Magic and Fate: Fated Magic Series, #6

By Ally Summers

I won't let them die.

All hell has broken loose in Charleston. There are new shifters. Old shifters. Magic so ancient and dark, no one can identify it.

The line that separates good and evil is about to be dissolved, and Finn and I are the only ones who can stop it. Only, it's going to require the most dangerous use of our magic.

I'm confident I can save them. All.

Welcome to Sullen's Grove and the world of Ivy Grace, where time travel, magic, shifters, love and heartbreak run rampant. Ivy is a bad-ass heroine, ready to fight for what matters most. This is the final installment in the complete six-book series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Head Over Heels Press
• Release date: Sep 11, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393750482

Book preview

Chapter 1

Iwas falling and the walls were collapsing with me.

I stared at the door. Jack was on the other side. Angry. Confused. Hurt. He wouldn’t admit if he were scared, but it would be a natural reaction, given the bite mark we found on his neck.

I had to help him. Only, I didn’t know how. Bears were out of my realm.

One foot hit the floor, followed by the other. I walked to the door, pressing my palm to the surface.

Jack? I called. Come on. Open the door. Let me help.

There was a long silence.

Jack?

The hair on the back of my neck stood up. There was a low grumble. The vibrations moved from the door to my hand.

The sound erupted into a full growl.

Jack? I eked. I took a step from the door. It was happening sooner than I thought. He was in transition.

You should leave.

I shook my head. I’m not going to leave you like this. You shouldn’t have to transition alone. Come out here so we can talk about everything. Please.

The door whipped open and I jumped.

His eyes flickered with lightning. The warm chocolate hues I had always loved were bright with gold flecks.

If you won’t leave. I will.

My eyes scanned his body. It was suddenly larger and more imposing than it had been. I could feel the heat he now emitted.

You’re burning up. Let me get you some water. I spun on my heels for the ice bucket.

Stop, he growled.

I paused in my tracks. I can get you on the other side of this. Let me, I pleaded with him.

He inhaled sharply, his chest rumbling again. I didn’t know if he was struggling to contain his bear, or if it was just starting to take root in his body.

Is there a cure for this? he asked.

My shoulders slumped. I don’t think so. Not one I know of.

He raised his hand forward, examining his palm and then his knuckles. I could almost see it—the new energy coursing through him. Magic.

Dammit, I’ve never felt like this. His voice was rough.

Are you in pain? I carefully walked toward him.

He shook his head. No. It’s the opposite. Everything feels heightened. Stronger. More intense. Louder. Brighter.

It’s your animal senses. I tried to lower my voice in case I overwhelmed him.

He ran his hands through his hair. There’s no way to reverse it?

I can try to find a cure, but your entire body chemistry is changing. Your human side is going to be sewn in with your bear. Separating the two seems impossible. I looked at him. The fabric of his existence would be tied together in tiny knots and seams. But I’ll try. I’ll do whatever I can to undo this. This shouldn’t have happened. It’s because of me. It’s because the spells are falling apart.

The despair was gripping me.

Good. He pressed his lips together.

Good? My eyes lifted. This isn’t good. This is awful. Horrible.

He squeezed my shoulders and I felt the heat from his palms almost burn my skin.

This changes everything. He sounded calm.

The warmth radiated into my muscles as he pressed deeper with his fingers.

You can’t be serious.

Thirty minutes ago you said I wasn’t magical enough. What about now?

His hands moved to my waist, dragging me against his chest. The rumbling started again. His bear was growing stronger and more unstable.

This isn’t about us. It’s about what you’re going through. I stared at him. And I’m in Charleston to deal with some heavy magical stuff. His grip tightened. I could feel his pulse.

I can help you now.

There was nowhere for me to wiggle. He was incredibly strong. It was like being held by arms of fire.

You have to get through transition first, I warned. That could take days or up to a week. He would need someone to stay with him, to make sure he didn’t lose complete control. Constant supervision. They did this on purpose. The she-bear was part of the their plan, I whispered. They want me to be distracted.

Who? The what? He paused. I feel fine. A little warm, but I’m ok.

You’re like a raging fire. You’re sweating, Jack. I looked at the droplets on his forehead.

He wiped the back of his hand across his face. Not a big deal.

It’s a huge deal. You need to get in an ice bath and cool down, or your bear might take over more than you want.

I realized there was one thing I didn’t have to worry about anymore with Jack. I could perform my magic in front of him without losing my strength. It was a small victory compared to what was ahead of us. Mood swings. Rage. A new kind of hunger he knew nothing about.

I’m still me. Isn’t that what you said? You’re a magix. It’s a part of you. I’m only part bear.

I’m not in transition. I stomped my foot. Let me go or I’m going to start sweating too.

He released his hold from my hips and I walked to the bathroom. The suite had an oversized garden tub. I pointed at the basin, summoning a full layer of ice before I turned on the faucet. The bits of glitter disappeared under the running water. The room started to spin as I stood up. The spell was an easy one. Why did it take so much out of me?

What are you doing? He stood behind me.

I turned around. You are getting in and cooling off before you turn full bear on me in this suite, I instructed. I already have to clean up the room. I blushed, knowing we had wrecked half the room from insane kisses. I started to wonder how much of Jack’s passion stemmed from the animal emerging in him.

