Page 14 of Wind and Water
Pushing away, I flop back on the couch. “That’s rich. Eight days ago, you tried to drag me through one of your portals. Now you have morals?”
“I’ll not continue to apologize for that. I’ve already done so. It was a mistake. Now that I know you and your family, I would never force your hand.”
“It’s arrogant of you to think sex with you would be good enough to make me choose danger and possible death.”
“Maybe, but in my mind, it’s that good.” He’s not bragging in the way many men would. He puts his head back and closes his eyes as if it pains him not to follow through with what we started.
I think it would be that good too. Maybe he’s right. This thing between us is scary and intense and should be put on a shelf. “You’re right.”
Letting out a breath, he relaxes. “Thank you. I don’t know if I could say no if you persisted.”
Gratified, I fail at trying not to look smug. “I’m glad to hear I haven’t lost all of my feminine wiles.”
Turning his head without lifting it from the back of the couch, he looks at me, and our songs filter into my mind. “I’ve never wanted anyone or anything more.”
This entire thing is insane. I’m not fanciful. I make jewelry and sell it. I live on property my great-grandparents bought and passed down through the generations. Nothing exciting ever happens to me. It took Momma and me two years to save for this crazy trip after she retired, and we are supposed to go home in four days. Suddenly, I’m considering following an elf through a portal into another world where I’ll probably be killed by a witch queen.Is all of that because I haven’t been laid in a long time? God, I hope not.
“What happens if you or your brothers fail?”
With a grunt, he adjusts himself. “The witch queen will continue to destroy Domhan until there is only darkness and all light magic is lost.”
“So, she’s a sociopath.” Terrifying, but not the first I’ve heard of. “Once she’s ruined your world, what will she do then?”
His stare is hard, and all the tenderness of a few minutes ago is gone. “Your mother was a teacher of history. What does a conqueror do after they’ve won a war?”
A knot grows in my chest as I consider all the people of this world who destroyed and conquered and what they did once they had “won.” It’s never enough. “They look for other places to conquer.”
He nods and straightens, looking more soldierly. “There are other worlds. Venora has already taken Arcaina. It is visible from Domhan and was home to an early elven culture. They had not yet advanced to written language and had no magic, but nowthey are her slaves or shadow demons. She will continue to be a blight wherever she can learn the magic of a world.”
My pulse races. Reaching across, I touch Liam's ear. It feels round, but I know it’s just a glamor. He’s not human. Venora will continue her reign of terror until she’s stopped, like so many who were hungry for power before her. “She’ll come here?”
“It’s possible, and since she will learn of the prophecy, it is likely.” At least he has the grace to look sorry for it.
My mother is sleeping in the next room after a great morning of fun and laughter, and granted, too much whiskey on an empty stomach. My friends in Texas are going about a normal Tuesday of work and family. Earth knows nothing of magic, light or dark. “Shit.”
Liam cocks his head.
“This thing between us, the way I’m drawn to you, is it some magic spell?” It sounds stupid, but I have to ask.
“Not of my making, if that’s your question.” His grin is delicious.
I close the distance between us on the couch and take his hand. Every touch of my skin to his is like the first, and a thrill, like electricity, rushes through me. “I will go with you. I don’t see how I’m of any use in a war, but if my going will save worlds, how can I say no?”
He seems to be waiting for me to say something else, or maybe he thinks he’s hearing things. “You will go through the portal to Domhan?”
“We have a witch to stop, don’t we?” It’s a rare thing to surprise Liam, and I think I like it.
“Indeed, we do. Thank you.” He kisses my hand. “I will protect you with my life.”
The bedroom door crashes open. Momma’s hair is standing out in every direction, and she has a smudge of lipstick across her cheek. Her eyeliner has nearly reached that same cheek. Shegives each of us a hard look. “No one is going anywhere without me.”
It’s hard not to laugh. She looks like something out of an old drama movie.
Liam stands. “We weren’t going to leave in the night, Birdie. Even so, this is not a pleasure trip. There are real dangers in Domhan. You’d be safer staying here. Besides, I plan to wait for Wren to agree when she’s, how did you put it, ‘sober as a judge,’ before I accept the offer.”
“What?” I blurt out.
Standing straight and strong as I’d expect from a soldier, he looks at me and shakes his head. “You didn’t think I’d turn down your first offer and accept your second when you’ve had a few drinks, did you? As delightful as the first was, the second is more serious and life changing.”
