Oh boy. This had to be Donaldo Wincrest.
“Hope’s out enjoying the games.” She turned and acknowledged Guy. “So was I, until Guy insisted he knew of a spell to heat cold water, so I dared him to, um, heat the pool.” Her gaze locked with mine and she opened our connection. “I have no idea why I didn’t get any forewarning he was about to walk in here. Play it cool, okay?”
“Cool? Are you sure I can’t use a little heat on him?”
“He’s my grandfather, so no. The blood-bond pulses strongly between the Wincrests. I can’t harm him anymore than I can harm my mate.”
Yeah, frustrating. “Just chill then, I’ve got this.”
Except this was exactly what I’d waited for, and I barely bit back the need rising within me to hurt him as he’d hurt my people. Only, I couldn’t go down that road and do the same. I wasn’t like him, and I never wanted to be.
Wincrest swiped a hand over his dark beard then eyed Guy. “That would explain the heat, although ensure you return the temperature to normal once you’re done. Nice spell.”
“Certainly.”
“Who is this?” His gaze speared on me.
“My mate, Silvie Moyer.”
“You’ve found your mate? I hadn’t heard.” A sly grin lifted his lips. “She’s a Moyer already? You’ve wed?”
Yep, I had this. “We did.” Hopefully if Wincrest believed we had that would solve one problem. “Guy was rather insistent.” Holding out my hand, I showed him the band of gold.
He rubbed his hands together. “I’m well pleased, Guy. Notify Killian, and ensure you receive larger quarters in the barracks.” He regarded me. “What skills do you hold, Silvie?”
“Telepathy, teleportation, and…I’ve yet to discover the rest.”
Guy tugged me back to his side. “She’s a warrior, a recruit in training. She’s yet to go through her rising.”
“Make sure you inform me of any further developments then.” He squeezed Faith by the shoulders. “How has school been?”
“Not too bad. Finals are close.”
“Good. You’ll have to accept your role here amongst your people once they’re done. I’m off to oversee the games. I’ll speak to you later.” He shimmered from the room, leaving as quickly as he’d come.
Her shoulders sagged as she faced me. “I think we’re running out of time.”
“Well, at least I’ve met him, although what I do to sway his mind is still as much of a mystery as ever.”
Guy cleared his throat, his gaze targeted on mine and eyebrows arched to his hairline. “So, now we’re married? Would you care to explain?”
“He would have demanded it next. Now that problem is out of the way.”
“You should have consulted me.”
I tweaked his nose. “I’m sorry, honey. Are you saying you’d like a divorce? Already?”
“Divorce? We just started dating.”
Faith stepped past me and dipped one hand in the pool. “This is cooling down on its own, and I’d better get back to Hope. Guy, get Silvie out of here like we discussed.” She flashed away.
“Hey, no fair.” I turned on Guy. “I’m staying. Don’t listen to her.”
“She’s my princess, and she’s right. You can’t stay here, not right now.” He ’ported us, and we flashed through the dome room then straight to my bedroom.
“I didn’t get to see the games.”
He opened the door to my sitting room and led me toward my redwood desk piled with papers. “You’ve missed so much school. You should study, and while that keeps you busy, I’ll organize our new quarters. I can’t believe we’re now wed.”
“Do you want a hand?”
“No, I want you to remain here where you’re safe.” He kissed me, so fiercely my toes tingled. “Be good, and don’t forget our deal.” He zapped away.
Stupid deal. Still, I’d honor it. I grabbed a sandwich and ate as I slogged through Faith’s endless pile of notes. The girls’ problem weighed on my mind. Time was running out as Faith had said, and I had to come up with an answer.
As dark descended, I trudged to my dressing room and changed for bed. I had to sort what I could, and fast, which meant plan.
In bed, I played with Guy’s mother’s ring, twirling it around my finger. Because of the spell Gerritt Moyer had cast, it had brought Guy and me together. Such a beautiful spell, and Gerritt had told me never to forget the fullness of it.
I’d made the sacrifice and committed to being with Guy, to withholding the dome room’s location from Davio, Silas, and the rest of my people. I was the fire and Guy was the magic, and together we were one as Moyer. I even understood his fellow warriors in a way I never had before, but—
Guy shimmered into the room. He kicked off his boots and shucked his shirt. “How’d the studying go?”
“Terrible.” Oh goodness. His wicked abs were on display. My fingers itched to touch.
He unbuckled his belt and dropped his jeans. Wow, now those were some hot red boxers. Hot. Hot. Hot. “Why terrible?”