Page 5 of The Rowan's Stone
ARDEN
I’m browsing through my closet, trying to decide on what to wear to Witchwood, when my phone pings. My thumb slides across the screen, and a text and three hunky, shirtless guys with numerous tattoos stare back at me.
Meri:So sorry I didn’t get back to you. Been very, verrry busy. Proof is in the pic. And maybe a little bragging too. I mean, seriously…hot. Enough about me. What’s up?
Arden: Where did you find the luscious trio?
Meri: Picked them up last week. Or rather, they picked me up. They’re triplets. Not identical, but close enough. Especially where it counts. LMAO! There is not enough willpower in this world that could have made me turn them down. And you know I have like literally no power, or willpower. *wink emoji*
Arden: *roll on the floor crying emoji* I’m learning this about you, but I don’t blame you. I wanted you to meet Solandis and Vargas, though! Plus, I have TONS to tell you. Like heritage found, secrets revealed, you know…epic stuff!
Meri: Noooo, I wanted to meet them. I’m sorry. Please forgive me? *sad face emoji* and WTF? Epic? Are you being serious??
Arden: Forgiveness might require cupcakes. And wine. EPIC!
Meri: I’ll pick up some wine and cupcakes and come right over.
Arden: Nope. I’m going to Witchwood with Theron. Tomorrow??
Meri: Witchwood, huh? Tomorrow. I’ll be there!
Arden: XX Don’t forget the wine and cupcakes. I mean it.
Putting the phone down,I laugh and shake my head, then turn back to my closet. No doubt Theron’s dressed in his usual suit, but I’m not feeling formal today. Pulling a pair of dark jeans, a silk cami, and a blazer out of the closet, I throw them on the bed along with a pair of black riding boots. This outfit will work.
With a glance at my phone, I realize I’m running late. Throwing on the outfit, I head out the door and straight into the elevator. Theron’s standing there with his arms crossed, waiting for me, his violet eyes firing with impatience and irritation.
“You’re late,” he drawls. “Punctuality is necessary to maintain order.”
“Meri called,” I retort and roll my eyes, my own irritation at his high-handed manner apparent. When I turn to tell him where he can shove his order, I’m stunned speechless. Theron’s wearing jeans. Dark and pressed and a little fancier than most, but real, denim jeans.
Damn, he looks good,I observe silently.
He’s paired it with a button-up shirt and blazer, so it’s not completely informal, but it’s not a suit. The polished perfection he exudes in a suit is a perfect match for his usual icy Fae demeanor. In jeans, he’s still casually elegant, but it’s as if the armor is gone and he’s approachable and sexy. Utterly and completely sexy.
“And?” he prompts, nudging me to continue.
“Huh? And?” I mumble, jerking my head back toward the elevator doors. I’ve got to think about something else. And find my brain. Words would be good too. My eyes catch on the doors. Think about the doors. They’re fascinating, right? Black, of course. And they have a seam between them. And they’re smooth. They open.
“Arden?” He says my name impatiently. “What did Meri say?”
Meri? Oh, right. “She didn’t say much. Told me she’s been busy and was sorry she missed Solandis and Vargas. I invited her to come over tomorrow, so I can fill her in on everything,” I tell him.
“Oh? What has she been doing lately?” Theron asks as the doors open.
“Triplets,” I murmur, bolting through the door.
* * *
Theron insistson driving to Witchwood instead of using a portal. I don’t mind. Watching his capable hands control the ferocious, matte black, metal monster we’re riding in, at speeds that defy normal physics, makes me shiver with awareness.
“Where is everyone else?” I ask, knowing he has everyone’s schedule memorized.
“Everyone’s at The Abbey, except Daire, who had errands to run,” he answers. “Why?”
“No reason,” I reply with a shrug, not wanting to tell him I don’t like how separate we live at The Abbey, where everyone goes their own way.
Shifting in my seat, I focus on him instead of the countryside. Although he’s exhibiting his usual restrained self, he feels…edgier today. I’m not even sure I can describe it, but change surrounds him.
