Page 85 of The Librarian’s Familiar
“Can the healer fix it?”
“Maybe. They were more worried about the bleeding where I shouldn’t be bleeding issue.”
“I thought that was healed?”
“Not fully. And if you hadn’t done it, I would have died on the very unpleasant ride.”
August drew in a shaky breath, realizing how close they had both come to death. Charlie had been right to break the bond even though it had felt like the wrong thing to do. Perhaps a part of Charlie had been aware of the impending danger…or perhaps he was smarter about all things magic. Both were probably true. “But you’re okay now?”
“Yes. It wasn’t a big bleed, but apparently it can still cause problems.”
“All head injuries cause problems. Is it related to your ear?”
“Yeah. There was some blood there too. Anyway, they can probably do something about the inner ear thing, but until then I’m stuck here unable to do more than breathe without wanting to paint the floor. I’m glad you came to visit.” Charlie smiled.
August slid the pack off his shoulder and dropped it on the floor near the door. “Are the wards to stop you from destroying the hospital?”
Charlie’s grin widened, and he patted the edge of the bed. “Apparently, this room is always protected as an emergency precaution.”
August didn’t need a second invitation. He walked over and sat on the edge of the bed. He pulled the rocks he’d given Charlie out of his pocket. They were rough and chipped instead of smooth, like Charlie’s magic had been eating them as he fought the storm. “So you won’t be needing these?”
Charlie moved as if to sit up and stopped, collapsing back onto the pillow. “I got a bit too excited.”
“I’ll put them on the bedside table for you.” He set them up in a straight line, creating the order that Charlie craved.
“The wards are supposed to suppress magic, but mine is picking away at the edges of them. I’m hoping to get out of here soon, before I break their wards. I can lie in bed at home. And my bed is more comfortable…and bigger.” His fingers brushed against August’s leg. “They won’t let me out without supervision.”
August caught his hand; there was one thing still bugging him. “Why did you list me as your next of kin?”
“Because my parents are a million miles away and will raise hell to get here. You’re here, and you’re my mate. If you still want that…” His voice softened, and he sounded uncertain. “I know it’s a lot with all of the recent excitement.”
“Of course I want that. I want you.” He leaned over but stopped short of kissing him. “Did you want to remake the bond or is that going to cause problems?”
Charlie glanced down. “I kind of had to tell the healer everything because they could see the frayed ends and were very concerned that someone had attached themselves to me for nefarious reasons.”
“That’s why the healer wants to talk to me.”
“Yeah, I dragged you into this the entire way, sorry.”
“Of all the places I could’ve gone, I was here when you needed a mate. I was meant to be here.”
“I’m glad you were.” Charlie lifted his head, and their lips barely touched for a heartbeat before he relaxed back onto the pillow.
The softest of kisses was enough for the ends of the bond to reconnect. The tension and worry August had been holding onto melted as their magics met and intertwined as if the bond had never been broken.
Charlie closed his eyes, and he seemed a little less hollow than he had before. “I didn’t know if that would work.”
“Are you glad it did?”
“Yes.” His lips curved. “Maybe my magic isn’t all about destruction.”
“I don’t think it is. You saved the town and stopped the prison from falling. Not many witches would be able to do that.”
Charlie gave a small nod. “I’m going to have to write a report on that even though I’m still not entirely sure what happened. The two foxes said they would send me a statement.”
“Surely you don’t have to rush to do that.”
“I will need to make a phone call as the bare minimum, probably tonight. Otherwise the Coven might assume I’m dead. I’m sure they already have someone en route.” He opened his eyes and sighed. “I’m not used to lying around.”
