Page 78 of Touch Of Fate
“It’s a waste of time,” he says.
“Still doesn’t mean I don’t feel it,” I reply.
“You can’t take on the actions of others. Cameron would have found an opportunity to get her alone at some point.” He frowns. “Were you affected badly by taking that many lives?”
“I felt out of control. I can usually manage and neutralize the emotions I pull in, but this was different. All of their actions were based on horrible feelings, and the energy became too much. I didn’t want to hurt Mara. I needed some distance. I made her leave,” I whisper.
“That’s understandable,” Dad mumbles.
“I shouldn’t have left her,” Archer rasps. “I thought she would be safe. She was worried about you, and so was I. I’ve never seenyour spells do that, and your fear disturbed me.” I don’t blame him.
“It wasn’t your fault,” I say.
“You needed her protected. I was supposed to do that. You trusted me with her safety, and I let you down.” He crosses his arms.
“I know it was difficult for you to leave me. I appreciate your concern, and it helped when you came back.” Archer grounds me. I glance at the owl back in his tree. The animal was flying over the car as we left the haunted house. I knew something bad was happening and regretted my insistence that Mara leave my side.
“No one is to blame except the asshole that came after Mara,” Dad grumbles, looking at me and then Archer. “It’s done. The only thing to do is move forward. She’s safe, and the world is a better place without those men in it. You’re brothers in every way that matters. I love you both, and we already love Mara. By the time we go inside, Lace will be best friends with your mother. Are you stable?” he asks me.
“Yes. I expelled a lot of magic,” I say. My body is still humming from the events of the night, but I’m calm.
“Good. Magic is amazing. Being a warlock is filled with wonders, but also responsibility. I believe everything happens for a reason. You were meant to send their souls to hell,” he growls.
“Dad.” I shake my head.
“What? That’s the only reasonable place they should go.”
“You’re right. As always,” I sigh.
“Damn straight.” He grins. “Moving on. When are you going to bond with the girl?”
“I’m not talking about this,” I mumble.
“It’s the logical next move.” He tilts his head. “Do you love her?”
“Seriously, I’m not discussing this.” I turn to face the backyard, my hands clenching the railing.
“She deserves to be loved,” Dad says softly, moving to my side.
“I know that,” I grit out.
“If you don’t feel it now, it will come with time,” he continues.
“I’m not going to tell you how I feel before her,” I hiss.
“Oh…” He folds his arms across the top of the wood. “Of course.”
“I’ve never felt this way,” I confess.
“That’s when you know it’s true,” he whispers. “I’ve been waiting for my boys to feel the love I was lucky enough to find. It sneaks up on you.” He chuckles. “You have to give in to it.”
“I want her to be happy.”
“She gets to spend the rest of her time on Earth with you. Of course she’ll be happy,” he says, and I smile.
“You’re biased.” I turn, leaning on my side.
“I love my boys.” He looks at Archer. “You’re next.” Archer holds up his hands.
