Page 17 of Touch Of Fate
“Thank you.”
“Now, you have to get off my lap.” He pushes with his hands. “I’m having a hard time controlling myself.” I back away, absurdly pleased I affect him so much. “I see the sparkle in your eye.” He narrows his eyes playfully. “I can also see years of you getting your way. My dad is the same way. He lets Mom get away with everything.”
“I would love to meet them,” I say.
“Don’t worry, you will. Sooner than I would like, probably.” He runs his hands through his hair, propping his elbows on his knees. “Talking about them is the fastest way to stop thinking about getting you naked.” I grin. “Mom wanted to come with me to meet you. She knows how to find me, so I expect that if I don’t check in regularly, she will show up.”
“I wouldn’t mind,” I whisper, hugging my knees. “It’s sweet that she is so involved in your life.”
“Where are your parents?” he asks.
“I never knew my dad,” I say and bite my lip. There is more to the story, but I’m not ready to reveal it. “Mom died when I was a teenager.”
“I’m sorry,” he breathes. “Who did you live with after she was gone?”
“No one.” I stand quickly, running my hands through my hair. “What should we do about him?” I ask, not ready to talk about it. He pushes to his feet and gently grabs my hand.
“I won’t push. Take the time you need. We are strangers, even though we are being pulled together. There’s no rush,” he assures me.
“Thanks.” I smile tightly. “I don’t talk about my past.” I inhale roughly. “I love her. She was a good mom. When I’m ready, I’ll tell you about her.”
“I’d like that.”
“We have to do something about the man. He’s going to kill again.” Someone like him won’t change his ways. He has a taste of the thrill and power it gives him.
“So we go to him,” he says. “We make sure he can’t hurt anyone ever again.”
“I’ve never tried to hurt someone with my spells.” My magic is pulsing, and somehow I know that I should try.
“Follow your instincts. I’ll be with you. I won’t let him hurt you.”
I never thought I would meet my bond, do magic with him to find a murderer, and our first date would be to kill a man.
Always expect the unexpected.
Chapter Five
Rome
When I walked into the bookstore, the last thing I thought I would be doing with my soul bond was killing a man. Not that I’m opposed to it. Stalking the man’s home, sitting beside my mate, her sweet magic filling the car, isn’t a hardship. Fuck, but I’d rather be discovering the depths of our bond. Her beauty is captivating. At first sight, I thanked the universe for giving me a stunning woman with a kind heart. Her black hair is a waterfall of silk down her back, and her green eyes seem to pierce my soul.I almost came when she was on my lap, two handfuls of lovely flesh rubbing against me.
The whole drive here, I wondered how I would react toward her. Would the connection be immediate? I pictured us circling each other, unsure of the bond, yet the moment I sensed her, I knew she was meant to be mine. I could feel her magic reaching out to me, begging for mine to give it a home. The sensation was odd, but it felt right.
I stare at the side of her face as we sit across from the murderer's house, waiting for him to arrive. The ride was silent. I wonder if she is having second thoughts. Archer wouldn’t be left behind. He insisted on coming. Lace gave Mara an intense look when she attempted to talk her out of joining us. They sit behind us in the car, silent, as if they know conversation wouldn’t be welcome. This won’t be the first time I have killed. I’ve lived a long time and have met several men who needed to be punished. Witches and warlocks shouldn’t use their magic to kill just anyone, but there are exceptions. We don’t have a governing body that polices deaths caused by magic, yet they say that if our power is used excessively for evil, a stain will appear on our souls. Don’t be a shit person, and you should be fine.
Mara’s power is massive. I felt it. She has been suppressed because of her fear of pain and losing control. I believe I can set her free. The killer will be a step in that direction. She needs to feel like she made a difference and that her gift is worth it. I will make sure she finds her purpose.
The magicked are a bit selfish. We take care of ourselves and the ones we love. Our rule is not to reveal our gifts to humans. I don’t give much thought to the humans. Getting involved in their lives beyond business is not something I concern myself with. We are secretive. Showing ourselves to them is dangerous. Throughout time, we have been persecuted for our magic and feared. This is why we keep our circle small. I just want to be leftalone to live comfortably with my family and friends. I would kill for them.
My phone ringing is like a grenade going off in the car. I roll my eyes when I slide it out and see my aunt’s name.
“Aunt Adeline,” I answer. “Now is not the best time.”
“Have you killed him yet?” she asks, and my eyebrows shoot up.
“Excuse me?”
“You know I see things.” Adeline has visions of the future. I should have expected her call.
