Page 18 of Touch Of Fate
“Not yet,” I drawl, looking at Mara, who is frowning at me.
“Is she having second thoughts?” She asks but doesn’t wait for an answer. “Put me on speaker, child.”
“You are the only one who can get away with calling me that,” I say.
“Aren’t you tired of complaining about it? You will always be a child to me. Do as I said,” she demands.
“Yes, Aunt.” I push the button. “Mara, this is my Aunt Adeline. She is intrusive like my mom.”
“Hush,” she scolds. “Mara, thank you for taking the little shit off our hands. He’s a mopey one. He needed a bond.”
“Uh…” Mara blinks. “You’re welcome.”
“Is Archer there?” she asks.
“I’m here,” he says.
“And the sister?”
“How—” Lace whispers.
“I’ve seen it,” Adeline states. “Listen, he is bad. This is supposed to happen. I had a dream about it. Mara, your gift needs to be used in this way. You’ve been pushing it away, avoiding the pain and emotions. Sorry, sweetheart. It must have sucked ass, but this is your destiny.”
“You’ve seen,” Mara whispers.
“I have. By the way, you are stunning. I’ve always been partial to black hair. Good job, boy. Enjoy the shit out of her.” I sigh. “He’s handsome, so you lucked out too.”
“Aunt,” I hiss.
“What? You’ve met me. I say what I think,” she says.
“I know. Do not come here,” I command, knowing it’s useless.
“I won’t. I promise.”
“Like Mom promised. I don’t want to wake up tomorrow to both of you.”
“We wouldn’t,” she gasps.
“Sure.”
“Anyway,” she says slowly. “The world won’t miss the man. The law won’t punish him. Mara, you must.”
“I will,” Mara says.
“Good.” She pauses. “We could just come for a little visit. Rome, you may need help wooing her. How long has it been? Do you remember how to use—” I hang up before she can go any further.
“I apologize,” I mumble, and Mara smiles.
“She has a good point,” Archer says, leaning forward. “Do you remember—” I snap my fingers and seal his mouth. Lace slaps a hand over her lips, her eyes twinkling. Archer glares as he undoes the spell. “That never gets old.”
“Then don’t say anything to provoke me,” I say.
“Sorry, but that was cool,” Lace says, earning Archer's glower.
“Your aunt seems nice,” Mara says.
“She’s wonderful,” I agree with a sigh. “When she and Mom team up, no one is safe.” I shudder.
