The dazzling light danced across both areas.
“You too, my mate.” He covered my eyes as a wave of heat bathed us.
“Oooh, nice.” I tried to pry his fingers away.
“A little bit longer.”
I peeked through a gap. The good wood fibers knitted together, and the old disappeared. Soot fluttered down. “That’s amazing.”
“You weren’t supposed to look.” The floor boards creaked and rolled. Blackened dust plumed. Guy moved us back.
“I can handle the bright light. Thank you for this.” On my tiptoes, I kissed his cheek.
“I’ll collect the water I drenched you in. Hold still, you two.” Hope swept her hands down Guy and me, drawing every last drop away. She floated the water back to the tub.
Davio heaved the roll of velvet onto his shoulder. “Good job, Moyer.” He beckoned Faith to him. “Has she calmed for now?”
“Yes.” She grabbed the trailing end and helped him. “Silvie, don’t forget your skill is directly related to your emotions. If your excitement grows or your temper flares, it’ll trigger your fire. ’Path me if you need me. I’ll help Davio with this then head to school, but I can come in an instant. You only have to ’path me.” She and Davio flashed away.
“She’s right about the emotions.” Belle patted her clammy cheeks. “I’m wiped out. I need a breather after this intense dousing of feelings. If you need me, ’path me too.” She staggered out the door.
Poor Belle.
Silas gripped one end of the tub. “Moyer, if you don’t mind, keep an eye on my sister until I get back. I can see you can handle her heat as the rest of us can’t.” He held out a hand to Hope. “I’ll take you home.”
She wrapped her arms around his waist since she couldn’t ’port. Zayn grasped the other end of the tub, and the three of them shimmered and disappeared.
“I can’t believe my brother actually left me alone with you.” What a surprise.
“I’m driven to see to your welfare. He knows that.”
“Well, welfare aside, thank you. For a released mate, you’ve gone way beyond your duty. I think I’ll take a breather like Belle did.” I headed for the door. “Cooking always helps.”
Guy followed, his gaze passing over the passageway’s walls of textured silvery-white. The ceiling here was twice his height and held silver filaments inlaid into the corner plaster scrolling. “What are we cooking?”
“Lunch.” My heart did a little happy dance he was here, but I should give him an out. “You don’t have to stay.”
“It’s expected, and I want to.”
“You do? Because expectation aside, I’d understand.”
He snagged my hand as he caught up. “I’m staying.”
Grinning, I tugged him around the corner and into my cozy kitchen. I lifted my arms with a flourish. “What do you think?”
“It looks totally out of place.”
“I know, but I happen to like the conveniences of Earth.” In the top red drawer, I found a white chef’s apron. After slinging it over his head, I tied it off at the back. My happy place was back to being my happy place.
“Why am I wearing this?”
“It’ll do since I don’t have a jacket to give you.”
“Why would I need a jacket?”
“To cover your chest.” At least this apron kind of hid some of his impressive chest.
“That’s what my shirt is for.” His confused frown was so cute.
“It doesn’t do a good enough job. You also look sharp in this apron. I wish I still had the chef’s hat. Silas bought it for me as a gag gift, but I still love it.”
“I’m not wearing a hat.”
“Spoilsport.” I skipped to the fridge. “This kitchen is almost identical to the one I had on Earth. I used to live close to Faith, but since she found out about Magio and her parentage, Carlisio sold the place. Do you have a modern kitchen at the station?” Our people didn’t harbor technology as those on Earth did. We had no high-rises or cities of concrete here. No smoggy pollution either, which was probably why we lived easily to one-hundred and twenty.
“In the homestead, yes, but I’m only there half the time. The warriors’ lodgings in Dralion though are well-equipped, what with travel being open to us.” Guy wandered around my kitchen, skirting his finger along the edge of the bright red countertop as he made his way to the window. He scanned the area outside. “I can’t believe I’m here. Peacio’s fortress.”
“You see anything out there that worries you?” I turned on the tap and washed my hands. “Apart from the garden? You’ve gotta watch those herbs. They’ll attack at a moment’s notice, shooting mint and chives everywhere.”
