Page 20 of Dewitched

“You are trouble.” Still grumbling, he sat up on the side of the bed and scrubbed a hand over his face. “The princess will be expecting us soon.”

“Us?” Crawling across the mattress, he curled around the shifter’s back and peppered kisses across his bare shoulders. “Where are we going?”

“Nowhere if you don’t stop that.”

Owen chuckled but ceased his assault. It was a heady feeling to know how deeply he affected the big Guardian, and he couldn’t really be sorry for it. Fenix had a job to do, though, and for the time being, he could behave.

“For real, though. Where are we going?”

“Iliana needs a costume for the ball at the end of the week. And you—” He reached behind him and dragged Owen around to straddle his lap. “—need a new cell phone.”

“I’m pretty sure my phone has an insurance plan.” He’d have to call the company to find out how to file a claim, but he could have a new phone in a couple of days. “I didn’t even know about the ball, so I guess I need a costume, too.”

“I’m sure the princess will enjoy the company.”

Although excited about the outing, old fears still lingered. “Just…don’t let me hurt anyone.”

Taking Owen’s hand, Fenix placed it on his own chest, right over his heart. “Now that we’re bonded, you should have better control.”

Maybe, but he didn’t want to test it on the precious jewel of the Nightstar family. “Please.”

Fenix dipped his head. “I swear it, but so you know, you’re already doing it.”

“Doing what?”

“Controlling it.” A slow smile stretched his lips. “I’m not blocking you,talei. That’s all you.”

The moment he pointed it out, Owen’s entire world came crashing down. Energy washed over him, and he flinched at the raw power that coursed through his veins. Fuck, he knew his mate was powerful, but this felt like some next level stuff.

Then, just as abruptly, everything stopped.

“I’m sorry,” he wheezed. “I’m sorry.”

“Shh.” Fenix held him close and stroked his back. “Easy. You’re okay. I’ve got you.”

Trembling, he clutched at his mate, burrowing as close as he could. “I’m sorry,” he repeated. “I don’t know what happened.” He sat up and framed the shifter’s face between his hands. “Are you hurt?”

“Breathe,talei. I’m not hurt.”

“Okay. Good.” He took a couple of deep breaths and tried to calm his racing pulse. “Don’t do that again.”

“I promise I won’t let you hurt anyone, but you can do this, Owen. You’ve already proven it. You just need a little practice.”

“That’s not a good idea.”

Fenix sighed and leaned their foreheads together. “As much as I want to keep you to myself and never let anyone touch you, it’s not practical.” Sitting up straight again, he rested his hands on Owen’s hips. “How about this? What if we only practice with Otherlings who can block you if it gets out of control?”

“Thanks, I hate it.” He huffed when Fenix laughed at him. He was joking, of course. Kind of. “Why can’t I just practice with you?”

“We can start there, but you care about me.” He said it so simply, without hesitation or doubt. “That makes it easier.”

“If you say so.” It hadn’t worked out so well the first time.

“Trust me,talei.I know it feels impossible right now, but eventually, you won’t even have to think about it anymore.”

It sounded like a pipedream, but what other choice did he have? “I’ll try.”

Fenix kissed the tip of his nose and patted his hip. “That’s all I ask. Now, let’s not keep everyone waiting.”

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