Page 39 of First Ritual

I’d prefer pain if it meant my new tether would remain a secret. And the extent of my power. More importantly the differences in my power. “Just a lot of new.” My cheeks heated as I turned over the conversation with Barrow. The heat spread to my chest, then dropped to my stomach where it burned hot—and not in the good kind of way. “I’ll see you tomorrow?”

“A group of us are heading to some natural hot springs not far from here if you want to join.”

I nodded, already leaving. “Sounds good.”

Anger fueled my steps as I stormed toward Wild’s table. The other lean-muscled magus nudged Wild, and the group of four turned to watch as I bored down on them.

I was only after one in particular. “Sven,” I hissed, hands on hips.

“Bronte,” he said pleasantly.

We were drawing eyes. I sat on the bench next to him. “You want to tell me what that was about?”

“Other people don’t sit here,” the other hulking giant said.

Pointing a finger his way, I mimed zipping my mouth.

Sven chuckled. “You really don’t know who you’re messing with.”

“Don’t care. You went to Barrow and had the date of my affinity test moved.”

He tilted his head. “Did I?”

Asshole. “Why?”

“Why not. Because.”

I groaned. “If your neck wasn’t so muscular, I’d strangle you.”

The magus moved closer to where I’d straddled the bench. “You know what’s interesting, small woman?”

“I’m sure you’ll tell me, large man.”

He pulled back until I looked into eyes filled with a playful glint. “How enraged you are over an affinity test.”

I didn’t miss a beat though my heart certainly did. He was right. Why would I be so angry over this? “I don’t like people managing me.”

“Did you hear that?” Sven’s gaze lifted over my shoulder, and I became aware of heat at my back. Was Wild that close when I sat down? “She doesn’t like to be managed, man.” The button-up giant began to laugh and returned to his food.

I ignored Wild’s proximity. “This conversation isn’t over, Sven.”

He didn’t reply.

“You are very angry,” said the magus on Wild’s other side. The one who definitely sparked my interest.

My eyes had a mind of their own as I gave him a once-over. Then another for luck. Mmm, lean muscle. Those glasses would stay.

A finger under my chin interrupted the direction of my thoughts. Wild turned me to face him, and I glared.

“He’ll never write you a letter.”

I moved my focus from his dark, bottomless eyes. “What?”

“The letter you want. The big house and kids.”

My lips twitched. “That’s the last type of letter I want.” I trailed off at the glimmer in Wild’s eyes. “I mean…”

“You mean that you said that to push me away. Predictable.” He released my chin. “Trust me, Tempest. I don’t need to be pushed.”

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