A cell rang. Hana ignored it and rubbed her face, her eyes glazed with disbelief. “Your magic came to me?” She shook her head.
Her phone continued to ring.
“You should answer it,” Leya said.
When Hana didn’t respond, Leya took the device from her coat pocket and answered. “Hey, Dan, I’m so sorry, but Hana has cramps…” She scrunched her nose at her lie.
“Bummer. She’s okay?”
“Yeah, it came on suddenly. She’ll call you tomorrow.” Leya ended the call and set the phone on the table.
“Hana, l know this is all a shock to you,” Aerén said, his tone so quiet and soothing that even Leya felt its effects as it flowed through her, calming her jangled nerves.
A shaky breath left her sister. “I’m really sorry about what’s happening, the tragedy your world is going through, and I know you want me to do this test, but I need time to process all of this.”
“All right,” Aerén said, crossing to the coat stand. “Take the time you need. I must get back out there and see if Thiorr and Drav’n made any headway in their search.”
He put on his boots, then took his jacket. Leya walked him outside to the stairwell, stopping at the top step. “Will I see you in the morning?”
He smiled. “You certainly will. But later, around midday. In the mornings, I usually train with my warriors. I like keeping to a schedule.”
Yeah, she recalled he’d left their bed early, while she’d longed to wake up with him.
“Okay.” Before he could leave, she grasped his shirt. “Do you…” Leya swallowed, but she had to know. “Do you feel the magic in Hana?”
“I’m not sure. But you’re here, you call to me, and…” He shook his head. “I don’t really know.”
“Maybe you should try and see if she has it?”
His expression hardened. “No.”
At his adamant refusal, Leya frowned. She didn’t understand why he wouldn’t, when finding the Chosen was so important to them.
“We can wait for the scroll test. Besides, I can’t lower my shields, Leya. Earth is…noisy.”
Dammit, she’d forgotten about his empathic side. “No, I’m sorry. I’m just anxious to get this done.”
“It’s not your fault. Being what I am, it’s extremely draining and causes my powers to roil. It’s not good for one like me.” He glanced down the stairwell, then back at her. “I have to go. I’ll see you later. And by the way, we don’t date. Well, I don’t. You are mine, Leya. My mate.”
Shock rippled through her. “What?”
“Exactly what I said.” His features were etched with resolve. “I want you to come back with me when I leave Earth. When all the magic is found, we will get its blessing and have a life together.”
Her jaw fell open.
He gently tipped her chin up. Her mouth closed.
“Not everyone will be lucky enough to find their destined mates, Leya. But the Stone of Creation has gifted those who find a Chosen, and resonate with them, a chance at a soul joining. If the retest says you aren’t a Chosen, it doesn’t matter. You are who I want. Be safe for me,caeli mea.” He kissed her then drew back. “I’ll see you later. I’ll send Thiorr to ward your apartment and workplace against unwanted entry.” He dematerialized.
Slowly, Leya made her way back to her apartment, touching her mouth, caught in a cloud of happiness. He wanted a life with her…
CHAPTER26
“When areyou gonna tell Appa you’re dating an angel?” Hana drawled, swinging the office chair away from the computer at the L-shaped desk where she’d been checking the invoices.
Leya ran a finger down the work schedule for next week, pinned on the corkboard, but she could feel Hana’s stare piercing her like nails.
She’d been stunned wordless when Hana had hauled ass early out of bed and, as perky as a chipmunk after a cache of nuts, accompanied her to the office on a Sunday. Now she knew why—an interrogation.
