Magic Misled (Lizzie Grace #7) - Keri Arthur Page 0,98

did those who lived in shadows and darkness ever do the sensible thing?

Belle pulled up in front of Aiden’s house. “Aiden’s truck’s not here—you going to be okay?”

“I’m not going to collapse into a coma or anything, Belle. Honestly, stop worrying.”

A smile tugged at her lips. “It’s a familiar’s job to worry—especially when it’s been just you and me for such a long time.”

I reached out and gripped her hand. “No matter who else comes into our lives, or how much our lives might diverge thanks to family and children if we’re both so blessed, you’ll always remain the most important person in my life, and not just because you’re my familiar.”

She reached across the console and gave me a fierce hug. “I do love you, you know.”

“I know.” I blinked back the silly tears and pulled away. “Drive home safely.”

“To echo someone else, always.”

I chuckled and climbed out of the SUV, watching her leave before moving inside. The fire had burned out, so I relit it then made myself a herbal tea in the vague hope it would help stop the crazy men with pokers attacking my brain.

After putting on some music, I curled up on the sofa, sipping my tea and watching the flames. Weariness soon caught up with me, and I drifted to sleep. Soft steps had me stirring who knew how many hours later. Strong arms slipped around me, lifting me up and then holding me close to a body that was warm, muscular, and smelled delicious.

I pressed my face into his chest to draw in his scent and murmured, “What time is it?”

“Just after midnight. Why aren’t you in bed?”

“Was waiting for you.” I shifted my head and kissed his neck. “Happy now. To bed, Ranger.”

“And to sleep.”

“That’s no fun.”

I ran my tongue around his ear, and he made a low sound deep in his throat. “We can have fun another day. Right now, your cheeks are crazy hollow and your weariness is so strong it’s all I can smell.”

“I’m sure some gentle loving will fix all that.” I trailed light kisses along his chin. “If you’re worried about my strength, you can do all the work.”

He laughed softly. “I have absolutely no problems doing all the work, but I do prefer a partner who’s not going to fall asleep on me.”

“Work it well enough, and she won’t.”

“Says the woman who hasn’t yet been able to open her eyes.”

“A minor inconvenience.” I yawned hugely. “We can get over it, I’m sure.”

“Not tonight we won’t.” He placed me onto the bed and then efficiently undressed me. When I tried to return the favor, he caught my hands and then captured my lips with his, kissing me long and deep. “Sleep, Liz. We’ll talk in the morning.”

I sighed but nevertheless accepted the inevitable and snuggled deeper into the blankets. I was back asleep within seconds.

A deep rumble of thunder woke me. I yawned and stretched, then glanced out the windows. The sky was dark and the rain pelting down so hard I could barely see the trees that lined the lake. The house was silent, suggesting Aiden had already left, but the air was warm, so the fire was at least going.

I tossed the blankets off, pulled on a sweater, then padded barefoot down the stairs. Aiden had left a note on the counter: Be home at five. I’ll cook.

No doubt meaning steak and chips again—not that I was about to complain, given how few of the few men in my past had ever deigned to enter the kitchen, let alone cook for me. Besides, I’d gained a deep hunger for steak—and meat in general—in recent weeks, but that was probably a good thing if using the wild magic was going to exhaust me to the point of collapse.

I glanced at the clock on the stove and saw it was well after two. I’d slept for over twelve hours—no wonder I felt a whole lot better.

I fried up some bacon and eggs, made a coffee, then headed over to the sofa and plopped down directly in front of the fire. It had burned down considerably over the course of the day, but the heat coming off it was just right.

Once I’d eaten, I grabbed my phone from the backpack and called Ashworth. Eli answered.

“Hey, Liz, Ira’s in the shower. Is this a social call or is there something I can help you with?”

“The latter, I’m afraid.”

He laughed. “That’ll actually make his day. He’s been somewhat out of