Beyond The Shadows (Shadows Saga bk3) ON HOLD

Chapter 9- Heelan

Morning came all too soon for Mara. She rolled on to her side and saw Marx sleeping next to her. His even breath a relaxing rhythm.

She didn’t want to get up but she knew she didn’t have much of a choice. It was time to get ready to leave. In two hours she would be walking through a small witch village called Heelan.

Mara scooted closer to Marx and kissed him on the cheek. He stirred slightly and she whispered in his ear, telling him that she was getting up.

She heard the low rumble in his chest and squeaked slightly when he moved, rolling so he was over her. His dark brown eyes lazily opening from sleep. She was completely trapped under him.

“What if I just don’t let you go?” He asked.

“Well I wouldn’t complain much. However, I don’t think that would be a good way to get elected,” Mara pointed out.

A small frown found it’s way onto Marx’s mouth, pulling the corners down ever so slightly.

Marx sighed and rolled back over, flopping down onto his back again.

“I can’t wait until this is over,” Marx said.

“Will it ever be over?” Mara asked.

“We can hope.”

Mara got up and went into the closet, fishing out an outfit to wear. She decided on a pair of slacks and an ironed blouse.

“I look so old,” she said looking herself over in the mirror. She turned left and right, looking at her reflection from all the angles.

“You look grown up and professional,” Marx corrected.

Mara rolled her eyes and turned around.

“I’ll connect with you each time I’m about to send some people. Hopefully it will give you enough of a heads up. “

“Yes, ma’am.” Marx held up his hand in a salute and Mara couldn’t help but grin.

“What other leader would go to all this work to move people in and get them set up in their new lives?” Marx asks.

“One that has it in the job description.”

“It is in fact not written in your job description.”

“Ah, but I am the representative for the witches and therefore I am to do what is best for my people.”

“And I’m fairly certain that not many would go to the lengths you are to help them.”

“It’s all in a day’s- or weeks- work.”

Marx smiles and kisses Mara.

“Now I think it’s time for me to get going. Your security is going to wonder what’s taking so long. I have a feeling the like to be punctual.”

“They wait for you. You’re always on time.”

Mara just shook her head and grabbed the bags.

“Well being late to Heelan wouldn’t exactly be in my favor, would it?”

“Probably not.”

Marx rolled out of bed, his hair tousled from the night’s sleep, his pajama pants hanging at his hips and his well-defined chest straining the fabric of his t-shirt.

“I will take your bags for you.”

“Well thank you,” Mara said and sat them down on the bed, letting Marx grab them up.

“It’s the least I can do.”

The two walked down the hall and into the office where the portal was set up. Trixle, Emmett and the guardsmen were already waiting.