me. This debate is pointless. The alternative is waiting for Sheena’s heart to stop, and that’s not an option.
“Did you even ask why she has a talisman in the first place?” Gideon demands. “If the thirsty witch wants to help so godsdamn bad, why can’t she just give it to you?”
I slam my fist into the horn. I knew he would do this; it’s why I didn’t bring him along.
“I’m aware,” I snap. “But please—since you know everything—tell me the better choice.”
“I don’t know. How about anything that doesn’t involve dragging my fated mate’s limp body all over Colorado?” He roars into the phone, and I have to take a deep breath to calm myself. I know he’s scared, but now isn’t the time for either of us to melt down. Sheena needs us.
“We’ll be right there. We’ll keep her safe, Gideon, I promise.”
