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“He can’t hurt us,” Archer says, and I narrow my eyes even more. “Baby, I won’t do anything to put you in danger or take unnecessary risks to take me away from you.”

“Can I make a suggestion?” Mara asks.

“Yes,” I say quickly.

“Wouldn’t it be better to wait?” she asks, and the guys glare. “Maybe it’s better that he doesn’t know about you. If he senses you, he’ll know there'll be more obstacles in his way.”

“She’s right.” I nod. “Betty and Travis didn’t know about you. Unless he can see the future, he won’t know I have a soul bond. If he’s that confident, he won’t like his plan disrupted. When he comes, the element of surprise could help us.”

“Fuck,” Archer grumbles.

“So, we just go about our lives, and wait?” Mara wrinkles her nose.

“It seems wrong,” Archer sighs, grasping the back of my neck and pulling me close.

“I agree,” Rome says, threading his fingers through Mara’s. “That was anticlimactic.”

“I have all this energy now,” I murmur.

“I could say so many things.” Rome smiles at Archer.

“I would advise you against it,” Archer snaps, raising his hand, and Rome’s mouth is sewn shut.

Rome rolls his eyes and cancels the spell.

“Alright, I see how that could become annoying,” Rome grumbles.

“I learn from the best.” Archer grins.

“Do they do this a lot?” I ask Mara.

“All the time,” she replies. “Except Rome is usually using the spell.”

“Proud of you, Brother,” Rome smirks. “Have you been practicing that spell?”

“Fuck off,” Archer grits out.

“Maybe it’s Savy. She strengthened your magic,” Rome continues. “Should we get some food?”

“Rome,” he growls. “Go away.”

“Going,” Rome sings, and winks at me. “Call when the bad guy shows up.”

Rome backs up quickly when Archer releases me and takes a step forward. He watches them leave, not moving. I wait and stare at his back. Adrenaline is zapping through my limbs, a residual effect of the magic moving between us. Even though the task was upsetting and frustrating, not getting the answers I wanted, doing a spell with Archer was thrilling. He’s held all of his power tightly inside, and I want to set it free. He doesn’t have to be afraid of it anymore; I’m here to help him harness it.

I blink and focus on my soul bond as he turns quickly, advancing on me. My body moves instinctively, backing up as he gets closer. We match step for step until my back is against a tree. The rough bark makes me gasp, as does the intensity of Archer’s gaze. He grips my wrists, raises them above my head, and transfers both to one of his hands. With his free hand, he glides his fingers across my cheek, and I hold my breath.

“Griffon won’t hurt you,” he promises.

“I know,” I whisper. “You won’t let him.”

He nods sharply. “I’ll stay by your side, constantly.”

“I won’t complain.” I smile slightly.

“Your magic is as beautiful as you are,” he says gruffly. “We work well together.”

I gulp as he rests his palm against my neck.