Deadlands (The Healer Series, #2) by Kayla Jo Read Free Book Online Page A

menacingly.
    “Hey!” Willow rush ed up to Declan and stood in front of him, her back to Chase, guarding him. Her own yellow glow protruded from her hands. If she had to disarm Declan, her magic was at the ready. Instantly, Declan’s fire went out from his hands, and he stared at them as if he didn’t realize he was just about to incinerate Chase. Willow let out a breathy exhale and then caught Declan’s eyes. What she saw in them nearly took her breath away. He looked tormented and hurt, as if something other than Declan was in control of him. His pupils were dilated and a strange orange glow surrounded the irises.
    Willow always knew Declan was emotional. He could change moods in an instant, quickly going from carefree and joking to serious and intimidating. She recalled how Declan practically destroyed his father’s office at the mention of him being sent to Darkmeer. Destroyed was taking it lightly, though. He nearly obliterated the place. Declan could draw upon the magic of the Emerald Circle Order, collecting magic from other Warlocks to power his own. Declan was powerful enough by himself, but mix his magic with other Warlocks and he could do some serious damage. It made him a dangerous liability if anyone ticked him off, which Chase seemed to do quite well.
    “Dec, are y ou alright?” Willow asked hesitantly approaching him. She didn’t know how unstable Declan was at the moment, but as he met her gaze, his eyes softened on hers and he relaxed. She stopped inches from him, waiting on his reply. What she didn’t expect, however, was to be wrapped up tight in his arms. Declan pulled her to him and squeezed her hard. She knew she shouldn’t allow him to hold her like this, but Declan was strong, and right now, she couldn’t get out of his hold if she tried.
    So savoring this moment, she wrapped her arms around him to return the hug. Declan let out a breath and placed his head on top of hers like it calmed him. Willow buried her face in Declan’s chest and breathed in his scent. He always smelled so good.
    Several moments passed before Willow had the courage to look up at him. She didn’t know what Declan saw in her eyes, sympathy perhaps, but he let her go quickly and stepped back. His eyes were back to normal. Clearing his throat, Declan said. “I’m fine. Um…thanks.”
    “The g ate is open,” she prompted and motioned with her eyes towards the entrance.
    “But not for long,” Elirana spoke up behind them. Although the gate was open, Willow could see a large rock slowly closing the entrance. “We must hurry,” she said and ran up to the entrance, Chase right on her heels.
    Declan looked down at Willow in shock as Willow put her hand in his, a silent gesture of comfort. “Are we really going to let an Elf and a Werewolf beat us?” she asked jokingly.
    Declan winked at her. “Hell no,” he said and took off running, pulling Willow with him. Unfortunately, they lost the race as Elirana and Chase had gotten a head start, but they all stopped at the entrance looking into the dark hole, the gloomy abyss of the Deadlands. Nobody wanted to be the first to go in.
    Speaking up, Willow said to no one in particular, “This is your last chance to turn back. I’m grateful for everyone’s help, but this is a Witch’s errand. I did not mean to involve you all. You don’t have to go in with me, but I want to thank you for your help so far.”
    “Stop the sappy speech, Healer,” Chase spoke up. “I volunteered. You have had my loyalty from the begin ning. I’m coming with you, no matter what happens.”
    Willow looked at Chase and managed a small smile. His loyalty was something Willow cherished. He was truly an amazing friend. She didn’t know if it was in the nature of all Werewolves to be so genuine and kind, but Chase was definitely those things and more. She looked at Elirana, who wasn’t looking at her, but at Chase. A strange expression was on her face that Willow could only deem as inspiring.