Page 147 of The Demon's Fire
“Oh, for heaven’s sake. Commander Kole, Abello, Rein, take a load off. No one is going to invade the stronghold, and the wall doesn’t need re-enforcement.” Braelyn figured all testosterone-laden males favored the pose. She chuckled while looking to Skyler and Margo for support. They understood.
The males glanced at one another but pushed off. Rein and Kole strode reluctantly to sit beside their mates. Nico lodged on a sofa arm near Chay.
“There. Not so bad, is it?” Braelyn patted a scowling Rein on the knee. “Who bought the fancy couches?”
Margo tossed a tangle of red hair over her shoulder. “The commander gave me the assignment. Apparently, if you’re a sculptor, you are also an interior designer.”
Chay looked a little worried, as if he expected Kole to smite Margo with fire.
Instead, the commander shot the redheaded spitfire a lopsided smirky grin while he propped his boots onto the table. “It worked out great. Just don’t start bringing in artsy breakable shit.”
Braelyn uncrossed her legs, moving closer to the edge of the couch. She took a deep breath before she glanced around the room. “Let’s get to it then. Thanks for coming, everyone. First bit of news, Rein and I will be moving into the stronghold.”
Chay threw an arm around Margo’s shoulders. “Why? Rein’s digs are great.”
Braelyn felt her mate’s thigh tense under her hand. “That’s the next bit of news. I have a confession. I’m a Blood Coven descendant.”
Margo gasped while the others exchanged glances. Rein, who had been holding his breath, finally exhaled.
“It’s been a secret, but I guess you could say I’m patient zero. Because of me, the Firebrands learned Cerberus was hunting for us. Rein thinks I should stay hidden, but I want you to know the truth.”
Kole glanced at Skyler. “The vamp mix is right. I wouldn’t let my mate put a big target on her back like you’re doing. We had no choice but to come out.”
His composed mate arched a regal brow. “You wouldn’t have let me? When did you become my master?” She returned her attention to Braelyn. The woman was truly brave for smartassing the demon. “Thank you. I like knowing who we are and how many of us are here.”
“You’re welcome. I believe sharing my knowledge with you is the right thing to do. Please understand, there are perks to being tagged a Blood Coven mage. I asked Alarik to keep his lips sealed so I could share the news with you. Here’s the best. Because of Scath’s effect on our DNA, we’re likely to live a long time.” She ran her hand along Rein’s thigh. “So, Commander and Chay, you and your mates will be together for … well, a lot longer. Nico, you’ll never need a rocking chair on the porch of an old folks’ home.”
Kole’s eyes slid shut, his chest heaving with deep breaths, his arm tightening around Skyler. She placed a palm to her mate’s heart.
Chay swept a tear from his cheek as he hugged Margo closer.
“Also, fellow witches and warlock, your powers will only get stronger. I train at the School of Forging Magic. My personal witchipoo claims my mind creates energy. With it, I guide throwing knives, stars, spikes to their target. Dead-on aim. With practice, I may be able to use my energy to fashion weapons. Supposedly, this advanced skill will take more time, but I’ll get there. I can also arrow my thoughts into people’s minds. Can’t read them. So, whatever’s rattling around in your head is safe from me. I don’t pretend to understand how to control my gifts, but my trainer thinks I’m capable of a lot more. A scary lot more.”
Margo stroked a finger across her lower lip. “I’ve been going to the School of Manipulation to master radio waves. When I can’t control my power, everything around me goes kablooey. I’m getting better. Baby steps.”
“Alarik says I’m a scryer.” Skyler lifted a confident chin. “He set me up at the School of Investigative Magic. I’ve attended several sessions. The trainer is amazed I don’t need a focus object for my visions. Apparently, my body produces its own. Ice crystals. I also travel to my vision in a spirit-like form.”
“Interesting,” said Rein. “You’re describing Etheric Travel. A big scrying upgrade.”
Skyler smiled at Kole. “I learned enough tricks to survive the demon mating ceremony.”
Attention slid to Nico.
He tapped a still dark brown eye. “I haven’t got my warlock on yet?”
Braelyn nodded. “You will. We probably each respond to Scath at a different rate. I assume you ladies are getting a workout with a physical trainer, too.” She glanced at Nico. “You’re already in peak condition.”
When Rein growled, Braelyn gave his leg a reassuring pat. “Aren’t we beyond that?”
Nico popped off the arm of the couch, his fists clenched at his sides. “I’m not getting any stronger or seeing any weird powers. Are we sure I’m one of you?”
“Blood is blood,” said Kole. “You’ll get there, son. Maybe you should find a female to take your mind off the problem. I know Skyler scatters my brains all over the place when we…”
The icy blonde scowled, punching her mate’s shoulder. “Hush. I can’t believe you said that.”
“What? You do.”
Braelyn rose from the sofa, moving to the center of the area. “Fellow covenists, none of us will be helpless.”
