Page 27 of Guardian of Shadows

Trinity gaped. “What a cool fuckin’ bit of magic. I’m so jealous. I don’t even get wings being a Goyle.”

Anthony stood and pulled Elle’s chair out for her. His phone rang, and when he saw Tabitha’s name on the caller ID, he said, “I better get this. It’s Tabby.” He swiped the answer icon, but before he could say hello, his twin shouted, “You asshole.”

Figuring this would take a while, he sat back down. “Yes, I’m an asshole, but you wanna tell me what I did this time?”

“You found your mate and didn’t tell me. Why did I have to hear about this from Carleigh?”

“It’s been a fast twenty-four hours, Tabby.” That wasn’t a lie, but he had been afraid about how she would take the news.

“Tell me all about her.” Tabitha’s demand was warm as was the happiness for him that bloomed through their bond. He relaxed back against the chair and did as she requested.

Chapter 10

Tony’s twin shouted so loudly, even Elle heard her words. Trinity muttered, “Uh oh,” but she was smirking. Maybe it was a twin thing.

He slumped back down in his chair. “Yes, I’m an asshole, but you wanna tell me what I did this time?”

Elle couldn’t hear Tabitha’s response, but Tony smiled after a few seconds. She left him to his conversation and went upstairs to brush her teeth. After taking care of that, she returned to the kitchen, but Tony wasn’t there.

Trinity pointed to the back door. “He went outside so he could gush about you in private.”

“Gush?” Elle didn’t know that word.

“Telling his sister how amazing he finds you. That man is a smitten kitten.”

“Oh.” Elle knew her ears were turning pink, but it was nice to know he wasn’t hiding her from his twin.

The back door opened, and Tony waltzed inside, a big smile on his face. “Ready?”

“Elle, do you want to borrow one of my coats? The car will be warm, but walking around as we shop will be cold.”

“Yes, please.” While waiting on Trinity to go upstairs, Elle focused on her mate. “How was your phone call?”

“It was good. Tabby was mad that I didn’t call her immediately when I knew you were my mate. She and I share a bond where we can feel each other’s emotions, and I didn’t lock the bond down, so she experienced everything I did. Well, not the sex because that would be weird, but she knew I was super excited about something. When I didn’t respond to her text, she called Carleigh who told her you were my mate. If she weren’t on an assignment, she would be on the next plane to Norway.” Trinity bound down the steps with an extra parka in her hand. She tried handing it to Elle, but Tony took it and helped her slide her arms into the sleeves. “She’s happy for us and can’t wait to meet you.”

“I bet you’ll get a call from Tessa next,” Trinity said.

“I have no doubt. Once we’re back in the States, that’ll be our first stop so they can meet Elle properly.”

Once they were in the garage, Trinity slid into the backseat of the vehicle, which she had already started at some point. Anthony helped Elle in, then he strode around the hood. It was nice and toasty inside. Trinity gave Anthony directions when they were away from the property. Elle was excited about getting new clothes. She didn’t plan on getting many because she didn’t want Tony to think she was using him for his money. Then again, he’d told her that everything he had was now hers. She couldn’t wait until this sigil problem was solved so they could get back to Georgia and she could see where she would be living. Tony had shown her photos of the house, and Elle couldn’t believe that would be her home after living in such small places for the last fourteen years.

Trinity took them to a shopping district that had a little bit of everything. Most of the clothes were for cold weather, but Georgia wasn’t nearly as cold as Norway, so Elle opted for a couple of pretty sweaters, some jeans, and a new pair of boots made from the softest leather she’d ever felt. When they passed by a jewelry store, Tony tugged Elle’s hand. “Let’s stop in here.”

Trinity hitched her purse strap higher on her shoulder. “I’m going to wait outside.”

Elle didn’t understand until Tony explained, “She’s giving us privacy.”

“For what, exactly?”

“I’m not sure how much you know of human customs,” he said, keeping his voice low. “It’s tradition to buy rings when you intend to spend your life with someone. Even though we are mated, I want to give you a symbol of my intentions.” Elle didn’t know what to say, so she nodded. It didn’t take long for Tony to find the ring he wanted her to wear. He chose a stunning diamond ring with a platinum band and sapphires in the shape of leaves along either side of the center stone. They had her size, and once he placed it on her finger, she knew she’d never take it off.

Elle held her hand out in front of her, the diamond twinkling. “It’s too much.”

“It’s not enough, Sweetheart. You deserve everything your heart desires whether that’s new clothes, a diamond ring, a fancy car, a house on a hill... If you want it, I’ll move heaven and earth to give it to you.”

Elle placed her hands on his cheeks. “All those things sound amazing, Tony, but what I want more than anything is to be loved.”

In the middle of a busy store, Tony leaned down, angling his head for the perfect fit, and kissed her. Somehow, she could feel his affection for her through their bond, and she knew she would be loved. He might not feel that strongly yet, but it was close.

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