the Rowan’s sold. It always amused him that humans assumed all creatures performed magic in the same way.
“Pema, Isis, Suvi, this is my mate, Shae,” Gerrick introduced when Shae shied back and tried to melt into the shadows.
“Nice to meet you,” Suvi said, holding her hand out to Shae. For the first time, Gerrick saw the emerald mating stone embedded in her palm up close. Normally, the mating stone wasn’t set in flesh like it was with Suvi and her sisters, but the witch triplets were unique. They were the subjects of a long-standing prophecy and their stones were intricately tied to their combined powers. An ache set up residence in his chest. He’d been denied everything about the mating process with Evanna and for four centuries he’d wanted to go back so they could finish the mating. He’d been given a second chance with Shae and wanted it more than anything.
“You guys were there the night I was rescued,” Shae shared freely, surprising Gerrick. She cocked her head to the side, considering Suvi. “I’ll never forget watching you fight in those high-heeled boots. Do you always wear such high heels?”
Her question eased the tension in the room as everyone laughed. “Sure do. If you ask me, the higher, the better. Not only do they make me look good, they can be used as weapons, as well. For instance, the boots I wore that night were retrofitted with titanium heels, just in case. I can hook you up if you want,” the youngest triplet offered.
“That’s nice, but I think I’ll stick to mine.”
Suvi laughed, “Suit yourself. Now, I hear you guys need our help tracking the archdemons.”
“Aye, we do,” Zander broke in. “As you know, Jessie only minimally experiences the influences of Azazel, whereas Shae hears him giving her commands.”
Isis pulled a wood bowl from a cabinet and placed it on the counter. “I’d love to get my hands on the bastard. He and his cohort gave Cele the ability to find our mates and hurt my son.” The lights flickered and Pema and Suvi immediately went to her side. The three joined hands and the flickering stopped. Isis was known for absorbing emotions and had a very short fuse. Her sisters were able to diffuse her anger and channel the energy in a more positive form.
Shae stepped away from them and at first he thought she was wary, but then noticed she was drawn to a display of jewelry. She picked up a pair of silver earrings that had a dragonfly hanging from them. “That sounds like something the two of them would do. And, you’ll have to get in line because they are mine,” Shae declared.
“Those would look great on you,” Suvi said, referring to the earrings. Gerrick looked at her askance. Surely, the witch wasn’t focusing on accessories at a time like this.
“You think? They seem too long, but I do love dragonflies.” Gerrick would never understand females. How could they stand here talking about earrings at the same time they were discussing something as dangerous as tracking an archdemon?
“Suvi’s right. And, they aren’t too long,” Pema pointed out, before continuing, “I think it’s best that we use Shae as a conduit to trace the demon’s location. Their connection to her isn’t like that of the mating bond so it will be the best bet of getting a location,” Pema suggested as Suvi put the earrings into Shae’s ears.
“And then we slaughter the fuckers,” Isis snarked. Shae’s hair was a deeper shade of red than Isis’, but they shared a fiery temper. Gerrick wondered what Shae had been like before her abduction. Was she always so quick to anger?
“Sounds good to me. Then I can move on with my life.” Shae fingered the delicate silver and went to take them out.
“Keep them. Suvi’s right, they look fantastic,” Gerrick told her honestly. “What do they need to do to help with your spell?”
“Remain open to us. We need to cast a spell to enter your mind and follow the dark path backwards to them,” Pema explained, turning to gather the supplies they would need.
Gerrick didn’t miss the way Shae tensed in alarm and he could feel her fear along their bond. He wanted to tell them to call it off, that she’d been through enough, but he knew her well enough by now to know that she wanted to see this to the end.
All he could do was show his support. He stood at her back and placed