Chapter Nineteen
Mara
Taking a big bite of my cookie, I sit with Lace at the counter and listen to Rome lecturing his mom on the rules of etiquette for teleporting.
His dad is trying to hide his smile behind his mug, but is failing miserably.
Archer is lounging on the couch, his ankle over his knee, eating his fifth treat.
He’s not fazed by anything. Lace is still blushing after my explanation of why there was a freak storm.
Apparently, the house was shaking. I could tell Archer wanted to make a joke, but he restrained himself.
I stayed busy making tea for everyone, and Lace went back to her house for more cookies.
I can’t decide if I find the situation funny or not.
I would rather still be in bed with Rome exploring our new connection, but I also find his mother’s tactics loving instead of intrusive.
“You’re happy,” Lace whispers, and I turn to her.
“Yes.” I smile and look at my hands. “I feel whole.”
“Good.” She touches my wrist and starts to yank away. I grab her hand, and don’t feel her memories.
“I can control it with little effort,” I say, and she sucks in a breath. “I never thought it possible.” I stare at our joined hands. “All the tension and worry are gone. I don’t have to hide anymore.” I focus on her face, and she has tears on her cheeks.
“I’m thrilled for you,” she says, brushing her wet skin. “You deserve to be at peace.”
“Can I welcome my daughter-in-law now?” Margarete throws her arm toward me, and I stand. “I promise to be more considerate,” she says, walking away from him.
“I’ve heard that before,” Rome mumbles, glaring at her back as she walks to the kitchen. She wraps her arms around me, and I freeze.
“I’m so happy,” she whispers, and I slowly lift my arms to embrace her. My spells are calm, and I don’t feel anything but love. “Thank you for loving him.”
“It’s not hard,” I say, squeezing her. She’s forgiven for popping in. “My mom would have liked you.” She eases back, her smile tender.
“We would have gotten into all kinds of trouble together.” She tucks my hair behind my ear.
“She would be proud of you.” I blink, my tears surprising me.
“Both of you.” She glances at Lace. “Maybe you can cure Rome of his crankiness.” She rolls her eyes his way, and I laugh.
I jerk when there is a knock on the door.
“It’s Adeline,” Rome says, and I nod. It’s going to take some time to want to answer the door.
“Good job, boy,” Adeline squeals as he lets her in.
“I had every confidence in you.” She pats his cheek on her way by.
Marvin follows meekly, shrugging his shoulders when Rome’s eyes twitch.
“Mara.” She holds her arms wide as she reaches the kitchen, and Margarete moves back.
“Welcome to the craziness.” I startle at her grip when she hugs me.
“Thanks…I think.” She wiggles us back and forth before releasing me.
“I can feel your power,” she says.
“My power?” I press my hand to my stomach. I know I have gained some magic from Rome, but I didn’t think they could sense it that strongly.
“The house is filled with it,” she replies, nodding. “It’s floating in the air.” She wanders around looking at the ceiling. I follow her gaze and see nothing.
“Adeline,” Rome sighs, and I meet his eyes.
“Can we try to act normal? Mara isn’t used to your quirks.
” He walks toward me, and my breath catches.
His feet are bare, and his jeans are worn.
The sleeves of his tight shirt are pushed up, showing off his strong forearms and ink.
He stops in front of me, wraps his arm low around my hips, and pulls me in.
The women in the room sigh when he kisses my temple.
I wouldn’t care if they danced naked in the backyard on a full moon, as long as he was mine.
“Maybe we should go back there,” Lace whispers.
“No, we shouldn’t,” I say, smiling at the customer. She takes her bag of books, smiles, and leaves.
“I can’t hear anything,” she persists.
“I know. Rome spelled the room,” I mutter.
“Why?” she asks.
“To keep you from hearing them.” I nod at the customer who walks out without making a purchase.
“He’s my friend and I don’t want Rome to yell at him,” she says, stomping her foot. I glance at her foot and back at her face.
“Do you believe Rome will do anything to hurt Gavin?” I ask. Lace doesn’t like being asked to leave her area, but she especially didn’t like it when Rome did it to speak to Gavin.
“No,” she grumbles.
“Gavin needs to know he messed up. Rome is thinking of our protection,” I point out, annoyed with her.
“I get it.” She crosses her arms and leans against the counter. “I guess I’m protective of Gavin.”
“I wouldn’t have guessed,” I say dryly. “He won’t do anything drastic to Gavin. Chill out.”
“Alright,” she grits out. “I’m going to the restroom.” I watch her stalk away and shake my head. Once Lace allows someone into her life, she protects them fiercely.
It’s been three days since we ushered Rome’s family out of my house.
Today was the first day we came outside.
Usually, I would rather stay away from everyone, but we were running low on food.
We have secluded ourselves, and he has been showing me how much he loves being my soul bond.
I’m not complaining, but it’s nice to wear clothes.
Gavin came to check on Lace, and Rome wanted to talk to him.
I feel free. It’s not just the sex, although I’m enjoying the fuck out of that, but the conversation.
We can talk about anything, and it has strengthened our connection.
Rome has experienced things that I can’t imagine, and he wants to take me to all the beautiful places he’s seen.
Our first stop will be at his house, which he informed me was a castle he built with his spells, and I can’t wait.
Once we reinforce the magic on his place, and stay a few nights, we will meet Lace at our childhood home.
It’s time to visit our mom and put the demons of the past to rest. I never thought I would be able to be in public without my gloves, or the fear I lived with every day.
