A few side-to-side strokes of a fingertip and she was close. Which was good because he was going to blow any minute.
A stuttered gasp a few moments later as she writhed on him, making him see stars. Holy shit. He pressed in and fell over along with her.
He held her tight against him as they recovered. Her rapid, strong pulse against his lips at her neck reassured him. Soothed.
Welcome home.
He smiled against her.
HE put her down so carefully it made her ache just a bit. When he slid his hands all over her again, as if to assure himself she was real and unharmed, it warmed her from the inside out.
Go back to bed. He shuffled her toward her bedroom before ducking into the bathroom for a moment.
Back to bed. Such a funny man. Shed been awake for hours. Knowing he was on his way back to her had gotten her all keyed up. Eventually shed given in and done some work while he got closer and closer.
She moved back out to the entry and pulled his bag out of the walkway.
It meant something that hed come directly to her without even stopping at his place to change or drop his things off.
If this is what I could see every day at sunrise, I might be amenable to waking up earlier. He entered the room and she turned to take him in.
What are those marks? The protective ones?
He paused. Marks?
She moved to him and traced over a few on his torso and then the one around his nipple over his heart. These. Is this some sort of scarification or something? Ive never seen anything like it.
IHe took a deep breath and shook his head before kissing her forehead. Back to bed. We can talk after you rest.
Ive been up since three. Im fine. Youre the one who just flew across the country.
I slept on the plane.
All right. Would you like some breakfast while you tell me about the marks? She bent to grab the belt to her robe and tie it closed. Her skin still smelled of him. It pleased her.
First things first. Are you all right? Any news since we spoke last?
Nothing really new. She shrugged and gave in, moving to him to kiss across his back and the beautiful tattoo that marked it in shades of black and gray. Why wings?
Were still talking about you. Are there any guards on you or anything? He brought her around his body and dropped to the couch, bringing her with him and settling her in his lap.
No guards on me. This place is warded by not just me, but my father, who is all low-key and cheerful but hes all about the mad warding skills. She smiled just thinking about him. They didnt find anyone. I didnt see anyone either. It was a feeling and yes, I think it means something but I dont know what.
You dont need to be physically present to scry.
She sat straight up and crawled over him to grab the phone. It was six so Nell would be awake anyway.
Scrying.
What? Hang on, I need to cross the street. In the background there was noise enough to let Meriel know her friend was on a run.
Okay, now what did you say?
Scrying. Dominic just brought it up. If someone was scrying, I would sense it but they wouldnt be there for me to see. It might explain why I felt as if I were being examined.
It can be done with a blood payment so you dont even need to be a witch to work it. That might be a clue. Ill look into it. Comes in handy, does your man. Hes there now I take it?
She looked at him for a moment, so relieved to have him with her. Yes. Im taking a personal day today, just FYI. You know, just in case she asks about me.
Shes going to notice sooner or later. You should call her, just to tell her youre away. If I was trying to duck my mother, thats what Id do.
I did yesterday. Left a message on her voice mail to fill her in on a few committees and to say I had a busy week ahead and thatd Id be in touch later.
Youre better now? That hes come to you? Nells voice lost its teasing tone.
Meriel turned to look at this shirtless man who had her snug in his lap just like he wanted. Yes to both.
Are you gossiping about me? His smile was oh so very wicked.
I did all the really juicy stuff already. She says youre handy and were going to look into the scrying angle. She turned her attention back to Nell. Im going to call down to research to see what I can find out.
Better you than me. Its creepy down there.
Youre like a ninja. How can you be scared of them? Theyre all very nice.
Research was really the office of the institutional memory of the clan. Four witches representing the four directions and the four elements of magick. Two of them were siblings, Sheila and Gia Kelly and one was Sheilas husband, the last, their son, Carl. They knew what always appeared to Meriel as everything. They had great records, were computer savvy and had great connections to all the best libraries in the world.
Gia Kelly is one of those witches who probably does know how to turn you into a frog. Plus it smells like dust and old stuff down there.
Meriel laughed. She probably does. Anyway, when I hang up with you, Im on it.
Im going to have to tell your mother about yesterdays incident.
She nearly growled, scrambling to sit upright. What? Why? Nell, dont.
I have to, Meriel. Shes the leader of the clan! This is no small thing. Maybe if I could totally say I didnt think what happened was part of this mage thing, I could let it go. But I do think its connected. Right down to my toes. Shes going to want to be kept apprised. Ive tried to work out ways not to tell her, but I dont think you can get around it.
