Ruthless Fae - Ingrid Seymour Page 0,58

as I was, I couldn’t make another attempt.

That was when I heard footsteps and felt a hand on my arm.

Magic flowed through my body, warm and tingly. In an instant, I had energy. I could stand and lift my head. When I did, I locked eyes with the witch who had saved me.

Dean McIntosh.

“Tally,” she said, giving me a warm smile. “I’m sorry I’ve been gone so long. Please forgive me. I was arranging back-up.”

“I see that.” I returned her smile, so happy to see her. “It is appreciated.”

“Are you all right?” She looked me over like a fussing mother.

“Yes, but please tell them not to hurt the mutants. It’s not their fault.” I gestured to her witches.

The dean brushed dirt off my cheek. “They know. They’re only immobilizing them. We’re going into the building to find those really responsible. Great work on getting the dome down. And just in time. It spared us a battle against the mutants and saved many lives, I’m sure. Now, can you fight?”

I flexed my arms and legs, finally giving my wings a whirl. Everything was operational.

“I can fight,” I said. “Let’s finish this. Once and for all.”

Chapter Twenty-Three

I jumped into the air, flying toward the building, the structure now naked-looking without its protective barrier. Witches marched around the mutants, making sure a spell restrained every single one of them. Their poor, wretched faces were still slack and their eyes lost, but as their bodies glowed with the magical energy that kept them in place, I knew hope had been restored, and they would all turn back to normal and be freed.

Since I wasn’t needed there, I glanced around, searching for my next fight. Soldiers with big guns ran out of the building shooting, but the efficient witches quickly blocked their bullets and took care of their weapons, making them disappear or turning them into harmless objects like umbrellas, tree branches, or toy guns. Tyler helped, directing teams of witches while doing a little fighting of his own. It was good to see he was back and alive.

A few witches cackled, enjoying themselves far too much. One of them had a wild cloud of red hair around her face, and she flew atop a broom saying “Take that, you lowlife,” every time she cast a spell. She sounded like Bridget, but I didn’t get a good look.

Dean McIntosh had gotten lost in the throng, directing her army, ensuring no one hurt the mutants. Under her direction, the witches were fast and efficient, keeping harm to a minimum. For a second, I felt so confused and out of place that I didn’t know how I could be of help.

Maybe it was over. Maybe I could finally rest.

Then I realized there would be no rest for me—not until I laid eyes on the Habermanns and made sure they’d been captured and slated to receive their well-deserved punishment.

Filled with determination, I sped toward the building. I was about to duck inside when I heard my name over the din off the busy witches.

“Tally!”

I whirled in midair, my eyes searching.

“Tally, wait!”

Vaughn pushed past the line of immobile mutant soldiers, running towards me.

He was here?! Was I seeing things?

I blinked, making sure that he was indeed back on the island. Adding to my surprise, Sinasre, Kiana, Bael, Ronnie, and Becca followed behind. They’d come back.

I landed abruptly, just as Vaughn crashed into me and gathered me into his arms.

“Tally, how could you?!” he demanded, squeezing me so hard I could hardly breathe. “Why did you do that?” He pushed me to arms’ length and scanned me up and down as if to make sure all my limbs were in place. “Answer me,” he demanded, shaking me and then crushing me against his chest once more, making it impossible for me to form an answer.

He finally let me go, and the expression on his face told me everything. He didn’t really want an explanation. He understood my reasons well, and all that remained was his relief to find me unharmed.

“I’m sorry,” I muttered, caressing his face. “I never wanted to leave you.”

“Then don’t, please. Never again.” He stroked my face as if he might never let me leave his side.

I glanced at the others. “What are you doing back?” I dared ask.

“You didn’t think we would abandon you, did you?” Becca asked with a raised eyebrow. “By the way,” she glanced over at Vaughn, “when Ronnie delivered your message, Vaughn was furious and said he would never forgive you for