Page 47 of Touch Of Fate
“He works with someone who helps women in trouble,” she says. “We spend time together, and he wanted me to know.”
“Who does he work for?” Archer asks.
“I don’t know. He didn’t tell me details.” She shrugs.
“I don’t want him around when we use our spells,” I say, narrowing my eyes. “I don’t know him or trust him.”
“But I do,” she states, lifting her chin. “He’s never done anything to hurt us. Our secrets are safe with him. Mara, what do you think?” Mara stares at her.
“She’s right. He hasn’t shared anything about us.” She looks at me. “Even though he is a good guy, I agree, I don’t want to do magic while he is present.” She glances at Archer. “Could you move the women to a secluded room?”
“Yes. I’m sure there is a place in the building to hold them. I can’t keep them under my spell for hours, but long enough,” Archer answers.
“Once they are isolated, we can spell the men. It shouldn’t be long, and when it’s done, Gavin can take them.” She touches my knee. “Is it possible? Will we have enough power between us to control the room?”
“I believe so,” I mumble, remembering the space and the people in it. “Can you call Gavin?” Lace nods and stands. “I need him to realize the seriousness of the situation. Make it clear that we are in charge. I don’t need him ruining our plan.”
“I understand,” she says and goes outside.
“I can talk to him if he has questions,” I say, annoyed already by the shifter.
“Don’t strain yourself,” Archer says dryly.
“If I must,” I mumble, and Mara shakes her head.
“You can trust him,” Mara insists, standing. She holds her hand down, and I slide mine in hers.
“We’ll see.” I get to my feet and pull her close. “I don’t trust many people, and definitely not shifters.” I’ve kept my circle small, and I won’t take chances with Mara’s safety. I pull in the room’s energy. My magic has limits, but not many. Emotions are thick everywhere in the world. Humans thrive on feeling everything.
“Can you take too many emotions?” Mara asks.
“I can do damage to a human if I take more than their bodies can take,” I explain, and avoid Archer’s eyes. He knows what I have done, but it’s not something I want to discuss with Mara yet. “It could cause someone’s death if I took all their emotions. It’s dangerous to concentrate on one person. In this case, there are plenty of people, and the room has residual energy.”
“I can imagine how hard it was to regulate when you were younger,” she whispers, leaning into me. She is perceptive but isn’t going to push.
“It was,” I say softly. Lace opens the door, and I’m grateful.
“He’s in,” she announces. “He’s going to get things set up. I told him we’d call when it’s time.”
“Never thought I would work with a shifter.” I shake my head. “Once we enter the building, I’ll control their bodies quickly. Archer, work fast with the women. Lace, you can go with him. I don’t know for certain how many will be there, but I’ll try to gauge the space when we arrive. If anyone tries to hurt you, use whatever you have to.” I stare at Lace, narrowing my eyes. “I’ll be pissed if something happens to you.” Her face flushes.
“What about me?” Archer asks.
“We’ve been in worse situations,” I say, and he lifts a shoulder. Archer can take care of himself. I’ve seen everything he can do, and I’m confident in his ability. I pull away from Mara and cup her cheek. “I will direct my spells toward the men and take theenergy from their emotions. Nothing will happen to you. I won’t let it.” She smiles.
I will drain everybody dry if they try to hurt her.
The tension is thick as I park close to the building. I shut off the car and center myself. Mara’s energy is filled with anxiety, and Lace’s fear is giving me a sick feeling. Archer is lounging in the back, steady and calm.
“I will spell all of us to remain invisible until we are in place,” I say, turning in my seat. Mara meets my gaze and seems to calm. “Archer, stay close to Lace. My concentration is going to be on freezing them, and Mara.”
“I won’t be a burden,” Lace says softly, and I look over my shoulder.
“I didn’t mean you were.” I sigh. “The men in there aren’t good. If I miss one or two, they could come after you, a woman whom they see as an easy target. I don’t want to face your sister if something happens.” She nods and smiles slightly. “Archer, can you get a sense of how many are inside?” I ask, and look at the building. I can tell humans apart from those with magic, but the walls between us are making it difficult.
“I feel many but can’t get an exact number,” he says, frowning.
“Be prepared for anything,” I mumble and touch Mara’s hand. “Are you ready?”
