Page 90 of Captivating Magic

“Where did we first go to dinner?” she asked Spencer.

“We met for coffee or lunch. Once a movie, but no dinner.”

She nodded. “That’s right.”

Turning to Clutch, Lo asked, “Where was our first training session?”

“The church graveyard, where I held services prior to my reaping career,” his friend replied in a gravelly voice. “Now, can I throat punch this motherfucker or what?”

Lo laughed. “Yeah, that’s Clutch.”

“You still hold the excision circlet, Mr. Adams. Toss it to your left and step to your right with Mr. Barlowe.” Damian put himself between Lo and the barrier. “Please usher the others to the far side of the room.”

After he did as instructed, Lo rejoined him.

“You were meant to stay there, too,” Damian said dryly. “You shouldn’t be in temptation’s path.”

“I’m the last line of defense between him and Ebba.”

“No. You’re the reason she’ll die if he finds a way to attack and kill you.”

Lo swore, turned to go, and came face-to-face with Ebba. “What the hell are you doing?”

“He won’t hurt me,” she replied in a low voice with a glance beyond his shoulder. “But I want to put myself between him and Damian, just in case he tries something with the circlet.”

“No.”

“I wasn’t asking, Lo.”

“Ebba—”

“If he manages to trap the Aether’s soul, he gains an undefeatable weapon.” She placed her hands on her hips. “Tell me I’m wrong.”

“You’re not.”

“Right. So if someone has to go, it should be me. Everyone is here because of my mess anyway.”

He shoved his fists deep into his jeans pockets. “And what about me, Sweet? You go, I go, remember?”

“We’ll beg the Goddess to pair us up again in the next life, if it comes to that.”

He considered her words.

“Okay. You go, I go.” Wrapping a hand around her neck, he hauled her close and kissed her hard. “I fucking love you and your warrior’s spirit.”

“I’m getting that impression.” After delivering a saucy wink, she marched toward Damian.

32

“Ican’t let you risk yourself, my dear,” Damian said as Ebba approached.

“I’m not asking,” she said, repeating what she’d said to Lo. “Consider me your protective shield.”

“I don’t allow women to fight my battles.” His tone was firm and his look unrelenting.

“Sexist much? I know you’re old and all but…”

He rolled his eyes, and she grinned.

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