Chapter Twenty-One
Rhys
Savannah insisted ongoing toThe Magic Beanwhen she discovered that Ava opened the store after all. When we arrived, I had the opportunity to see a different side of Savannah.
She marched into the shop and right up to Ava. Then she lost her temper.
“What were you thinking, coming here alone? I told you that I wanted to be here when you had the store open and you ignored me! I realize that you’re a powerful witch in your own right, but you are not invincible. If Rhiannon hunts supernatural creatures with enormous talent, you are in danger too. What in the hell were you thinking?”
I’d never seen Savannah angry before but I found that I enjoyed the sight. Her cheeks were flushed and her dark eyes were bright. She looked vibrant and energy seemed to crackle around her.
Ava looked toward me as though she were seeking my aid. I crossed my arms over my chest and shook my head. There was no way I was getting involved in this.
“Savannah, there are wards on the shop, I’m just as safe here as I am at home,” Ava said, trying to soothe her.
“Maybe, but what about your car? It’s not as if it’s a tank!” Savannah put her hands on her hips. “You should move in with me until all this is over. We’ll be safer all together.”
Ava’s eyes widened and moved to me again. This time I did intervene because it was clear that the witch didn’t want to move in with us and I agreed that it was best if she didn’t. Now that I’d enjoyed Savannah’s body, I fully intended to do so on a regular basis. Having a houseguest would make that difficult.
“Savannah, you know that Ava can take care of herself,” I pointed out.
Savannah turned toward me and I saw the sparkle of tears on her lower lashes. “I know she can take care of herself, Rhys, but she’s one of the few people in this world I love and I want to know she’s safe.”
“What if I moved into Rhys’ house?” Ava offered, her voice nearly desperate. I realized that the sight of Savannah’s tears affected her deeply. “I would be close and we could ride to work together. He’s staying with you so he won’t need it.” She looked toward me, her eyes begging me to agree.
“I think that’s a good plan,” I agreed.
Savannah narrowed her gaze and looked first at Ava then at me. “I guess that would work,” she relented before turning back toward Ava. “But don’t you ever do this again. Until things are settled or you find someone to help you, you don’t come in and open the shop alone.”
It was the first time I’d seen Ava look the least bit cowed. She nodded silently.
“Fine, then we should get to work,” Savannah said smartly, walking behind the counter and stowing her purse beneath it.
As Savannah gathered her apron and pulled it over her head, Ava looked at me and I bit back a smile.
“I’ve never seen her so angry,” Ava murmured.
“Really?” I asked. “I thought you two had known each other for ten years or so.”
“We have,” she admitted. “But I’ve never seen Savannah truly angry. She gets frustrated, disappointed, hurt, and sad, but never angry. It was a little scary.”
I couldn’t hold back the chuckle that built up in my chest. “She loves you.”
“I know,” Ava replied with a sigh. “And I love her.” She glanced at me, a smile playing at the corners of her mouth. “Speaking of love, you two look all loved up.”
I shook my head at her and didn’t reply. I wasn’t about to discuss what happened the night before or this morning with Ava.
“Fine,” she relented. “I won’t ask you anything else.”
Though neither of the women mentioned it, I decided to stay for the rest of the day. I wanted to protect not only Savannah, but Ava as well. For the first time in centuries, I wished for my sword.
When they fell out of fashion, I hadn’t thought I would want it back, but I ached for its familiar weight against my side. I felt naked without it even though it had been at least three hundred years since I carried it.
I watched as Savannah made coffees and teas for customers. As the hours passed, I could see the toll her interactions with other people took on her. Her sparkling eyes became dull and her face grew pale.
It brought her words this morning back to the forefront of my mind. She insisted that I would be helping her if I took her excess emotions and, as I watched her, I was beginning to believe it. She was greatly affected by the people she saw each day and it wore her down.
After a few hours, the shop was empty and Savannah came over and sat next to me at the table.
