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She's beautiful. Her long brown hair is loose halfway down her back. She’s wearing a green, long, flowy dress. It shows her curves, and her long necklaces tinkle as she walks. Granny refuses to tell me her exact age, but she looks as if she were in her twenties.
“Why? It’s harmless, and more action than I’ve had in years,” she smirks.
“Granny,” I gasp.
“This is amazing,” Mara chuckles.
“This is Gran.” Mateo saunters toward her, his arms ready to embrace her. “Wild woman, come here.”
“My boy.” Granny holds him close.
“I knew you couldn’t stay away,” he says.
“Not when my girls are in trouble.” She winks as she steps back, looking expectantly around the room.
“Rome and Mara.” I motion toward them. “They are soul bonds, and Lace is Mara’s sister.”
Granny tilts her head, staring at Lace. “So pretty, all of you.” She walks forward, stopping in front of Lace. “May I?” She holds out her hands.
“Sure,” Lace mumbles, placing her palms on hers.
“Mmm…” Granny closes her eyes and bows her head. “So much potential.” Focusing on Lace, she smiles. “Your time will come. Be patient with yourself. You'll be an original,” she says seriously.
“Okay,” Lace whispers.
Granny pats her hands, then releases her and turns back. “There are massive amounts of energy in here. I would love to read a book while basking in it.” She sighs. “The only thing stinking it up is them.” Her lip curls as she looks at my parents. “What to do?”
“I have a suggestion.” I grin, moving to the couch. Lifting my hand, I call on my spells, and white mist flows from my palm. Pressing against Betty’s forehead. “Sleep.” Her wide eyes drift closed. I repeat the action with Travis. Pulling back my magic, I face the room.
Shocked expressions greet me, except for Granny and Mateo. Archer watches me in fascination.
“You just…” Lace shakes her head.
“Holy shit,” Mara gasps.
“Wild One?” Archer rumbles.
“Umm…” I guess I haven’t shared the other shades of my dream magic. “I can make people sleep.” I shrug. “I can’t do it to everyone, but they're weak enough that it’s easy.” It’s not something I share or use often. “They’re truly asleep and can’t hear anything we say.”
“Repercussions?” Rome tilts his head.
“Perhaps a headache when they wake up,” I answer.
“Do you have to cancel the spell, or does it happen naturally?” Archer steps toward me.
“They’ll get a full night's sleep and wake up tomorrow.” I gulp as he stops close and lifts his hand, tapping my chin with his fist. I tilt my head back because of his subtle demand.
“You are full of surprises.” He strokes his thumb across my chin.
“In a good way?” I smile.
“Very good,” he rumbles.
I want him to kiss me again.
“Well.” Granny clears her throat. “Mateo, help me carry them. Do you have a back door?”
“Yes, I can show you,” Lace says.