Free Destined Magic by Caryn Moya Block Page A

It looks almost like a brand burned into their flesh. The boy didn’t seem to remember how he got the mark, but he bragged that it allowed the Master to identify his cult members.”
    “Wait, I’ve heard of something like that,” Safara Pyralis, fire witch, said. They all turned to look at the caramel-skinned beauty at the end of the table. “I was doing some research on paranormal artifacts for the council. I remember there were several that were used to brand people, subjecting them to the will of their Master. Councilman Curtis Brant would know more. The Fire-House has always had the job of collecting and destroying or deactivating harmful magical items.”
    “So, whoever this Red Wizard is, he got his hands on an old artifact that lets him control the cult members?” Josiah asked.
    “Well, that explains how he has managed to keep things hidden for so long,” Mabel said. “This artifact, we need to know what it is and everything it can do. Elise, I want you and Safara to contact Councilman Brant. If you need help doing research, take Angeline with you. Haytham, keep working on the cult members. If you find out anything else, contact me immediately. Whatever cases you’ve been working on, unless they are life or death, can wait. I want all our resources directed toward finding out what exactly we are facing with this Red Wizard. This meeting is adjourned. We will meet again at days end.”
    Nearly e veryone rose from the chairs and started leaving the room. Garrett stayed put and continued to hold Gabriella’s hand.
    Mabel stopped next to them. “I think Venetia may be on to something a bout Destined Ones being a weapon to fight this cult. Get the ceremony done. I want you two bonded. I’m sorry it couldn’t be under better circumstances.”
    Garrett looked at Mabel and then at Gabriella. Their leader was ordering them to go through with the Destined One ri tual? Would Ella agree? “I won’t force my Destined One to bond with me if she isn’t ready.” His voice didn’t reveal the turmoil going on inside him. He wanted to do the ceremony, wanted to bind Ella to him. But he wouldn’t force her, nor would he allow the Guardians to do so.
    “Well , Gabriella?” Mabel asked. “Will you go through with the ritual? I can have everything we need in place by tonight. I’m sure Garrett’s father will want it done at his estate. If you are willing, I will preside. The ceremony will have to be quick. Is there someone you would like to invite to join us?”
    “Can you give us a minute, Mabel? I think Ella and I need to talk.”
    “All right, but not too long. I’ll have to prepare.” Mabel walked toward the door. She stopped and looked back as though she wanted to say more. Then, she turned and left the room.
    Garrett pulled Gabriella onto his lap. He held her close a minute before he spoke. “You don’t have to do this. I’m not going to let them force you into something you don’t desire.”
    “You don’t want to go through with the ritual?”
    Garrett heard the quiver in her voice. He couldn’t let her think he didn’t want her. He ran his hand up her arm. “Of course, I want to. The minute I saw you, I was entranced. I even thought someone tried to bewitch me. I never expected to be gifted with a Destined One. But being a Destined One is nobody’s business but our own.”
    Some of the stiffness left her body , and she leaned back against his chest. He continued to caress her arm.
    He kissed her. He couldn’t help himself. Her lips were soft against his. He kissed her again, then moved to her closed eyes. Little kisses, and then he placed one on the tip of her nose.
    She sighed , and he returned to her mouth, kissing and licking until she gave him entrance into her warmth. Her arms wrapped around his neck. Desire burst through him. Gabriella moaned and responded by grabbing onto his neck and hair.
    “Garrett, your father is on line one.” Angeline’s voice on the intercom echoed in the