Destined Magic Read Online Free PDF Page A

had to admit he was handsome. But she didn’t feel the kind of attraction she felt for Garrett. She assumed he was her guard.
    “Hey, Calder, we’re ready to go,” Chelsea said.
    He ushered the girls out before closing the door. The sound of the lock clicking into place echoed in the room.
    Gabriella ran to the window and watched as the man escorted the girls outside. Each girl gave him a hug, as he ruffled her hair. The girls got into a small car and drove away while he waved.
    Thinking quickly, Gabriella grabbed the silver tray from under the food dishes and flung it at the window. The sound of breaking glass shattered the calm. She pulled air into her lungs and screamed.
    Gabriella pressed herself against the part of the wall that would be hidden when the door opened. After only a few moments, she heard someone running up the stairs and unlocking the door. The man ran into the room and, not seeing her, ran to the window. Gabriella crept from behind the door and into the hall. The man turned and, at the same moment, she shut and locked the door.
    Not knowing what kind of magic the man had, she r aced down the stairs and to the back of the house. He might be able to blow open the bedroom door. Finding a sliding glass door in the library, she quickly slipped outside and ran for the road. It wouldn’t be long until reinforcements were on the way.
     
    §
     
    There was only one way into the basement, and that was through a door on the outside of the building. Garrett started to open the lock, but after pulling the door slightly, it swung open with a loud squeak.
    “Didn’t you tell me this door was locked last night?” Garrett asked , lifting his brow.
    “Yes, I checked it myself before we left. I didn’t know where the key was so I couldn’t open it . You had put Ella to sleep so we couldn’t ask her, and we didn’t search her apartment.”
    “I thought it was better that she slept rather than being hysterical.” Saying a quick spell for protection, Garrett stepped through the door.
    “You know , if someone is hiding down here, they know we’re coming.” Damek pulled a rowan wand out of his sleeve and followed behind his cousin.
    They moved quickly down the well-worn stairs and onto the dirt floor of the basement. The smell of rotting flesh washed over them. Garrett stumbled, and his stomach roiled. The earth beneath his feet seemed to moan in his head. A great weight rested on his chest, and he could hardly draw a breath.
    “This is the place, the blood magic miasma is thick down here,” Garrett said, his voice coming out in a croak.
    “Shield yourself before you make yourself sick.” Damek placed his hand on Garrett’s shoulder.
    The touch seemed to help clear Garrett’s mind. He quickly envisioned a wall of white light surrounding him, which pushed back the effects of the dark magic. Damek recited a quick spell, and the tip of his wand began to glow. Garrett noticed a light on the ceiling and went over to pull the cord. In a moment, the space was illuminated.
    They stood in a small area with a hall leading away from the street. Several doors indicated more chambers farther down.
    “We’ll have to search each room.” Garrett pulled an oak wand from his sleeve and started down the hall.
    “I was afraid you were going to say that ,” Damek groaned.
     

Chapter Three
     
    Gabriella ran down the street, panic threatening to immobilize her. All the houses sat back from the road. Alarm signs dotted lawns and front windows. Panting, she kept running, keeping an eye out for anyone following her. Where was she? Nothing looked familiar. Coming to a park, she ran through the gates and headed away from the road. Mothers pushing strollers lined the path. Teenagers gathered under the shade of trees. How ironic that life went on as if nothing had happened, while her whole world had turned inside out.
    Finally , she came to the exit gate of the park. A metro sign stood on the far corner, and she sighed in