Chapter Eleven #2
“Damn,” Lace says, wrinkling her nose. “At least it doesn’t smell.” I bite my lip, knowing I shouldn't laugh, although she’s right.
“Good job,” Archer says.
“Beautiful,” Rome rumbles, kissing my earlobe.
“We need to leave. Let me deal with the ash.” He gently moves me out of the way and waves his hand, encompassing the area.
The remains rise in the air. “Go to the door.” Archer walks out of the room, and Lace follows.
I walk beside Rome as he pushes what remains of the bodies through the air, containing them in a circular shape.
Lace presses against the front desk as we pass, grimacing at the particles, and Archer waits at the door.
“Mara, do the invisibility spell before we step out.” I look at him, away from the mass of dust.
“I—” Can I?
“You can do it,” he says, and I place my palm on his chest. I close my eyes and pull on my magic.
Protect my soul from prying eyes. “Yes, my Mara.” I blink and smile.
“I can feel the protection.” I move to Lace and then Archer.
He opens the door, and Rome whispers a few words.
The remains of the men float outside; the gentle breeze and the intentions of my bond, disperse them.
I rely on Rome to get me to the car and buckle my belt.
I’m a little shocked by the events of the night.
I should be more startled by what I did to Ryan or how many men Rome killed.
All I can think about is how much my power has grown, and with encouragement from my bond, I did much more than I thought I was capable of.
I stare at Rome as he speeds away from the building of horrors. He keeps one hand on the wheel and one on the gearshift. His fingers twitch, and his body is wired. His hair is in his face, and his jaw ticks.
I can imagine that taking in all the energy is invigorating yet overwhelming. I put my hand on top of his between us, and he seems to calm slightly. My spells are pushing to merge with his, and I wonder if it would help even out his.
“Gavin sent me a message,” Lace whispers, and I jerk. I was concentrating on Rome and almost forgot we were not alone. “The women are safe. He’s working with them.”
“Will he help them find new employment?” Archer asks.
“Yes. They have a system in place,” she answers.
“You believe in him,” he mutters.
“I wouldn’t have asked him to assist us if I didn’t,” she says softly. “You guys don’t trust easily.”
“We have years of reasons not to,” Rome says. He doesn’t look away from the road, and I study his face. I want to brush his hair away from his eyes and feel his scruff against my skin. The need to offer comfort is strong, yet he portrays the confidence that he doesn’t need any help.
“Do you need me tonight?” Archer asks him.
“No.” Rome glances in the mirror.
“I need some time,” he says.
“Whatever you need,” Rome replies. “I’ll spell the houses. You know how to get in when you are done.” I resist the urge to look at Archer, not knowing enough about him to understand how his magic works.
“Thanks, brother,” Archer whispers.
“Mara, are you doing all right?” Lace asks, leaning forward. She cups my shoulder, and it’s beginning to feel normal for her to touch me.
“I’m good,” I reply softly, reaching around with my free hand. I graze her knuckles with my fingers, brushing softly before dropping back to the seat. “My energy is dropping, but it’s better this time. I’m looking forward to sleeping.”
“Me too,” she sighs. “Is it weird that I don’t care that they are dead?”
“No. They deserved it,” I say firmly.
“Do you look at me differently because I killed them?” Rome asks, and I frown.
“Of course not,” she says. “You did it to protect Mara and those women.” He nods, and I watch him with narrowed eyes. I assumed he didn’t feel any guilt over their deaths.
“You are correct. One of them went after Mara. I couldn't allow that.” He lifts his fingers, caressing my hand. “My actions should prove to you that I will do anything to protect both of you.” I exhale lightly. Maybe his words were said just to prove a point.
“Regret is a waste of time,” Archer says. “It would change nothing. Those men are where they belong.”
“Where do you think they go?” she asks.
“That is a question for the universe,” he responds lightly. “Hopefully, somewhere they will be tortured for the rest of time.”
“That’s dark,” she mumbles.
“We live in a dark world.” I look over my shoulder and meet his eyes.
His emotions seem unstable, and it makes me curious about him.
“Rome is a good one to have on your side when everything goes to shit,” he says, smiling.
Whatever he is trying to communicate to me makes me uneasy. Is it a warning or a compliment?
“We’re here,” Rome says, and I turn around.
“I’ll be back in a few hours,” Archer informs us.
“Take the car,” Rome says, opening his door. We get out, and I wait as Archer moves to the driver's side. My bond steps close to him, putting his hand on Archer’s shoulder. “I’ll be there in a few,” Rome says to me. I pause a moment and walk toward the house.
“What do you think is happening?” Lace whispers from beside me.
“I don’t know.” I glance at the post I put up so our owl could perch, and notice him watching us.
“I hope he’s okay,” she says as we stop by our doors.
Lace opens the little container she keeps on the bench and pulls out a cookie.
I watch as she crumbles it in her fist and scatters the pieces across the little table.
Yes, our bird loves treats. He stares at the table, but he won’t eat until we leave.
“He will be,” I say, smiling. My face is tight, and I don’t know if I believe my words. “Get some sleep.”
“I will. I love you.” She smiles and enters her house.
Unlocking my door, I glance toward the driveway before stepping inside.
It feels good to be home. The events of the night are shoved to the back of my mind, and I turn on the lights as I walk to my bedroom.
I grab some comfortable shorts and a loose pajama tank.
Showering is necessary. I feel dirty, as if their evil rubbed off on me.
After shutting the bathroom door, I turn on the water and move to the sink.
I stare at myself, but I don’t look any different.
It’s silly to think I would. I feel stronger, as if accepting my gifts has allowed my body to adjust and be at ease.
I shake my head and strip. Going through the motions of taking care of my body, I let my thoughts wander to my sexy soul bond.