She wished she could explain it so it sounded sane and not petulant.
So she sighed. Fine. Do your report. I have to go and make this call.
Dont be pissed off, Meriel. You know I dont have a choice. This is something she should know. And it only grants weight to your theory that were all under attack in some way. They may have already targeted you. Youre like the gold mine of witches to drain. All that power. No, I have to do it.
I understand and Im not pissed.
Ive known you since before you got your period. You are so pissed. Dont even try to lie. Im pregnant and hormonal and if youre upset, its only going to make me feel bad and Ill still have to report this.
Im not pissed. Also, I think you need to save that one up as an excuse or its going to get old fast. Be more strategic. She tried to stand, needing to move away from him to have this kind of talk with Nell. But he held her in place and when she shot him a look he only responded with a raised brow.
She rolled her eyes.
I just dont want to deal with her. Thats all. Go on and be careful. Call me later.
Williams returning tonight. Ask if hes free to have dinner with us on Saturday.
Yes. Dominics voice rumbled through his chest.
Eavesdropper!
He laughed. Of course.
Nell laughed as well. Fine. Meet us at Dahlia Lounge at eight thirty. Ill see you two then. Nell hung up before Meriel could argue any more.
Meriel held up a finger to keep him silent as she dialed up the number for the research office and told them what she needed. Sheila promised some answers within the hour and said shed email them.
One last call. She rapped his wandering fingers with her phone before dialing the office and telling her secretary, ever punctual and at her desk by seven a.m., she was taking a few personal days, but should Edwina ask, she was to assure her that Meriel had taken care of anything pressing and would return to work on Monday. Kelly, bless her heart, repeated it back twice. Both times with an are you sure you mean Monday lilt.
And Meriel had repeated that yes, she meant Monday and that she hadnt had a vacation of longer than a day or two in three years. Which suitably calmed Kelly down and all was well again.
Dont know why its such a big deal. I have so much unused vacation time they get on me about it.
Thats because anyone who takes a look at you wants to get on you. He paused to allow her to kiss his nose. And as to your earlier question about the marks. Theyre protective magick. Tom did them when I was a baby and a toddler. He says they keep me out of trouble. Like personal wards I guess.
She smiled. Really? She spun to straddle his waist and look more closely. These are gorgeous. It must be the magickal energy that makes them visible.
Theyre not visible.
Surprised, she looked into his face. What do you mean?
I can see them. Not all the time, but most of it. Tom can see them because he made them. But no one else Ive ever known has been able to see them.
And how do you feel about it? That I can see them when others havent been able to? Nervousness ate at her.
Its just one more example in a long line of examples. I may not be used to it, or entirely comfortable with the idea of this bond-mate thing being out of my control. But I cant deny that its real. I may not understand it all. I may not have grown up expecting it. But how can I ignore each new thing that comes up? Im outclan, not stupid.
She tried to hide a smile but couldnt and he laughed. Its destiny. I dont think destiny cares much about your personal preferences.
Simon said something similar and my friend Trey, also a witch, said I should stop whining and rejoice that you were gorgeous, talented and clearly too good for me.
So charming, this man. You told your friends in New York about me?
They could tell you were someone special by the way I acted when you texted. And then when I rushed out yesterday. Of course I told them.
Im sorry I disrupted your work. But not sorry he was there with her.
You needed me. I came. He shrugged and managed to look adorable, mussed and sweet all at the same time.
How did anyone manage to tell you no growing up?
Believe me, people found a way. Whats your plan for today?
I just took it off to be with you.
You and I are going to the firing range. Then Im taking you to lunch somewhere and therell be more sex of course.
The range? To shoot guns?
Heres how I think it should go. Youve taught me a lot about my magick. I appreciate it and hope you continue to do so. In exchange, I want to help make you safer in the ways I can. Are you already an Olympic sharpshooter or anything?
She laughed. Me? No. Why would you think that?
Youre good at everything. Okay then. So Im good with a gun. Letting me teach you will make you stronger and safer. Its win-win.
All right then.
Chapter 14
HER fantasy bubble popped two days later when Meriel and Dominic came around the corner toward her front door and found Edwina standing there, her finger steady on the bell.
There you are. Where have youHer gaze flicked from Meriel to Dominic, whose hand had been snagged with hers.