“Cheeky.” He swatted my bottom. “I’m simply making certain I can’t be seen.”
“No one would harm you if you’re with me.” I nudged him to wash his hands.
“Well, there’s a bonus to having a mate reside in the enemy’s home.” He scrubbed his hands. “What are we making for lunch?”
“Fresh jelly donuts with jam and cream. I feel like something sweet.”
“Mmm, my mother used to make fresh bread each morning. I love the aroma which infuses the air. It’s always been a favorite of mine.”
“I wish I could have met your mother.” I pulled out what I needed from the pantry and fridge. “It’s been ages since someone cooked with me. Everyone’s always so busy these days. We’ll make two batches, one of long donuts, and the other round. Faith and Hope like the ringed ones with the colored icing.” I dug out two bowls and passed one to Guy. “You’re in charge of the girls’ favorite.”
“No problem.” He plunked his bowl on the counter. “Show me what to do.”
From the overhead shelf, I snagged the recipe book then flicked it to the correct page. “It’s all very easy. The key with making fresh bread is not to forget the yeast, to knead well and to allow the dough to rise.”
“I can’t believe I’m making donuts. In Loveria Castle. Donaldo would throw me in the dungeons if he saw this.”
“Then it’s just as well your king can’t see you.” I scooped flour into a sieve and held it over his bowl. “Here. Take over and get shaking.”
“Get slaying would be better.” His side sword was hidden under his apron, but still within easy reach.
“They’ll be no blood shed in my kitchen.”
“No, there’s donut making instead.”
I added a pinch of salt as he sifted, and then tapped the recipe. “Keep your eyes on the prize. I want to see some magic performed. You’re an enchanter after all.”
“Yes, my hot-headed one.” He got busy. A plume of flour rose and wafted onto his midnight hair. He added the rest of the ingredients and mixed.
I prepared the donut dough. The long ones with jelly were Silas and Davio’s favorite. When younger, they’d eaten them only after blowing the dusted icing sugar from the top into each other’s faces. So funny.
“Who cooks for you in Dralion?” I kneaded, and he followed suit with his dough.
“The cooks. There’s a communal dining hall where the warriors eat.”
“What about at the station?”
“Again, food is prepared for us. There’s a chef at the homestead.” He rolled his dough into a ball and set it carefully into his bowl. “Do I drape a towel over this? I remember my mother used to do that.”
“Yes, and sit it in the sunshine.” I swiped two clean towels from the drawer and tossed him one.
“This has brought back some nice memories.” He laid it over the rim with quiet reverence. “Thank you.”
“Any— Ah, sorry.” What was I thinking? He couldn’t come back anytime. I scurried to the sink and rinsed my hands.
“It’s all right. I understand.” Arms around me, he pressed his broad chest to my back and thrust his hands under the water with mine. “What’s a normal day like for you?”
“School, homework, hanging out in my kitchen. If I’m lucky, a good dose of bickering wit
h Silas and Davio thrown in. What about you?”
His breath fanned my cheek. “I train in the mornings with the sword, and then aid Hope as she needs at the station. In the afternoons, I study my craft. Each spell requires rigorous testing.”
I grabbed a cloth, patted my hands dry then his. “And in the evenings?”
“Whatever’s waiting for me in Dralion. Donaldo understands, without my father to aid me, I’m studying my skill alone. I’m allowed certain leeway.”
I faced him. “You make Wincrest sound almost human.”
“He is.”
“No, he’s not.” I straightened his collar tangled by the apron string. “He’s a tyrant.”
He dipped his head, touched his nose to mine. “I’ve told you my allegiance is to my king and country. You won’t sway me otherwise.”
“I wasn’t trying to.” I would never do that. I had no right to. Eyes closed, I fought back the strong emotions taking me. “I wish things were different.”
“So do I.” His voice was whisper soft. “Gotta kiss you again. Sorry.”
