“What the hell.” His face turned bull-fighting red.
“Calm down.” Maslin gripped Nicolas’s shoulder. “They’re mated, and to two men who would die to protect them. That’s what’s going on. When Hope was searching for answers about her mother’s lost heritage, her journey led her to No-Man’s Land. Goldie, Guy and I were there with her, as were Davio and Silas. Their mates wouldn’t allow any harm to come to them, and now you have to decide if that’s what you want too.”
“I can’t. I’m one of the leading eight. My position will be in jeopardy if I withhold this.”
“Prince Alexo knows. You don’t think Donaldo’s son doesn’t jeopardize more?”
“Nicolas.” I stepped up to him. “You healed me, a Peacian. Faith and Hope are your princesses, and they need your aid. You can’t walk away from them, not when we need to buy them some time. We need more from you than simple withholding.”
“I can’t believe this. What exactly are you asking?”
I was the key. I could do this. I had to convince him of the plan. “We need you to step in as Faith’s boyfriend. In front of Wincrest, you have to appear as if the two of you are together.” I glanced at Maslin. “We need you to come in to bat for Hope.”
“You don’t even have to ask.” Maslin swung around to Hope. “Whatever you need, I’ll be there.”
“Thank you.” Her bottom lip trembled. “Silas can’t know. He’d never be able to handle this news.”
“He won’t hear a thing from me.”
She sniffed and hugged him. “This means so much to me.”
Faith rubbed Hope’s back then turned her gaze on Nicolas. “I know Silvie said I need your help, but I’d never force you to give it. All I ask is that you keep our secret as Guy and Maslin do.”
He ground his heel into the hard-packed soil. “I’ll speak to Alexo and Goldie first. I’ll give you my answer once I have. If that’s all, I need to leave.” He flashed away. So fast.
“He really didn’t take that very well. I’ll just make sure he’s doing what he said.” Faith’s eyes glazed over as she activated her forethought.
Guy gripped my hand. “I didn’t want to tell you this, but your fingertips are glowing.”
“What?” The tips weren’t yet alight, but close, very close. “No. No. No. I don’t have time for this right now.”
“Think cold stuff. This is the outback, Silvie. One spark can set fire to what little grass is left and race across miles within minutes.”
I conjured a snow field, one with a fresh fall, only my fingers still glowed. “Damn, I’ll think of something else.”
“You have the fire skill?” Maslin gaped. “That hasn’t been seen in generations.”
“She does, and her rising is close.” Guy clasped Maslin’s arm. “Thanks for your support just now.”
“Anytime.”
“I’ll dip my hands in water.” I leaned into the water trough. Great. Bone dry, the base caked with a layer of rock-hard dirt. “Well, that’s not very helpful.”
“There’s plenty of water at the river.” Maslin nodded at Guy. “If you take her there, I’ll keep the other station hands busy.” He flashed away.
Hope stepped forward. “I’ll come and douse her if needed.” She grabbed Faith’s hand and squeezed. “How’s it going with Nicolas?”
She blinked and cleared her sight. “He’s with them now in Dad’s study. There’s nothing more we can do.” She fanned her face and stared at me. “You’re getting hot again.”
“I can’t stop it.”
“Then let’s get to the river now.” She flashed away with Hope. I followed her airstream and Guy arrived hard on my tail.
Wow. Gone was the barren red dirt and instead fields of green surrounded a mighty river. It throbbed with life. Ducks and birds took flight along the waterway, sweeping low into the rushes either side with a cacophony. And far into the distance, thousands of head of cattle grazed. Now, this was the outback as it should be.
Hope removed her Stetson and the breeze lifted the sweaty strands of her blond hair from her face. “Here Maslin and I use our water skill. We drive the water further inland from the river during the controlled river releases. This area is alive, Silvie, so take care and don’t set fire to it.”
“I’ll do my best.”
Faith bent at the river’s edge, scooped a handful. “Let’s cool you down, Silvie.” She tossed the water over my sandaled feet. Steam gushed into the air. “Whoa, you are very, very hot.”
The lush grass at my feet curled. “Maybe this isn’t the best place for me.”
“It is.” Guy motioned toward Hope. “Let’s see you in action. More water is needed. That’s all.”