Page 7 of The Mating Quest

As Ella glanced at her, Ilana shrugged. “Sounds kind of ordinary. So many fairies outthere.”

“This one is different. The feather is small, red and emits tremendouspower.”

For a moment, blood drained from her face. Then she shrugged again. Ilana looked at Caderyn. “So why can’t you big, bad wizards findthem?”

“We wizards are forbidden from finding them ourselves or aiding you from retrieving them,” Caderyn drawled. “The werewolves must find and destroy them. However, we may render aid before and after they are secured by each appointed werewolf of theWyld.”

It made Ethan all the more suspicious of Ilana’s reasons for wanting the lock of hair Brianna guarded in thelocket.

“So, this damn Crystal Wizard who is supposed to be my guardian and judge, all powerful and all mighty, he needed a woman like you to find this magick rock?” Ilana shook her head. “Guess he’s not such a big deal after all. Not that I’d know. Never met thejerk.”

An odd look crossed Caderyn’s face. “All will be made known intime.”

The wizard levitated back to the deck, approached Ilana and seized her by the chin, gazing into her face. His grip was not fierce, but gentle. “Listen to Ella and do as she says. She is his personalwarrior.”

Ilana scowled. “I listen to only oneperson.”

“You mean, onegoddess.”

Shepaled.

Ethan wondered what the hell the wizard meant. And why was Ellahere?

He had a bad feeling aboutthis.

Ella stretched out her hands. Ilana watched with greatwariness.

“Before destroying the talismans, we bond with each particular one we were sent to find. When we set our hands upon it and recite sacred words, we become nearly as powerful as the wizardsthemselves.”

Ilana leaned back, yawned. “Sure, right. Nice bedtime fairy story. What does this have to do withme?

“You don’t believe me.” Ella soundedamused.

If Ilana didn’t believe in the powerful magick of each talisman, why did she want the one Briannaguarded?

Caderyn paced the deck, hands behind his back. Suddenly he whipped out one of the twin swords hanging from scabbards at his back. The wizard began slicing at the air. He heaved the sword and it cut through the metal railing, nearly down to thewaterline.

Ilana winced. Inwardly he did as well, and appreciated the fact she did, for the boat was his baby, his prizepossession.

“A demonstration is in order. Ella, if you will.” Caderyn gestured to Ethan’ssister.

Stretching out her hands, Ella closed her eyes. To Ilana’s astonishment, the damage suddenly repaireditself.

Ethan whistled. “Thanks sis. Nicework.”

The Shadow Wizard looked pleased. “Xavier has taught you well,Wylding.”

Rolling her eyes, Ilana sought her knife. Bringing it out she played with it, her gaze now centered on both the Shadow Wizard and this new threat. “Again, what does this have to do withme?”

“Not with you alone. With both of you.” Ella’s voice sounded gentle. “You both are to lead our sisters on a quest to find the missingtalismans.”

Chapter 3

Ethan’s jaw dropped.He released a string of curses. Ilana flung her blade and it bit into the shiny wood deck. She didn’t care if Caderyn sank the entire boat and Ella used her woo woo to repair it. This was not the bargain she’d struck with the goddessDanu.

She raised her eyes to the heavens. “Hey, what gives? Are you reneging on our deal? You said nothing about a fucking quest with this fur-linedasshole!”

Surely the goddess would respond now. Ilana didn’t care if Danu flung ten dozen fire bolts at her to end herlife.