Page 13 of Bound By Fire and Magic
Nana’s eyes narrowed as she probably realized why Elle was asking. “You are not to try destroying the tulpa yourselves.”
“What about with the gods’ help? If Dad created this thing, he probably approached Goron.” Elle turned to Kirin. “He’s the Deuce we descend from.”
“You know how risky it is to approach a god, even one of our own heritage. They play us like chess pieces.” Nana glanced up and made a circular gesture of reverence. “With all due respect.”
It was believed that the gods paid little attention to Crescents unless they wanted amusement. Or were being worshipped or called upon. But no one knew how much they really watched their offspring.
Elle pulled the journal cover out of the bag. “I found this, too. I think it’s Mom’s diary, but I couldn’t ‘see’ anything more on it, either.”
Nana took the cover and stepped far enough away so that Elle couldn’t grasp onto her arm. After a moment, she said, “Huff tore out the pages and burned them. Not as part of the ceremony, but in anger. I couldn’t see any of the writing.” She handed the cover back. “I don’t remember hearing about a journal. He would have mentioned it.”
“Maybe Dad recently found it.” Elle turned to Kirin. “I bet something in there sent him over the edge. Like confirmation that she and Stein were having an affair. Nana, what happens to the tulpa if we leave it at the factory? Will it fade away?”
She shrugged. “It might. We must give your father time to return. Stay away from the factory, Ellie. This situation is more than you can handle.”
Kirin stepped up beside Elle. “She’s right. We don’t know what that thing can do.”
Nana’s eyes softened, the first time Elle had ever seen an expression of respect aimed at Kirin. Even if he was placating her with lies. He wasn’t going to sit around and wait until her father came back any more than she would.
5
Elle tried not to let her gaze slide to Kirin as she drove back to her father’s. “I’m staying at Dad’s place, in case he comes back.” She glanced at him. “You going back to your place?”
He scrubbed his fingers through his hair. “Wish I could. I sold it after we broke up, fresh start and all. I’m doing a short-term lease in Atlanta, hoping the firm I’m working for will renew my contract.”
“How is it, living so far from the Field?”
“Boring,” he said, and she swore he was a little surprised that the word had popped right out. “Yeah, it’s boring as hell.” He met her gaze. “No magick. My Dragon hates it.” He settled back against the seat with a resigned expression. “I’m going to get a hotel room someplace not far from you. If that tulpa went to my pop’s place, it can go anywhere. And it knows us now. For all I know, it’s following us. Or has some way to get to us.”
The thought of it coming to find them startled her. Her fingers tightened on the wheel. “You should stay at my dad’s.” She’d run the words together, reluctant to utter them. “We should stay together. For safety. You don’t know if it was your power or my orb that sent the thing away. If it comes after us, we know combining our magick will send it off again.”
She saw him staring at her from the corner of her eye but kept her focus on the road. “This is about figuring out what’s going on and nothing else. No talking about the past or being naked unnecessarily. Got it?”
“Are you talking about you being naked, ‘cause I’m fine with that.” He shrugged. “Just saying.”
She snorted. “You know exactly who I’m talking about, the one who has no modesty.”
“Modesty is for sissies.” He tugged at his collar. “Besides, clothes are constricting.”
When they had gotten back together after college, Kirin spent a lot of time naked, coaxing her to do the same. Once she’d moved past self-consciousness, she discovered a love for the freedom and decadence of lying around nude in her apartment or his.
Suddenly the collar of her shirt was tight, too, but she stopped herself from mimicking his tugging action. She couldn’t believe she was sharing this small space with him. Or that she’d suggested they stay together. But it did make sense, and honestly, having a Dragon around did make her feel safer.
Inside the house a short while later, it felt a thousand times strange having Kirin there. She’d showed him the guest room and was now pouring them iced tea.
Kirin picked up a note on the kitchen counter. “Miss Ellie, do NOT clean the dishes. Is what I’m paid for. I bring you some pierogies tomorrow, fill your tummy. Signed, E.” He peered at her from beneath a raised eyebrow.
She snatched the note from him. “Esmerelda, the housekeeper. She leaves me meals that just need to be reheated. I love her.”
His gaze settled on the dish rack sprouting a couple of pans, a plate, and a glass. “And yet, you still didn’t listen to her.”
“I can’t leave dirty dishes for someone else to clean.”
His mouth quirked in a smile. “Same Elle I used to know.”
“No, I’m not. I’m completely different.” Completely immune to your charm, too, unlike that girl who lived and breathed you.
He held her gaze, flames flickering in his eyes. “Is that so?”
