Page 18 of The Magic of Destiny
Everyone was exhausted and on edge. Saige in particular had been a real treat. Maven was officially missing at this point too; he’d never been gone this long before, so that was an added stress. I got it, I did. It was an emotionally charged situation, and everyone had their breaking points. It didn't help matters that Miranda still wasn't really speaking to anyone. Khol said she’d just kind of shut down. I was hoping she'd let us pop by, and maybe I could provide some relief from her pain. Even if minimally, it would give her mind a break.
I kept reliving that moment with Sloane before he'd left. I'd fucking told him not to do this—and look what happened. I was beyond pissed at him, that stubborn fucking ass. Then I’d think about him being hurt or tortured, and worry would seize my lungs, my breathing becoming labored and rough.
“Let's go again,” Faris growled. He’d been relentless in his training. His general knowledge of magic was instinctual, as it was for every supernatural being. At least he had that working to his advantage. The downside was that we'd all been learning what it meant to have magic from the time we were children. We didn't actually come into our true affinities until we were teens, but learning how to cast spells, create simple tonics, and all the other magical academia was ingrained from birth. Even though Faris had been within me my entire life, seeing all that I saw, he’d never had the chance to physically practice magic himself until now.
I sighed. “Okay. But I'm only doing this for another half hour. I'm ready for lunch.”
“What do you want me to try now?” he asked, leaning forward eagerly.
We were sitting at the kitchen table. Bette had brought over an assortment of grimoires which Faris had flipped through like a madman. He'd already lured Napoleon into being his guinea pig for a few levitation spells. That didn't last long though, the little mouse having gotten pissy when Bram walked in and squealed like a child. The demon really didn't like mice, and Napoleon took great offense to his phobia.
“Hmm... I want to see more of your power of persuasion. I'm going to reach out to Kai and ask him to come in here. When he does, persuade him to make us lunch. Some of his grilled cheese sandwiches,” I suggested, my mouth already watering.
Faris grinned, though my plan didn't do anything for him. He still survived on uncooked noodles and blood. The man had no idea what he was missing.
My vision blurred as I sought out Kai's mind.
‘Come to the kitchen.’I pushed the thought at him, and laughed when he cursed.
‘You can't just do that shit, Fish. What if I'd been knuckles deep in a situation?’
‘Well, then I'd be joining you momentarily. Are you? In a situation?’
‘Ha, I wish. Sprout won't let any of us make a move on her. Personally, I think she needs a good claiming.’
Yeah. He wasn't wrong. Nothing like an orgasm to tamp down your woman's temper.
‘Come to the kitchen.’
‘Fuck. Fine.’
I released my hold on Kai's psyche, and the room swam back into focus.
Faris was bouncing in his seat with excitement. “Is he coming?”
“Yeah. Act cool,” I told him.
Kai stalked into the kitchen, glancing around before coming to take a seat at the table. “I thought Sprout would be here.” He pouted, and I chuckled.
“Sorry to disappoint. It's just us,” Faris drawled, tapping his fingers on the table as he stared at Kai. The movement was one hundred percent a 'me' move. Yet another strange thing to add to the catalogue of fuckery.
“You guys down for a little surprise seduction today? I'm desperate for her. I sound like a whiny asshole, but by the gods, I've been blessed with a mate with the most perfect body and the tightest—”
“Hi,” Saige said suddenly, and we all jumped, turning to look at her. She'd just come in from outside, if the dirt and grass stains on her knees were any indication.
“Hey,” I said softly.
“Hey, Sprout,” Kai replied with a grin.
“What were you doing out there? Your knees are filthy,” Faris observed.
“Some plant stuff. Needed to clear my mind. What are you guys doing?” she asked, looking at the books on the table. Her voice was suspicious, though I assumed that was due to the fact that we'd all jumped when she popped up out of nowhere like that.
“I'm practicing my magic. Want to see?” Faris asked, not hiding the hope on his face.
“Of course! Let me wash my hands real quick,” Saige told him. She headed for the sink, snagging a paper towel and hastily wiping her shiny face. It was getting warmer and warmer as summer marched on. “It's unbelievable out there. Can someone grab me a water?”
Kai and Faris both hopped up and raced to the fridge. Faris won, but not by much.
