Anchor of Secrets by Tessa Hale

52

I started listingto the side as I walked down the school hallway, and Dash caught me around the shoulders, righting me. His brows pinched. “In bed early tonight.”

I shook myself out of the stupor I’d found myself in. We stayed up late last night. Probably too late. But I kept feeling like the magic might be within reach if I just tried a little harder.

All weekend, I’d spent time with Colt as a wolf, Ronan and Declan as dragons, and even stood with Dash as he cast some spells. Each time, I felt that buzz take root, but eventually, it just died off. As if something were keeping it from fully connecting. It was driving me crazy to feel so close and yet so far.

A long day of classes hadn’t helped. And the fact that I’d likely failed my French quiz just now wasn’t cheering me up any, either.

“I’m fine,” I mumbled.

“Super believable,” Dash muttered.

“God, she looks like shit all the time. It’s embarrassing that they even have to be seen with her,” Chloe said loudly to Mimi and Grace.

I wanted to shut my eyes and make her disappear. But her barb landed. I knew I looked rough today. I’d slung my damp hair into two braids this morning, not bothering to cover my dark circles with makeup.

Mimi snickered. “She looks like Pippi fucking Longstocking with those stupid braids.”

Dash’s fingers toyed with one of my braids as he dipped his head. “I’ve always had a thing for pigtails.”

Grace’s face screwed up. “She looks ridiculous.”

“And you look jealous,” Ronan said as he strode toward me and Dash. He lowered his mouth to mine, giving me a quick kiss. “Giving ‘em hell, Firecracker?”

I tried to smile, but it didn’t quite reach my eyes. “Missed you.”

He nuzzled my neck. “Missed you, too.”

Chloe stomped her foot, the action making her look ridiculous. “She’s conning you.”

“Keep telling yourself that,” Dash shot back.

She stormed toward us, her eyes narrowing on me. “You’ll never be powerful enough for them.”

Pain churned in my gut, mixing with a healthy dose of fear. Because I was worried Chloe was right.

“Go blow dry your hair in the bath,” Ronan shot back at her.

Chloe’s cheeks reddened. “You’re going to be sorry about the way you’ve treated me. You’re going to have to beg for my forgiveness.”

Dash waved her off. “Yeah, yeah, run along.”

Expletives flew from Chloe’s mouth as she stomped down the hall.

“Such a winning personality,” Ronan muttered as he led the way to my locker.

I stayed quiet as Dash grabbed my books, and we headed for the exit.

I didn’t meet any of the guys’ eyes as we reached the SUV. Instead, I just climbed inside. Everyone else followed.

Colt slid behind the wheel and turned on the engine, but he didn’t back out. He twisted in his seat. “What’s wrong?”

I shrugged. “Just tired, I think.”

Trace turned to face me. “No lies, Little Bird.”

I bit the side of my lip. “What if I can’t do this? What if I’m not what you need?”

Hearing my deepest fears out loud hurt more than I could possibly express.

Colt leaned between the seats and took my hands. “We’re just beginning. You feel when magic’s present. That’s a start.”

“But I don’t have the first idea of how to access it. Maybe that means I’ll never be able to ground you.”

Declan squeezed my shoulders. “You have to keep the faith. We’re trying to find out more. See if we can find someone who manifested later in life.”

“We only have thirty days,” I whispered.

They all knew it, but we had to face it.

Trace let out a low, rumbling growl. “The thirty days is bullshit. If we get close to the deadline, we leave. That’s it.”

“I can’t make you guys run, leave your home, your people. No,” I argued.

“It’s not a choice, Firecracker. You’re our life now. The only life we want,” Ronan said.

My chest cracked. Everything hurt.

I wanted a life with them so badly, but I wouldn’t let them fall because of me either.

Dash took one of my hands and squeezed. “For now, we take things one day at a time. If you don’t sleep and eat properly, you’ll never be able to find your magic. So first up, naps and a snack.”

I knew the fact I was running low on energy didn’t help my mood, so I took a deep breath and nodded. “Sounds good.”

I’d just hope that the next few days would bring a breakthrough. If they didn’t, I’d reassess.

“I wouldn’t mind a Baldwin snack,” Declan muttered.

Ronan snorted. “You’re always hungry.”

He shrugged. “Baldwin makes damn good food.”

Colt backed out of the parking spot. “Tell him that and you’ll have him on your good side for life.”

“Does that mean an endless supply of cookies?” Declan asked hopefully.

“Probably,” Colt answered.

Declan shot a fist in the air. “Hells yeah.”

Something about the move made him look like a little kid, and I couldn’t help but laugh.

Declan pinned me with a mock glare. “You laughing at me?”

My lips twitched. “Maybe.”

Declan leaned over the seat and nipped my bottom lip. “That’s a punishable offense.”

My blood heated. “I don’t mind a little punishment.”

Trace groaned. “Could we dial it back a notch?”

I winced. “Sorry.”

Trace shook his head. “Too tempting for your own good, Little Bird.”

I blushed, but a secret part of me was too pleased by his words.

Colt made the drive home in no time, but he slowed as he approached the gates. “Who’s that?”

A red Volkswagen Bug that looked as if it had seen better days was pulled to the side of the gate, and a woman faced away from us, talking to one of the guards.

Colt pulled to a stop, and the guard walked up to his window.

“She wanted a word with you,” the guard explained.

The woman turned, and I saw it was Saoirse. She beamed a mischievous smile as she strode toward the SUV.

“What can I help you with?” Colt asked stonily.

Her grin only widened. “It’s what I can help you with.” She peeked through the open window. “I want to help Leighton come into her power.”