The Keepers: Declan (9 page)

They had to get moving.

The sun’s rays peeked through the wall of trees that surrounded their makeshift campsite, steadily chasing away the darkness. As if on cue, the birds had woken up, singing in the new day.

Yesterday, the incessant chirping had irritated Declan, their cheerful trilling a mocking contrast to his mood. He’d been crazy with frustration and worry after losing Kate’s trail, defeat sending his temper soaring. Today his mood was lighter and despite the challenges they faced, he couldn’t deny the unfamiliar feeling of euphoria that came with her return.

After doing a thorough scan of the area to ensure their attackers weren’t nearby, Declan walked back to the campsite.

He’d woken an hour ago to find Kate curled up beside him, her body warm and soft against his, her breathing even in sleep. Her eyes were hidden behind long eyelashes that rested on flawless skin, hands palmed together under her cheek. She looked more peaceful than he’d ever seen her and he hated knowing that it would change once she awoke. With a soft moan, she’d shifted in her sleep and her tangled hair had fallen across most of her face, shielding her from his scrutiny. His body had hardened in response, despite his determination not to, and he’d been unable to resist the urge to brush away the strands.

He found her seated on a rock beside the campfire, running her fingers through her tangled hair. A lone bird hopped on the ground, unperturbed by her presence. She was frowning and glanced up as he approached.

“Good morning, sunshine,” he said with an exaggerated cheerfulness he didn’t quite feel. The bird took flight, circling them twice before settling in a nearby tree.

“I have more forest
in
my hair than under my feet,” she grumbled and continued to fight with her hair.

“Yeah, you look like crap.”

“Thanks. I guess I’m a far cry from the women you usually wake up to in the morning.”

“Yes, you are.” And it had nothing to do with her looks.

“Ouch.” She twisted her hair into a knot, giving her head a brief shake to make sure she’d secured the mass of brown waves.

“Are you done with your beauty routine?”

She sighed. “I suppose this is as good as it’s going to get. Survival first, hairbrush second.”

He grinned at her sarcasm and reached for the water bottle. He took a sip and held it out to her but she shook her head. “We should get going.”

Reaching for the sleeping bag, he stole a glance at her. She was agitated, her expression tight, and she nibbled her bottom lip.

Lips he’d kissed the night before.

Images of devouring her against the tree flooded his mind and he felt the effect, straight to his groin. He’d wanted to ravish her, satisfy the need she’d sparked when they’d first met, and prove to himself that the attraction was just a distraction.

So he’d kissed her.

But things had spiralled out of control the moment she’d kissed him back. It had taken every ounce of strength to backtrack – and he’d been an ass to her in the process.

Dammit.

She’d crept under his skin, the realisation causing a flash of irritation. With her big brown eyes and breathtaking smile, she tugged at a part of him he refused to share.

And despite not wanting to involve himself in her drama, he’d been unable to stay away. She was in trouble and it triggered all his protective instincts.

She glanced at him, a delightful scowl pinching her eyebrows.

She was adorable when she frowned.

He cocked a brow. “What’s with the brooding this morning?”

She shot him a glare.

“You might want to lose the scowl, honey. Sulking is not going to get you out of here any faster.”

“I’ve spent the night sleeping on the ground and I’m not a morning person, so just give me a moment.”

He glanced at the sun looming over the umbrella of trees. “Right now, there’s no time for
moments
. If this icy wind is anything to go by, more snow is on its way. Are you ready?”

“No.”

“Well get your broomstick and let’s go.”

“Why are you so mean to me?”

“Have you met you, Kate? It’s not like you’ve been the epitome of love and kindness.”

“And you have?”

He tilted his head, pretending to think about it, and then shrugged. “Nah, I guess I haven’t been a role model for the Lollipop Guild either.”

She rose, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips. “Something tells me you’re not the best role model, period.”

“Not unless you want one who drinks too much and thrives on bad behaviour.”

She laughed, the sound lightening her mood.

