Page 73 of Touch Of Fate

“Archer, take Mara home,” he commands.

“No.” I step toward him, and he swings around.

“Please, Mara.” His face is tight. “What color shirt am I wearing?” I glance at his chest.

“White,” I whisper.

“Look at the men here.” As I look around, I notice no one else is wearing white.

“You wouldn’t hurt me.” I forgot about Adeline’s warning, but I know Rome won’t do anything bad to me.

“No, I wouldn’t. Not on purpose. Your safety means everything.” I stare into his eyes and nod. “Drive them home, Archer.”

“Of course, brother,” Archer says, holding his arm out. I take a step toward him, but pause, looking at Rome over my shoulder.

“Go,” he rumbles.

I spell myself and Acher, and walk out the front door. There is no need to leave through the room we entered from as long as we are invisible. Archer walks stiffly beside me and opens my door when we reach the car. Lace’s face is pinched, but it relaxes once I’m in the front seat.

“Where’s Rome?” she asks.

“He’s finishing up.” I smile tightly. “He’ll follow when he’s done.” My stomach rolls thinking of him by himself in the house.

“It’s going to be fine, Mara,” Archer says, starting the car.

“Are you sure?” I ask.

“He can take care of himself,” he responds, but I know without touching him that he is worried too.

I bite my lip and look out the window. I crane my neck to keep the house in sight for as long as possible. It doesn’t seem right to leave him behind. The only reason I did was to ease him. He was resolute in his insistence that I go. His magic is on overload, and it would gut him if he hurt me in any way. I believe in him and know in my heart that he wouldn’t.

“Who was the human with Gavin?” Archer asks, and I turn to him. His eyes glance at the mirror.

“That’s Danny,” Lace says.

“You’ve met him?” I ask.

“Once. Gavin said he’s had a hard life, but he wants to help people. He’s taken him in and given him a purpose,” she explains.

“He shouldn’t have brought him,” Arche bites out. “He saw Mara and Rome wielding their spells.”

“I think he just wanted to help,” Lace says weakly.

“I don’t trust him, and neither does Rome,” Archer continues. “Gavin put us all at risk by bringing the kid.”

“I didn’t know he would,” she whispers.

“I’m not blaming you. This is on Gavin,” Archer says.

“It wasn’t good,” I say softly. “I think Gavin realizes that now. I admire his need to help Danny, but he shouldn’t have taken the risk with us.”

“I’ll talk to him,” she says.

“Rome won’t work with him again,” Archer says. “He doesn’t like anyone knowing what he is,” he explains. “Now that he has Mara, he’s even less patient. He doesn’t want her exposed.”

“I understand his fear,” I whisper.

“We both do,” Lace adds.