Mother, come in. Meriel dug her keys from a pocket and unlocked the front door. But it was Dominic who subtly, but firmly put his body first and went in, leaving the two women in the hall for a moment before he turned and nodded. She was more than able to detect an intruder, but it was nice that he wanted to protect her anyway.
Edwina made no secret of her curiosity where Dominic was concerned, as Meriel locked the door and the wards snapped back into place.
Im Edwina Owen, Meriels mother. And you are most assuredly not any run-of-the-mill boyfriend. I can see her all over your skin. She turned to Meriel. Why have you not told me about this?
I wanted to get to know him first.
Edwina waved a hand and managed to make it look graceful. Of course you do. You can do that after the ascension.
Clicking her teeth together, Meriel turned to him with a forced smile. Dominic, you said you had to make a run to your place? Ill meet you at Heart of Darkness later.
No, you wont. Im here with you right now. He held a hand out to Edwina. Im Dominic Bright. I suppose you know what I am at this point.
Edwina allowed the whisper of a triumphant smile touch her lips and Dominic could see, quite clearly, where Meriel got her spine. But he sure as hell wasnt going to allow this woman, or anyone else for that matter, make Meriel feel small.
Who are your people, Dominic?
Why dont we all sit and have some juice? Meriel motioned to the table and her mother sent her a narrowed glare, which Meriel only shrugged off. Dominic stepped into the kitchen.
Ladies, Ill get the juice. You two go on and visit. Ill be along momentarily.
How long? Edwina got right to the point.
I met him last Thursday.
As in a week ago? Or day before yesterday?
A week ago.
A week youve been possibly stalked by some gang of mages bent to kidnap and drain you. You could have ascended. Been far more powerful. Youve not done the spell yet. Why? It was a demand thinly disguised as a question.
Meriel drew a deep breath and it was as if he felt it too. Just at that moment their connection glittered. Her gaze cut to his briefly. Long enough to see the gratitude in her eyes.
Hes outclan. He didnt grow up with this as a reality. He didnt even know he was full-council until Thursday. He asked for time, I gave it to him. Its entirely reasonable and its not like theres a time limit for the ascension spell to be given. Itll be there next month or the month after.
You can get to know him either way. Why wouldnt you do the ascension and then get to know each other? One doesnt have to involve the other. Hes your bond-mate either way. Why youd deny that or play semantics games is beyond me.
Which is why I kept this to myself to begin with.
Dominic put the juice on the table and sat close to Meriel.
Edwina turned to Dominic. Well? What do you have to say for yourself? You can do the spell and it cements the bond. Itll open up your magick and hers too. Shell ascend to the full-council and if something were to happen to me tomorrow, she could take over. Why would you rob her of this?
Meriel interrupted, her magick washing over him and through the room. Whoa. No. We will not discuss this in those terms. This is not robbing anyone of anything. This is why I didnt tell you and wasnt going to until hed decided he was ready for the ascension. I dont want him to be pressured to do it. It should be his choice.
So you hide from me for a week? And whats all this nonsense about choice? Hes your bond-mate. He clearly enjoys you physically. You were holding hands when you came back just now so theres a romantic connection. But beside any of that, the bond is there whether you play courting for a while or not.
Exactly. Which is precisely why I want him to make that choice himself. I lose nothing if I let him have the time and I gain the knowledge that when he comes to me for the ascension, he does it knowingly and purposefully. This is my life. This is my bond-mate. This is my heart and my soul and I wont start off my life with him with emotional manipulations and or ultimatums. If he cant come to me on his own, Im not worthy and he sure as hell isnt.
Do you think that sort of silliness was allowed when it happened to me? My mother didnt just say, come to your true place on the council whenever you feel like it. I had responsibilities and so do you. I
Meriel made a cutting motion with her hand. But I am not you.
Dominic knew there was some difficulty between mother and daughter. Meriel had been very diplomatic when she spoke, though her jokes sometimes were sharp enough that he understood there was a lot of history there. He didnt like it at all that this woman sought to make Meriel do something she didnt believe was right. But at the same time, he knew Meriel wouldnt do anything she didnt believe was right.
And she did this for him. Because she wanted him to have that space and shed fight off this strong woman across the table tooth and nail if she had to.
For him.
Which only made him totally sure he wanted to ascend.
HE ran a fingertip down the long, sexy line of her spine. He liked the way she looked, naked, mussed, glasses perched on her nose as she checked her email.
I hope Edwina realizes you work pretty much all the time.
