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The moment I finish speaking, everyone freezes, and the look they share makes me prepare for the worst.
Valerian tugs at the elastic hem of his joggers, taking his time before responding, as if mulling over the best way to explain without freaking me out. “The best spellcasters in Everwilde layered the soulstone with wards to trap my grandfather’s soul inside. Even with all the pieces of the axe, it would take the most powerful Soulmancer in existence to break through those wards.”
“And that is . . .?” I raise my eyebrows, wondering if this Soulmancer is famous in the Fae world or something.
Valerian finally meets my stare without looking away. “You.”
17
Sure I misheard the Winter Prince, I say, “Me? A Soulmancer? No—that doesn’t even make sense.”
Eclipsa sighs. “This conversation calls for poolside drinks.”
I blink. “Poolside?”
I discover exactly what she means when Valerian creates a portal that takes us to his penthouse apartment in Evernell, overlooking the string of his father’s nightclubs and bars.
After a lot of arguing, Eclipsa convinces me to throw on a black string bikini. She frowns at my farmer’s tan, practically scoffing as I find the largest robe possible to cover myself, but otherwise seems to find me agreeable.
The rooftop pool above Valerian’s place is a long, rectangular slice of crystal blue water. His court sigil, an owl over two daggers, covers the bottom of the pool.
Fittingly, only Valerian can access this private bit of heaven. I gawk at the outdoor training mat in the corner. The couches artfully positioned in various locations, perfect for an intimate gathering. Lounge chairs line up in neat rows on the far side of the pool. The water leads to a fully stocked bar where a beautiful Fae male server polishes glasses.
Of course, he’s only wearing a speedo. A very tight, very revealing blue speedo.
He turns around and . . . my God, is that Valerian’s sigil stamped onto his ass?
Valerian and Asher sit at the bar, their stools half-submerged in water. My breath hitches when I realize Valerian is shirtless, wearing dark gray swim trunks.
Duh. This is a pool, Summer. There’s going to be skin. And abs. Washboard abs and a little tuft of hair leading down . . .
Heat barrels between my thighs, a wave of dizziness washing over me.
Holy hell. This is a bad idea. I watch my mate, unable to look away. He and Asher are laughing about something, and Valerian is gesturing, the muscles of his back rippling.
Ugh. Get a grip, Summer.
I focus on the tattoos covering his upper torso, the dark silver and black markings sharp against his pale skin.
Just as I start walking toward them, a soft gust of wind whips my robe back. Before I can readjust, Valerian and Asher both whip their heads to stare at me.
For a breath, Valerian’s eyes go dark, his expression unapologetically lupine as he devours me with his gaze. That familiar cord between us jerks taut so hard I clutch my belly.
Asher does a double take, earning a low snarl from Valerian.
A mischievous smile lights up the dragon shifter’s face.
“Don’t do it, idiot,” Eclipsa warns beneath her breath.
Asher lets out a low whistle.
Eclipsa steps in front of me. “Crap.”
Before Asher can finish his catcall, Valerian attacks. The two explode into the pool, sending water flying everywhere. They fight so fast I can’t even track their movement or what’s happening.
“Males,” Eclipsa mutters. She must notice the horror on my face because she adds, “They won’t mortally wound each other, if that’s what you’re thinking.”
“Do they do this all the time?” I ask, frowning as Asher bellows, either in pain or rage, I can’t tell.
