Page 35 of Stone Seduction
There. The balance was restored, my soul buzzing with joy.
For several minutes, I kept my head down, not wanting to look up as bodies settled and the scent of almonds assaulted my nostrils.
“Luke.” Seth’s voice sent bitter energy across my epidermis.
I lifted my head, forcing my eyes to finally meet his. “Seth.”
The weaver regarded me with his haunting hazel gaze, his handsome, chiseled features, and perfect ashy blond hair—all of it once setting my pulse on fire.
Now it made me want to puke. God, he stirred my irritation just by occupying the same room as me. Being around him dampened my mood, turning me into a prickly creature of loathing.
Bastard.
Carissa sat on his left, Luna on his right, the enchanter staring away.
Fuck off.
Dane took the seat on Asher’s right, another reassuring presence. And he’d made sure Tom got home safely.
Thank God. Poor Tom, having to witness me going off on one. I’d have to make it up to him with food and plenty ofMario Kart.
I sat up straighter. There would be no slumping here. After recent events with Seth, I never wanted to appear meek or diminished in his presence. Easier said than done. One minute I feared him, the next I didn’t. He just had that effect on me.
“I will come straight to the point,” the bastard announced, never taking his eyes off me.
I held my own with the eye contact. Well, maybe a sliver of anxiety tried making me back down.
“You’ll be staying in the tower for the foreseeable future,” Seth said.
My confidence dropped like an anvil tossed from a roof. Oh, crap.
Asher jumped to his feet. “No.” His voice rolled around the room, bouncing off the walls. “Not happening.”
Seth took a calm, arrogant drag of his joint as Carissa pulled rank, forcing Asher back into his seat.
“Stay quiet or get out,” she warned him.
“Easy, bro,” Dane said.
Seth’s lips twitched.
That’s it, laugh away on the inside, you fucking turd.
Feeling brave, I leaned forward, giving the weaver a smirk. I’d rather leap over the table and crack him in his forehead, though.
He blew out a couple of smoke rings before speaking some more. “I think it’s the best course of action to take. Obviously, I’ve consulted with Carissa and Luna, as well as other members of this tower, and this is the best solution. At least until it’s deemed safe for you to live in the town properly again.”
My determination to be strong wavered. Again. “I don’t…” Dammit! Why did I have to squeak?
Asher took my hand, giving it a squeeze.
His touch gave me a boost, filling my voice with vigor. “I don’t want to stay here. You can’t make me.”
Seth cocked his head. “Interesting. Yet you’re wearing the bracelet.”
“Meaning what?”
Cue three more smoke rings puffing from his smug gob. “You obeyed that order. What’s so different now?”
