Page 28 of Familiar of the Witch

I stepped forward to the leader of the griffins with ceremonial slowness. When I was within a foot of him, I curtsied deeply to show the respect that was now humming in my heart. ‘Shirdal,rahbar-e mo’azzam. Leader of the griffins, I gift to you sixteen vials of final-defence and the pouch in which they reside.’

I hoped I’d pronounced his title correctly. Bastion had taught me a few phrases in the dead of the night, but languages had never been my strong point.

‘Gift?’ His tone was flabbergasted.

‘Gift,’ I confirmed.

Shirdal touched his hand to his heart, stepped back and bowed low. ‘Amber DeLea,aziz e-delam.’ His voice cracked with emotion. ‘I am truly honoured by your gift.’ He rose to his full height, reverently took thebag from me and cradled it against his heart. ‘I will see these are shared among my people. This gift will not be forgotten.’

He bowed again then strode to Bastion and held out the pouch to him. Bastion reached in, took one potion and bowed to Shirdal. ‘These are a gift from yourzan. You may take another,’ Shirdal said solemnly.

As expected, Bastion shook his head. ‘No,rahbar. They will all find a worthy home. I have only need of one.’

Three,I thought smugly. He didn’t know it, but he had three: the one he’d taken and the two I’d snagged for him.

Shirdal didn’t argue. He simply nodded, pocketed one of the vials and shifted into griffin form. He took two steps onto my balcony and jumped off it. His wings snapped out and he flew away effortlessly; such was his haste to get the life-saving vials to his people that he didn’t even say farewell. Pride stirred in my heart. I’d done a good thing.

Bastion looked at me. ‘Thank you, Amber.’ His voice vibrated with sincerity. ‘That you would do this means a great deal to me. You will save lives, the lives of my brothers and sisters in arms. I cannot thank you enough for this gift.’

I shifted uncomfortably. I was only doing what was right; surely anyone would do the same. ‘It’s just a potion. I’m a potion mistress. It’s no problem,’ I said lightly.

His eyes were still fervent, buthe sensed how uncomfortable I was with his gratitude so he moved on. ‘We’re going to work on that,’ he murmured.

‘Work on what?’

‘Accepting compliments and gratitude. One day you’ll know I mean it when I say you’re beautiful.’

Heat flushed my cheeks as it did every time he admired me. ‘You’re delusional but that’s okay. I like you that way.’

He grinned. ‘Good. Now…’ His eyes narrowed. ‘How many of the vials did you keep for me?’

He surprised a laugh out of me; he really did know me. ‘Two others,’ I admitted.

He closed the distance between us. ‘Thank you, Bambi.’ He leaned down and kissed me, long and slow, until my mind went blank. If that was the way he thanked me, I’d give him as many potions as he wanted.

When he pulled away, his eyes were warm and affectionate. ‘You surprised Shirdal,’ he noted.

‘Did I?’ I breathed, still revelling in the taste of his lips.

‘Yes. He thought you were going to give him mates’ rates, not the whole lot for free.’ He paused. ‘Will you be in trouble with the Coven Council? You just gave away more than fifteen million pounds in Coven revenue.’

I sniffed. ‘It’s not the Coven’s revenue, it’smine. The black kiteen leaf was gifted tomeby Peter, not to the Coven. Besides, when you lay dying, I begged Shirdal to save you, to give you his last defence. In return, I promised I would brew him a cauldron of final-defence.’

‘Even so, he expected you to charge for it.’

I shook my head. ‘It didn’t feel right.’

Bastion tipped my chin up, ‘For all you make the right mercenary noises, you’re nothing but a soft-hearted kitten.’

‘Says you, Mr Marshmallow.’

He grinned. ‘I’m only soft for you, Amber.’

I raised an eyebrow. ‘Oh?’ I purred. ‘I rather thought I had the opposite effect on you.’

His eyes darkened. ‘Let me show you what effect you have on me.’

‘Sure. Go ahead. I’ve often heard that communication is important in a healthy relationship.’

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