Page 80 of His Bullied Fated Mate

“Thank you, Mom.”

“I’ll always take care of you.” She wiped the rag on my forehead. “You look tired. How about I let you sleep? I know Riley will be back soon.”

I nodded, pulling the pillow tighter. I sank against the smell of Riley and the weight of the blanket being placed over me.

I was back in the cell with the cauldron. It hummed loudly now, the dark magic radiating all over the room. I felt a pull towards it and walked closer. The cauldron seemed to ring, and I felt an urge to touch it. It was like someone had wrapped an arm around me, telling me it was safe.

“We are connected…you and I.” A whisper spread through the room. Its words are echoing over.

I shook my head. No. We were not connected. I wasn’t evil. I knew who I was..

“Don’t you want to feel powerful? Invincible? Don’t you want to make them see what you can do?”

I took a step back. My hands were shaking as I suddenly felt fear hit me. I wanted out. I needed out.

“You can’t deny that pull. It’s in your body. It’s coursing through your blood, Janella. Just accept it.”

I shook my head. “No! No, I’m not like you.”

I felt a coldness settle over, and the voice was right in my ear now. “Fine. Fight me, but you won’t win.”

I jerked awake and sat up. I grabbed at my chest, feeling my heart racing. I took deep breaths, but it didn’t help calm my nerves. That voice had put ice in my veins, and I couldn’t think straight.

I felt the urge to vomit and forced it down. But the more I say, the more my head starts to pound. My body felt hot and cold, and I started to shake as my magic burned at my fingertips.

And then I smelled it. That rancid smell fluttered along with my sweetness. That smell filled the room with the cauldron.

I threw myself out of bed and ran for the bathroom, unable to calm my stomach this time. I stumbled to the ground, releasing my stomach into the toilet. I could hear footsteps hurrying up the stairs towards me.

“Janella?” Riley called out as he came down the hallway.

My mind was on auto as I pulled my gaze up. Riley stepped into the bathroom, and his eyes softened when he saw me.

“Still feeling sick?” He took a step closer towards me.

“Stop,” I whispered, pulling my hand up, not wanting him to come any closer. I knew it was only a matter of seconds before he would smell it. That dark stench mixed with my own.

He looked at me, confused. “Janella.”

“Please just… don’t come in here.”

“I’m not afraid of a little puke.”

“That’s not why I’m telling you to stay back.” I snapped.

He froze now.

I could hardly wrap my head around what was going on, let alone say the words. But I felt like I was on fire, so I turned to the shower and flipped it on. I pulled at my shirt, but my hands were shaking.

“Janella, let me help you.”

“No!” I jumped away from him, shaking my head. “I don’t want to hurt you.” Fear gripped me as the voice rang in my head. Fight me. But you won’t win.

I could feel it underneath. That dark magic is fighting with my own.

“Janella…” Riley spoke with a broken tone. “You're not going to hurt me.”

I stepped under the cold water, letting it bathe me. I didn’t even care that I was fully clothed. “It’s in me.”