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I certainly had. If not for Beira leeching the heat from my body, my insides would have boiled away.

The answer will lie in using a conductor to both call down and disperse the storms.

But how do I disperse it?I asked.Why does the heat of lightning remain within me even after I have redirected its force elsewhere?

As one of flesh, you would need to be earthed, otherwise that which has not been dispersed will remain within.

How do I earth myself? Is it simply a matter of being barefoot, or is it more involved than that?

Being shod or not will make no difference, and you already possess the means with which to earth. Practice, young godling, and never call down more than you can safely disperse.

With that warning ringing in my ears, I fell back to the real world, finding myself on the floor and shaking so hard my teeth rattled. I drew my knees up close to my chest and hugged them close, trying to slow my breathing and ease the painful pounding of my heart.

It took what seemed forever.

Eventually, I pushed upright and walked over to the kitchen to pour myself a large whiskey. It burned all the way down, but I definitely felt better mentally, if not physically, afterward.

I glanced at my phone to see how much time had passed and swore loudly. Conversing with the master of storms might have seemed to have taken only a few minutes but I now had less than twenty to shower, dress, and get over to the restaurant where I was meeting Eljin.

I was, needless to say, late.

The Grill was one of the newer restaurants to enter the already fierce battle for Deva’s dining elite, and its twist was using wild and farmed meats and goods from within the region. It was yet another one I’d been meaning to try and hadn’t gotten around to, although it wasn’t necessary to book months in advance, as you had to with some of the more established ones these days.

The maître d' took my coat, handed me a ticket, and then led me through the warmly lit room decorated in rich woods and deep greens.

Eljin rose as we approached, his gaze slowly skimming my length and coming up appreciative. Darby’s words had definitely been ringing in my ears when I’d chosen this outfit. Though the dress was a simple silk the same frosty green as my eyes, it lovingly skimmed my curves before gently falling to my feet. The appearance of modesty, however, was voided by the high splits either side that were only a couple inches away from being indecent. But in this lighting, it didn’t matter.

“You made it.” His voice held just enough of a French accent to be sexy. “I was beginning to wonder if I’d been stood up, despite what your brother said.”

The maître d' pulled out the seat opposite Eljin. I smiled my thanks, tucked my dress underneath me, and sat down. “And what did he say? I dread to think, especially after all the years I’ve spent attempting to set him up with my best friend. He sees your arrival as an opportunity to get some revenge.”

Eljin’s laugh was warm, rich, and decidedly sexy. “He has no need to push me into dating you, Bethany, and I would hope you feel the same.”

A smile teased my lips. “You do know there’s a dearth of eligible pixie males in Deva, don’t you?”

He laughed again. “Yes, and it has made for some interesting conversations.”

“Women throwing themselves at your feet?”

“Twice, in fact. The machinations have been fascinating.” He leaned back in the chair, the soft light behind him setting his longish mahogany hair ablaze. “It would not be an understatement to say some have been far more blatant about what they wish to do with me than others.”

“And do you find women who are forthright about their wants a turn-off or turn-on?”

“Oh, definitely the latter.” He paused, the darker specks in his golden eyes making it appear as if they were flickering with heat. “What about yourself?”

“I’m afraid I’m not into women, so if you’re having visions of a ménage à trois, you’re going to be disappointed.”

His smile was decidedly rakish. “Not a thought that had crossed my mind.”

“Happy to hear that.”

The waiter reappeared with menus. After a brief discussion, we decided on a lovely pinot noir and then ordered our food. The waiter collected the menus and disappeared again.

I leaned forward and crossed my arms on the table. It was a position that revealed perhaps a little too much of my breasts, but if I was worried about showing too much skin, I certainly wouldn’t have chosen a dress designed for seduction. If the hungry gleam so visible in his lovely golden eyes was anything to go by, it was definitely working.

“How was your first day at work? Did Lugh give you any guidance, or did he drop you feet first in the thick of things and walk away?”

Eljin smiled. “Would it surprise you if I said the latter?”