I held my hands out. “I’m merely pointing out what Evie could do if she had the proper motivation. She has sworn she will release our territory once the magical threat is passed. I, for one, believe her.”
“Because she’s your mate,” Ben growled.
“We are not formally mated,” I pointed out. “Things are going in that direction, but I will not force Evie into anything she’s not ready for.” A pointed blow at Caelan. “If she chooses not to accept me, we’ve already agreed she will return the land and refrain from additional Floromancy within Keep grounds.”
Ben’s brow furrowed. “You’d allow your mate to walk away from you?”
“I don’tallowEvie to do anything. She’s her own person. We all know how the bond works. I choose to believe she will accept me, but she is dealing with the unfortunate after-effects and trauma that comes from prior relationships.”
Caelan let out a derisive snort. “And yet, she’s fucking you.”
I smiled. “You see my point,” I said mildly before turning to Caelan. “I’ve already promised to take you to task for speaking about Evie that way. This is your last warning.”
Caelan’s smile was full of teeth. “Any time you want to go, brother. I’m ready.”
“I stopped calling you brother the day you abused a woman whose only crime was loving you too much.”
Silence fell like a stone. “Send me the meeting details,” I snapped. “Other than that, I hope to hear from no one for the next five days.”
I cut off the call and leaned back in my chair, willing my breath to steady before I went out to see Evie. She’d sense my anger, especially now. While our bond wasn’t complete, I could now sense her exertion outside, as well as her annoyance. No doubt she could sense my fury.
I closed my eyes and took a few deep breaths. Caelan and I would come to blows one day. I had no doubt, but it would not be today.
Once I could focus without wanting to smash my fist into something, I rose and went outside.
Chapter
Eight
Icollapsed in a puddle of sweat. “Whyyyyyyy?”
Dad snorted and sat beside me. “You’re thinking too hard.”
I glared at him. “Honestly, that should be a boon these days because most people don’t think. And here I am thinking too hard and being punished for it.”
“Magic is will, not thought.”
“I’m going to punch you in the kidney.” I sighed. “But I’m too tired right now. I’ll punch you tomorrow.”
“Thoughts are polluted,” Dad continued. “I’m hungry. I’m thirsty. Why does my sock feel weird? My couch needs new throw pillows. I need to work out more. I forgot my water.”
“Are you a frazzled Mom?” I asked. “Your internal monologue is weird.”
He sighed with barely concealed impatience. “It’s an example of all the thoughts running through someone’s head on a daily basis.”
“Will, on the other hand, is demand. You’re in one place now. You demand to be somewhere else. The magic responds. Boom. You’re here, then you’re there. You must clear your mind of the pollution and ensure only your will responds. Once you masterthat, you will find your fae magic, outside of your Floromancy, much easier to command. You’ve already conquered the natural world. Even now, the grass and flora bend to you. Fear prevents you from mastering the other.”
“Can I not master anything for a bit?” I begged, spitting out a piece of grass.
Barrett was sitting against a tree texting something on his phone. “You don’t have much time. The swans have disappeared, and with them all our leads are gone.” He lifted his gaze. “It’s not a stretch to think they’re amassing their forces to come after you.”
A shiver rolled down my spine. I’d told Moira some time ago I planned to kill them all if they came after me. Time had not mellowed that thought. Reaching me at Rowan’s Keep was all but impossible unless they had outside help.
I felt rather than heard Rowan coming toward me. Heat colored my cheeks, making my dad raise an eyebrow. His lips twitched, but he held his tongue. Thank the gods for small favors.
“If the swans set foot on my lands, it’s a declaration of war.” Rowan took one look at my dirty face and grass-stained clothes and frowned.
He and Dad had a brief stare down before Rowan glanced at Barrett. The Chimera hadn’t moved from his place against the tree and was giving Rowan a curious look. Then his gaze went to me before he inhaled a soft gasp.
