Page 32 of Touch Of Fate
“I’m a leopard. We don’t mate witches. If I did, it would be to lovely Lace.” Gavin grins when she smacks his arm. “I’m happy you gave her a laugh back.” Rome relaxes.
“Can we stop making a big deal out of it?” I sigh.
“So you're all witches,” Gavin states, looking at all of us. “I’m glad they have a family now. You can protect her from guys like Cameron.” Rome’s hand convulses on my stomach.
“What other guys have there been?”
My soul bond is losing his cool.
Chapter Seven
Rome
I’ve never been a jealous guy. After getting my heart broken when I was younger, I protected myself, staying distant. The women I’ve been with haven’t been important enough to care if they had other men interested. My relationships have been carefree and simple. I go into it knowing they aren’t meant to be mine long term, and they know I am not looking for something serious from the beginning. When they want to move on, I don’t protest.
Everything is different with Mara. My Mara. She is mine, and when Cameron smiled at her, I wanted to take away his vision so he could no longer look at her. I know she has never felt as he does, but I can see the longing in his eyes. I was wrapped up in Mara and didn’t pay attention to his aura as Mom did. I’m off, and it’s because of my bond. I study everyone I meet and their intentions. I can tell if they are a good person by the way their body moves.
“What’s happening?” I glance at the door as Archer walks through, carrying two bags of food. He looks at Gavin, and his nostrils flare. We can smell the scent of shifters. Our magic warns us of an animal close by.
“Archer,” Adeline squeals, rounding the counter. She wraps her arms around his waist, and he holds the sacks out wide.
“Hello, Aunt,” he mumbles, looking at me. He knows my emotions and can sense my unease.
“So good to see you,” Mom says, pushing her sister out of the way and taking her place. “You brought food. What a good boy.” He obediently leans down to kiss her cheek.
“Margarete, I didn’t know you would be here,” he says, and she eases away.
“They surprised us,” I say dryly.
“Sounds right,” he says. “Who are you?” Archer points a bag at Gavin.
“A friend. Lace is working on a piece today,” Gavin replies and turns to Lace. “You have a place full of witches overnight.”
“Uh—” Lace looks at Mara.
“Gavin, they are trusted,” Mara says, leaning closer, pressing her back against my chest. “Let Lace finish. We don’t need our business spread around.” Her voice gets hard as she stares at him.
“Message received,” Gavin says lightly. “Come on, darlin’, let's finish.” He nods at me and turns. Lace hurries after him and shuts the door.
“This is the best day,” Adeline says, and I lift an eyebrow at her. “Well, it is. We got to meet Mara. See Archer. Meet Lace. We have dozens of books set out in the back, and we saw a yummy chest full of tattoos, even though he’s an animal. What’s not to like?”
“The interruptions, Cameron, Gavin—”
“Rome, you don’t have to worry about those men,” Adeline interrupts. “Mara has no interest in them. Right?” She looks at Mara.
“Of course not,” she says and tilts her head. “Rome, I don’t.” Her hair is feathered across my chest, her eyes pleading with me. I dip my head and kiss her forehead.
“I know, my Mara,” I whisper. The swirling in my gut has nothing to do with her feelings and everything to do with mine.
“Let’s eat.” Mom claps her hands and takes a bag from Archer. They settle on the couch at the front.
“Are you alright?” Mara asks, turning in my arms.
“Yes. I don’t like anyone looking at you. I’ll get used to it. You're beautiful; men are going to look.”
“I think you are overestimating my appeal,” she says.
“I’m not.” I kiss her lightly and guide her toward the food.