His lips descended on mine. Oh boy. Hot, and so yummy. He deepened the kiss and a delicious heat stole through my veins. Arms around his neck, I sank into him. He was all muscle, and lots of it, a tower of strength in more ways than one.
“Okay, that’s good,” he mumbled against my lips. “No, maybe a little bit more.” He devoured, and I didn’t stop him. I held on tight for the ride of my life. Sooo good.
“Uh-hum. Fire.”
Faith rapped the countertop, blond hair whooshing about her shoulders.
“Can’t I leave you alone for one minute? There’s fire sizzling from your fingertips, Silvie.”
“What?” I blew on the tips, but that only made the flames lick higher.
“Don’t feed them. Think cold. And why are you kissing Guy? I got forewarning and had to hurry this time. If you get hot and heavy with him then watch your temp, otherwise you’ll burn down your kitchen.”
“The kissing’s my fault.” Guy yanked the fridge open and planted me in front of it. His lips lifted in a slow smile. “I couldn’t help myself.”
Cool air washed over me. The flames spluttered and died. “Okay, so kissing isn’t good.”
Still smiling, Guy inspected the tips then ran his thumbs over them. “Not good at all.”
A new surge of heat thrummed through me at his close touch. “You wanna do it again?”
He backed away. “Don’t test me.”
“Ah, excuse me.” Faith leaned against the countertop and eyed Guy. So, you two—” she flicked a hand between us. “—have changed your minds?”
“No.” Guy cleared his throat. “What you saw is not what it looked like.”
“I didn’t see any kissing?”
“I’m only here to aid Silvie, as you asked.”
“Aiding Silvie requires talking, not kissing.” She lifted the towel from one of the bowls. “Hmm, donuts. Silvie never lets me cook with her.”
“Yeah, because you burn everything, and it’s just donuts. I don’t see what the problem is.”
“Well, this dough has risen, and I’d say because of the extreme heat in here.”
“Great.” I slid the bowl across and scooped it out. “See, kissing has its benefits.”
“I’m sure it does.” She smirked then straightened her lips. “You want me to turn the oven on?”
“Yep, and grab me a tray while you’re there.” I rolled my dough into a long sausage shape. Guy cut and shaped his into circles. “You’re a quick learner.”
“I have a good teacher, but since we’re here, we should speak about how I’m supposed to assist you, and not in the kitchen.”
“Don’t ask me. Try Miss I-see-the-future.” I set each of my donuts on the tray.
Faith nibbled her lower lip. “Um, I only know the forewarning’s gone again now you two are talking. At least we’re back on the right track.”
“But what track is that?” Guy set his donuts beside mine then carried the tray to the oven and slid it inside. “It’s not like Silvie can get to Dralion, so whatever she comes up with has to take effect here.”
“I don’t like that Silvie’s even involved.”
“Neither do I.” He shoved the oven door shut. “This is Dralion’s business, not hers.”
I cleared the countertop as they continued to mutter between themselves. What Guy didn’t understand was, the girls were my business. Faith was a sister to me, and Hope was mated to my brother. I couldn’t get closer to the girls if I tried.
“Guy.” I faced him, my temper on the rise. “With Wincrest effectively trying to marry the girls off, it’s as if I’ve been set the mission of halting the escalation of our war. I don’t think I’d mind meeting him at all, if that’s the case.” No, not now I had the fire skill. Oh, the things I could—
“Fire.” Jumping, Faith pointed at my hands. “Quick, extinguish it.”
4
“I’ve got this.” Guy slung a towel around my hands and snuffed the fire. “Silvie, you’re never meeting Donaldo. Now, watch your emotions. You can’t keep lighting up like this.”
“I don’t see I have a choice.” I flung the towel away. “And stop telling me what to do.”
“Put these on.” Faith tossed me my oven mittens and I shoved them on. “You only come up with the answer to my problem. You don’t get to expand on it, and I’ve certainly not set you the mission of halting the war.”
“I didn’t say halt the war, but the escalation of it, and yes, you kinda have.”
“No. I. Haven’t.”
