My nose wrinkled. We’d definitely need to work on Vander’s language if he was going to be around Byx. She was at a very impressionable age. “I assure you, I’m being very serious. As for your father’s debts… I will need to look into that a bit further. If I’m taking on an apprentice, then it won’t do to have such a burden hanging over your head. Twisting magic, bending it to your will, takes concentration and dedication. Dealing with Alpha Belview would be far too distracting.” I nodded as the idea took root in my mind.
Vander licked his lips. Excitement lit his eyes, but it was tempered by wariness. “Why would you do this?”
I shrugged, attempting to make light of the situation. “Brownies are typically very discerning. We trust the magic, and that magic brought Byx to you. I have to think that means something.” It was a small, white lie. In truth, I knew it meant something and more than that, I knew exactly what it meant. While I might be uncertain of the road it would take, I was aware of the destination.
“Just like that?” Vander inhaled deeply.
“Just like that,” I parroted.
He shook his head. “Fucking unreal.”
“Yes, well…”
“This all sounds too good to be true.” Vander gave me the side-eye. “I don’t want you getting mixed up with Alpha Belview. Not for me and certainly not on behalf of my father. I won’t put you in that kind of danger.” Vander sounded very certain. Shoulders thrown back and chest puffed out,he was determined to protect Byx and me. It was an interesting reaction given how little he thought of himself. Clearly there was more work to be done than simply improving Vander’s warlock skills.
I chuckled while patting Vander’s arm. “So young and so very naïve.” I grinned, exposing my slightly pointed teeth. “There’s a reason no one sane messes with a brownie. We’re a peaceful species, but we defend our family. Your father found that out the hard way.”
Vander shook his head. “But I’m not a brownie, and I’m certainly not part of your family.”
I cocked my head as I considered Vander’s words. My smile gentled. “Family is who we say it is. I suspicion you do not consider your fatherfamilyeven though you are of his blood. Sometimes, the best family is found family.”
“Trust me, you don’t wanna claim me as family.”
Oh, there was so much work to be done with this one. So much potential and yet so little control. I could feel the magic dancing around Vander. It wanted to be controlled, to be wielded by his capable hands. That was the problem. It was too eager, and Vander was far too young and far too uneducated to understand the gentle touch that was needed. He was the proverbial bull in the china shop. Vander Kines had potential to be not only a good warlock but a great one, and whether he realized it or not, he also had the moral core to temper that power.
Had the magic guided Byx to this struggling warlock? Undoubtedly. Just as my own magic allowed me to understand his importance. I had no idea how much time I had left, but magic had not left me without recourse, and for that I would be forever grateful. I would guide and mold Vander Kines into the kind of warlock that could care for Byx. When I was gone, she would not be left alone. Neither of them would. They’d have each other.
With a final pat to Vander’s arm, I stood, arching my back and popping a few bones in the process. “First lesson: don’t argue with a brownie. You won’t win. Now, we’ll need to find you a spot to sleep for tonight.” I frowned while glancing around. “I’m afraid none of my beds will fit you and this couch doesn’t seem much better.” Everything I owned was brownie-sized.
“I can always go back to my apartment tonight.”
“I—” My voice cut off as my head swam. I reached out and instead of grabbing the couch cushion, I gripped Vander’s leg.
“What’s wrong? Georgiana? Hey, what…” Vander’s voice faded away as a fresh vision took hold.
“I’m coming. Gaia, keep your damn pants on.” Vander was in a run-down apartment, the carpet threadbare with more stains on the ceiling than the eggshell white it had originally been painted.
Whoever was on the other side lacked patience. The door rattled again, this time louder. The hinges buckled, nearly giving way.
“What the fuck? You’re gonna knock the damn door down and—” Vander opened the door and was immediately met with a fist to the face. His body jerked back, head snapping to the side. I had no idea how he was still standing.
Two massive figures pushed their way inside, crowding Vander against a tattered couch. “What the hell?” Vander’s hands covered his nose, blood leaking through his fingers.
“Time’s up, Kines. Alpha Belview would like to have a private word.”
“I’m not going anywhere with you.” Vander’s voice was muffled, but I could still hear the note of fear lacing through it.
The malicious grin lifting Vander’s assailants’ mouths sent a shiver down my spine. “Oh, I wasn’t askin’.” They moved in on him and my vision faded.
Panting, I clutched the fabric over my racing heart. Vander’s worried words slowly filtered into my brain.
“What is it? Who can I call? Shit, I’m no good at this. Georgiana, come on. Snap out of it.” Vander ever so gently shook my shoulders, careful of my smaller size.
“Sorry,” I finally managed.
“Oh, thank Gaia. I thought… Fuck, I have no idea what I thought. That you were maybe having a seizure or something. I’ve never heard of a brownie doing that, but what do I know?” His massive hands ran up and down my arms as if he thought I was cold and he was attempting to warm me. “What was that?”
Legs shaky, I found my way back to the couch. Experience taught me my disorientation would pass in a few minutes. Inhaling, I took those precious seconds to formulate an answer. “That was something you’ll get used to.”
