Page 32 of All's Fair in Love and Magic

“Sounds like a dream,” I admitted.

“Feels like one these days.”

“Do you like to stay busy, or relax?” I checked.

“Relaxing isn’t an ability I possess.”

“Should’ve guessed.” I leaned over the countertop, resting my weight against it. I really needed to sleep. “I guess youcouldcome surfing tomorrow. As long as you don’t act like a weird, jealous boyfriend.”

“Mate, not boyfriend.”

A yawn stretched my lips.

“You should sleep,” Liam said, looking slightly concerned.

“Probably.” I eyed the couch. “If I sleep there, maybe heat won’t hit me as hard.”

“Maybe.” Liam didn’t look any more convinced than I felt. “I can wake you up when everything gets here.”

“Sounds good.”

I shuffled toward the couch. Liam met me a few steps away, slipping my arm over his shoulders and wrapping his around my waist.

“I don’t need help,” I mumbled.

“You’re exhausted because you’re repairing the wards and going through heat at the same time. Both of which are my fault. The least I can do is help you to the couch.”

“When you put it like that…”

He eased me down to the cushions. “Do you usually refuse to let anyone else help you?”

“Obviously. I’m a rune witch.”

“Clove, you’re abloodwitch. You can choose which stereotypes apply to you.”

“Except being mated to a phoenix.”

“That’s going to keep you alive.”

“So you say.” I closed my eyes, rolling onto my side in an attempt to get comfortable. “If I make weird noises, just ignore me. And don’t touch me.”

“You drive a hard bargain.”

“It’s not a bargain.”

“If I play by your rules, you’ll play along with the mate bond. Correct?”

I sighed. “Maybe it’s a bargain.”

He brushed a few damp strands of hair off my face. “Get some rest. I’ll let you know when the clothes get here.”

His fingers brushed my face again, lightly, before I fell asleep.

seven

SAGE

My body was flushed againwhen Liam woke me. I couldn’t remember my dreams, but when I opened my eyes and unintentionally met his gaze, there was no denying that he had been the star.