“You've spoken to all the other Lords?” I asked.
“We've either talked or texted. Your Ben is well equipped to hold out for longer than any of us.”
Rowan stiffened at Ethan's words.
My dad tried unsuccessfully to hide his smile.
“You know,” I drawled. “A single snap of my fingers and I could give your land right back to you, Ethan.”
The bastard had the gall to chuckle. “But you wouldn't. I am not as prideful as Caelan. I, unlike some of my brethren, appreciate a strong and powerful woman. Emasculation is a made up term for men who feel women are a lesser species. Iadorewomen,” Ethan purred. “Especially those whose magic can make the world tremble.”
“Quit flirting with my wife,” Rowan growled.
“I hope you appreciate what you have,” Ethan responded.
“Six months ago you couldn't stand me!” I almost never heard Ethan joking around, and now here he was about to make Rowan teleport through the phone to kick his ass.
Ethan laughed. “What can I say? Being around your crew has lightened me up a little.” The teasing note dropped from his voice. “Relax, Rowan. I'm yanking your chain. Regardless, Evie's claim is the only thing keeping us from a full scale invasion. None of us will squander that protection.”
I chewed on the edge of my thumb. “Dad? Should I go out there and boost the magic?”
Dad frowned. “Might not be a bad idea. Rowan should be able to help as well.”
Rowan blinked. “Excuse me?”
Dad rolled his eyes. “I know you've noticed some odd things happening with your magic. You will never be able to do the same things Evie can, but you can tap into some of her magic—at least enough to boost the claim she's made. Divide and conquer is the best way until we figure out a way to move Danu off the board.”
“Ethan?” He was closest. Easier to start with him and move east.
“I'm not going anywhere.” He paused. “Bring the vampire. Ask her if she has any more cookies.”
I grinned and decided to tweak his nose a little. “I'll ask, but I think she has a date tonight.”
Rowan's eyes widened with delight.
“I see,” Ethan said. Was his voice a touch rougher? “Then just bring the cookies.”
Rowan's cell beeped as Ethan disconnected.
Dad clicked his tongue. “You're poking the bear with that one.”
“He started it.”
Hope and Declan groaned. “Are you leaving tonight?” Rowan's Omega asked. She was a gorgeous redhead with a mane of wild curly hair and eyes the color of jadeite. We'd struck up a fast friendship during the months I'd been here, and I liked her a lot.
Declan, Rowan's Second, was massive; his arms the size of my waist. He had a good sense of humor and emotional intelligence, and I suspected he had a crush on Hope. The Omega, though, kept Declan at arm's length, though they still shared a warm friendship.
“Want to come?” I asked.
Hope slowly shook her head. “Ethan is too intense for me. Plus, I don't want Moira to claw my face off.”
I laughed. “Moira? She wouldn't do that.”
Declan snorted. “Yeah. I dunno about that. Have you seen the way she looks at him?”
Moira would be absolutely mortified if she knew everyone noticed her intensity around Ethan. “Never, ever tease her about it,” I warned.
Declan blinked. “I wouldn't, but now I'll be extra on guard.”
