When their feet met the white sand beach, she knew it was the right place. Because she could feel the power reverberating around them, the wards enclosing her friend in a shield of absolute protection.
“He didn’t lie,” she said. “I can sense his magic all around this place. He’s sheltering her.”
“And you,” a deep voice said as Osiris appeared beside them. “Hello, Astasiya. I was hoping you would come.”
Energy flared around Aya as she faced her grandfather. Issac moved with her, his arm brushing hers as he stood right next to her.
“Osiris,” she said, her tone flat.
“Granddaughter,” he returned, his lips curling. “You knew I’d be waiting for you here.”
“I expected it,” she admitted.
“And you came anyway.”
She lifted a shoulder. “You have my best friend. Of course I came.”
“I’m protecting her,” he said.
“I know.” The nonchalance in those two words almost made Issac’s lips twitch. He wondered if Aya realized how much she’d grown in her confidence over the last few months. She was facing the most powerful being in existence—the one who had created all of them—and she hadn’t even broken a sweat.
Osiris studied her. “You approve.”
“Of keeping my best friend safe? Always.” She folded her arms. “But if you’re planning to separate her from Jay or their baby, then no, I don’t approve.”
His brow furrowed. “Why would I separate them?”
“Because you want to use her to create your own progeny,” she said.
“I wouldn’t need to separate them for that.”
“Then you underestimate Jay’s possessiveness,” Astasiya replied.
“I could make him watch, if I so desired, but that’s neither here nor there. The time to create new life has diminished due to recent events. Trying to train a new progeny won’t be possible. Which is why I’ve wanted to speak to you.”
“You want to train me.”
He dipped his chin in confirmation. “I do.”
“And if I don’t want to be trained?”
“Then you’ll die,” he replied simply.
Issac narrowed his gaze. “Choose your next words wisely, Osiris.” A statement he never would have made a year ago, but Aya didn’t exist in his life then. She did now. And this ancient being had just threatened her, something that could not be tolerated.
Osiris arched a brow at him. “Was that a warning?”
“Yes.” A single word underlined in confidence. It didn’t matter that this Seraphim possessed incredible power. He lacked family. Emotion. Heart. Those three items were ones Osiris looked down upon because he didn’t understand them. However, Issac did. They weren’t weaknesses but strengths. They created a defensive unit, one that would be used against Osiris should he try to harm Astasiya.
“Fascinating,” the Seraphim murmured. “I’ve always respected you, Issac. You’re bold and creative and loyal. And now you’re proving to be protective of my most valuable weapon.” He nodded slowly. “Yes, that’ll do just fine.”
“I’m not your weapon,” Aya replied.
“Not yet,” he agreed. “But you will be.”
“Which leads us back to the training discussion. I’m not interested.”
“Who else is going to teach you the full range of your gifts?” he asked, his tone chiding.
