Page 55 of Touch Of Fate
“Only in the way of talking you through it.” I pull her to the front door. “You need to understand that you have always had the magic inside. Trust it.”
“Easier said than done,” she mumbles.
“Trust me then,” I whisper, moving her in front of me. “Can you do that?”
“Yes,” she replies softly.
“Our spells are always ready.” I wrap my arms around her waist and press against her back.
“The words don’t come easily to me.”
“Remember, the words don’t matter. Ten witches could do the same spell, yet use different words, and it would work. It is the intention behind the words. Move the spell as you want. You have to believe in the power of the magic. Pick the words that mean something to you.” I brush my cheek against her head. “Our intention is the same. To protect the house and the people in it.”
“You are so much better at this,” she says.
“I’ve had a lot of practice. You’ve had no one to believe and guide you,” I whisper in her ear. “I do. I believe you can do anything you want.”
“Thank you.” She takes a deep breath and holds up her hand, her palm facing the door. “Protect those within.” Nothing happens, and I can feel her doubt.
“Do you think I could get hurt?” I ask, and she jerks.
“Don’t even say that,” she hisses, and I grin.
“I know I’m powerful, but I’m not invincible. Things happen, and I’m sure we are just being extra cautious. As we have learned, it’s better to be prepared for anything.” I squeeze her hips. “I want you to keep us safe.” She widens her stance.
“Keep those within this house safe. Anyone with bad intentions will be forced away. Protect us.” I feel her energy moving, and the spell taking effect.
“Good girl,” I whisper. “I’m so proud of you.” She turns her head, and our lips are inches apart.
“It worked,” she says, grinning.
“You needed some motivation,” I say, and she narrows her eyes. “I want you to do the other doors.”
“What about Lace’s house?” she asks, glancing at my mouth.
“I already did it. As I said, we are being overly cautious, but I don’t want anything to happen. We have survived a long time because of our caution.” I squeeze her hip. “You need to stop looking at my mouth,” I warn.
“Why?” She lifts her gaze.
“It’s dangerous to tempt me while I have heightened power.” I glide my finger across her bottom lip.
“What about the other times?” she whispers.
“It’s slightly less,” I smirk.
“Hmm…” She moves back, and I drop my arms. It was a wise choice, but I feel the loss of her heat.
“Spell all of the doors and windows,” I say, and don’t move. I watch her work around the room, gaining confidence as she progresses. Telling her about my past was easier than I thought it would be. She didn’t judge me, and it felt good to reveal some of my secrets. There is more to tell, but it won’t happen tonight. She expended tons of energy. I can see the exhaustion in her body, even though her mind is still busy with thoughts. I’m waiting for the realization to hit her. She killed a man, and seeing me kill so many has to affect her.
I go upstairs and secure it. She needs to rest. Spelling the whole house may take more than she has. I’m proud of her growth in such a short period of time. I’m thrilled that I am the one who can teach her. Every second in her presence makes me more attached to her. She is a wonderful woman, and seeing her strength is a turn-on. My body is charged with energy. I can’t hold it all in. It has to have an outlet, whether that be spelling the house or fucking my soul bond. Mara isn’t ready for the latter, so I have to do magic. While outside with Archer, I put an extra protection spell on him. He needed time with his thoughts and to wander aimlessly. He frowned when he felt my magic but didn’t protest. We have been brothers for a long time, so he knows I would ignore his assurance that he didn’t need it. He doesn’t know the area, and there is always a chance for trouble. His safety has always been a priority.
I sigh and return downstairs. Mara is finishing in the bathroom. I lean on the door frame and cross my arms. Fuck, she’s sexy. I’ve had a difficult time keeping my eyes directed at her face instead of her toned legs, curves, and braless breasts. She must feel comfortable with me. I tilt my head as she bends closer to the window. She’s driving me to distraction, yet I don’t think she’s doing it on purpose. Her innocence is clear. She may not be a virgin, but she doesn’t have much experience with men, good men. I have to go slow. I would hate to rush her and break the trust she has in me.
Completing the soul bond is all I can think about. I would do it now. Her character is clear to me. She protected her sister to the point of putting her own life in immediate danger for months. How can I not respect that? Her love is strong and endless. No matter my faults, my family is everything to me, and I’m glad my bond has the same values.
“Oh,” she gasps as she turns around.
“Done?” She pulls on her shorts.
