“Makes sense…I don’t think we should say anything to Fionn about his father,” Carson murmured.
“Does it matter anymore? Artur is dead.”
“You have a point there,” Carson agreed.
~/~/~/~/~
“Turn in here, please,” Oracle said, pointing to a slightly overgrown dirt lane. Looking through the windshield, she watched as the low tree branches brushed the sides of the car as they traversed the rough road. Glancing behind her, all she could see was greenery, concealing the car from anyone on the main road.
“Mrs. Valentin, how much further should I go?” asked Eddie, the driver.
“We’re nearly there,” Oracle murmured, peering through the deep shadows at the side of the lane. Then, spying Mystia standing off to her left, she told her driver to stop. “I will be back shortly, Eddie.” Not waiting for him to open the door for her, Oracle got out of the car and headed toward her friend, stepping carefully over the rough terrain.
“I’m glad you’re here, Oracle,” Mystia said, hugging her before stepping back and casting a sound-proof bubble around them.
“Yes, so am I. Have you sensed anyone else?”
“The Witches’ Governing Guards are searching this part of France but so far, Remy and his brothers have remained hidden from them,” Mystia replied.
“You met the brothers?” asked Oracle.
“Three darling young ones.”
“How long will your spell last?”
“Usually not this long, but Remy’s magic is giving it a boost…although I don’t think he knows that. There’s something else you should know…I found traces of black magic.”
“Any connection to the witches you’re searching for?” asked Oracle. “The ones who used black magic in Scotland?”
“I don’t know yet.”
“I have to go now,” Oracle said, then added, “Please tell Maximus what you found. I think it is more than coincidence.”
“I agree,” Mystia replied. “One other thing. Claiming has changed them both…the magic field surrounding Remy is very different from what it was previously.”
Saying nothing, Oracle smiled serenely, giving her friend a hug before walking back to the car.
~/~/~/~/~
Taking the tray from Remy, Carson carried it into the living room, setting it down on the coffee table before glancing at his cousin. “Have you heard from Oracle yet? I thought she’d be here by now.”
“No, but she’ll be along soon,” Hunter replied. “Are you sure you and Remy don’t mind if Fionn stays when Oracle talks to you?”
“Babe?” Carson looked at his mate who sat down next to him. “You sure it’s okay with you?”
“It is,” Remy said, pouring coffee into two mugs before handing them to their guests. “Carsy…coffee or tea?”
“Tea is fine, babe,” Carson said, just as someone knocked. “I’ll get that.” Crossing the room to the front door, he opened it, finding Oracle smiling at him.
“Hello, Carson,” Oracle said, giving him a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
Barely able to murmur a return greeting, Carson suddenly felt his shyness return, confusing him.For fuck’s sake, I know Oracle! What the hell is happening to me?Standing there, he once again found himself frozen, unable to speak until he felt his mate’s hand caressing his back. “Uhm, Oracle, I’d like you to meet my Fated Mate, Remy Marchant.”
Dropping to her knees, Oracle bowed her head, “It is an honor to meet you, Great Warlock, Keeper of All Magic, Ruler of the Mystic Realm. I bring you greetings from the gods.”
Gob smacked, Remy stared at the Oracle kneeling before him. Shifting his eyes to his mate, he said, “I think she’s wrong. Can Oracles make mistakes?”
Shrugging his shoulders, Carson held out his hand. “Oracle, please get up.” After she rose, he asked, “What’s going on? I thought you were here to tell me if the Fates had a gift for me.”
