Page 75 of Power Shift
I knew he wasn’t talking about the spell.
“Yes. Every little bit will boost the warding’s power.”
Ash nodded. “I care about you and want only the best. This spell will tie us all together in a way. Since I can’t find any examples of spells like this done in the past, it’s possible there might be complications.”
“I’m right here, you know,” Caelan said.
“I know,” Ash said, his eyes flashing emerald. His fingers tightened around mine.
I frowned up at him. “Are you okay?”
The dryad’s jaw tightened. “I only wanted to ensure you did not decide under duress.”
“When does Evie do anything under duress?” Moira drawled. She flopped onto the couch and kicked her sandals off.
Tess floated over and sank to the floor. “She’s very stubborn. I’m surprised you haven’t noticed.” She frowned up at Ash and patted the spot beside her.
His temper vanished in an instant, a smile tugging at his mouth. “I noticed.” He dragged me in for a hug, dropping a kiss on top of my head. “Sorry,” he whispered.
“All good.” I patted him on the arm and stepped away, reaching down for the small canvas bag I left by the recliner.
The coffee table was already cleared, the center taken up by a large, green pillar beeswax candle. Ash marked each spot with a small, beaded mat. Mine was a mix of green and browns. Tess’s was silver and white. Ash had chosen burgundy and navy blue for Moira, which I thought was interesting—not the crimson and black I expected. Caelan’s was an odd mix of colors, greens, golds, browns, and a deep, brilliant orange.
On top of the mats, he placed a small tea light. Next to those, a small cone of incense in matching colors. I watched him intently, curious about his method. Spell work had never been my strong suit. I was competent, but I’d never be a master at rituals and spells.
Ash took his time, ensuring everything was in its place, and none of us spoke as he worked. Caelan stood beside me, heat pulsing from his body.
“Lord,” Ash said. “Do you have the jewelry?”
“Caelan, please.” He pulled a small leather pouch from his pocket and handed it to Ash.
The dryad’s brows went up. He let out a low whistle and tipped the contents of the pouch into his palm. “Where did this come from?”
Ash held up the pendant. Warm gold sparked in the light. At the bottom hung a small, elegant pendant made of gold woven in an intricate pattern. A gleaming black obsidian stone hung suspended in the center. Soft magic pulsed from the stone, a gentle, calming power.
“It belonged to one of our shifter queens and was given to her by a powerful mage.” Caelan shrugged. “Some say it possesses extraordinary protective powers.”
“How did you come to possess it?” Moira asked, an odd look on her face.
Caelan’s eyes glinted. “With stealth and cunning.”
Tess stared at Caelan. “You stole it?”
“I wouldn’t say that.”
When I opened my mouth to protest, Caelan shook his head. “You said no diamonds or anything ridiculous. It’s small and neutral, so it will match anything you wear.”
“But a priceless shifter artifact?” I pinched the space between my brows. “What if someone outside of your Pack recognizes what it is?”
“It belongs to the Pack now.” Caelan’s smile chilled me.
“You’re impossible,” I said softly.
“It’s perfect for this purpose. Small, protective, and elegant.” To Ash he gestured with his hand. “Shall we get on with it?”
Ash’s lips twitched. “The Lord?—”
“Caelan.”
