Page 6 of Touch Of Fate
“Are you packed?” I ask, shoving shampoo and cologne in a bag.
“Yes. The car is ready.”
“No plane?” I cringe. I hate riding on a plane. The seats are too close, and even though I can soak up all the energy, I dislike being enclosed in a metal bucket.
“We can drive. I know you despise flying. This way we can have a vehicle we customized.” He backs out of the door, and I follow.
“Excellent,” I say. “I thought you would want to bring your bike.”
He grabs my suitcase.
“I’ll come back for it. Is the house protected?” he asks.
“Of course. I did it after a surprise visit from Mom.” We walk through the house and to the front door.
“How is she?” he asks, walking outside.
“As nosy as ever,” I snort, locking the door.
“Did you tell her why we were leaving?” he says.
“Yes.” I place my palm on the door, close my eyes, and bless my castle. I seal the door against intruders from the outside. Anyone who tries to find the door will be confused, swearing it was in front of them. My magic will force them to forget. Depending on the strength of the warlock or witch, our spells don’t necessarily last forever. It depends on the kind of spell, so I will periodically come back to reinforce my magic. “She is excited.”
“She is always enthusiastic,” he laughs.
“This is a new level. She wanted to come with us.” Archer snorts. We have been friends since we were ten. Mom considers him her son and treats him with sudden appearances, too. I throw my luggage in the trunk and move to the driver's side. “Are you going to tell me where we are going?” He stops at the passenger side door, his arm on the hood.
“Idaho,” he says.
“Idaho? What’s in Idaho?” I ask, opening the door.
“Your soul bond.” He lifts an eyebrow.
“You know that’s not what I meant,” I grit out. “I’ve never been.”
“It’s lovely. You’ll like it,” he says, opening his door. “Are you annoyed with me?”
“No.” He lifts the other eyebrow. “I’m anxious,” I admit.
“About her or your reaction to her?” he asks.
“Both. I have closed off my feelings. Humans give me theirs, but they don’t affect me anymore.” It’s difficult to describe the complex mix of emotions I’m feeling. Archer won’t judge me. We are always honest with each other. “I’ve been alone for so long. How do I interact with my bond?”
“Since I don’t have a bond, I can’t tell you that,” he says, smiling. “I’m pretty sure it will work out. She is meant to be yours. The universe can’t be so cruel to set you up for failure.” He puts his foot in the car. “Plus, you need someone else to annoy.” He sits in the seat, slamming the door.
“Hey, fucker,” I rumble, sliding in my seat. “You love my quirks.”
“That’s what we’re calling them?” he asks.
“Your world would be boring without me.” I buckle my seatbelt.
“Sure.” He takes a drink of water. “I enjoy bailing you out of jail.”
“That was one time,” I point out. “I could have spelled the bars to escape. But I decided to play by the rules.”
“Not true, that was one of the times,” he says, and I remain silent. “There were too many humans in the cell with you. Using your magic would have exposed you.”
“See.” I wave my hand. “I played by the rules.” I grin at him and speed away from the house.
