Rowan's jaw tightened, but he nodded after a moment. “As much as I hate to give the bastard anything, this isn't about Caelan. It's about what's best for your vicious little flytrap.”
I went to my knees and kissed Rowan. “I love it when you're grumpy.”
Rowan snagged me around the waist and pulled me on top of him. “Tell me what else you love about me.”
I pretended like I was going to bite his nose. “I'll recite poetry for you later. Mom and Dad are coming for dinner.”
“Do we have to?”
“Considering you invited them, yes.” I rolled away and got to my feet, picking up his discarded shirt with my toes. “Put this on and meet me in the kitchen.”
“Bossy.”
I cracked open the door. “You like it.”
I didn't miss the glow in his eyes as I slipped outside.
Yep. He definitely liked it.
Dad aka Cernunnos,aka the former fae king was positively delighted by my current progress in figuring out my magic, but much less impressed by my refusal to try any form of travel farther than a few feet.
We stood in the clearing about twenty feet away from each other. Dad wore his human guise today—joggers, t-shirt, and tennis shoes—but his eyes swirled with magic and annoyance.
“You've used it before.”
“Yes, when Rowan was about to die.”
The Lord winced at the reminder. He, Mom, Moira, and the others were on the patio drinking sangria and watching me and my father argue.
“Tap into the same emotion you felt then and move.”
I stared at him. “You want me to tap into all-consuming grief every time I want to go somewhere?”
Dad's nostrils flared. “You know what I mean.”
“I don't, actually.”
He sighed and sat down on the ground, motioning for me to come closer and join him.
When I'd settled across from him, he leaned over and took my hands. “I forget you are not like us, Evie.”
I eyed him warily. Amusement made his eyes sparkle.
“You are not human, but you were raised among them and lived like they do for many years. Humans are far more emotional than our kind. As such, you tie emotions to some of your powers.”
“Like moving through space and time.”
He inclined his head. “You weren't able to use the power until someone you loved was in danger. Now, every time I ask you to try, you think of Rowan, of the possibility of what could have gone wrong had you not reached him in time, yes?”
I glanced over at Rowan, who watched me—a soft ring of watermelon tourmaline magic around his iris. My breath caught.He looked at me as if I were his salvation, and part of me still felt unworthy of his adoration.
“Yes,” I said softly.
“Your scenario did not come to pass.”
My brow furrowed. “Does it matter?”
“Yes,” Dad said simply.
