“Oh, good grief,” Paris muttered, dropping her face into her palms.
“Your hands are smoking!” Aric bellowed, moving toward me. He wrenched my arms from behind my back and studied my fingers. They looked normal, so he shifted his attention to the book on the ground. The area around it was crispy from the lightning strikes, but the book remained pristine. “What are you doing?”
“Well, it’s the funniest thing … .”
“Zoe, do I look like I’m laughing?” Aric’s face was stern. He looked adorable.
“I really do love you,” I said, hoping to soften him up. “Don’t think I was just saying that so you wouldn’t be ticked off.”
“I know you love me,” Aric growled. “What I don’t know is what’s up with the crazy light show. Tell me now!”
“When I touch the book some funny stuff starts happening,” I hedged.
“Funny ha-ha or funny this is the strangest thing I’ve ever seen?”
“Both.”
“You are testing my patience, Zoe,” Aric warned. “Tell me what’s going on.”
“I think it would be better if I show you,” I said.
Aric crossed his arms over his chest and tapped his foot on the ground. “I’m waiting.”
“You need to get up on the table with Paris.”
“Why?”
“Just do it,” Paris said, lifting her feet off the ground and resting them on the wooden bench. “You don’t want to be on the ground when she does this. Trust me.”
“I don’t trust you,” Aric grumbled, but he climbed up on the picnic table and sat, resting his feet on the bench without further complaint. “Are you satisfied, Trouble?”
I nodded. “Okay, just … don’t freak out.”
“I love it when you tell me that,” Aric complained. “I … wait … are you in any danger from this?”
“None,” I said. “The book seems to love me.”
“Well, the book isn’t the only one,” Aric shot back. “If I don’t like this, I’m going to take that book from you and lock it away so you never see it again.”
“Whatever,” I replied, rolling my eyes. “Okay, here we go.” I reached down with both hands and grabbed the sides of the book.
Aric leaned forward when he saw the blue smoke. “Are you going to start something on fire?”
“Just watch.”
It only took a few seconds, but as the power built between my hands and the book the sky opened and a bolt of lightning shot down and ran through me, causing my hair to briefly lift and then settle when I let go of the book. I was left with a tingly feeling after, nothing even remotely akin to pain. I turned to Aric with a triumphant look on my face.
His expression was murderous. “Did you just get struck by lightning?”
“I … technically, yes,” I said. “It doesn’t hurt, though. It’s as if the book wants to protect me. It’s like a shield.”
Aric glanced at Paris, meeting her gaze for the first time since the previous evening. “How long have you two been doing this?”
“About a half hour,” Paris replied. “I didn’t think it was a good idea either. Zoe was having such a good time, though.”
“And you didn’t want to fight with her because you’re afraid that she’ll get angry and kick you out,” Aric finished. “I get it.” He turned back to me. “You need to stop doing that.”
“Just one more time,” I pleaded.
“No. The neighbors are going to call the cops.”
“We moved out here because we didn’t want any neighbors,” I reminded him. “There’s no one out here.”
“Don’t do it again.” Aric wagged a finger for emphasis. “You can do it again after dark. It’s supposed to storm tonight. You can show my father your new trick. I don’t want you doing it again now, though. It freaks me out.”
I jutted my lower lip out. “Please?”
“No.”
“Pretty please?”
“No.”
“I’ll distract you with your favorite thing tonight,” I offered, knowing he would get what I was talking about while Paris was left in the dark.
Aric sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “Fine,” he said. “One more time – and you’re going to do my favorite thing twice tonight. Don’t even try to argue.”
“Deal!” I turned back to the book.
“You two are officially sick,” Paris muttered.
“She’s really good at my favorite thing,” Aric said, smiling despite himself.
“Sick!”
9
Nine
“That’s it, baby … just like that … oh, right … oh … that’s my girl.”
Aric’s enthusiastic reaction to his favorite thing was loud this evening.
“That’s your favorite thing?” Paris asked, making a face as she watched me rub Aric’s back. “I thought you two were into some freaky sex game or something.”
“We do that, too,” I said, not missing a beat. “Aric doesn’t make as much noise during those encounters, though. I’m starting to get a complex.”
Aric, who sat on the floor, positioned between my legs as I sat in a chair, groaned. “Keep doing that.”
I sighed and dug my fingers into his sore back, letting a little healing magic escape with the motion. I’d first learned I had the power to heal in college. Aric was injured in a fight and I managed to erase his wounds with a mere touch. Six months later a vampire threw me into a truck, and Aric was adamant about taking me to the hospital until I healed myself. Of all of the powers I manifest, healing is my favorite.
“I’ve never loved you more,” Aric moaned.
It was Aric’s favorite, too.
“I feel dirty just watching you,” Paris said.
“He’s sore from the fight last night,” I said, grinding into the spot between his shoulder blades with my thumb. “He’s earned it. Besides, I promised I would do it twice. I’ve got to get this first one in before we go to bed. The second one is going to be … a little different.”
Paris wrinkled her nose. “Sick.”
