Page 41 of The Seer

“I didn’t say I wanted to date him. I don’t know him,” she shot back, looking annoyed.

And that’s when it hit him—Noah’s magnetism was intrinsic, like Damian’s, inherited from their mother, the Enchantress. He didn’t wield his sex appeal as a weapon with any intention of stealing women from others, although he very well could. Taryn had no control over her attraction to him.

“My niece, Sabrina, sent me with the Aether’s blessing,” Noah said. “There’s something about your estate that doesn’t agree with their magic, but I’ve been here before with no lasting effects, so…” He shrugged.

Taryn glanced between them with a tight smile. “Fintan, if you point me toward Narissa’s room, I’ll pop in to see her before I go.”

“Across the landing and one floor up,” he replied.

“Thanks.” Her eyes weren’t as bright as when they were younger or when she visited with Brenna, indicating she was unhappy to a large degree. And he only had himself to blame. There were so many things he wanted to tell her, but the timing was shite with Noah watching.

In silence, they waited until she was out of sight.

“She’s the one you were referring to when you said you had your own fate to avoid?” Noah asked with an appreciative smile.

“Sure, and when did I tell ya that?”

“The day we met. And technically, you told Patrick O’Malley. I just happened to be present.” Noah faced him. “What’s going on, Fin? You look more vexed than normal.”

Stalling for time, he asked, “What did your family tell ya?”

“Not much. They’re reticent when it comes to spilling the future. Damian said you’d fill me in on anything you want me to know.” Noah’s dark eyes narrowed. “So spill.”

“She found an amulet from my ancestor, and it may be the key to lockin’ the others out of my head. But I traded it to save Narissa.”

“Narissa? Your cousin?”

“Aye.” Fintan nodded sharply. “Our feckin’ aunt was torturin’ her.”

“Jaysus!”

“Yeah.” It still made him sick to think of it. He hated how easily Odessa had manipulated them, and he vowed to be better prepared for her next trick. Doubtless, there would be one. The Succubus ruled her, and sentimentality had no place in its heart.

Somber, Noah slapped him on the back. “Let’s get a pint. I think there’s a helluva lot more to this story than you’re telling me, and I want to know how I can help.”

Ten minutes later, in an abnormal act for him, Fintan was spilling his guts. Normally, his emotions were best expressed in song, or preferably not at all, but Noah had an easy way about him. It could be the “listener” gene all bartenders possess, or it could be the result of over two centuries of a constantly changing world, but he relayed caring and concern with a simple look.

“Grovel,” Noah suggested. “Find a way to lock your fucking ancestors out and do what men have been doing to get back into their partner’s good graces from the beginning of time.”

Fintan laughed and raised his glass in a toast. “Feckin’ grand plan if I could boot the bastards from me head.”

“Have you considered asking the Aether to remove your magic?”

The question required serious thought, and Fintan gave it its due. Finally, he shook his head. “Sure, and it wouldn’t feel right without my abilities. Not that I love them, mind, but because there’s no one to pass them to. Brenna and Narissa would be vulnerable to Odessa now that she’s got the necklace, and if she figures out how it works.”

“Why can’t your Seer ability pass to one of them?”

“They’re female.”

Noah’s black brows shot up. “Wow! Sexist much, mate?”

“Fuck off! Ya know I didn’t mean it like that.” Fintan cast him a sour look. “It’s the feckin’ curse of the Sullivans. Only the male gets the sight, and seein’ as I’m the only one left, that’s me, yeah?”

Narrowing his eyes, Noah sipped his drink in quiet contemplation, and Fintan was happy for the companionable silence.

“Why?” Noah asked.

“Why what?”

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