Page 21 of A Witch-ish Guide to Protectors and Pendulums

Luc huffed. “Fine. But you owe me.”

I stepped around Connor, my belly all aflutter. I wanted it to work, but at the same time, I liked Luc. “Okay,” I told the man. “I’ll go easy on you.”

“I’d appreciate it.”

Sucking in a breath, I called up my taser fingers, pressing them to Luc’s shoulder. He screamed, dropping to his knees and breaking contact. He rubbed at his arm. “I thought you said you’d go easy.” Was it bad that I kind of felt powerful knowing my taser fingers brought Lucifer himself—the morning star—down to his knees?Yes, bad Simone. You like Luc.

“Idid.”

“I don’t want to consider what full force might feel like.” The fine man continued rubbing at his arm. Watching him, those feelings of power fled leaving me simply feeling bad, well, until he spoke again. “But warning, Simone,” he said in a tone that had gone a little hard. “I don’t care that you’re our boy Connor’s mate. Try that again, I won’t be responsible for what I do.”

“That sounds ominous,” I said, swallowing hard, at the same time Connor barked, “Luc.”

“What?” Luc asked innocently. “I was kidding…” And now my fingers itched to show him full force. “Simone, help me out here. Try it on Connor.”

If one thing could help me forget about zapping Luc, it was the idea of zapping Connor. “My pleasure.”

“Seriously?” Connor asked with a tone dripping incredulity. It reallywasthe little things that brought the most happiness.

Cracking my knuckles, I called up the power again. Still not snapping as much as on the full moon, it fizzed and popped from my fingertips more than when I touched Luc. A big smile spread across my face. “Ready?” I whispered.

“You don’t have to look so excited.”

“It’s likeChristmas,” I gushed.

He laughed, shaking his head like he couldn’t believe that I’d just said that and I struck, pressing my whole hand to his shoulder in a sneak attack.

Nothing.

“Wait—let me try again,” I pleaded as I moved my fingers to his neck.

Nothing.

My face dropped. Excitement gone.

“Aw, Simone—you look like someone kicked your puppy,” he said, obviously getting enjoyment from this.

“Not yet,” I answered, then I surprised him by kicking his shin. Not enough to hurt, of course. I wasn’t sadistic. I mean, the man was still my mate. “There. Now I do.”

“Woman,” he sighed, pulling me in for a hug. “What am I going to do with you?”

“I’ve got some ideas,” Luc cut in.

Connor growled, pressing his fingers to his eyes, trying to rein in his temper. So, what did I do? Why, teased him, of course. “Lucispretty hot. I think I might want to hear his ideas.”

“Simone,” Connor snapped. “Luc, I warned you.”

I rolled my eyes at the man. “Settle down, hothead. You know I only have eyes for you,” I said then once he had himself under control, I pinched his cheek, speaking to him indulgently. “Now, be a good puppy and give mama some sugar.”

Connor would either end up loving me or killing me. The jury was still out in my opinion, but I’d certainly have my fun along the way.

He looked to Luc. “When does this shift end?”

“Not for several more hours.”

Okay, wait… when did Connor get to sleep? He went from guard duty to the store. That really didn’t sit right with me. “When do you sleep?” I asked softly so he knew I wasn’t kidding.

He tilted his head to look at me, and when he did, I mean, helookedat me. He saw through all the bullshit and he brought his finger up, swiping it under my eye. “I don’t sleep much.”

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