That’s crazy, he snarled.

Look, I don’t want to argue with you. But you have to understand what’s at play here. You were bitten last night. And that bite is healing. As it does, you are transforming. If you don’t take this seriously I don’t know if I can keep your humanity intact. Does that make you want to listen to me? This isn’t fun magic. This is dark magic. So get in the damn tub. I pointed to the ice floating on top of the water.

He bared his teeth, glaring at me.

That right there, isn’t you. I shoved a finger into his chest. That’s your bear. That bear is dying to come out. If you don’t cool off, you’re going to end up tearing through these jeans and showing me all your fur.

His scowl weakened. He reached for his zipper. Fine. I’ll get in the tub.

I exhaled. Good. I’ll check on you in a few minutes. I walked toward the door, but Jack’s hand latched onto my wrist.

His eyes bore into mine. I’ll ice down. I’ll do what I have to do to keep the bear in check. But I’m not going anywhere. We aren’t done here.

I shook free of him. There are towels on the door.

I closed it behind me as I sank to the floor. What in holy hell was going on?

Chapter 2

While Jack soaked in the ice tub, I tried to restore the suite. The lamp was broken, but a little remedy spell fixed it. Jack had rumpled my clothes and turned my hair into a knotty mess.

I looked in the mirror. Glamour, I whispered. My hair returned to place and the smudges around my eyes vanished. No one would know I was in the middle of countless crises.

The door cracked open and Jack emerged. There was a towel around his waist. For a second I was reminded of our first night together in Vegas. His muscles rippled with water droplets.

Feel better? I asked.

He nodded. I do. I guess you were right. I was getting a little out of control. I feel calmer. The ice helped.

Good. I smiled. We just have to keep you cool.

And fed? His eyebrows rose. I’m starving. Do you think I could eat a cow?

I hope not. I bit my lip. I can order room service. Maybe a couple of burgers? I suggested. For the cow craving.

We can start there. He leaned back on the bed.

And clothes, I blurted. You have to get dressed.

He shrugged. I’m cooler without the flannel shirt.

Did you forget Holly and Ian are on their way? We have magical problems, on top of your transition. They’ll be here any minute.

I shuffled to the dresser to find the room service menu.

What is the plan when they get here? Jack asked.

Besides trying to navigate the new bear in our lives, I didn’t have a plan. I needed to find out who the cloaked men were, what they had to do with Foresights and dreams, and why the council needed to take them out in 1949. I was certain Jack’s new status was a means to keep me from my mission. There was nothing easy about this situation.

I don’t have one, I admitted.

That makes me a little concerned. He looked at his phone on the bedside table. It was ringing. Hold on, it’s Ann.

He answered the call from his assistant as if everything were normal. As if he weren’t becoming a wild animal. As if we hadn’t spent the past twenty-four hours breaking each other’s hearts. As if life would ever be normal again.

I made a quick call to room service while he and Ann hashed out some problem with the publishing schedule. I decided to add a third burger to the order. I had no idea how much a new bear needed to stay satisfied. What was worse was not knowing what would happen if he wasn’t fed.

As soon as I hung up with the kitchen, I heard a knock at the door. Jack was still talking to Ann. I rushed to the door.

Hey, girl. Holly hugged me and Ian leaned in next.

Hey. The timing was awkward, but I was happy to see my brother and cousin.

Ian pointed at Jack. So he remembers everything?

Jack waved at both of them, but returned to his call.

"Yes. His memory is completely restored. The eraser spell is gone. I couldn’t deny it anymore."

Ian put his arm around my shoulder. It’s not your fault. There are forces pushing us to do things we would never do. It’s ok.

You have no idea I stopped him. I have more to tell you. I’m so glad you’re here. I rested my head against him. Suddenly having my older brother here was more comforting than I could have realized.

Of course. What’s up?

They walked into the room and sat on the bed, all of us waiting for Jack to finish his call.

Did something happen last night? Ian asked.

I shifted on my feet. I didn’t know where to start. How did I tell them our problems were getting worse by the second?

Holly giggled. I bet something did happen.

What’s so funny? Ian looked between us.

Holly’s just being ridiculous. I glared at her. This is serious. It’s about Jack.

Oh, details. She grinned.

I swatted at her. Holly, he was bitten.

The smile dropped from her face. She realized I wasn’t kidding. What? she squeaked.

I closed my eyes. A she-bear. Last night. He was waiting for me in the lobby when he was attacked. I left out the seduction part.

Holy shit, she whispered. She looked over my shoulder at Jack. What stage is he in?

Ian took a protective stance in front of us.

It’s ok. He’s not going to hurt us. I moved my brother’s arm out of the way. He’s running a little hot. As long as we keep him cool, I think he will be ok.

Everything about Jack seemed different. The way he stood. The way he furrowed his brow. He was stronger. Magical.

Ian raised one eyebrow before the other. We have to rely on air conditioning to contain his transition?

Sorry about that. Jack shoved the phone in his pocket and turned to face us. I didn’t know how much he had overheard. He reached his hand toward Ian. Hey, good to see you again.

Ian smiled. "You too. It’s a little weird,