He shoved the packed rucksack on his back and threw a handful of sand onto the fire. The last of the orange embers exploded, the smell of smoke permeating the air. “Let’s go. We have a lot of tricky terrain to cover.”

“How I long for simpler days,” she muttered, falling in step beside him.

“There’s nothing simple about our world.”

“Which is why I don’t want any part of it.”

“You’re part of it whether you like it or not. Time to accept that.”

“It’s too early in the morning for you to be an ass, Declan.”

He grinned. “My ass is the one that’s going to get yours off of this mountain.”

“If you get us out of here, you’ll be my hero, warrior boy.”

“Don’t call me that.”

“Warrior boy or hero?”

“Both.” He glanced at her jacket. “Are you warm enough?”

“It’ll do.”

The jacket was too big for her and a male cut. Stolen? The thought of Kate wearing one of their jackets irritated him. Reaching into his bag, he pulled out a fleece beanie.

She cracked an appreciative smile and reached for it.

“You’ll warm up when we start moving.” He did a final scan of their campsite and started walking, not bothering to check if she was behind him.

“Where were you this morning? I thought you’d bailed on me.”

“Yeah, because I came all this way just to leave you stranded. Perimeter scan. If we don’t stop too often, we should hit civilization by this evening.”

Assuming that the map stashed in his pocket wasn’t outdated. According to an advert at the bottom, a tourist train to Vancouver was scheduled to pass by. It was a popular route for tourists wanting the best winter views of the Canadian landscape. For him and Kate, it was their ticket home.

He’d left his Harley at the foot of the mountain in an abandoned parking lot. Reaching it would take at least another day so the train was the better option.

Provided it came.

It’d be a bitch having to make the trip back to collect his bike, but he’d worry about that later.

“You’re up for moving quickly?” he asked.

“Yes.” Her face broke into a beautiful smile, and he arched an eyebrow in response. “Civilization,” she said. “Do you have any idea what I’d do for a hot shower right now?”

“You and me both, honey.” And she could use some food. Despite her curves, she was skinny, a combination of vulnerable and tough he found intriguing.

“And a bed,” she added with a dreamy sigh. “A shower and a bed.”

Vivid images came to mind and he felt the effect arrow to his thighs. “I guess food and water don’t sit high on your priority list, do they?”

“Nothing like a little luxury to make a girl smile.”

He could think of several things to make her smile but he turned away, not daring to voice any. He forced his attention back to the path as they walked along in silence, the crunch of forest debris beneath their feet echoing around them. The sun had risen rapidly, its weak winter rays filtering through the gaps in the tall trees, offering little warmth against the wind.

Unable to resist, he glanced at Kate, all too aware of her. His senses were in overdrive, zeroed in on her in a way that rattled his usual indifference. The gentle sway of her jeans against her hips as she moved, her even breathing, and the faint thudding of her heartbeat that grew faster the further they walked. Why he couldn’t block her out, he wasn’t sure, but he’d have to in order to focus on their surroundings and get them out of here alive.

Right now, she was
all
he could think about.

The more they began to descend the mountain, the more Kate’s spirits brightened; but hunger and exhaustion threatened to slow her down.

Kate stole a quiet glance at the Keeper walking ahead of her. A man driven by destiny and honour. She liked that about him, even though his life, his world, still frightened her. Wariness had replaced her fear and although she’d never admit it, having him navigate these forests beside her brought a huge sense of relief.

Along with various other unwelcome thoughts and emotions.

His jacket strained across his muscular chest beneath the material – a chest she remembered too well. Smooth, strong, solid. His dishevelled hair had been raked into order, and a thin layer of black stubble covered his cheeks. He looked rugged, tough, and all man.

A man who’d kissed her senseless the night before and had her soaring against a tree.

The thought sent a tremor of excitement through her that she was quick to dismiss. Instead, she scolded herself for allowing the kiss to happen in the first place. A tree!