“Our social graces have declined a bit since we spend most of our time alone,” I said, leaning forward so I could drop a kiss on Aric’s forehead. “Two more minutes and then we have to start cooking dinner.”
“You just started,” Aric protested.
“I’ve been doing this for a half hour,” I countered. “Your father will be here in forty-five minutes, and we both know he’s always early. If he hears you carrying on like this … .”
“Then he’ll think I’m a lucky man,” Aric finished for me. “Move your fingers, woman.”
I rolled my eyes but kept rubbing. Truth be told, I liked massaging him. He makes cute noises, and when he really lets go he occasionally barks. I have no idea why I find it so endearing.
“Do you think your father is going to know anything about the book?” Paris asked.
“Shh.” Aric didn’t bother opening his eyes. “Be quiet until Zoe is done rubbing me.”
Paris glanced at me, uncertain whether Aric was teasing. I smiled and shook my head. It was best to give him what he wanted when he was in the mood for a good rubdown.
I watched the clock, making sure to give him an extra minute before removing my hands. “To be continued,” I whispered into his ear.
Aric reached up and grabbed the back of my neck, pulling me down for an intense kiss. “You bet your cute little rear end we’re going to continue this,” he said, pushing himself up from the floor. “Okay, let’s focus on dinner.”
Paris jumped to her feet. “I can help.”
Aric glanced at her, his expression unreadable. “You don’t have to,” he said finally.
“I want to.”
“It’s not necessary.”
“I want to,” Paris pressed. “Please, let me help you.”
Aric opened his mouth, ready to shut her down, and then snapped it shut. “You can handle the corn and potatoes.”
Paris nodded, relief fl
ooding her face. “That sounds great. Do you have any rosemary? That goes great on potatoes.”
“There’s some fresh bunches in the refrigerator,” Aric said, striding into the kitchen. “Go nuts.” He glanced at me for approval and I rolled up on the balls of my feet and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “You’re going to owe me a better kiss than that later,” he whispered.
“Don’t be gross when I have nowhere to hide,” Paris warned.
I grinned. “I’m sorry,” I said, moving away from Aric. “What do you want me to do?”
Aric’s face was blank. “What do you mean?”
“You marinated the steaks and getting ready to grill them,” I replied. “Paris is doing the potatoes and corn. What do you want me to do?”
“You can sit there and look pretty,” Aric replied.
“But … don’t you want me to help you cook?”
“You hate cooking,” Aric shot back. “You know it. I know it. I think you’re pretending that you like to cook for Paris’ benefit, but she knows you hate cooking, too. Don’t bother.”
I made a face. I was pretty sure an insult was buried somewhere in there. “I don’t hate to cook,” I argued. “You enjoy cooking so much that I let you do it because I don’t want to hurt your feelings.”
“You decided to cook breakfast last week and didn’t bother looking at the expiration date on the eggs,” Aric reminded me. “Do you remember what happened?”
“You threw up.”
“That was the first time you even attempted to cook in the past year,” Aric said. “I say we go another year before you try again.”
“You were going to let me make strawberry shortcake last night.” I decided to try a different tactic. “Why is tonight different?”
“Strawberry shortcake involves cutting up strawberries that I know are fresh because I bought them and then dumping some sugar on top and sticking the bowl in the refrigerator,” Aric said. “That’s not cooking.”
“Well, what are we having for dessert tonight?” I asked.
Aric smirked. “It’s a surprise.”
I hate surprises. “What is it?”
“It wouldn’t be a surprise if I told you.”
“Come on.”
“You two should have your own television show,” Paris said, reaching for the cutting board on the counter and dumping the bag of potatoes out on top of it. “If you’re willing to do it on camera you could make millions with all of the sexual chemistry oozing around this place.”
Aric grabbed me around the waist and hoisted me up on the counter, ignoring Paris’ comment. “Trouble, if you don’t touch any of the food I’ll make it worth your while later,” he said. “Just sit there and entertain me with that talented mouth of yours.”
Paris jerked her head up and Aric realized what he said when it was too late to take it back.
“I’m just glad I didn’t say that in front of my father,” he grumbled.
“Why?” I rolled my eyes. “He would’ve patted you on the back and said, ‘Go get her, sport,’ and you two would have high-fived and complimented each other on your machismo.”
The corners of Aric’s mouth tipped up as he fought to keep from smiling. Finally, he gave in. “Is that what you think men do when they hang out together?”
“Yup.”
“Why is it you can have fantasies like that, but I can’t have fantasies about you being naked in the hot tub with another woman?”
“Wait, am I the other woman in this scenario?” Paris asked.
“You were until I found out you were trying to sacrifice my girlfriend,” Aric replied, keeping his eyes glued on me.
I blew out a frustrated sigh and grabbed his chin, forcing his gaze to remain on me. “Let her off the hook.”
“No.”
“She knows she did the wrong thing but she’s been trying really hard to make up for it,” I said.
“How?” Aric was incredulous. “As far as I can tell all she’s done is offer to make potatoes and corn, and watch you get struck by lightning eighty times. That’s still creepy, by the way.”
I made a face.
