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“Yes, I’m sorry I worried you,” he says.

I love Lace, but as Archer gives her his attention, I want to block her view. My magic flares, and I flex my hands.

I can’t unleash my unjustified anger.

Chapter Three

Archer

Jealousy isn’t an emotion I feel. I’ve always thought it was silly, but witnessing Savy’s possessiveness causes pleasure to unfurl in my chest. Lace is my sister and friend. I would never feel anything for her except a family bond. Savy’s reaction makes me imagine another man looking at her. Meeting my soul bond is going to change everything.

“Why don’t we give them some privacy?” Mara suggests.

“I think we should be here, just in case their magic explodes,” Rome smirks.

I glare at him. “Really?” I say dryly. I should have known he would give me shit. It’s payback for when he met Mara.

“Yeah,” he scoffs. “We don’t want the store destroyed.” He lifts a brow.

“We wouldn’t,” Savy says.

“Mara and Rome did,” Lace grumbles.

“Not everything,” Mara murmurs.

“What happened?” Savy asks.

“Doesn’t matter,” I grit out and move around the counter. “Come with me.” I hold out my hand and wait for her response. I resist throwing her over my shoulder. My ever-present control is being tested.

Savy lifts her hand, and the air swirls. Margarete pops into the room. Her gift is that of teleportation.

“Archer,” she cries, running toward me.

My bond drops her arm, and I grimace. I love her as if she were my blood mom, but I want to be alone with Savy.

“Mom,” Rome sighs. “What’s the rule?”

“I know, I know. But it’s Archer.” She wraps her arms around my waist and presses her cheek against my arm. “You called me,” Margarete says. “What did you expect?”

“Where did you leave Dad?” Rome asks.

“He’s fine.” She tips her head back, propping her chin on my arm. “How are you? Adeline was worried sick. Are you back for good? Do you need anything? Food? A shoulder to lean on?”

“I’m okay.” I grip her forearm. “I should have called you.”

“Yes, you should have,” she scolds. “We're family. You know better.”

“I’ve been…” I look at Savy. “Working it out.” I sense her confusion, and her expression is openly curious. She must have met Margarete before. Her jealousy doesn’t flare.

“Oh, hey, Savy,” she says, tilting her head.

“It’s nice to see you again,” Savy says sweetly, her gaze bouncing from me to Rome’s mom.

“Did you just meet Archer?” she asks, tightening her arms.

“Mom,” Rome laughs, stepping forward. “Let go of Archer. You aren’t sensing the vibe in the room.”

“What?” she frowns and drops her arms.