Chapter Twelve #2
“Yes. That was the one rule.” She fiddles with her cup.
“That is why we live quietly. I interact with humans, but I don’t welcome them into my private life.
I rely on my magic in much of my life except for work.
I help struggling businesses make money.
Most of those I work with are humans, and I find it a fulfilling challenge not to use my spells to do it.
I have a full staff who oversees my business when I decide to take time for family or for myself.
We travel the world, never staying in one place for too long.
I’m at home in the middle of books. Everywhere I go, I love to find old books.
My home is filled with first editions and originals.
I have lived alone much of the time. Archer has always been close and has lived with me many times.
He is my brother, despite the lack of blood between us. ” I drain my cup of cool tea.
“How long have you known him?”
“One hundred and forty years,” I say, and her eyes widen. “He has been my best friend and brother. Wherever I go, he goes too. For several years, when we were younger, he lived with us. My parents consider him their child.”
“What happened to his parents?” she asks.
“He’s very private. I don’t want to keep anything from you, but I want to talk to him first before revealing things about his past.” I grab my cup and move around the counter. “I hope you will care about him as a brother. He will be in our lives forever.” I set the dirty dishes in the sink.
“I don’t want you to betray his confidence,” she says, turning to face me.
“Thank you, my Mara,” I hum and run my knuckles down her cheek.
“You say my name the same way,” she says, and I freeze. “Breathy.” I smile, shaking my head.
“Please don’t describe it that way in front of Archer,” I instruct. “He’ll jump at the chance to give me hell about it.”
“I won’t. Promise.” She smiles.
“I think we need to get some sleep.” I look at the clock. “It’s going to be morning soon.”
“The tea helped,” she says.
“We need to protect your house. I want you to do it.” She wrinkles her nose. “I believe in you.”
“I haven’t done protection spells in a while,” she says. “I’m out of practice.”
“It will come back to you quickly. You had never done a fire spell, and you did it beautifully,” I remind her, taking her hand.
“Do you promise you aren’t helping me?”
“Only in the way of talking you through it.” I pull her to the front door. “You need to understand that you have always had the magic inside. Trust it.”
“Easier said than done,” she mumbles.
“Trust me then,” I whisper, moving her in front of me. “Can you do that?”
“Yes,” she replies softly.
“Our spells are always ready.” I wrap my arms around her waist and press against her back.
“The words don’t come easily to me.”
“Remember, the words don’t matter. Ten witches could do the same spell, yet use different words, and it would work.
It is the intention behind the words. Move the spell as you want.
You have to believe in the power of the magic.
Pick the words that mean something to you.
” I brush my cheek against her head. “Our intention is the same. To protect the house and the people in it.”
“You are so much better at this,” she says.
“I’ve had a lot of practice. You’ve had no one to believe and guide you,” I whisper in her ear. “I do. I believe you can do anything you want.”
“Thank you.” She takes a deep breath and holds up her hand, her palm facing the door. “Protect those within.” Nothing happens, and I can feel her doubt.
“Do you think I could get hurt?” I ask, and she jerks.
“Don’t even say that,” she hisses, and I grin.
“I know I’m powerful, but I’m not invincible. Things happen, and I’m sure we are just being extra cautious. As we have learned, it’s better to be prepared for anything.” I squeeze her hips. “I want you to keep us safe.” She widens her stance.
“Keep those within this house safe. Anyone with bad intentions will be forced away. Protect us.” I feel her energy moving, and the spell taking effect.
“Good girl,” I whisper. “I’m so proud of you.” She turns her head, and our lips are inches apart.
“It worked,” she says, grinning.
“You needed some motivation,” I say, and she narrows her eyes. “I want you to do the other doors.”
“What about Lace’s house?” she asks, glancing at my mouth.
“I already did it. As I said, we are being overly cautious, but I don’t want anything to happen. We have survived a long time because of our caution.” I squeeze her hip. “You need to stop looking at my mouth,” I warn.
“Why?” She lifts her gaze.
“It’s dangerous to tempt me while I have heightened power.” I glide my finger across her bottom lip.
“What about the other times?” she whispers.
“It’s slightly less,” I smirk.
“Hmm…” She moves back, and I drop my arms. It was a wise choice, but I feel the loss of her heat.
“Spell all of the doors and windows,” I say, and don’t move.
I watch her work around the room, gaining confidence as she progresses.
Telling her about my past was easier than I thought it would be.
She didn’t judge me, and it felt good to reveal some of my secrets.
There is more to tell, but it won’t happen tonight.
She expended tons of energy. I can see the exhaustion in her body, even though her mind is still busy with thoughts.
I’m waiting for the realization to hit her.
She killed a man, and seeing me kill so many has to affect her.
I go upstairs and secure it. She needs to rest. Spelling the whole house may take more than she has.
I’m proud of her growth in such a short period of time.
I’m thrilled that I am the one who can teach her.
