Winter Fire (The Witchling #3)(93)

“Nothing. Tell him I’m gone forever,” Morgan replied in a voice so soft, he barely heard it. “No one can know where I am, Decker.”

Fury filled him. Irritated by the heaviness of his wet coat, Decker slung it off. He took a deep breath to keep from exploding then released it slowly.

“You’re making a mistake,” he said. “But go. I know I can find Noah in a couple of days.” Fed up, Decker spun on his heel and strode into the mausoleum.

His eyes fell to two forms in the corner, and he hurried to them. Biji and Summer were trembling with cold beneath a large coat. The pain and fear he’d kept somewhat calm since she disappeared unraveled.

“Summer,” he whispered, sweeping her into his arms. The moment he touched her, his world calmed. “You’re hurt.” He gingerly pushed blood soaked hair from her face.

She smiled up at him, exhausted, pale and still the most beautiful girl he’d ever seen.

“I’m okay,” she replied. “I’m so happy to see you. Decker, I need to talk to you about something.”

“Wait until we get you somewhere warm,” he replied.

He hugged her tighter, silently swearing never to let her go again, even to let her sleep on the Light Campus. Summer tugged one arm loose to wrap around Biji and drag her closer to them. Biji was crying. Decker included her in their hug. He didn’t give Biji a second glance before he learned just how good of a friend she was to Summer. Now, she was a part of their family.

“We’ll give you all a ride to the lodge,” Noah called into the mausoleum.

Decker released Biji and shifted to pick up Summer. He carried her out of the mausoleum and to the SUV, gently setting her down on one of the back seats. He glanced back to make sure Biji was able to walk and following. The smaller girl appeared distraught but climbed into the SUV. Morgan was in the passenger seat while Noah climbed into the driver’s seat.

Decker exited the SUV and crouched beside Alexa. She squeezed her eyes closed at his hard stare.

“In a couple of days, we’re going to have a talk, Alexa,” he said in a low, dangerous voice. “You’ll tell me everything I want to know, and I’ll kill you quickly. Or, you can refuse to tell me anything, and I’ll pass you off to the Darkness.”

Her breath caught. She didn’t open her eyes or speak. He picked her up and placed her in the luggage area of the SUV then climbed in beside Summer. When he had his magick back, the first thing he’d do was find Dawn and the other Dark teens.

Decker wrapped his arms around Summer. She rested against him, the only reason he didn’t tear Alexa to pieces right away. Seeing his Summer hurt made him crazy with anger.

But he held her and breathed in the scent of her hair, content to know she was in his arms and safe. His gaze went to the passenger seat, where Morgan was slumped. Decker wasn’t certain if he should feel sorry for her or angry. Sam agreed that she needed to leave, but he couldn’t help thinking that his brother deserved better. An explanation at least.

Although, if this was part of Morgan’s trial, he understood why Sam was siding with the fire witchling.

Soul stone. He’d never heard of it. The voices in his mind went silent at the mention, as if none of his predecessors wanted to explain what it was.

Decker pulled out his phone to text Beck.

Not at cemetery. Go to lodge. He typed then sent.

He wasn’t certain what he’d tell Beck about Morgan. With Summer in his arms, Decker didn’t want to think about the amount of pain Beck was about to go through. He went through it with Summer. It nearly destroyed him.

They reached the lodge on a small peninsula overlooking frozen docks and the lake. Decker climbed out then held out his hands to Summer. She took them, wobbly on her feet. Biji climbed out next, and he closed the door behind them.

Noah hopped out to walk with them to the steps of the lodge. The parking lot was icy, and Decker glanced over as the water witchling took Biji’s hand to help her.

“Take care,” Noah said quietly to Biji. She looked up at him quizzically.

Decker said nothing when Noah turned to him. Dawn’s brother was tense. He moved back to the SUV and climbed in.

“Decker!” Beck’s shout drew his attention. He turned and released Summer, trotting towards his brother. “You said … you said they’re …”

“Take a breath,” Decker instructed his twin.

Beck bent over, breathing hard.

“Did you sprint two miles?” Decker asked with a shake of his head.

“Yeah.”

Hearing the SUV’s engine at a whine on the ice, Decker moved his brother off the driveway. Though loud, the vehicle didn’t pass them, and he looked around. To his amazement, the SUV was spinning out of control down the slope towards the docks. Its tires had locked up.

Decker started forward, a strange feeling sweeping over him.

“Morgan!” Summer cried. She jumped to her feet and started across the parking lot.

Decker reached her before she fell the second time and caught her. Biji barreled into them, almost knocking them both to their knees.

The vehicle slid to a halt on the ice of the lake. Decker held his breath, praying the ice held. All of them froze, as if their movement would cause the SUV to break through the ice.

“Please tell me Morgan isn’t in there,” Beck said from beside him.