Page 34 of Compass Points
From the corner of his eye, Luc caught her gaze and shook his head. She stayed put and watched while he casually slipped his hands into his pockets instead of reaching out his arms to grab them.
The boys flew toward them, but instead of the crashing and crying she expected, she saw them floating in the air as if frozen in place. Slowly, they started rotating around like they were each a ball to be juggled. Wild laughter, pointing, and shrieking at Luc told her this was not the first time such an event had occurred.
“Uncle Luuuuuc!”
“We would have landed fiiiiine,” one whined.
“You can’t keep us here forever!” another giggled.
Only then did it occur to her that Luc was doing this. Rose had spent too much time hiding her magic to think of it as a first response. Luc had led a different life. He was able not just to use his magic but to play with it. Without lifting a hand, he was levitating three little boys in the air and tossing them like they were no more than circus balls.
She didn’t know many earth fae, but from what she did know, this was an uncanny display of power. More, even than she’d glimpsed in their first battle with the mist monster. Most Suden could move the earth, using the ability to dig holes and build mountains, but what Luc was doing was different. He was pushing the boys off the dirt beneath the building to create the concept of floating.
It was a show of his strength, yet he did it in such a casual way.
She watched delight dance in his eyes as the boys begged to come down, though they would undoubtedly scream for more as soon as he let them.
Appreciating the easy family love, Rose missed the man coming down the stairs and giving Luc a hug. His boys were still bouncing in the air as he turned and introduced himself.
“I’m Andrew—I’m Aaron’s partner—and you must be Rose.”
She gave an easy nod. “Thanks for having me.”
“Oh, it’s his house,” Andrew demurred. “Either way, Luc is so busy these days. We’re thrilled when he can spend some time with us.”
Luc had finally let the boys down; as predicted, they were clamoring for more. Andrew took charge. “Let your uncle make it past the family room, boys. They’ve just walked in. He’ll have plenty more time for treating you each as his personal juggling balls later.”
Luc smiled in acknowledgment to Andrew.
“I’m sure Uncle Luc will want to give Rose a tour of the house and grounds before dinner,” Andrew finished as he started to lead the boys away.
It was then the boys realized there was someone they didn’t recognize in the room. Six eyes darted to Rose, and the chaos once again sprang forward.
“Who are you?”
“Are you Uncle Luc’s wife?”
“Do you have any cool powers?”
“Want to play?”
It was an endless stream. Luc moved closer, putting a hand on the small of her back as he made introductions. “David, Thomas, Joseph, this is Rose. She’s my friend and will be staying with us.”
Andrew’s knowing eyes seemed to try and pierce through Luc’s simple words. Clearly deciding to save his questions for later, he said, “Okay, boys, let’s finish those lessons for today so we can be ready for dinner with Uncle Luc and Rose in a few hours.” He gave one final glance between Luc and Rose as he swept the storm of energy and curiosity back out of the room.
Chapter Twenty
Luc took them out a side door that led to the back of the property.
“Your family seems nice. How often do you all get to stay here together?”
“We see each other most days when I’m here, though they usually stay at their cottage. I think they like using the house as a school for the kids while Aaron works in the library, so they can all leave the cottage together during the day but have different activities. I’m here as much as possible—I prefer this place—but that probably turns out to be three weeks per month?”
“And the rest?” She decided that she needed a better picture of him. How did Luc spend his time, and who did he spend it with?
“Mostly in Sandrin or other areas with large Suden fae populations. Trying to ensure my people have easy access to me without coming out here, though they rarely take advantage of it.”
“Or off on rogue missions to find secret weapons?” She meant to tease, but even she could hear the sarcasm dripping from her voice.
