Chapter Two
Macgrath
Ihad nofucking clue what I was doing.
In fact, it had been months since I felt in control. From the moment I laid eyes on Ava Amaris, my ability to remain aloof and objective had flown out the window. Instead, I operated on instinct and possessiveness.
I wanted. I coveted.I needed.
But she wanted not one fucking thing to do with me.
So I had resorted to watching her like some crazed stalker. Even if I had desired to stay away, I couldn’t. I understood the way Rhiannon’s mind worked. Even though she had gone to ground months ago, that didn’t mean she wasn’t waiting and biding her time for the perfect moment to strike.
And whether she wanted it or not, Ava would have my protection.
I owed her that much and I owed Savannah as well. For the first time in centuries, I actually gave a damn about someone other than myself. I wanted to keep them both safe.
Movement at the door ofThe Magic Beancaught my attention. My gaze focused on the doorway and I watched as Savannah stepped out, wrapping her sweater more firmly around her body as the chilly air hit her. I’d parked across the street, half a block away from the coffee shop.
I straightened and scanned the area for threats as she crossed the street. Before I could get out of the truck to make sure she made the walk home safely, I saw her approach a man. As she rose up on her toes to kiss his cheek, I got a clear look at his face. It was Rhys, her fiancé. They spoke for a few moments before she faced my way and strode toward where I was parked.
Seeing the ire on Rhys’ face, I briefly considered starting my truck and driving away, but decided against it when I saw the determined expression Savannah wore. Instead of leaving, I climbed out of the vehicle.
“Hello, Savannah,” I greeted her.
She stopped a few feet from me, putting her hands on her hips as she studied me. “Macgrath.”
I stood still as she looked me over and her eyes narrowed.
“What are you doing here?” she asked quietly, taking another step toward me.
“Keeping you safe.”
She seemed to consider my statement for a moment. “How do you plan to do that from across the street? Why aren’t you inside the shop?”
Her question took me by surprise, but I recovered quickly. “You know why.”
Instead of responding aloud, she crossed her arms over her chest and cocked her head.
I bit back a laugh. Now that she understood I would never hurt her, Savannah didn’t hesitate to give me attitude. I liked that about her. “I don’t think your boss would appreciate me parking my ass in her coffee shop and scaring away all her customers.”
Savannah’s stance relaxed, losing a bit of sass. “And I think you’re wrong.” When I started to argue, she waved a hand at me. “Before you argue, remember that I understand Ava a lot better than you do. She’ll give you a load of crap at first, but beneath all that, she’ll appreciate it.”
I seriously doubted that entire statement, except for the part about Ava giving me shit for showing up at her place of business. “Are you trying to get me killed by a pissed off witch?” I asked incredulously.
Savannah flashed me a small grin. “She might give you a rash or make all your hair fall out, but she wouldn’t kill you.” When I scoffed, she laughed. “Just give it a shot,” she stated as her laughter faded. “I think you’ll be surprised.”
She moved closer and kissed my cheek. As she stepped back, I glanced up and saw the murderous expression on Rhys’ face. “And I think your fiancé is going to kill me before Ava has a chance,” I murmured.
Savannah looked over her shoulder and shook her head. “No, he won’t. He’s a little overprotective after what happened this summer, but he’ll come around.”
Judging by the waves of rage pouring off Rhys and the fact that his eyes had just turned black, I doubted that, but I didn’t argue with Savannah. She wouldn’t listen to me anyway.
“Be careful,” I admonished her. Savannah was a lovely person and Rhiannon enjoyed nothing more than breaking down beautiful souls and crushing them. She relished in it and I didn’t want Savannah to be on the receiving end.
“Only if you are,” she shot back before she turned and walked away.
I watched her go, worry eating at me. Savannah didn’t understand Rhiannon as I did. She didn’t know that Rhiannon had ruined me a long time ago. But I would be damned if she would get the opportunity to do the same to Savannah.