Despite his sarcasm and flippancy, there was something dark and quiet about him; a wall between him and the world. Behind those mischievous dark blue eyes Kate saw flashes of sadness, and she wanted to know why.

More insight into him would mean more insight into his world. But unless she got to know it, she might never be free of it.

Declan veered to the right, heading for a cluster of rocks beside the river, the sudden change of pace surprising her.

Relief coursed through her. “We’re stopping?”

“Briefly. We need more water.” He rummaged in his rucksack, pulling out his phone.

“Any signal yet?”

He shook his head and turned it off. Shoving it back in his bag, he sat on a rock, dumping the bag between his legs.

“Your brothers will be worried.”

“They know I’m here.”

“Your duty is to your witch, but here you are with me. You must really hate the idea of Harper getting his hands on my powers.”

His expression hardened and just as she thought he wouldn’t reply, he nodded.

“Sienna’s in good hands.”

It was impossible not to miss the change in his tone when he mentioned her. “You miss her.”

“Hard not to when I’m hardwired to protect her.”

Their relationship fascinated her, and she wondered how it would feel to have someone care about her like that.

Dismissing the thought before it took root, Kate sat beside him and removed her shoes.

“It must have been hard losing Rose,” she blurted and then snapped her mouth shut as she heard his intake of breath. Wow, she hadn’t even bothered dipping her toe before jumping right in.

Clearly, she’d struck a nerve.

A muscle worked in his jaw and he stared straight ahead, unblinking. His eyes clouded with a sadness that struck something inside her.

The loss of their old witch still hurt him. Really hurt him. The kind of hurt that crippled.

He scowled at her, clearly not up for this discussion. “If you knew Harper was after your powers, why did you go to his club?”

She should’ve known he’d change the subject.

“You were determined to seek him out. But here you are, running from him,” he added.

“I had no idea what they were capable of.” Images of the club came to mind and she pulled a face. “I only went there to observe.”

“Something tells me we only saw the surface.”

“You think there’s more?”

He nodded. “It was a private party but there were ordinary people all around. The risk of exposure was huge and it didn’t stop them. And the animal behaviour was creepy.”

She smiled at his expression. “Have you seen them behave that way before?”

“Never. Mason and Warrick used spells and crap but his warriors usually went for brutal force.”

“Why would they start acting this way now?”

“The Brogans kept them in check. They all want exposure but Mason wanted it on his own terms, in his own time. They would have followed.”

“So without Mason, they’ve grown restless.”

“Something like that.” He dug out the water bottle, tipped it in her direction and stood. “And you still haven’t answered my question.”

“Harper and I have unfinished business.”

“So you decided to waltz into his club and paint a target on your ass? What is it with you witches always looking for trouble?”

“Once Harper found me out, I knew he’d never stop looking for me.”

“How did he find you?”

“I have no idea. We were careful, kept to ourselves, but he still came for me.”

Declan spun around so fast that the stones beneath his feet shifted and rolled into the river. “You’ve met before?”

Kate sipped the water, refusing to acknowledge the emotions that had begun to tug at her. “He killed my mother.”

Surprise flashed across his expression.

Knowing she couldn’t leave it there, she explained what had happened at her mother’s death. The chase, the car accident – tortured memories that hurt like hell. The more she talked, the more the sadness churned, the more his agitation grew.

“So you want revenge?” he asked.

“Don’t you?”

The thunderous cloud returned to his eyes and he looked away. “It’s different for you.”

“Because I’m a woman?”

“Because you’re alone. Going after Harper and his sidekicks is suicide. They’re scavengers, not kittens!”

“Harper needs to pay for what he did, Declan. If he hadn’t come for us, chased us in that car, we’d –”

“Nothing you do will bring her back. Is it worth risking your life, the balance? Because once they have what they need from you, they won’t hesitate to kill you.”

“What other options do I have? I’ve spent my entire life hiding and running. I’m tired of it. Harper has to pay for what he did.”

“And then?”

“I just want to be left alone.”

