Chapter Fourteen #3
“Yes.” I rub his back. “But you know we are going to bring it up later.”
“I am aware,” he says dryly. “Archer won’t shut up about it.” He winks at me before filling my plate.
“We decided on everything pasta. It will fill us for a night of vigilantism.” Lace rubs her hands together.
“I told you not to call it that,” Archer says.
“And I told you to find a better word. You couldn’t, so the word stays.” She smiles brightly at him, and he shakes his head. “Is Gavin going to be there?”
“He will be close, but wait until we clear the house,” Rome says.
“Is the owner going to be there?” I ask.
“It’s rumored that he spends more time at this location. He was there when the other building was active. Hopefully he is, and we can be done with this.” Rome hands me the food before filling his.
“Are we attacking like last time?” Archer asks.
“No. I’m going in first,” Rome says.
“Rome—” I narrow my eyes.
“Mara, we don’t know how many men are inside.
I don’t know the layout of the house or how many rooms they use.
I can shield myself easily. They won’t know I’m there.
If we all go in, and something surprises us, my spells could slip.
It’s safer. After I assess the situation, I can leave, fill you in, and then we go in together.
” He cups the back of my neck. “I won’t take unnecessary chances. ”
“It’s a good idea,” Archer says.
“Mara, he’s right,” Lace says.
“Fine.” I lean toward him. “As long as you come out to get us and don’t try to handle it on your own.”
“I promise,” he says, and Archer coughs. We both turn toward him.
“Sorry, food got stuck.” He rolls his eyes, and Rome glares at him.
“Ignore him,” Rome says.
“Bond,” I say, and he gives me his attention. “I will not be happy if you stay in there without us.”
“Trust me,” he says, staring into my eyes. I already told him I do, but I know he would do something he may regret to keep me safe. I have no choice. I have to believe he will do the right thing.
We start to eat, and I hope the food will settle my stomach.
I’m not sure if it’s the task ahead of us or bringing up what I need to do.
I’ve been close with Lace, but she’s right, I’ve pushed her away.
It’s been years since I willingly touched her.
She has been through a lot since we were little.
Losing Mom brought us closer, yet we never discussed our feelings after she was gone.
I didn’t grieve as I should have, as I was concentrating on keeping us safe and together.
I couldn’t let anyone take her away from me.
I don’t want to see her deepest thoughts.
Sisters should have some secrets from each other, and I’m afraid to see her true feelings.
“Lace, I need to experiment with my touch,” I say, and take a bite of noodles.
“What kind of experiment?” she asks.
“I want to see if I can control the flow of emotions.” She freezes, her fork suspended halfway to her mouth. “If I can, touching the men tonight won’t incapacitate me, and I can direct it toward them without any effect on me.”
“I’m the safest bet,” she mumbles.
“Yes.” She sets down her plate and wipes her mouth. “I think I can.”
“I believe in you,” she says.
“Rome can step in, just in case,” I say.
“Let's do it.” She rolls her shoulders and stands. I hesitate and look at Rome. He nods and smiles.
“Give me a second.” I straighten and move in front of her. I close my eyes and concentrate on my spells. They are awake and ready. As I open my eyes, I’m humbled by the trust she has in me. “I love you.”
“I love you too.” She holds out her hand, her palm up. I stare at it for a moment and exhale harshly.
My hand shakes slightly as I hover it over hers.
Please work. I jerk when we connect. I forget everything when I see Lace as a child.
Her loneliness floods through me. Pictures of her pass through me.
I see myself giving her a stuffed animal as a present.
She hugged it fiercely, and it became her constant companion.
Tears flood my eyes when she had to give it up.
It was too worn out and falling apart. Mom’s face when she died is burned into Lace’s subconscious, as is her desperation to bring her back to life.
Lace wanted her family back, and she still does.
She prayed for our father to magically appear in his human form.
Her trust of men greatly diminished when he didn’t ride to the rescue.
“Mara, remember your intention,” Rome says, bursting through Lace’s memories. He’s not touching me, but is standing close. It gives me the push to remember what I’m trying to do.
Mentally, I pull away, imagining severing the connection.
I build a wall between us, shoving Lace behind it.
I don’t want to feel. Her feelings are hers to share.
I don’t need to take them. I repeat the words over and over.
I build the barrier higher and higher. A fog settles over my vision instead of Lace’s past. It flickers beyond it as if I’m watching it behind a wall of water, blurry and distant.
Her sadness recedes, and my eyes dry. I pull at my spells, bending them to my will, not giving them a choice but to obey.
I pile every spell against the back of the wall, reinforcing it with every ounce of magic.
It becomes easier to mold. I press my eyes closed.
The magic pulses, glowing red within me, and I watch in wonder as it wraps around my intention.
I don’t want to feel. Her feelings are hers to share. I don’t need to take them.
“Shit,” Rome breathes. “You fucking did it, my Mara.” I open my eyes and blink.
“I did,” I rasp. His pride in my skill causes my cheeks to feel hot, yet confidence settles within me.
“Brilliant,” Lace whispers, launching into my arms.
I feel nothing except our mutual love.