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“Shit, Addy,” Mavin breathes.

“What? She does.” She holds Lace’s hand.

“I don’t feel different,” she denies, but I think she’s lying.

“Uh-huh…” Adeline narrows her eyes.

Lace fidgets and presses her lips together.

“That’s enough for tonight,” Archer announces, pushing his chair back. “Adeline, thank you for coming.” He glances at Mateo. “We have to protect the house tonight. Tomorrow, we will regroup.”

“Anything for you.” She smiles sweetly and stands.

Mavin rises and slaps Archer on the back. “We’re always here for you.” He moves toward the door. “Woman, let’s go. Rome, walk us out.”

Everyone takes action by his words. I stand, but stay by the table. Mara and Lace pass by me with a smile and a gentle touch. Rome stops by Archer, grips the back of his neck, and presses his forehead to his. I’ve noticed this is the way he communicates his seriousness and love with my soul bond. I look away, and my attention moves to Adeline as she rounds the table.

She stops close, and I freeze. She flutters her fingers across my cheek, smiling softly. No words are exchanged, yet I know I passed some kind of test. It makes me feel welcomed in a way more powerful than words. With a slight nod, she backs away and joins Mavin at the door.

“Call,” Rome orders Archer, and turns away.

They filter out of the door, and the silence is startling.

“I like it here,” Mateo chuckles, and I look at him. “Moving will be the adventure I’m looking for.”

“How about we take care of the dangerous warlock first?” I ask dryly.

“Sure.” He rubs his hands together. “Can I borrow some of your energy? Since it’s your house, it will reinforce the spells.”

“Will it drain her?” Archer steps beside me.

“No.” Mateo walks to the middle of the room. “Come here.”

I take a step, and Archer grabs my wrist.

“You have nothing to fear,” Mateo says softly.

I stare at my bond. He's anxious, and I don’t like it.

He nods slightly and releases me.

“Archer?” I won’t do it if it will make him uncomfortable.

“It’s alright,” he says gruffly. “Let’s get it done so we can go to bed.”

I flush and walk toward Mateo.

Bed sounds good to me.

Chapter Twelve

Archer

Idon’t want my soul bond practicing magic with anyone but me. Selfish. Childish. Yet, true. I know they're just friends, and Mateo made it clear this morning as he was making breakfast. None of it matters as I watch them step close.

Mateo reaches for her hands, but at the last second, circles her wrists instead. I appreciate his thoughtfulness, even though it doesn’t make much difference. I don’t like anyone touching her. It’s necessary. The house needs to be protected. I don’t want Savy to be afraid to go to sleep, and I plan to be beside her, watching over her through the night.

Mateo’s spells begin to travel over his body and through the room. They are visible, green, and powerful. He didn’t reveal his age, and I can’t pinpoint it exactly, but he must be at least a hundred. This thought is reinforced as his eyes lighten from green to white. A gentle wind flows around them. Savy’s spells circle him.