Magical Midlife Love (Leveling Up #4) - K.F. Breene Page 0,119
a tense moment. Sebastian scooted away again, hunching even more now.
As though a bubble burst, both men breathed out and their postures relaxed. Austin held out his hand, and Kingsley grabbed it, pulling him into a bro hug.
“Don’t think I won’t call you if someone tries to steamroll my pack,” Kingsley told Austin.
“I’d expect nothing less.”
They stepped back, and I popped the bubble of silence, making a mental note to ask Sebastian how to make a better one.
“Now that that’s settled, whatever it was”—Mr. Tom walked over with a silver tray laden with champagne—“care for another drink, anyone?”
“Do you have any beer?” Kingsley asked.
“At a garden party?” Mr. Tom put up his nose and pushed the tray forward. “I most certainly do not.”
Kingsley took the champagne, staring Mr. Tom down all the while.
“Go ahead, do your worst,” Mr. Tom responded. “I’m used to it.”
Austin turned to Sebastian. “You said two powerful mages. Do you plan to do more than lurk this time?”
Sebastian gave a humorless grin. “I most certainly do. And I can’t wait to see their faces when I let the magic fly.”
I’d accepted the invitation shortly after receiving it, and now, two days later, we were preparing to walk into the belly of the beast.
Austin sat at the table by my bedroom window, waiting for me to finish getting ready. He had on jeans and a T-shirt (we’d decided there was no point in being uncomfortable for what was surely going to be a battle). His people were assembled and ready, along with Kingsley and his people, all waiting at the base of the mountain in animal form. They would scale the mountain with Edgar, and Austin, Sebastian, and I would drive up. The basajaun, who’d offered to help because he’d overindulged in flowers at the forced garden party (Niamh maintained that he’d done it on purpose because he wanted to come all along), would ride with us. Sebastian was the one who’d made the suggestion about the ride-along—he wanted to see the mages’ face when they caught sight of our fearsome friend. Given the basajaun’s great love was causing horrible surprises, he’d been tickled by the idea. The rest of my people would fly in as we drove, swooping down when the action started.
Speaking of my team…
“I want to give Cyra, Hollace, and Nathanial more time,” I called to Austin, “because I haven’t gotten to properly interact with them, but it seems like the right time to ask Sebastian to join the team. What do you think?”
“I’d say it’s a good bet. He’s done nothing but help you, and he gets along with everyone.”
I nodded. “Good. I mean, we’ll see how he does with the…possibly very awkward and embarrassing dinner and dancing coming up.”
“Fat chance.”
“We’ll see how he does in the battle, then.”
“I think the team is shaping up to be really strong, babe,” he said, standing when I exited the bathroom.
I walked into his arms, needing a moment to lean on him, to soak in his strength. It still felt surreal that we were together, that someone as hot as him was calling me babe. The most desirable bachelor in the area, for Janes and magical people alike, had said he’d wait for me to come around and be his mate.
“Good,” I said, “but I’m still not looking forward to this.” I huffed out a shaky laugh. “You’d think I’d be used to fighting by now.”
“I don’t think you’ll ever get used to bloodshed, but you, Jacinta Ironheart, are strong enough to bear anything.”
“Let’s hope.” I pushed away from him lest I lose my nerve. “Showtime.”
My people were waiting in the front, all in human form, all seemingly calm and ready. Austin’s Jeep waited by the curb, the top off.
Ulric reached out and squeezed my arm supportively. “We’ve got this, Miss Jessie.”
I smiled, nodding to Mr. Tom and the others as I passed them.
“No fancy car today?” I asked, turning to Austin.
“Nope.” He stopped by the passenger door, in case I needed a hand in. “They get plain old me today. No bells and whistles.”
“I don’t think they are going to like plain old you. I have a feeling they will rethink their treatment of the bells-and-whistles you.”
“I think you’re right.”
Sebastian and the basajaun climbed in after us, the basajaun completely scrunched in the smallish back seat with his legs half hanging over the side, and Sebastian sitting as far to the right as possible, squished against the roll bar.