“The young and inexperienced just taught the old and experienced a fucking valuable lesson,” I muttered as my fingers dug into Leric’s shoulders, entirely upset by this evening. “And don’t go all wolf on me, he’s just sleeping.”
Crouching on the ground, Queen Ruckler softly ran a hand over Elder Farrar’s cheek, her glowing eyes flaring with fury. “He’d better be.”
My eyebrows rose. “Or what?” I blinked innocently. “You’ll be sleeping with him?”
Her wolf growled and she started to rise, but King Zeller and King Collins were instantly standing between us, both of them holding their hands out to ward off a pending fight.
King Zeller spoke quietly to Queen Ruckler.
King Collins glared at me, snarling, “I get it, Caro. I do. But think about who he is to her.” He shook his head. “Don’t piss her off too badly, or she’ll be the one sneaking into bedrooms and offing anyone she thinks is a threat to her family.”
My jaw clenched, and trying to control my emotions, I turned my head a bit and put my face into Leric’s soft white rolls of hair. I shoved away from him and turned my back on everyone. “Fine, I understand.” I waved a hand behind me toward the floor. “He’ll wake up shortly.”
I stared into golden eyes again. Leric stood in front of me—the damn man still wouldn’t move—while I listened to Elder Farrar state, “Caro, that was an interesting incident, but I still need to do this.”
“And, again, I don’t fucking like it.” Leric paused, throwing a hand up behind him and covering my mouth when I started to open it. “But, with that being said, I will allow it if you allow me to touch you while you retrieve the memory from her.”
Elder Farrar shrugged a shoulder as I smacked Leric’s hand away, and he stated, “I’m good with that. I already said I’m not doing this with malevolent intent.” Golden eyes found mine. “Are you fine with that deal?”
About damn time someone asked me. “Yes.” Dry words. “Thank you for asking.”
His lips curved cynically. “You’re welcome.” The Mage stepped forward, moving closer to us as he lifted a hand that started glowing golden. “You’re magically protected, so it might take me a moment to retrieve the memory for everyone else to view.”
I took a step forward on the mattress so he could reach me. It put my front flush with Leric’s back, but I nodded.
Then a tiny scream died on my lips as I stared where Leric’s glowing bright white hand was suddenly on Elder Farrar’s throat, who froze at the abrupt contact. My eyes wide, I gaped, but Elder Farrar didn’t turn to ash. Leric was only keeping his hand there. I tapped Leric’s shoulder, unable to take my gaze away from his hand, even though Elder Farrar unfroze—he had given Leric permission—to raise his own glowing hand ever so slowly toward my forehead. I whispered, “Leric, don’t…” I couldn’t finish it in front of everyone.
“I won’t, as long as he behaves.” Leric shrugged a shoulder. “It’s his choice.”
“Not really a fucking choice if he doesn’t understand,” I whispered furiously against his ear, but I turned my head to Elder Farrar’s hand, the heat from his skin nearing.
I froze when he touched me.
Instant concern from Leric. “Sprite?”
“I’m fine,” I groused, shuddering a bit in relief. “I half expected the sandpaper feeling, but it’s not there.”
“Sandpaper feeling?” Elder Farrar asked quietly, his throat being squeezed a bit by Leric’s hand. His eyebrows were puckered in confusion.
“You know, when someone’s testing me for my powers from far away, it feels like sandpaper rubbing against my skin.”
“Ah, now the sandpaper comment makes sense.” Elder Farrar’s eyebrows lifted while his eyes started to glow minutely. “Even spirit Elementals?”
“Yes. It happens with all Mysticals. I think it’s because of the protection surrounding us, since that’s not normal.”
“Us?”
“Yeah, Sin and I. We’ve both got it.”
“Interesting,” he murmured. “But I need to do this, so be quiet for a moment.”
I blinked. “Just the memory from tonight. Don’t take anything else.”
“Afraid of what I’ll see?”
My lips quirked. “Just as you should be. After all, you are touching me willingly.”
His own lips lifted. “A second threat isn’t needed, since I’m fairly positive Mr Damon could end my life before I blinked, judging by the way you reacted a moment ago.”
I snorted. “Just do your thing and quit fishing.”
His lips curved more, but he closed his eyes and glowed a light gold, uttering, “Retrieve.” Not even a second later he completely stopped glowing, his eyes opening and brows puckering. “Well, hell.” A slow blink. “That was easy.” He lowered his hand from my forehead to tap at Leric’s glowing hand, his brows still furrowed. “You can let go now. I’m done.”
“Did he hurt you?” Leric asked, his right hand still tight on Elder Farrar’s throat.