Page 21 of Discovered Magic
“If I’m being honest, I’m exhausted. It’s been five days, and I’m worried the fever is cooking her brain. She’s been rambling something fierce.” Jonas met Draven’s gaze. “I think the Witches’ Council is holding back to force your hand, but I have to do something.”
“Why do you care so much, cher? It’s one woman, and no one’s come lookin’.”
“Perhaps that’s why. No one should be helpless or alone in the world. It doesn’t seem right.”
“I’ve lent my magie to yours, Thorne, but I’ll not accept the anchor of Guardian, not even for you or your need to save the world.”
“I’m not asking you to,” Jonas snapped.
“Aren’t you?”
Maybe he was, but he wouldn’t admit it aloud. Draven could do so much good if he’d get over his rage at being manipulated by his mother, one of the three sisters of Fate. But perhaps betrayals like theirs didn’t allow for forgiveness or acceptance.
“I’m going for the Aether,” Jonas decided aloud. “Damian will help her. He must. And if not him, Uncle Nate won’t let her suffer.”
“We will pray to the Goddess you are right. I wouldn’t bet my last coin on her chances after tomorrow.”
Leaving Draven in charge of her welfare, Jonas teleported to the Thorne estate in Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee, to confer with his uncle. He swore as he stepped into the dining room, having failed to note the hour.
“I’m sorry, Aunt Evie,” he apologized, Stetson in hand. “You know I’d never interrupt your supper if it wasn’t important.”
“Think nothing of it, dear boy. Are you hungry? Darling, dish Jonas up a plate,” she directed, smiling at Uncle Nate down the length of the table. “No, not the cornbread, dear. He loathes the stuff.”
If Jonas weren’t so damned tired, he’d have laughed. Though tiny, Evelyn Flemming-Thorne was a force to be reckoned with, and her husband did her bidding with zero complaints.
“I don’t really have time, Aunt Evie. I need to find Damian.”
“He’s not here, dear. The last I heard, he was watching the Enchantress’s tomb from Ravenswood until the next Guardian took his place.”
“Does he never leave his estate these days?” Jonas asked, desperation creeping in.
“What’s all this about, my boy?” Uncle Nate asked, handing him a full plate, having ignored Jonas’s refusal. “Sit and tell me what’s happening.”
So he did. Between mouthfuls of Evie’s delicious stew and freshly conjured biscuits, he explained his current circumstances.
“Oh, the poor woman!” Evie rose in one fluid motion and snapped her fingers. In a blink, she was wearing a traveling costume and had a small satchel in hand. “I’ll go back with you while Nathanial finds Damian.”
“Evie—”
“No, darling. I’ll not hear another word about it. Bring Damian to… where is it you live now, Jonas?”
He bit back a grin. “Perdition Ridge. Arizona.”
“Right, well, that sounds like a dreary place, doesn’t it?” she mused. “Nothing for it. That sweet woman needs our help.”
“Evie—”
“I won’t be gainsaid, Nathanial.”
Uncle Nate blew out a breath, rose to his feet, and swept her into a one-armed embrace, using his other hand to remove the bag from her grasp. He dropped the satchel at her feet and proceeded to kiss her senseless. Though brief, the kiss was pure seduction, and when he straightened, there were stars in her eyes.
“I have no intention of gainsaying you, my love,” he said huskily. “But we need a plan of action before going off half-cocked.”
“I’d say you’re more than half cocked, darling,” she purred, letting her fingers wander with blatant appreciation.
Jonas choked on a carrot. There were certain things he didn’t need to witness. Foreplay between his older married relatives was at the top of the list, only second to his parents going at it.
Uncle Nate’s deep laughter rang out.
