Total pages in book: 115
Estimated words: 109329 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 547(@200wpm)___ 437(@250wpm)___ 364(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 109329 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 547(@200wpm)___ 437(@250wpm)___ 364(@300wpm)
Aljoe threw him away like he was nothing. He whirled on two more gargoyles.
“Is there a reason you’re crowding me?” he demanded, and the threat was plain. Move, or die.
The gargoyles’ eyes widened in terror. Their faces bled of color.
“N-no, sir,” one said, scrambling away while another hastened to do likewise. “S-sorry, s-sir.”
Still that threatening power pumped out, the feeling much like Austin when he had his dander up.
Another gargoyle didn’t move out of the way fast enough, frozen in fear. Aljoe grabbed his shirt at the chest, leaned in to push, and then noticed a petite woman standing behind them. He pivoted immediately, stepping to the side and ripping the gargoyle along with him. He let go, and the gargoyle tumbled away like a rolling bolder.
Several people jogged out of the bar to either make room or just get out of the vicinity. A large circle opened up around the irate shifter.
And then everything slowed down as the alpha faced the terrified woman.
“Excuse me,” he said in a gentle tone, so unlike the growls from a moment before. He offered a little bow. “I apologize, I didn’t see you there. Forgive me.”
Her cheeks reddened and gratitude filled her eyes. A dopey smile curved her lips. She’d met a knight in the flesh.
“He’s got game,” Nessa murmured, relaxing again. Aljoe was back in control of his animal, simple as that. Or maybe he’d never lost it.
It took her a moment to realize Tristan’s hand covered hers comfortingly, his thumb slowly running across her knuckles. She shivered with the feel of his proximity before slowly pulling her hand away.
“Thanks,” she murmured.
“Always,” he replied, his eyes glowing brightly as he looked at her.
She wanted to sink into that gaze and lose herself forever. Which was why she turned for her drink. She was afraid to commit only to find herself in murky depths.
The people around them scattered as Aljoe reached the newly vacated seat next to Tristan.
Nessa flared her hands, leaning forward to see around Tristan to Aljoe. “I was trying to show off my new skills, and you just waltz in and overshadow everything by tossing people around.”
“Sorry about that.” He adjusted his seat, facing a little more toward Tristan so he could see Austin and Jessie better. “We’re all settled. Do it now.”
She stared at him for a moment, making sure he meant that she should try to influence him. She didn’t want to make a misstep and get thrown across the room like that gargoyle.
Aljoe gave her a nod of encouragement.
She shrugged. “Okay.”
Her magic curled through the air, tendrils of energy carrying her bidding. She’d done this subconsciously most of her life, she’d realized, using mostly unknown magic to coax people. It hadn’t had the same focus, though, lacking in power and complexity. After studying, she had a much better grasp. Now she just had to practice.
The energy surrounded Aljoe, softly pushing at him, then harder. It infused his person. Leave your chair.
His eyes sparked—he was clearly feeling it. Resisting it.
She pushed harder, trying to block out the decadent feel of Tristan’s presence thrumming beside her. The magnetic pull of his body. The handsome man currently focused intently on her.
Her core tightened as her body heated.
“No.” Aljoe shook his head. “Not enough push, especially after feeling Jessie trying to goad me.”
“I wasn’t trying to goad you.” Jessie took a sip of her wine. “I was trying to free you. You’re welcome.”
A knowing smirk curled Tristan’s lips, and it was then that Nessa noticed her energy had splintered.
Before she could regain her focus, Tristan said, “You’re not advanced enough to tell him to leave and tell me to lean closer to you—not at the same time.” He barely paused. “Shall I get you a refill?”
She frowned as he turned for the bartender and yanked her energy back. It was annoying that he was right.
“What did you want to talk about?” Jessie asked Niamh, looping her arm around Austin’s so she could rest her hand on his forearm.
A strange sense of longing tightened Nessa’s chest. She turned away for a moment, trying to get her bearings.
“You shouldn’t be able to see my energy,” she said softly—albeit accusingly—only wanting Tristan to hear. “Not without having the sort of magic I do. A couple books made that point clear.”
“Following that precedent, I also shouldn’t have glowing amber eyes.” His gaze traced her face. “But I do.”
“It’s all sorted,” Niamh said, answering Jessie. She waved the comment away.
“What’s all sorted?” Jessie asked.
“Aljoe has been having a problem with the gargoyles in the territory.” Phil glanced behind him at someone who kicked his chair. A garhette laughed, apologized, and patted him on the shoulder. “He wasn’t sure how to handle them, and asked Jasper and Ulric for help. They told Niamh. Niamh planned to tell you, giving suggestions. But now it’s fixed. I can’t wait to go to battle with him. Very fierce.”