“Stop arguing with me, or my temper’s really gonna explode. And at this rate, I bet neither of you will even listen to me when I do come up with something.”
“We’ll listen, but we’ll action it. Not you.” Faith plucked her violet t-shirt from her skin. “You still haven’t calmed down. It’s getting hotter in here.”
“It’s my kitchen. You’re welcome to leave it if you want.”
“When you’ve made donuts. Hah, I don’t think so.” She peered through the oven’s glass door. “They’re almost ready. Come and check.”
I stomped across, wishing she would get the point and leave. Only, sure enough, the donuts had turned a delicious golden brown. Their heavenly scent wafted into the air as I opened the oven door. Faith all but drooled over them.
“Nose out.”
“Why don’t you ever say nose in?”
“Because you do that automatically.” I tipped the donuts onto a wire rack, and she lifted her nose into the air and let out the loudest sigh. “Mmm. You’re forgiven.”
“For what?”
“Arguing with me.” She pinched one of the donuts, fumbled then lost her grip. “Ouch, hot.”
“Of course they’re hot. Go and whip the cream, and if you do a good job, I’ll forgive you for arguing right back.”
“That’s the worst thing about cooking. You have to wait before you can eat.” She yanked open the drawer and pulled out a beater.
“My mother used to cut a few slices from the end of the loaf to cool it quicker.” Guy slid a knife free of the wooden knife block. Using it, he cut a perfect slit for the jam and cream down the center of each of the long donuts. “But in this case, this should do.”
“Excellent.” Faith’s stomach rumbled from across the room. “Now that smells even better.”
“Okay, I can tell my sister’s cooked.” Hand-in-hand with Hope, Silas strode in through the swing door. His red-gold hair was wet, as was Hope’s. They must have been for a swim. “I swear I smelt donuts all the way from the watering hole. Was I right, sis?”
“You have a big nose.”
“No, I actually have an acute sense of smell.” He grinned as mischievously as he had when we were kids. “You want me to set the table?”
“Yes, where’s Davio?”
“Right here.” He stepped into the room in his chunky leather boots and made a beeline for Faith. “You snuck away from sc
hool early, love.”
“Silvie got a little too hot to handle again. I had to skip the last class to come and cool her down.” She pulled the beater from the cream and licked the end. “She’s in a very tempestuous mood today. Try and steer clear of her.”
“Sounds like someone else I know.” He dipped one finger into the bowl.
“I’m not tempestuous.” She smacked his hand. “That’s my cream.”
“You’re not? Are you sure?” He kissed the corner of her lips where a smear of cream remained. Or not, as now was the case.
“Hey, that was mine too.” She shoved him back. “Go whip your own cream.”
“Merge your mind with mine.” He caught her between him and the counter. “I need the contact.”
“I’ll merge when I feel like it. Stop trying to get your way.”
He laughed then kissed her, putting a complete stop to her arguing. Yeah, she had to have finally merged since she let out a long, appreciate sigh. She and Hope both had the skill, and it connected them to their mates in a very personal way.
“Right, that’s enough, you two.” Silas knocked Davio’s shoulder as he headed to the crockery cupboard. “I’m hungry, and those donuts smell too good not to eat.”
“I’ll help you.” Hope held out her hands and he passed her the lunch plates.
The glasses in hand, Silas led the way out to the dining room. Davio and Faith followed with the cutlery.
“Is your kitchen always this busy?” Guy caught his mother’s ring dangling at my neck and stroked it.
“Pretty much. I like having you here in it.” Really liked it. Smiling, I passed him another bowl. “You get to prepare the smooth yellow icing.”
He passed the bowl back, rested against my back and snuggled. “I’ve missed this feeling of home.”
“You don’t want to make the icing?”
“I want to watch you make it.” Nuzzling my neck, he purred.
With his rumble heating my skin and tingling my toes, I got to work on the icing. “How difficult is it without your father?”
“Two years has been far too long.” He reached past me and stole the first donut I’d iced. He smacked his lips together then murmured, “Ahh, good. Real good.”
Enchanter Page 5