only half of her concern right now. “Holy shit,” she whispered in shock. “I healed you.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Experiencing her magic lacing her veins, indicating she was a Spirit Witch because of her healing powers, stunned her. What also horrified her was that her magic did lace her veins. Now Lazarus would kill her instead of simply keep her. Fear consumed her in a horrible heat wave of panic. However, once she pushed past the swell of hot emotions, Nexi realized a new sensation brought a sense of immediate comfort.
Strength that hadn’t been there before rested in the center of her chest, almost like a pulsating glow fueling a confidence she’d never known. The release of her witch powers had given her something new, and to her pleasure, something powerful.
A low, evil chuckle dragged her attention from the incredibly angry guardian above her to Lazarus. He grinned at her, practically salivating for her magic. Now, though, she was no longer defeated. No longer afraid. No longer a victim.
Truth was, Lazarus hadn’t been wrong either—the magic in her blood was rich with power. He should crave it, because it would make him nearly invincible. It gave her that same sense of haughtiness, too.
Pushing off the ground, she didn’t take her eyes off the leech. The release of her magic hadn’t only healed Kyden, but healed her wounds as well. A cracked rib didn’t hinder her any longer, and she watched the vampire’s every move as he paced in front of her. She drew in a deep breath, then she mirrored him.
Lazarus’s grin slowly faded. “We’re going back to this, are we?”
“Do not even think about it,” Kyden practically growled behind her. “Do you hear me, Nexi?”
Ignoring him, Nexi remained fixated on the vampire who had destroyed lives without a second thought. He might want this heady power she had, but it wasn’t his for the taking. This magic, the power, it belonged to her. “You’ve taken everyone from me. My mother, my adoptive parents, and even if you weren’t directly responsible for Drake’s death, your actions were.”
“Drake?” Kyden shook the chains at his wrists to break free and the sound echoed through the night sky. “Nexi, let me help you.”
“No,” she yelled, never taking her eyes off Lazarus, as the evil bastard continued to pace in front of her. Rage burned wicked in her blood. He was all hers to kill and he’d pay for all the despair he caused her…for every single life he took.
Waiting and watching, she noticed he slowed to turn, and she didn’t hesitate. With a brutal and fierce attack, she landed a hard punch to his gut, sending him soaring a good twenty feet away.
“Nexi,” Kyden hollered. “Fuck.”
Loud clangs of the chains against the branches filled her ears, as she knew Kyden tried to break himself free. Her attention held strong on Lazarus as he lurched to his feet. This fight belonged to her. His death needed to be by her hand.
That, she deserved.
Lazarus eyed her as she circled him, almost incredulous. “Two ways this can end: painful or quick.”
She ignored his weak threat, narrowing her eyes. “You prey on the innocent.” Continuing to circle him, she patiently waited for her opportunity to attack. “You take lives of the defenseless. You steal power that’s not yours to take. Now it’s time to face your equal.”
His dark, menacing stare held intent on her, the side of his mouth curving slowly. “You think that’s you?”
Instead of answering him, she dove forward and used all of her strength to deliver a right hook to his jaw. The moment of contact, he went skidding along the grass and before he could stop, she threw another hit.
He pounced again, this time increasing his speed. She dodged his blow with her left arm and used her right to pummel him across the jaw. All of her rage and hatred for this vampire gave fuel to her muscles. Her hits were hard, and his body became her outlet, a way to ease the raw pain inside.
“Cut me free.” Kyden’s roar soared through the yard around her.
Nexi stayed focused and continued with her attack. Lazarus would die tonight. This would end. Here. Now.
Lazarus came at her again, but she held her ground. Kyden had trained her well, gave her the skill to deliver injury, but her magic provided the extra strength behind it. He couldn’t get past her and she was faster. Almost as if she had a shield protecting her, one he couldn’t get through.
Within