“If Amund offended her,” Lex said, “she shouldn’t be with him.” Lex winked at Em, who shook her head and glanced away.
A warm finger trailed up Lex’s back, setting off sparks down her spine. “Is that what you think, Lexandra? I once offended you too. Do you believe we should be apart?”
Her pulse raced and she drew in a breath. Damn him. “Of course not. Fine, I’m no good at understanding attraction.”
“You are new to lust. I will teach you.” He grinned enthusiastically.
She shoved him, but he barely budged. “Maybe I will teachyou.”
His smile faded and his eyes sparked. “I would like that. Shall we begin?”
Before Lex could respond, Derek walked over. “You mind?” He looked at Garrin and gestured to one of the side caves. His girlfriend Elena was already inside, arranging their heavy coats on the ground.
Derek walked in behind Elena, and Garrin waved his hand at the entrance, sealing it off from the main corridor with a translucent ice wall that didn’t show shapes, but let in light.
“What happens if they need to escape quickly? Won’t they be trapped?”
Garrin stood and stretched his arms above his head, a peek of lightly tanned skin and toned abdomen showing beneath. “The ice is nothing the Halven couldn’t break through when he chooses.”
“Thank you,” Derek shouted.
Lex tried not to stare at Garrin as he pulsed embers in other parts of the cavern, heating the space while everyone slept, but his power was hot, literally and figuratively, and she couldn’t help admiring him.
“Come,” he said, holding out his hand. “We should rest.”
Lex gripped his warm palm. It was late, and Keen and Reese had already peeled off into one of the cavern’s other internal caves.
Garrin sealed off their small space too, and the faint sound of Reese laughing filtered out.
Lex blushed. “This is quite the love nest.”
Garrin squeezed her hand, studying her eyes. “Shall we adjourn to our own? We’ll find one that is more private.”
Jas and Zirel were passed out near the large fire, while Amund stood guard. But Isle was awake and watching them from across the firepit.
“Give me a moment,” Lex said.
She crossed the cavern to her mother and sat beside the fire, the embers dancing in magic-filled shades of blue. Devoid of wood and kindling, this fire was silent. “Please don’t be mad at me.”
Isle’s lips pursed. “I am not upset with you, Lexandra. Merely frustrated. I had no choice but to modify your memory and leave you with Jasper. It was either that or allow Casone to get his hands on you. The angels only know what that fool would have done. I dare not imagine. I couldn’t reach your father, and I did what I had to.”
Lex bit the inside of her lip, treading carefully. “I understand you did what you had to when I was younger, but I’m a grown woman now.”
Isle studied her. “Jasper said you are a splendid student, though you keep to yourself.” Her amber eyes grew shadowed. “I’m sorry for what the magic and memory loss did. I had no idea you’d suffer from a human mental disorder.”
“Anxiety. And it was partly from memories I had of you dying by avalanche. But Jas’s presence helped. If it makes you feel any better, I no longer suffer from anxiety. Not since I came here and, well, changed.”
Isle’s throat bobbed, and she nodded. “You didn’t suffer from it before you left. I wouldn’t expect you to have it now that you’ve returned.”
Lex touched her mother’s shoulder. “Whatever suffering I’ve experienced, it’s brought me to you. It brought me Garrin too. And as much as I appreciate what you’ve done for me, it’s time to let me spread my wings.” That sounded like a bad angel pun. “Figuratively speaking.”
A sad smile crossed her mother’s face. “You’re like your father in more ways than you think. You’re a peacekeeper, and you are incredibly stubborn.”
“I think I get some of that stubbornness from you.”
Her mother sent her look that said she was not amused. Her eyes grew watery. “I realize you’re no longer a child, but that doesn’t mean I wish to lose you again.” Her eyes narrowed on Garrin.
“I’m not going anywhere, Mom. But Iamwith Garrin.”
