Page 85 of Touch Of Fate
Mara
Taking a big bite of my cookie, I sit with Lace at the counter and listen to Rome lecturing his mom on the rules of etiquette for teleporting. His dad is trying to hide his smile behind his mug, but is failing miserably. Archer is lounging on the couch, his ankle over his knee, eating his fifth treat. He’s not fazed by anything. Lace is still blushing after my explanation of why there was a freak storm. Apparently, the house was shaking. I could tell Archer wanted to make a joke, but he restrained himself. I stayed busy making tea for everyone, and Lace wentback to her house for more cookies. I can’t decide if I find the situation funny or not. I would rather still be in bed with Rome exploring our new connection, but I also find his mother’s tactics loving instead of intrusive.
“You’re happy,” Lace whispers, and I turn to her.
“Yes.” I smile and look at my hands. “I feel whole.”
“Good.” She touches my wrist and starts to yank away. I grab her hand, and don’t feel her memories.
“I can control it with little effort,” I say, and she sucks in a breath. “I never thought it possible.” I stare at our joined hands. “All the tension and worry are gone. I don’t have to hide anymore.” I focus on her face, and she has tears on her cheeks.
“I’m thrilled for you,” she says, brushing her wet skin. “You deserve to be at peace.”
“Can I welcome my daughter-in-law now?” Margarete throws her arm toward me, and I stand. “I promise to be more considerate,” she says, walking away from him.
“I’ve heard that before,” Rome mumbles, glaring at her back as she walks to the kitchen. She wraps her arms around me, and I freeze.
“I’m so happy,” she whispers, and I slowly lift my arms to embrace her. My spells are calm, and I don’t feel anything but love. “Thank you for loving him.”
“It’s not hard,” I say, squeezing her. She’s forgiven for popping in. “My mom would have liked you.” She eases back, her smile tender.
“We would have gotten into all kinds of trouble together.” She tucks my hair behind my ear. “She would be proud of you.” I blink, my tears surprising me. “Both of you.” She glances at Lace. “Maybe you can cure Rome of his crankiness.” She rolls her eyes his way, and I laugh. I jerk when there is a knock on the door.
“It’s Adeline,” Rome says, and I nod. It’s going to take some time to want to answer the door.
“Good job, boy,” Adeline squeals as he lets her in. “I had every confidence in you.” She pats his cheek on her way by. Marvin follows meekly, shrugging his shoulders when Rome’s eyes twitch. “Mara.” She holds her arms wide as she reaches the kitchen, and Margarete moves back. “Welcome to the craziness.” I startle at her grip when she hugs me.
“Thanks…I think.” She wiggles us back and forth before releasing me.
“I can feel your power,” she says.
“My power?” I press my hand to my stomach. I know I have gained some magic from Rome, but I didn’t think they could sense it that strongly.
“The house is filled with it,” she replies, nodding. “It’s floating in the air.” She wanders around looking at the ceiling. I follow her gaze and see nothing.
“Adeline,” Rome sighs, and I meet his eyes. “Can we try to act normal? Mara isn’t used to your quirks.” He walks toward me, and my breath catches. His feet are bare, and his jeans are worn. The sleeves of his tight shirt are pushed up, showing off his strong forearms and ink. He stops in front of me, wraps his arm low around my hips, and pulls me in. The women in the room sigh when he kisses my temple.
I wouldn’t care if they danced naked in the backyard on a full moon, as long as he was mine.
“Maybe we should go back there,” Lace whispers.
“No, we shouldn’t,” I say, smiling at the customer. She takes her bag of books, smiles, and leaves.
“I can’t hear anything,” she persists.
“I know. Rome spelled the room,” I mutter.
“Why?” she asks.
“To keep you from hearing them.” I nod at the customer who walks out without making a purchase.
“He’s my friend and I don’t want Rome to yell at him,” she says, stomping her foot. I glance at her foot and back at her face.
“Do you believe Rome will do anything to hurt Gavin?” I ask. Lace doesn’t like being asked to leave her area, but she especially didn’t like it when Rome did it to speak to Gavin.
“No,” she grumbles.
“Gavin needs to know he messed up. Rome is thinking of our protection,” I point out, annoyed with her.