Every second in her presence makes me more attached to her.
She is a wonderful woman, and seeing her strength is a turn-on.
My body is charged with energy. I can’t hold it all in.
It has to have an outlet, whether that be spelling the house or fucking my soul bond.
Mara isn’t ready for the latter, so I have to do magic.
While outside with Archer, I put an extra protection spell on him.
He needed time with his thoughts and to wander aimlessly.
He frowned when he felt my magic but didn’t protest. We have been brothers for a long time, so he knows I would ignore his assurance that he didn’t need it.
He doesn’t know the area, and there is always a chance for trouble. His safety has always been a priority.
I sigh and return downstairs. Mara is finishing in the bathroom.
I lean on the door frame and cross my arms. Fuck, she’s sexy.
I’ve had a difficult time keeping my eyes directed at her face instead of her toned legs, curves, and braless breasts.
She must feel comfortable with me. I tilt my head as she bends closer to the window.
She’s driving me to distraction, yet I don’t think she’s doing it on purpose.
Her innocence is clear. She may not be a virgin, but she doesn’t have much experience with men, good men.
I have to go slow. I would hate to rush her and break the trust she has in me.
Completing the soul bond is all I can think about.
I would do it now. Her character is clear to me.
She protected her sister to the point of putting her own life in immediate danger for months.
How can I not respect that? Her love is strong and endless.
No matter my faults, my family is everything to me, and I’m glad my bond has the same values.
“Oh,” she gasps as she turns around.
“Done?” She pulls on her shorts.
“Yes. I haven’t done the bedroom.” She comes toward me slowly. “Or the other section of the bathroom.”
“I’ll do it,” I offer, reaching out to rub the ends of her hair. “You’ve done well.”
“I can finish,” she insists, glancing at my chest. “Your tattoos are glowing.” I look down and rub my palm down my skin.
“They are overcharged,” I explain. “It will help protect the rest of the house.”
“You took too many emotions.” She frowns and traces the ink at the base of my throat. “Is there another way to let out the energy?” I grit my teeth, not sure if she is aware of what she is saying. I narrow my eyes when her lips twitch.
“Are you fucking with me?” I growl.
“No. I just want to…help.” She licks her lips, and my cock hardens.
“How?”
“How?” She drops her hand.
“Be clear,” I demand, stepping close, and she looks up.
“I haven’t had many experiences,” she whispers, swallowing. “I would like to have them with you.” I bite back my groan. “I’m not ready for everything.” She waves her hand down my body. “I want to explore. Remember, I haven’t been able to touch anyone without feeling their life.” She holds my stare.
“My Mara,” I hum, gliding my hand behind the curtain of her hair, cupping her neck.
“You can take your time exploring me.” I kiss her lightly.
“I’ll finish the spell. Go to the bedroom.
” She nods, and I remove all contact so she can leave the room.
I barely pay attention as I move through the rest of the space, saying my protection words in my head.
As I walk across the bedroom floor, finishing the bedroom window, Mara leans against the headboard.
She doesn’t even try to be sexy; it’s just a fact.
Having a woman ask to explore your body is an automatic yes. My soul bond doing it is thrilling.
I turn off the overhead light, shut the door, and flick on the lamp on the bedside table with my spell. She watches me carefully as I slip off my robe. As I climb onto the bed beside her, she sucks in a breath. I crawl over her, my hands braced on either side of her hips.
“I don’t know what to do,” she whispers.
“Do whatever the fuck you want,” I state, nipping her lip. “I want you to be comfortable. You want to explore, touch me.” I drop to the side, stretching out next to her, and folding my arms behind my head. I wait, and feel her eyes traveling over my body.
“If you insist,” she mumbles and kneels. It’s going to take every ounce of control I have not to take her.
She slowly inches closer to my side, and when her knees brush my hip, she lifts her leg, swinging over the top of my thighs.
Shit. How can I resist her? She pauses, holding her hands over my stomach before dropping them to my skin.
I suck in air through my teeth as she glides them up my chest and back down.
Her hair is spread around her face, and the strands skate over me.
I want to gather the mass of hair in my fist and guide her to my cock.
I’ve never held back with a woman to this extent, but I know I must.
“Your skin is vibrating,” she says softly, and kisses my chest. She moves down, opening her mouth as she travels. Her tongue slides across the skin above my waistband.
“You don’t realize how hot you are,” I hiss when she hooks a finger underneath my pants.
“Show me,” she says, looking up.
“What?”
“I want you to show me what you like,” she rasps.
I laugh abruptly. “You don’t know what you are asking.”
“Then educate me.” She tugs on my waistband.
“Tell me to stop if I scare you.” She nods. “Give me the words.”
“I promise I will.” I slowly reach down, curling slightly, and gather her hair in my hand. “Pull my pants down. Take out my cock.”
She doesn’t hesitate. Fuck.
I have to concentrate. I can’t lose complete control.