Page 127 of The Mating Quest

“The Shadow Wizard.Caderyn.”

The stylist shivered. “Caderyn. Dear heavens. The most powerful wizard of all, my guardian and judge. Does he know I have hishair?”

“I don’t know. I was instructed by the goddess to deliver it to you with the spell.” Ilana gave a reassuring smile. “He’s a good guy. He’s mymentor.”

Danica shivered again. “I met him once or twice. I was pretty foolish. Didn’t realize who he was, but admired his hair. Then I had the nerve to ask him to dance at a wedding! Talk about being impulsive and foolish. Me, an ordinary witch, asking an immortal todance?”

Somehow Ilana suspected it wasn’t foolishness that spurred Danica. “He could have said no. I bet he enjoyedit.”

Her gaze turned thoughtful. “Maybe. I certainly did. He’s a wonderful dancer and strong, yet I sensed gentleness as well. It made me think about what he’d be like inbed…”

Color suffused her cheeks. “Well, after that, realizing he could probably read my mind and my thoughts weren’t exactly on the dance floor, I excused myself and left the wedding. I was pretty embarrassed. I haven’t seen himsince.”

“I have a feeling you may see him again. Maybe even soon.” Ilana glanced at the clock on the wall. “I’m sorry, but I must begoing.”

“How can I ever thank you, Ilana? You’ve done so much forme.”

Ilana smiled. “Behappy.”

They hugged and Ilana walked out the door as Danica picked up a brush and began to stroke it through her longhair.

As Ilana waved her hand and dematerialized, she thought about the joy she’d broughtDanica.

Somehow, she suspected Danica would return that joy when she finally saw the Shadow Wizardagain.

Chapter 34

His twin had turnedinto a domestic goddess. With a soft pop of air, Xavier materialized inside the enormous kitchen of Ethan’s pack. Ilana stood at the stove, making… hmmm. His nostrils twitched.Stew.

The new Starlight Wizard, who held so much power, wascooking?

“Hey bro,” she sang out, adding something to thepot.

He smiled. How he loved her calling him that. His smile faded. Since her mating to Ethan a month ago, Ilana seemed content. But she was an immortal wizard now, and had to keep her battle skillshoned.

If not… his throat tightened.I can’t lose heragain.

“You’re making dinner?” Xavier’s nosewrinkled.

“Beef stew. Ethan’s teaching me to cook. But his recipe lacks enough salt. Never can have enough salt in this stew. Here, tasteit.”

Xavier sipped at the spoon she held out. “It is a littlebland.”

“Because you and I love salt in our food.” She set the spoon in the sink. “Are Ciara and Sonia withyou?”

“Tomorrow we’ll have dinner here, as arranged. Today is, well, a business call. I need to talk toEthan.”

“I’ll take you to him. He’s in the fields. I’ll let thissimmer.”

As she busied herself at the stove, Xavier went to the door and suddenlyturned.

He conjured five crystal daggers, all honed to razor sharpness and threw them atIlana.

She whirled, flicked out her hands and the daggers exploded into tiny shards. Her level gaze met his. “Satisfiednow?”

Relief filled him. “Yeah. Had to testyou.”

Even though the wizards could not hurt each other, he had to see her reflexes andreaction.