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“Oh? What kind of pouncing are we talking about?”
I felt more than heard Shane spread his legs apart in the back seat. A low hum of arousal came through our connection.
“Shit.” Rory shifted in his own seat. “Maybe we shouldn’t do this while I’m driving.”
I looked around and the traffic was getting heavier as we approached Houston. We’d long since lost sight of Arch’s SUV. “Yeah, you’re right. Sorry.”
He flashed me a toothy grin, and he reached back and squeezed Shane’s leg. “Just save it for tonight.”
After we all took a moment to get ourselves under control, Shane told us about a Wonder in Houston who had set up a school for Wonder children. We decided to go talk to her next week to see if it would be a good fit for Pia.
We were going against the worst of the traffic as we headed downtown, but it was still rush hour. We decided to make a detour for a quick dinner since Shane didn’t have a lot of groceries at home. We probably should’ve stopped at the store, but none of us were that patient.
Shane directed us to a hole-in-the-wall Korean place that was quick and delicious. Then finally,finally, we got to Shane’s house. Shit, our house. There wasn’t anywhere to park on the street, so Rory pulled into the driveway behind my SUV and Shane’s ancient sedan, which was under the carport.
Shane let out a heavy sigh. “I hate to mention it, but we’re going to have to empty the car. This isn’t a great neighborhood.”
Rory frowned. “How bad is it? Do we need to be concerned about Pia’s safety?”
I unbuckled my seatbelt, and Shane still hadn’t answered by the time I was done. I turned to see him making a face. He looked out the window towards the house. His granny’s house. Fuck.
“We don’t have to decide tonight. We have plenty of time.”
Still looking at the house, he smiled sadly. “If we can afford to move to a better neighborhood, we should do it for Pia. This isn’t a place where I’d let her ride her bike down the street.”
I met Rory’s eyes. I could tell he regretted bringing up the topic. He said, “I don’t think your grandmother would be upset if you moved. She seems... practical.”
Shane seemed surprised at his own laughter. “She’s always been that.” He unlatched his own seat belt then slid over to the passenger side door. “Let’s get the car unpacked.”
“Between the three of us it’ll go quickly.” I didn’t mention that I was exhausted. I should’ve napped in the car, but I hadn’t wanted to miss out on spending time getting to know Shane and Rory better.
I did a couple of stretches when I got out of the car, hoping that would get the blood flowing. Rory opened the back hatch, and Shane palmed his keys before shouldering a duffel bag and hefting a box of my books in his arms. The man had some fine muscles, as I recalled. After we finished unloading and I got to sit down for a bit, I was looking forward to getting my hands on them again.
Shane headed for the front door, and Rory passed me the handle of a rolling suitcase and tucked the bottle of tequila in my other arm. “You doing okay?”
“I’m alright. Can you hand me that duffel, please?” I pointed at the one with my Yo-Yos and sex toys inside. Then I headed for the house, ignoring his narrowed eyes.
He followed behind with another box and the larger suitcase. The three of us emptied the car in two more trips. I was the last one inside, and after shutting the front door I dropped the bag of non-perishables on the kitchen counter before stumbling over to the couch and falling onto it.
Shane and Rory were in Shane’s—our—bedroom, but I didn’t have the energy to see what they were up to. I leaned my head back on the cushion and closed my eyes.
I just needed a minute, and then we’d get naked for the bonding.
CAL’S CAMPAIGN COMPENDIUM
MAGICAL CORE, A.K.A. MAGICAL WHEEL
Inside each Wonder or magic carrier is their personal source of magic. This magic source has been called many names, most frequently a “magical core” or a “magical wheel” due to the core’s appearance as a spinning wheel of sparks.
Connections can be seen extending from the magical core, and if you focus on each one you will know who is at the other end of it.
During bonding, partners pool their magic together to create one larger core or wheel, and the connections of each individual will now be shared among the partners.
Depletion: If a Wonder or magic carrier overuses their magic, their core can become depleted. The best way to refill a depleted magical core is to eat well, get enough sleep, and reduce stress. Over time the core will refill on its own.
CHAPTER 20
RORY