“Zoe, I don’t understand how you can expect me to forgive the woman who brought danger into our home,” Aric argued. “This is where we are supposed to be safe. This is where I promised to keep you safe. I officially broke my promise last night. Don’t you understand that?”
I didn’t, not until he said the words. I knew something was bothering him in addition to the lightning. He was trying so hard to be brave that I missed the other emotions roiling through him, even though they floated at the surface.
“Maybe that was a promise you could never keep,” I suggested.
“That doesn’t matter,” Aric seethed. “She brought danger into our home. You could’ve been killed.”
“I wasn’t. You weren’t either. She made a mistake.” I tightened my grip on his chin so he couldn’t jerk away. “We’ve both made mistakes. We gave each other second chances. Paris knows she did the wrong thing. She was trying to do the right thing when she came here.”
“I know,” Aric said, the muscle in his jaw ticking. “I need more time. I’m working hard on it, Zoe. I felt how afraid you were last night, though. It almost knocked me over. I’m not ready to let it go yet.”
“He shouldn’t have to let it go,” Paris said. “This is your home and I … brought danger into your lives.”
“I once got you kidnapped and tortured by crazy werewolves who wanted to feed you to a feral vampire,” I reminded her. “You didn’t hold a grudge against me for that.”
“Yes, I did,” Paris argued.
I furrowed my brow and released Aric’s chin. He turned his head so he could rest his forehead against my temple and still watch Paris.
“I … you weren’t angry with me,” I said. “I remember. I kept thinking you were going to scream and yell – I really expected it – but you never did.”
“That doesn’t mean I wasn’t angry,” Paris said. “I was incredibly angry. I knew it was irrational, though, so I hid it. After a few days the anger went away. I really didn’t blame you after that. I knew what happened was an accident.
“You have to look at this from Aric’s point of view,” she continued. “He’s worked his tail off to keep you safe for five years. Oh, that’s kind of funny because he actually does have a tail when he shifts. That didn’t occur to me until just now.”
Aric growled, the sound low and menacing.
“Oh, right,” Paris said, returning to the topic at hand. “I was really upset with you, Zoe. I got over it. It took me a few days, though. I know you didn’t realize I was angry, but when you think back to that time, what do you remember?”
That was a good question. “I … .” Huh. I didn’t remember much else besides hunkering down in Aric’s apartment for three days. We barely came up for air.
“Yeah, I remember that, too,” Aric said, kissing my cheek.
“I was a horrible friend,” I said, realization washing over me. “You almost died, and after we got you out I walked away for three days. I had no idea what you were feeling because I was too busy … .”
“Feeling me,” Aric finished, gracing Paris with the first real smile he’d managed to muster since she showed up in our driveway.
“That was probably for the best,” Paris said. “If you had been around those days we probably would’ve had a big fight. As it was, by the time you two were done playing … whatever freaky games you like to play … I was done being furious.
“You can’t ask Aric to get over something this big in less than a day,” she continued. “I think it’s unfair. You’re setting unrealistic expectations.”
Was I? So what? After Paris’ admission, I felt guilty. No one wants that. “You have to forgive Paris,” I said, grabbing the front of Aric’s T-shirt so he couldn’t pull away. “You have to.”
“Zoe … .” The tone of Aric’s voice told me I’d already won.
“I’ll do your second f
avorite thing while I’m doing your first favorite thing when we’re alone tonight if you do,” I promised.
Aric’s eyes lit up.
“I am officially grossed out,” Paris muttered.
“You’ve got a deal,” Aric said, kissing the corner of my mouth before turning to Paris. “I’m going to forgive you. I don’t want you thinking that I’m doing it just for Zoe, though. I was going to do it this afternoon.
“I thought about it while I was shopping and I realized how frightened you must have been when you got here,” he continued. “What you did was wrong. I believe you know that, though. None of us can make any claims to perfection. We’ve all done stupid things. We’ve all managed to come back from them. I think you will, too.
“I reserve the right to revoke my forgiveness should you do anything that gets Zoe hurt, though,” he said. “I love her enough to do anything to protect her – and that includes sacrificing you.”
Paris swallowed hard, nodding as she studied him. “I think that’s fair.”
“Good,” Aric said, straightening. “Get back to cooking.”
“What can I do to help?” I asked.
Aric smiled. “You’re going to have plenty to do tonight,” he said. “Rest up for that.”
“But … .”
“If you touch the food I’ll spank you until you beg for mercy,” Aric warned, extending a finger.
“Yeah, you guys need to spend a little more time with other people and a little less time fixated on each other,” Paris said. “You’ve forgotten what’s appropriate to talk about in public.”
“We haven’t forgotten,” Aric said.
“He’s right,” I added. “We just don’t care.”
“Sick, sick, sick.”
10
Ten
By the time James Winters arrived, Aric and Paris were amiably chatting away as if the past five years and one day had never occurred. Paris conveniently forgot that Aric threatened to kill her, and Aric opted to put Paris abandoning me on the lawn out of his mind.
Rising Covenant (Living Covenant Trilogy Book 1) Page 7