“You really think that’s possible? Even after everything your mother did, they still found you.”

“So you’re saying I’ll never be free?”

The slight lift of his eyebrows was all the confirmation she needed. Kate shot to her feet, indignation flaring.

“Your powers are weak, but it won’t stop Harper from wanting them,” he said.

“Weak?”

“Deny it.”

“I can still handle them on my own.”

“You don’t have to do this alone, dammit,” he retorted in frustration. “Once we get to Rapid Falls –”

“I never said I’ll go to Rapid Falls with you, Declan.”

Silence fell, thick and prickly, and he slowly turned to face her. “I thought we’d covered that.”

“I never agreed.”

“You
are
on a kamikaze mission, aren’t you?”

“You said it yourself; my options are limited. But I’m still not sure that going with you is the right thing.”

“Why would you refuse our protection? God knows you need it.”

“I know. But it feels like one prison after another. You’re all after my magic, but what about what I want? What about me?” A bitterness took hold, a clench of resentment.

Turning around, she marched off, rearing back as a streak of fire crossed her path. Ignoring Declan’s handiwork, she changed direction, only to curse when the fire raced around to form a neat circle.

“Cut it out, Declan,” she warned as protective energy ignited inside her. She drew in a deep breath, reminding herself that he’d never harm her. But her fear of being trapped fed the storm. “Declan, stop it.”

He didn’t budge, and neither did the fire. Instead, he met her gaze, amusement softening his expression.

She exhaled but held her ground, refusing to be bullied. Staring at the fire, she made her own connection, just as she’d practised with her mother, and focused on the whirl of incoming sensations.

Energy that wasn’t hers.

Declan’s force worked its way through her body, reaching her centre. It felt strange, but less of an invasion than other magic she’d absorbed.

The fire went out and Declan shifted beside her.

“Kate,” he growled, grimacing. His gaze flickered between hers and the smouldering fire, his fists clenching.

She released her hold on his magic, gasping when she felt it flow back from her body.

Declan bolted forward and grabbed her arm. “What the hell was that?”

“Don’t manhandle me!” she snapped, swatting him away, fighting the disorientation that always followed her magic. “You were the one to bring magic into this.”

“You messed with my magical mojo!”

Despite the tension between them, she laughed at his incredulousness. Her reaction only fuelled his outrage.

“Your mojo’s fine,” she said quickly, unable to keep the giggle from her voice.

“Then what was that?”

“You know I’m a Null. I just immobilized it. Temporarily.”

He gaped at her. “Well, it sucked. Don’t you dare do that again.”

“Then don’t bully me.”

Her smile faded as she realised the depth of his anxiety – bordering on panic. “Your powers are fine, Declan. My magical energy only nullifies for a few moments.”

“You call that magical energy?” Disgust laced his words, and he released her, stepping back. “I channel energy. You destroy it.”

Indignation flared. “I do not!”

“Then what do you call that?”

“I disarmed you. There’s a difference. Stop looking at me like that!” Tossing her shoes to the ground, she tried not to flinch at the blisters on her feet. Standing up, she waded into the water, welcoming the instant numbing. “Stop being so melodramatic. It was self-defence. I don’t destroy anything unless it’s about to destroy me.”

“You can control it?”

She turned away, but not fast enough to mask her unease, and went for her shoes. “I’m learning.”

“And you’re worried that
I’m
dangerous?”

Using a handful of leaves, she dried her feet and tugged on her shoes, biting down on the anger stirring in her belly.

“How do you do it?”

She raised a brow.

“Your Kryptonite crap. How does it work?”

“I’m not Kryptonite!”

His eyes narrowed, challenging her words.

She sighed. “You channel energy from within and connect with fire. I do the same but connect with magic, absorbing it. Once it’s no longer a threat, I release it.”

“Kryptonite.”

“Protection. And I’d be happy not to use it on anyone if I were left alone.”

“You know that’s not going to happen.”

She gave a noisy sigh. “Yeah, so you keep saying.”