Bound by Spells (Bound Series Book 2) by Stormy Smith Read Free Book Online

outside!” Before I could move, Bethany was tearing down the staircase, screaming Charlie’s name again.
    I took the steps down two at a time behind her and we ran back around the building to the beach. The baying got louder and I could smell him. I scanned the lower level and finally found what I was looking for. Under Cole’s apartment building was some type of storage area barricaded by a huge wooden door. I could hear Charlie scratching and howling from behind it. I took off around Bethany and dove for the door. It was padlocked. Without a second thought, I grabbed the padlock and pulled it from the old wood. The rusty latch didn’t give without a fight, but beast strength was on my side. I stepped back just in time. The door flew open and out came a very irate Great Dane.
    Charlie dove out from the storage area, taking off for the apartment. There was nothing we could do but follow. I couldn't even keep up with how fast his four huge legs moved him. When Bethany and I finally pushed back inside, we found Charlie whimpering and sitting next to the blood I’d smelled. Looking at Charlie, there was no question it was Cole’s.
     
     

Chapter 6

     
     
    I stood, staring at the closed door smugly, until Micah whipped me around, his face just centimeters from mine.
    “Are you absolutely insane? Do you understand what you have done? You could have just played along. You could have at least given her time to get to know you. You did not have to force this already. Damn it, Amelia.”
    Micah continued to berate me, his perfect English and proper accent becoming increasingly annoying. Finally, I yanked my hand from his and stepped back, crossing my arms over my chest. “Did you hear her? Consummate our marriage? What in the hell is she talking about?”
    Guilt and frustration came from Micah in equal measures as he dragged a hand through his hair. “We are betrothed, Amelia. What exactly did you think she expected?” He rolled his eyes, his shoulders dropping as his body deflated of anger and settled into frustration. “And you could have at least afforded her the respect of being my mother—of being the Queen. Would that have been so terrible?”
    I narrowed my eyes, questioning how he could possibly be an ally when he was clearly delusional. We stood in stalemate for another moment, until he finally exhaled loudly, yanked his hair back into a low ponytail, and held out his hand. I looked down, wrinkling my nose.
    Clenching his jaw, Micah’s eyes narrowed as he snatched my hand up again and pulled me to him, whispering, “Now, more than ever, fiancée , you’re going to have to play the part. Because I am the only protection you have. So, you will stay by me at all times and I will try to keep you from getting yourself killed. Understood?” What had been frustration melted into a silent plea as his eyes softened.
    He wasn’t just angry; there was a hint of fear that unnerved me more than it should have. I still didn’t understand, but I slowly nodded anyway, uncomfortable with the expression Micah wore. He closed his eyes for a brief moment, nodded, and led me into the house. As we crossed the threshold, his whole demeanor changed. To help me acclimate or as part of the show, I wasn’t certain. I had a hard time hearing him, though. All I could think was how beautiful this house of terrors was.
    I turned my head from side to side, trying to take in the entryway filled with marble so polished, I could see my reflection, huge pieces of art depicting people I had to assume were royals, and a ceiling so high, I almost fell over trying to look to the top. I forced myself to look past the Hunters, who were everywhere. There were male and female Hunters and it occurred to me not all of them were dressed like those who served Julia in her guard. Black trench coats on the men were replaced with a servant uniform on the women.
    “Are there anything but Hunters here? Who works here?” Micah had been pointing and