Page 43 of Sapphire Flame
Natalie released a sigh that came out like it was crossing a series of speed bumps. How ridiculous to be so relieved. “Thank you,” was all she could think to say.
The anticipation of seeing Grant again coupled with the worrisome thought that Neil, the warlock, could discover if she had an invisible entity spying on her, focused her thoughts on what Neil would have to say.
Her gaze drifted along the back wall of the chapel. There was a beautiful stained-glass window in a long arch over the double doors and walls. Light from the foyer beyond lit it up.
Natalie was grateful for something to focus on. The scene was a landscape of rolling hills, blue sky, and trees with lots of violet, blue and green hues throughout. It was lovely.
For a moment, she forgot her worries until of course she heard masculine voices in the foyer and both doors opened.
The men walked through.
She heard Talya’s soft gasp and felt her fingers suddenly entwine with Natalie’s.
Natalie squeezed in response. Odd tears bit her eyes as her gaze settled on Grant. The chapel was small with only a dozen rows of seats and aisles down each side. The distance was no more than thirty feet.
She couldn’t take her eyes off Grant as he moved to the top of the closest aisle and made his march in her direction. Instinctively, she released Talya’s hand and held out both of hers to him. When he reached her, he took them in his firm grip. His fingers were warm as he nodded to her.
She had that same, familiar sensation of coming home.
She released his hands. “You remember Talya.”
Grant smiled and extended a hand to the fae. She took it which caused Natalie a twinge of jealousy, a sensation she loathed. “How are you doing? You look fantastic. You’ve healed up quickly and I don’t see a single sign of sapphire flame.”
“I’m feeling incredible given how recently I was in the ER. Emma has an amazing healing gift. Agnes gave me a treatment here as well that helped remove the drug from my system. She’s amazing.”
“That she is.” Grant then turned slightly in Neil’s direction. “Natalie, you know Neil.”
“I do.” Natalie shook his hand.
Neil turned to Talya. “Well, hello there.”
His obvious interest made Natalie smile.
“Actually,” Talya said. “Neil and I have met, about a year ago.”
“That we have.” His lips quirked. “As I recall, I was being an ass.”
Talya chuckled. “Yes, you were. But your advice was solid. I took it to heart.”
“Glad to hear it.”
Natalie saw what Talya meant about Neil being a striking man. It was more than his looks. He had an aura about him, of devastating ease and strength. The only thing that marred his appearance were the shadows beneath his eyes. She wondered if he’d been ill recently.
A soft growl next to Natalie, brought her attention sharply to Grant. She lifted her brows in question but said nothing.
Stop looking at him. You’re throwing off lemons and mint.
You’re jealous.The words came out in the form of a statement she instantly regretted. Yet she knew the same sensation extremely well.
There’s no point in denying it. I am. Whatever this is between you and me, I’m not handling it well. Neil said he would need to have physical contact with you and it angers my wolf.
She watched fur appear suddenly on the lines of his cheeks.
She drew closer to him and slid her hand in his.I understand. I do. Talya mentioned wanting to see you again, to ‘get a feel for you’, and I was ready to scratch her eyes out.
She met his gaze, and his lips curved softly. She had a sudden urge to touch his long braid and run her fingers the length.
More mint and lemons.
