Page 33 of Touch Of Fate
Archer is watching me as I encourage Mara to eat. I pull her to my lap after she takes a container. He knows I’m fucked up inside. I didn’t care about much before Mara. He always encouraged me to go out and meet people, knowing I needed some kind of purpose. My work is challenging and fulfilling, but I’ve been losing interest lately. After so many years in the world, boredom comes easily. Finding something to interest you becomes harder and harder. I’ve been searching for something I didn’t know the name of. Mara is my purpose now. She makesme feel things I thought I could no longer feel. I’ve been spelling to do regular daily tasks, bored with life. My magic surrounds her now. She hasn’t noticed or, at least, hasn’t admitted it, but I freely give her my spells to strengthen and stabilize hers.
“Do we need to kill whoever pissed you off?” Archer asks.
“You can’t kill Cameron,” Mara says.
“I don’t like him,” Mom announces.
“I agree,” I say.
“He’s a professor. I’ve never felt threatened by him.” Mara takes a bite of a muffin.
“He wants to fuck you.” I break off a piece of her food and pop it in my mouth.
“Son,” Mom gasps.
“Well, he does,” Adeline says, and we share a smile.
“He might have a crush,” Mara admits.
“Rome, I’m sure he knows he has no chance now,” Archer says, and glares. “If not, I’m sure we can persuade him.”
“Can we stop talking about this?” Mara frowns.
“Yes.” I glance at Archer. “He shouldn’t have any doubts.” He nods.
“Mara, is your magic stabilizing?” Adeline asks.
“It is. I slipped up last night, but I hope that with more practice, it will get better. Rome has enhanced what I can do and has helped keep the emotions controlled,” she answers.
“That is one of the purposes of the soul bond.” Mom smiles. “Before I met his dad, my spells were all over the place.”
“You can teleport,” Mara says.
“Yes, it was difficult to live with before I bonded. I would pop all over the world and couldn’t ground myself to get back to where I started. It was frustrating. It was magical meeting Arthur. He centers me.” Mom looks at Mara knowingly. “Finding the one meant for you makes life much sweeter. Not to mention the sex.” She shares a look with Adeline.
“Tell Dad he can come out of hiding,” I say, rescuing Mara from having to reply. Her body is tense, and I can’t take any more discussions about sex.
“Fine. I get the hint.” Mom touches the ends of Mara’s hair before standing. “Where should we meet tonight?”
“I’ll message you.” I press Mara’s hips. As she stands, I move to Mom. She is frustrating with her interference, yet I know it comes from nothing but love. I kiss her on the cheek and do the same to Adeline. “Have some fun with the afternoon.”
“We will.” Adeline pats me on the cheek. “Don’t kill anyone while we are gone.”
“Why does everyone think I will?” I ask, and Mom tilts her head.
“Son,” she sighs, and glances at Mara. “Could we get our books later? They are piled in the back.”
“Of course,” Mara says, and eases back on the couch. “I’ll bring them when we meet.”
“Thanks, sweetheart.” Mom blows a kiss at Archer, who shakes his head but smiles. Adeline winks at him and follows Mom out the door.
“They're sweet,” Mara says softly, and I sit beside her.
“They are excited.” I slide my arm behind her.
“You’re lucky to have them. It’s the most conversation we’ve had around here.” She grins.
“I haven’t seen anyone try to come in,” Archer says, looking at the door.