She rolled, putting her phone down on the nightstand. Im sorry.
She apologized to him a lot. Wondered if she saw it at all.
He kissed her quickly, still satedfor the momentfrom the marathon session theyd just ended a while before.
For what? Running the legal department of a very busy corporation? You spend the evenings with me at my business, why would I begrudge you your work?
Her mother had left and things clearly remained tense between them. But hed seen the love between mother and daughter even through the strain.
I should be paying attention to you. Youre far more interesting and entertaining than work.
He laughed. Good to know. But I seem to recall some very intense concentration just a few minutes ago. My legs just got some feeling back. He pulled the sheet back enough to take a look at those breasts. These are so amazing. He bent to kiss the tip of each nipple gently.
She raised a hand to touch him, needing that. His being there in her bed felt like a gift and one she planned to continue to appreciate. Hed stood next to her the entire time her mother had been visiting, backing Meriel up and charming Edwina. Her mother wouldnt admit it, but Meriel could see it anyway.
He was fairly difficult to resist. As her naked and totally boneless state could attest to. Theyd spent the afternoon with William and Nell instead of having a dinner so when her stomach growled she stretched and leaned out to kiss his shoulder. How about we go to dinner before you go to work? Downtown? Then when were done you can head to Heart of Darkness and I can go in to my office for a few hours to get some work done.
Always happy to squire you around. But are you sure you have to go to the office? You work a lot, baby. Is that sustainable? He kissed her forehead. It was nice to be worried over, made her all gooey inside.
Its not usually this bad. I dont usually go in on weekends or at night. Its just that Ive been a littledistracted this week.
He grinned. Should I be sorry? Because I cant really find it in my heart to regret all the time weve stolen this week.
She traced a thumb over his cheek. You should talk about working all the time. You work more than I do.
Yes, but darling, my work includes bringing you along when youre indulgent enough to wear the little bits and bobs I give your way. This isnt really work.
Little bits and bobs. He spoiled her utterly with gorgeous clothes shed never had bought for herself in a million years, but she felt like a goddess when she wore them.
Giving me presents shouldnt be. Though you know I dont expect it.
I find myself unable not to shower you with presents. I like making you happy.
You do make me happy. Ive never been so happy.
Even though I havent done the ascension?
She took a deep breath, thinking it over. Yes. Certainly I want that very much. But youre here with me and thats what matters most. The rest we can handle as it comes along.
Even if it weakens your position in the clan?
I already told you that was my mother spinning stories. Shes the only person who knows other than Nell and Gage so how can I be weakened unless shes the one doing it?
But will she?
No. I cant believe she would. Not as my mother and not as The Owen. She sat, resting against the pillows and he settled, head in her lap.
Is that what they call her?
Its the official title of the leader of Clan Owen.
Its pretty epic.
He made everything better.
It wasnt that shed never had a relationship before. Thered been boyfriends before. But nothing like this.
I think so too. I love your hair. So thick and soft. She began to lightly knead and scratch his scalp until he groaned and relaxed totally, eyelids sliding closed.
Show me something, he murmured.
It delighted her the way hed reacted to learning more about his magick.
She moved to straddle him.
Or that. Im always up for that. ThoughHe paused and then grinned as he ground his reviving erection into her. I was about to say something about how I wasnt sure if all of me was up for that. But you continue to amaze me and my cock.
Incorrigible. I meant this. She touched his belly, the hard, flat muscle there. He was so delicious she frequently forgot what she was about to do or say when she caught sight of him.
You look like youre about to take a big bite.
She sent a cockeyed smile and went back to his belly. Give me your hands.
He did and she put hers around his, guiding his fingers.
Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Slowly. Then let it go.
He obeyed.
Your magick lives here. She drew circles with his fingertips over the spot just above his belly button and her own magick stirred within. Sometimes mine feels like a curled-up cat. Nose to tail. Know what I mean?
He smiled, his eyes still closed. Yes. I see what you mean.
You can reach out and stroke it. Coax it, bring it to the surface. Use your mind and connect with it. His breath hitched and she knew hed caught it and brought it closer to the surface.
When you get what we like to call a gut feeling, its oftentimes your magick flaring up in response to a perceived need. She let go and moved back, watching him discover it himself.
That is wicked cool. He opened his eyes, smiling up at her. Youre smart, you know that?
She rolled off him, dipping down to kiss his lips before padding into the bathroom to brush her teeth. The more youre familiar with your magick, the quicker it responds. And thank you.