He intrigues me and causes interesting things to happen to my magic and body.
He hasn’t said much about his past, and even though I have met his family, he’s still a mystery.
We have communicated with our spells and souls.
Is that why I feel so close to him? I don’t need to know his favorite color or food to know he is a good person.
I know he has secrets, but who doesn’t? There are things I’ve shared with him that I haven’t told anyone, yet it felt natural.
He would never force me to say or do things I’m not comfortable with.
So, even if I am curious, I won’t push him. He will open up when he is ready.
I squeeze the water out of my hair, step out, and reach for the towel.
Wrapping my body, I walk to the mirror and freeze.
How did I not notice it? I lean forward over the sink and stare at the new tattoo that appeared on my shoulder.
Flames. Fire is scattered over two inches of my skin.
I’d never accomplished fire before tonight.
It was a rush, and I felt a surge of pride.
This must mean I did the right thing. The universe is rewarding me with new ink on my skin that I can pull my magic from.
I flutter my fingers over it, grateful it doesn’t hurt like a new tattoo.
It feels hot, and I can’t help but smile.
Dropping my hand, I lotion my body and dress.
My hair takes more time. I open a drawer and get out my blow dryer.
I set it on full blast and brush as I dry.
My eyes are the same green as they always have been, except now I can see a light in them.
Rome makes me happy. Being in his presence has already changed me.
Feeling our spells connected has brought new life to my world.
Is this how being bonded feels? I’m not as afraid of it as I was at first. He makes me comfortable.
I trust he wants the best for me. As he showed me how to use my fire, it felt right.
My mom was the last person to teach me anything about magic.
I think she would approve of Rome’s patience and care.
When my strands are dry enough, I shut the blower off, run the bristles through once more, and straighten the room. I open the door and freeze just over the threshold. Rome is sitting on the edge of the bed, facing the bathroom, his hands clenching the mattress.
“Do you mind if I use your shower?” he asks, his gaze trailing over my skin.
“Make yourself at home.” I bite my lip when he stands fluidly, and I watch him walk toward me.
“Are you sure?” he asks, stopping in front of me.
“What?” I frown.
“You’re blocking the door,” he whispers, rubbing his thumb over my shoulder. Slowly back and forth, back and forth. The rings he wears are cold and make me shiver.
“Oh, shit. Sorry.” I can’t make my body move.
“Is this new?” he asks, tilting his head. I follow his gaze to the fire.
“Yes,” I gulp.
“Good girl. You accomplished your fire.” He grins charmingly, and I have to lock my knees. I don’t know if the cause is his pride, sexy grin, or the words good girl. “Do you want to watch?”
“Huh?” I lick my lips. He focuses on my mouth.
“My Mara, you need to walk away. If not, I don’t mind your presence while I shower.” He lifts his handful of clothes, which I didn’t notice he had.
“Crap.” I slide to the side and forward.
“Shame,” he mumbles.
“What?” I ask, narrowing my eyes. He said it so softly, I can’t be sure of what I heard.
“Nothing,” he says. He winks, steps inside the bathroom, and shuts the door softly.
I sprint out of the bedroom while waving my hands in front of my face.
He’s powerful with more than magic. His simple touch almost turned me into a puddle on the floor.
I busy my hands and make some tea. Coffee is a favorite, but tea calms me.
Lace introduced me to different flavors, and I sort through them until I find the chai.
I have no idea if Rome likes it, but I make him some anyway.
Going to bed would be the smart thing, and although I’m exhausted, I don’t think my mind will shut off yet.
I hate lying there, staring at the ceiling, hoping for sleep to come. I would rather exhaust myself.
Lace bought me a cute pot to boil water, but I’m too impatient.
Instead, I fill two cups with water and put them in the microwave.
I figure both ways get the water hot, so who cares about the method?
While it heats, I get a plate and fill it with the chocolate chip cookies Lace baked.
Cookies go with everything, but especially tea.
The timer beeps, and I carefully remove the cups.
I’m dunking the bags in them as Rome leaves the bedroom.
I stare at his bare chest, barely paying any attention to what I’m doing.
He’s wearing black silky pajama pants and a robe of the same material.
The fabric waves behind him as he moves, and my mouth waters.
“Is that for me?” he asks as he stops across from me.
“Uh…yeah.” I look down and remove the little bag. “It calms me.” I shrug and pass him his cup. He sits on a stool and takes the offered cup. I lick my lips as his fingers graze mine.
“I could use that,” he says softly.
“Is something wrong?” I blow on my tea and watch him carefully.
“The adrenaline is still with me,” he explains.
“Is the amount of energy affecting you? Can you take too much?” I frown.
“That’s a tricky question,” he mutters, balling his hand. “There was a time when I would be afraid to touch you, especially after big intakes.”
“Why?”
He looks at his cup, and the silence stretches. I don’t think he is going to answer me until he finally lifts his gaze.
“When I was younger, I found it difficult to control my spells.” He exhales harshly.
“A young man has many emotions of his own running through him. Having others bombard him daily was overwhelming. It felt good, and they expanded my magic, but I didn’t know what to do with all the energy.
I struggled for years practicing. Emotions are everywhere and in everyone.
Unless I was alone in my room, I couldn’t help but take from others.
Humans are filled with feelings. They can’t help but express them with every action.
” He grinds his teeth, looking away briefly.
When he looks back, he must have come to a decision.
“I thought I was in love. She was sweet and seemed to like me. The first time we got close, I lost control. I almost killed her.” He stops, waiting for my reaction. “You aren’t running.”
“I would never run from you,” I whisper, taking a sip. “Tell me.” My heart thuds as relief flows over him.
“We were in bed. Emotions were high, and I began to drain her.”