Spring Rain (The Witchling #4)(67)

Gordon wasn’t just Dark. He was bad.

Beck flashed a smile but didn’t leave. “I’ll take my chances,” he replied. “Especially now that I know Morgan is involved.”

“The girl’s damaged goods, Beck Turner, but she’s my damaged goods, and she’s got something I want. You do not want to get between us.”

In his mind, Beck was beating the shit out of Gordon and loving it. The initial fury he had experienced upon learning Morgan had been hurt by someone in her family was bubbling, and his earth magick was struggling to contain the emotions.

No one hurt the woman he loved. He understood Decker’s blind dedication to protecting Summer and the nature of what it meant to lose it merely at the thought of someone threatening someone he loved.

“Did Dawn send you for the stone?” Beck asked.

“None of your damn business.” But the answer was clear on the man’s face.

“You aren’t welcome here, Gordon,” Beck said softly, dangerously. He stepped away from Gordon and those with him to the center of the driveway. “I suggest you leave before I make you.”

Gordon laughed. “Whatever, kid.”

I’m the Master of Light, *. Beck said nothing. Gordon was intent on ignoring him, and Beck summoned his lightening to throw the man as far from the school as possible when the crunch of gravel beneath car tires drew his attention away.

Connor and Morgan were headed up the driveway in his car, Connor driving while Morgan appeared to be texting. His eyes fell to her brilliant hair and radiant features – and stuck. She was even more beautiful with the glow of their lovemaking on her features than before. Morgan McCloud was a stunner in every way, from the fiery looks that knocked the air out of his lungs to her passion. His blood quickened in anticipation of hearing her soft voice and smelling her skin.

“Now I see,” Gordon said from his van. “You’re in love with the little whore.”

Lightning crackled around Beck. His earth magick roared to keep him from exploding, and he drew a deep breath. “I am,” he replied. “And that should scare you, Gordon.”

Gordon chuckled instead.

Connor halted the car a short distance from Beck, looking quizzically at him from behind the steering wheel. Beck was about to signal him to leave when the water witchling caught sight of the men on the side of the road. His look of shock was followed by the same fury churning in Beck’s body.

Shit. Beck had hoped to turn them back before either of the siblings saw Gordon.

Connor whipped off his seatbelt and shoved the door open, eyes pinned to his uncle.

Beck moved to intersect Connor.

“Connor?” Morgan watched him and scrambled out of the car.

“Stop,” Beck ordered, body blocking Connor.

“He does not get to be here!” Connor snarled and shoved Beck.

Morgan’s brother was ready to unleash the moves that earned him one of his black belts. Beck forced earth magick into the water witchling to calm his emotions and Light to snap him out of the infuriated daze. The temporary slap of magick immobilized Connor long enough for Beck to twist his arm and shove him onto the hood of the car.

“Stop, Connor!” Beck said more quietly.

“Morgan’s been through too much!” Connor was struggling.

“Connor! It’s my responsibility to take care of her now.”

Connor strained, eyes blazing and magick fighting Beck to be free and drown the man who hurt his sister.

“Trust me. I can do a lot more damage than you without risking my soul,” Beck added.

Connor said nothing, his eyes going to Morgan with a look of anguish.

Beck risked a look up, and his heart broke for Morgan.

She was staring at Gordon, her spark and glow vanished, replaced by a mask covering her fear. Clearly accustomed to being forcefully subdued, she stared at the ground at his feet, not even a whisper of her magick present.

“You disobeyed me, girl,” Gordon said and approached her.

Morgan was silent. She didn’t try to move away or run or even protest.

“Stop, Connor!” Beck suppressed the wriggling water witchling, frustrated by trying to control Connor while he needed to be with Morgan.

“I’m here to make it right,” Gordon continued. He snatched her arm. “Where is it, Morgan?”

She shook her head.

“What?” He shook her. “Let’s try that again. Give me the stone, Morgan.”

“No.”

“Let me handle this, Connor,” Beck whispered urgently. “This is my battle to fight. Not yours anymore.”

Connor began to calm, fear for his sister replacing his anger.

“I won’t let you hurt him,” Morgan said almost too quietly to hear.

“Him,” Gordon repeated.

“The heart of the Light. It’s not a place. It’s … ” She risked a glance at Beck. “But I won’t do it anyway.”

Beck released Connor, uncertain what they were talking about, but not about to let Morgan face her abuser alone.

“I brought a couple friends who might help me convince you,” Gordon said and motioned to the two large men with him. “Told them you’re a good little whore.”

Morgan’s face was completely blank, but Beck saw the spark of fire in one of her hands.