Intended Series Collection: Books 1-6 by Abigail Grant (most important books to read TXT) 📕

I shake my head, more confused than ever. “That’s not fair. You cannot just leave me with this information and not explain.”

“I know, darling! Trust me, this is not the time. I will tell you this though... I knew your mom and dad, before you were even born. They asked me to help protect you, and I said yes. I loved you then, and I love you more now than ever. Please, let’s talk next weekend. I will come to you, okay?”

Extremely exasperated and with my mind racing, I give in. “Okay, I’ll be here, and there won't be any secrets after that. We need to be honest with one another.”

“Of course. I love you.”

“I love you too,” I say and the call ends.

Chapter 7

I finally drag myself out of my bedroom shortly after dinner time. Alexa, Kassy, and Gavin are sitting at the kitchen table and talking about plans for tomorrow night. “It sounds like a lot of fun, I just hope she comes out before then…”

Kassy’s voice cuts off when I enter the room and she runs over to me. She hugs me so tight that a whistle of air squeezes out of my throat. I laugh softly, not fully feeling the greatest at the moment.

I speak up before she throws the twenty questions at me. “What sounds like fun? I like fun.”

Alexa waves us over to the table. “Come sit down. We were talking about a party that Gram is throwing at the family cemetery tomorrow night. I know, it sounds weird but it’s actually a lot of fun. Every time the seasons change we go to the cemetery, and change out old flowers and plant fresh seeds for some healing herbs that Gram uses for so many things.”

Kassy nods. “I think that’s amazing. It’s such a good show of history and it’s so cool that you guys use magical herbs for healing, like witches.”

Alexa shakes her head. “We aren’t nearly as talented with herbs or magic as the Wicca, but Gram has her specialties.”

Kassy’s mouth drops open. “Wait, the Wicca? You mean there are actual witches and warlocks out there doing spells?”

“Not warlocks. In the Wicca family, a man has no power, just the women. And they really detest the term ‘witch’.” Alexa speaks so matter-of-factly that the new information about powerful spell-casters seems boring.

I shake my head. “I think I’m going to need a lesson on the Wicca soon, for sure.”

I glance over at Gavin who has been way too quiet. He is just watching me, sadness in his eyes. My heart aches for him, and I immediately want to go to him. I squirm in my seat, but don’t get up.

Gavin clears his throat. “Can I talk to Aella alone, guys?”

The girls glance at one another and get up from their seats. They each give me a hug. Kassy whispers in my ear before she leaves. “We need to talk about what’s going on with you, but I’m glad you have him.” She smiles and leaves the room with Alexa.

I turn back to Gavin, and before I can think of what to say, he is standing in front of me and cradling my face in his hands. He leans in and kisses me so sweetly that I want to fall into it and never come back out.

His lips leave mine too quickly and he groans deep within his chest. “Why did you do this to me, Aella?”

I’m confused, so I just look at him with my round eyes and raise my shoulders. He sits on a chair next to me and pulls me onto his lap. “I’ve been in agony all day. You know at this point in our relationship it physically and emotionally hurts to be without you. Have you not felt it all day?”

I gasp and cover my mouth with my hand. “Gavin! I had no idea! I never would have stayed away from you if I knew you were hurting. I’ve been so numb and lost in myself today that I didn’t notice the pain at all.” I can’t believe how selfish and horrible I’ve been. “I’m such an idiot sometimes!” I shout and close my eyes.

I wrap my arms around him and pull him closer to me. I rest my chin near his neck. “I’m so sorry,” I whisper in his ear.

He shakes his head, holding me tightly in his arms. “You don’t have to be sorry and you are definitely not an idiot. You just need to talk to me.”

I lean back and look into his eyes. I can’t tell him the whole truth about Barron. He has such a beautiful family and I just know he will want to protect me and them, at the cost of his own life, and maybe all of their lives as well.

I pull a big ball of air into my lungs. “So, I never told you guys this before, but when Thrane had me trapped in that house, he mentioned another demon’s name. Barron something.” I try to gauge his reaction but he is just listening respectfully, so I continue. “Well, I guess this Barron demon is more powerful and dangerous than even Thrane was, and for some reason he wants to hurt me, or rather kill me.”

Gavin’s golden eyes become angry but he still doesn’t speak in the silence.

“I believe he was the one that killed my parents when I was little and doesn’t like that I got away somehow. I think he plans to find me and kill me to finish his work.” The almost truth pours out of me but I can’t bring myself to mention the dreams. It feels too personal to have another man in my head, and I don’t want to put that on him.

Gavin stands with me and sets me on my feet. He holds my hands in his and takes a deep steadying breath. “Aella, I really wish you would’ve told me