Page 47

“She should arrive tomorrow.” I glance at my phone to make sure she hasn’t messaged. “She’s on the road, so she shouldn’t have any issues.”

“Gran is staying with Betty and Travis,” Mateo informs us, still staring at the bird.

“Rome, do you think your parents would know who Griffon is? If he’s well known, they could have heard of him.” Archer leans forward.

“I can ask. If they're the same age, it’s possible they ran across him.” Rome leaves the table, pulling out his phone.

“So, even if this guy is powerful…” Lace licks the salt from her fingers. “Can’t you put him to sleep or give him a nightmare? Problem solved.” She drops her hand as we stare at her. “What? I know I don’t have spells, but all of you are riddled with them. Let him come and say some words. He can’t force you to be his soul bond. No one is that gifted,” she snorts. “Control the environment. Let him think he has the upper hand, and then surprise, we have friends that will make you wish you never came.”

I laugh. “She’s right.”

“Thanks.” She smiles.

“Protecting our home from him is important. We have to pick a place to bring him,” I say.

“Not the store,” Mara says quickly. “We’ve had enough damage from bonds meeting.”

“How about my place?” Archer asks.

“It’s out of the way. If we have to spell him, there won’t be witnesses.” I’d rather not deal with him at all, but it’s the fastest solution. “We can wait until Aria is here.”

Rome returns to the room. “Mom hasn’t heard of him. She’s going to ask Dad, and get back to us.” He stops behind Mara, caressing her shoulders.

“Well, at least he’s not an infamous warlock,” Archer points out.

There's a knock on the door, and I glance around the table. The others do the same.

“Isn’t this all of us?” Lace wrinkles her nose.

“I thought so,” Archer mumbles.

Sliding my chair back, I stand, and Archer grabs my wrist. He straightens and nods to the door. We move through the room, his fingers wrapped around my arm. I highly doubt Griffon would knock politely, but I won’t argue with his possessiveness. I don’t sense anything bad, and the residual protection spells would have alerted me to danger.

I look through the peephole and recognize Adeline, Rome's aunt. As I open the door, her magic flows through the opening.

“Archer,” she squeals, launching herself into his arms.

“Adeline,” he rumbles, hugging her. “Mavin.” He looks at the quiet man still outside.

“Arch, glad to see you.” He smiles and turns his attention to me. “Welcome to the family, Savy. We're quite the bunch, just to warn you.” He looks meaningfully at Adeline.

“Mavin,” Adeline hisses, easing away from Archer. “Don’t say that to her.”

“Just did. She knows us, not well, but I’m sure she’s heard the stories.” He rolls his eyes and comes inside.

He’s right. I’ve met them one time, but I’ve heard all the hilarious stories from Lace and Mara. Margarete has been around more, and she doesn’t hide her open personality.

“Aunt.” Rome moves toward her.

“My boy.” She hugs him and grins at Mara. “Are you keeping him in line?”

“I like it when he’s not in control,” Mara smirks.

“Shameless.” Adeline winks at her and pulls back. I shut the door, and she turns to me. “I’m so happy you're with Archer.”

I smile. “I am too.”

“Mom told you,” Rome guesses.