I’m now confident in my body and my gifts.
Rome’s magic mingles with mine, and I’m amazed at the power he holds.
His parents left town, giving us time alone.
They are wonderful people, and I’m thankful I can be part of their family.
His mom swore she wouldn’t pop in without notice, and so far, she has stuck to her word.
Archer left two days ago, and Rome has been vague about where he has gone.
I know he’s happy for us, and maybe he is giving us time.
He’s been the one by Rome’s side all these years, and I hope he doesn’t resent me for taking him away.
I hope when he comes back, he will stay here.
For now, we are going to stay in my house, next to Lace, and settle together.
If we have kids in the future, we can find something bigger, but it will be hard to move away from Lace.
I expressed my concern to Rome, and he assured me she will always have a place with us.
Butterflies erupt in my stomach at the thought of babies.
Picturing our children in Rome’s arms makes me want to start now.
They will be loved and protected. Filling the house with laughter and magic will be a tribute to my mom.
I hope she’s watching and knows how much love I feel.
My owl has been perched in the same tree, and I swore I saw him smile.
Leaning against the counter, I press my hands to it and stare at them.
They are just regular hands. I don’t know why I was gifted with magic and the ability that has haunted me most of my life.
For years, I cursed the fates because of it.
Not being able to touch anyone wasn’t my idea of a gift, yet in a short amount of time, I've come to think of it differently. I would have given it up in an instant to hug Lace or my mom without pain. Rome has revived my faith in magic. I have a purpose. I hope Gavin will understand the mistake he made and never reveal our spells again. Not only because secrecy is a must, but we may need his assistance in the future. My magic swirls inside me, and I know I will use it again for good. I don’t want to do it every day, but helping those who can’t help themselves will fulfill me and justify all the years of pain.
I look up when the doors to the back room open, and my sexy soul bond appears.
He smirks as I stare at him as he walks toward me.
I wish his bond tattoo were in a place that was visible.
Seeing it gives me a sense of belonging and satisfaction.
I can’t help but stare at it when we're together. My identical tattoo pulses as he comes closer. I will never stop losing my breath in his presence. He makes me feel beautiful in every way, and I’m grateful the universe gave him to me.
I stand straight and turn to him. He runs his knuckles across my jaw, and I melt.
The simplest touch causes my heart to pound, and I lean into his hand.
He dips his head and kisses my forehead before pressing his head to mine.
We stand in silence, enjoying our connection.
Our bodies sync up, and our spells dance together.
“Excuse me.” We turn our heads to the customer. Rome glares at him and then tilts his head. He senses what I am. There is a dirty aura around the man. “I’m ready to check out.” He smiles, but it hides his true nature.
“Of course,” I mumble, and smile tightly. Rome moves back, but stays close.
“My girlfriend was raving about this shop,” the man says, setting a stack of books down. “I had to check it out and get her a gift.”
“How nice.” I can’t be sure. I need to find out. As I scan the books, Rome puts them in a bag. When I tell him the total, he holds out his card, and I stare at it. There is only one way to know, so I brush his fingertips with mine as I take it.
My magic activates, and I guide it. Holding the memories in control, I complete the transaction. Rome hands him his books, and I let the emotions show me what kind of evil he is. Rome waits patiently, his hand on my back, allowing me to decide if the man is worth using our skills.
He does have a woman in his life, but she is there by force.
There is a room in his house where he keeps his victims. Her name is Marcy, and she is in pain.
He met her on a blind date, and he put on a good show of being a nice guy.
That’s how he meets all his victims. The night ended with her in his room of horrors.
She has been there for two weeks with no hope of rescue.
He leaves no evidence, and he lives in a nice neighborhood.
They have weekly BBQs. As he sits outside with his friends, laughing and watching kids run around, the woman cries on the mattress on the floor.
I don’t delve any deeper, my spells listening to my demand to stop.
“Are you ready to find him?” I ask, focusing on Rome.
“I will follow you anywhere, my Mara,” Rome rumbles, cupping my cheek. “How many do we need to punish?”
“Just one.” I glance around, relieved no one else is shopping. “But he needs to hurt.” He grins.
“It will be my pleasure,” he murmurs. He trails his hand down my arm and grabs my hand. He pulls me away from the counter toward the back, and I glance over my shoulder. I call on my magic, turn off the open sign, and lock the door.
“Hey, where’s Gavin?” Lace asks as she appears out of the shelves.
“He’s still in one piece,” Rome says, opening the door.
“What’s going on?” she asks, her eyes narrowing.
“We need to use your room,” I say.
“No. Come on,” she cries, and I shrug as Rome pulls me through the doorway. “You guys are replacing everything you break. Last night, my bookshelf fell over because of your bonding,” she hisses.
“Sorry, sister. Expect more broken items. I’ll replace them.” Rome shuts the door on her annoyance. Our magic has calmed, but we are still explosive together. Lace is going to be upset. Her area is going to be a mess.
“I love you,” I whisper as we sit on the floor.
“I love you, my Mara.” He lays his arms over his bent knees, holding his palms up. “Are you ready to find the fucker?”
“Yes.” I drop my hands onto his, and the room rumbles. The lights break, and the room fills with magic.
I stare into the eyes of my soul bond, knowing he will love me until the end of time. Until then, we will enjoy making those who abuse feel the destruction and fear they cause.
Using my touch of fate.