Page 41 of The Rowan
Meri is standing to the side watching, so I grab her arm and hurry out the door. “Astor is coming with us tonight, huh?” She winks at me.
I glance back. Astor leisurely follows behind us, close enough to protect but, thankfully, far enough away to give us some privacy to chat. I groan and shove her. “Stop. He’s my bodyguard.”
“Right,” she agrees. “An incubus guarding your body. Isn’t that a bit like the fox guarding the henhouse?”
“First, he’s more than an incubus. He’s a warlock,” I say exasperatedly. “And second, I’m one of many his incubus wants.”
Meri shakes her head, disagreeing with me. “I wouldn’t be so sure. He’s different around you, like he sees only you. There’s an intensity to how he feels. Don’t push him away. You’ll regret it.”
“Are you using your seer power?” I tease her.
“I wasn’t using your seer power, just my own two eyes,” she laughingly protests.
“Myseer power? I don’t have any seer power. Believe me, if I did, I’d be using it all the time right now,” I assure her.
Meri grabs my arm and pulls me closer to whisper in my ear. “Actually, you do.Idon’t have seer power. I used your power the other night.” She glances around to make sure nobody is near. “I’m a mimic. I pick up and use others’ powers. Not all the time, and I can’t use everyone’s powers, but at least half of the time.”
Shocked, I’m not sure where to start first—my seer power or her ability to mimic. “Is that how you knew I needed the book on witches and the founding families?” I ask, starting with my fundamental question from earlier.
“Yes. I saw you reading the book, and I knew. I’d seen it in a library, so I pulled it for you,” she replies. “I know you want to see the future, but your seer ability is bound, along with your other powers. As one returns, so will the others.”
I blow out the breath I’m holding. Having my mother’s power means something to me, not just because it would help me find my way but because it’s something we could share. But apparently, not today. Nothing happens until destiny wills it. I want to scream with frustration, but I don’t want to upset Meri. Wait… “Oooh, can you use those other powers, the powers from my father?”
“No. They’re blocked for some reason. I can see this ball of power, but I can’t access it. It’s as if a net contains them,” she replies. “I’m sorry.”
Disappointed, I blow out a breath. “It’s fine. Just trying to figure out a few things. And thank you. The book has been extremely helpful. So, do you have other magic besides your ability to mimic?”
She shakes her head. “Sadly, no. I’m a sitting duck until I can pick up someone else’s powers. Please, please don’t tell anyone. My adopted mother would be furious, but I wanted you to know. Any time you feel my power, it’s actually coming from someone else. When we met, you thought I was powerful, but you were actually picking up on your power, I was only mimicking. It’s why I enjoy working at The Abbey, because it’s easy to pick up and use others’ magic. It doesn’t hurt them, and the power never leaves them for me.”
I nod, staring down at her. That’s a pretty big secret. I’ve never even heard of a mimic in our world. “We’re friends. Your secret is safe with me.”
“Friends,” she says, smiling. “I know we share a destiny because I saw our fate linked in my first vision. Sadly, I didn’t get any details. But friendship, I didn’t see that coming. I’ve never had a friend.” She laughs and swings an arm around me. “Now, let’s go get something to drink and eat. Maybe dance. Not at The Abbey. Somewhere new and wonderful.” She’s bouncing with joy and energy as she drags me down the street.
25
ARDEN
After Astor buys us dinner, he drags us to a dance club called Devil’s Lair. While all supernaturals are welcome, he explains it’s mainly a hangout for denizens of the Underworld—demons, incubi, warlocks, hellhounds, and the like. Astor ignores the line and walks right up to the massive troll guarding the door, who immediately bows to Astor, runs his eyes over us, and then waves his hand to let us in the club.
With a deep voice, he says, “Have a good evening.”
Meri grabs my hand. “Are you sure about this place?”
“It can’t be much different than the place Callyx took me to in the Underworld. Underworld races are massively territorial and possessive. If you’re with someone, they usually won’t bother you. And who’s going to mess with Astor?” I motion to the crowd parting before us.
She relaxes. “You’re right. Only the criminally stupid would mess with him and the cadre.” With a laugh, she twirls in a circle. “Let’s have some fun!”
Several handsome men turn to watch Meri dance around me. “The eye candy in this place is sublime. And they all look like they want to devour you,” I murmur to her.
Meri glances to the side. “I’m not the only one they’re watching.”
Astor suddenly appears, wraps a hand around my waist, and leans in to whisper in my ear, “You can look, but don’t even think about touching. The only person you’re going home with tonight is me.” His dark brown eyes are fierce as he frowns at the crowd.
“You don’t own me,” I furiously whisper back.
“No, but I’m thinking you own us.” He gives a husky chuckle as he lifts a hand, and a hostess comes over. “We’d like a VIP booth, please.”
She slides her eyes over him and flushes. “Right this way, sir.” She strolls over to the stairs and takes us to the second floor, where she points to a deep purple velvet couch with a coffee table in front of it. “Will this do?”
