Page 86 of Seducing Hope (The Hope Legacy)

He shrugs and continues to hide like an awkward teenager. “Don’t you have anything better to do than discuss my love life?” he mumbles.

“Yeah, we can always discuss Natia and Archan,” Jed helpfully supplies.

I smack Jed this time, causing him and Zee to fall about laughing and squash my legs. “You’re just trying to live vicariously through those who actually have a love life.”

“Because you have such an endless stream of dates,” Zee deadpans.

I shrug. “I’m picky—sue me.”

“You’re not picky—you just give off an ‘ask me out and I’ll eat your intestines for breakfast’ vibe.”

“I give off no such vibe.” I glance around. Everyone, including Duncan, suddenly finds the walls, ceiling, or floor fascinating. I fling my hands in the air. “Fine—I have a vibe. Pity Archan seems to be unaffected by it.”

“Or he’s a masochist,” Zee states.

I roll my eyes and go to redirect the conversation back to Aaden’s imminent date, but I see him peeking out at me from between his fingers with a pleading look. I take pity on him and allow Zee and Jed to continue to tease me. Eventually, they give up and focus on the mind-boggling alien knowledge as provided by Mulder and Scully.

Two hours later, I wrap up in a dressing gown and go outside to lie on a lounger. Instead of being relaxed, I’m restless, with an electric energy buzzing through my body that has been building since I woke in Archan’s bed.

Zee follows me outside. “I’ve come to make sure you don’t give the ferry boaters a free strip show.”

I hold a finger up. “That was one time, and I was drunk.”

“Alcohol is no excuse for bad behavior,” he admonishes. He sits on the edge of my lounger near my chest, and I shuffle to make more room. “I was worried about you tonight,” he confesses.

“I’m okay. Apparently, not even the gods can kill me.” I change topics. “Fancy a training session?”

“I don’t know, you were practically dead less than twelve hours ago.”

“You know the old saying, ‘What doesn’t kill me…’” I retort.

“Too soon,” he mutters.

The glass door slides open, and Duncan joins us, plopping down next to my feet. They all seem to be gravitating toward me, reassuring themselves I’m still alive.

“I thought we might have a training session,” he mentions hesitantly.

I shoot Zee a look. “See, he isn’t worried.”

“Worried about what?” Duncan asks.

“About training me.”

“I’m a little worried. But you need it now more than ever. The sooner we begin, the quicker you can protect yourself. How do you feel?” The itchy feeling intensifies. “Restless,” I confess.

“Do we know the effects of this poison?” Zee enquires.

Duncan shakes his head. “I’ve heard of it, but in all honesty, I thought it was a myth. Natia’s survival is going to gain some attention, from both Archan and Khalkaroth.”

“I don’t think I’m in any danger from Archan.”

They both glare at me. “Don’t fall for him, Natia. He’s only after one thing,” Zee says, making me snort. What a fatherly comment.

“So, training… physical or magical?” I ask.

“Both,” they chorus.

“Hone the skills you have, practice the new ones,” Duncan explains. “Plus, if you’re restless, some physical exertion might help.”

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