I imagine youre used to being told how smart you are. Im not talking about book smarts, which you are as well, but you get your magick, you understand it. Im envious. Youre good at showing what you mean. Ive learned more about my magick in the week Ive known you than in years. Youre patient with me.
He always knew what to say.
Youre a powerful witch. You felt it now, right? Do you see what I mean? She was so proud of him but afraid to say it, not knowing how to give him the words that wouldnt sound patronizing or weird.
He pulled her close, her back to his front as he spoke to her reflection.
I got the wings on my back because I was foolish enough to tell the tattoo artist to do what he thought I needed. I never understood why he decided on something so intricate.
The ladies must dig it though.
His quick grin told her she was right.
They may have before, but youre the only lady I want digging it from now on. But as youre my angel, maybe it was his way of telling me one day the tat would mean something more. I think we should do the ascension.
She nearly choked. Dont you dare let her guilt you into this. She turned and he only shook his head, still smiling.
This has nothing to do with her. Well, thats not entirely true but not in the way you think. Youve given me such a gift and you dont know it. I cant tell you what it means that you never pushed. And that with her today you defended me.
Of course I did.
He slid his thumb over her bottom lip. I love when your bottom lip sticks out just a little when youre arguing. What I meant was, I needed the space, I was reeling and fighting what I knew was true because it freaked me out. But I cant deny this any more than I can stand here and look at you without wanting you again.
I dont want you to think that desire is out of your control, or not your choice.
You told her the bond would be here in a month or a year. And it will. We do have time to get to know each other. The ascension will happen and Ill still be learning you. Theyre not mutually exclusive. I was hung up on something and the longer I think about it, the more I believe I was looking at it incorrectly.
How so?
It was sudden and I balked. You respected that and gave me some space to process something that in retrospect will probably still take the rest of my days to figure through its so huge. And I can. I can continue to examine it and find a way to make it make sense. Baby, the fact is, we are connected. Youre meant for me, and me for you. So I can accept that and enjoy it for all it brings to my life, or I can rail about it when I actually like it and who wins? Hm? We have this thing and its fucking awesome. Damn. Every time you get near my system revs up. My magick rises to meet yours. You say itll get even stronger after the ascension. Even your mother said that today. In the end, it underlines what I already know. It makes me a stronger and more powerful witch. It makes you one too. And its a way of telling you in no uncertain terms that I accept what we have.
She blinked back tears rather unsuccessfully. He flustered her because it mattered what he thought. How he felt was important. He got it. She wanted to hug him and cry, but then shed get tears and possibly snot all over him and that was not the memory she wanted to leave him associating with this moment.
Dont cry. I cant stand to see you upset. He looked so helpless it made her smile.
Good tears.
Oh. Good. Okay then. When can we do this? The ascension I mean.
It depends on what you want. It only takes a spell. We could do it now. But its usually done with at least one witness each. A grounding if you like. You can have family there and do it at home or outside in a special place. Or, we can do a formal ceremony with a ritual. This would be in the presence of the entire seated full-council. You do know that even if you want to stay outclan, through me you have a seat on the governing council.
Would that help you? Politically.
She liked that he got the politics of the situation without any prompting. So smart her man.
Yes. I cant deny that. The more people on the dais who back my perspective the better it is for me. The stronger my position. I have no intention of shoving my mother out the door. Shes good at what she does and thats good for the clan. She shrugged.
I just realized Im going to be bonded to the princess of witchlandia. He said this totally deadpan.
Her laugh filled her up as she tiptoed, stretching to kiss him just for the sheer pleasure of it.
Indeed. So you do know youre like the first husband, right? I mean, you do accept that youre mine and Im not giving you back and thats not just about the bond. Its more. Id want you even without this bond.
She saw it come over his face and realized shed been nervous too. Shed accepted the mechanics and science of the bond, but shed thought long and hard about the rest. Could she be with him for the rest of her life and know it was because she loved him, plain and simple? Because of, part of, whatever relationship the bond played, she felt it and it was real and that counted.
They both let out a shaky breath. Yes. I mean yes, Id want you either way. I wont remain outclan. I cant play into any kind of feeling that Im rejecting you or the clan. But Im not like co-The Owen or whatever, am I?
Come on. She tugged him back into the bedroom.
Can I pick out what you wear?
She shook her head, rolling her eyes. Youre demented.