Page 91 of Captivating Magic

“Anyway, who said anything about fighting them? I’m here to make sure he stays in line.” With a nod to Spencer, she asked, “I’m assuming we’re not going to have a problem here, right?”

A wry smile curled his lips. “No, Ebba. No problem.”

“My wolf will sense a lie and kick your ass, Spencer. You have to know that up front.”

He nodded.

Inside, Kyrella grunted, and Ebba got the distinct impression the wolf wanted him to pull a fast one. Her disappointment traveled through their link.

“Sorry, Ky.”

“Stay alert,”Kyrella cautioned.“I’ll do the same.”

In the end, the warning wasn’t needed.

Damian removed the protective barrier and booted the circlet across the room to Knox. “Melt that down, please.”

“Gladly.”

After picking up the object, Knox clasped Spring’s hand and teleported away.

“I wanted to see him do that.” Ebba was disappointed he didn’t do it on the spot. She’d have loved to see his magic in action.

“He’ll gladly show you, using another not-so-harmful item, I’m sure.” The laughter in Damian's voice made her smile.

“Sorry. I’m a nerd.”

“You’re adorable, Ebba,” he assured her. Facing Spencer and Clutch, he said, “Reap his soul, Adams, and keep him in a holding area until I can speak to Isis and the Fates. I intend to honor my promise to intervene on his behalf.”

“Thank you, sir,” Spencer said.

“I’m only doing this because I don’t believe you’re a bad man, Barlowe. Don’t prove me wrong in the next life.” With a tight smile, Damian said, “You can’t help who you care about, but as Ms. James said, love is seeing to the other person’s happiness. It isn’t obsession or about harming them in your need to own.”

Spencer swallowed, and his expression was pure misery. “I understand. I’ll do my best.”

“Do better than your best. Aethers live for centuries. I will find you and obliterate your soul should you ever harm another.”

The reaping took seconds, and then Spencer was gone.

“What is something only Laszlo would know?” she asked Clutch.

“Clever,” the Aether murmured.

With a grin, Clutch gestured Lo over. “You got a bright one here, man.”

“Don’t I know it,” Lo said, smiling ear to ear.

“You didn’t answer me, Clutch,” she reminded him.

“Something only he would know… hmm.” Narrowing his eyes, he studied her. A face-splitting grin appeared. “I got it. He once told me you were so sweet, his teeth ached to look at you.”

When she looked up at Laszlo, it was to see him flush. “Really?” she asked, delighted he’d said something so romantic about her.

“That was supposed to be kept between us, you ass.” Lo shoved him, but not hard enough to hurt. “You couldn’t come up with another moment?”

“Meh, she should know you’ve always carried a torch for her.”

“She’s going to think I’m a scumbag because I was married to Charlotte,” Lo countered with a scowl.

---