Exton

I meet Rowan in the hall. She assures me Raina is resting well, Nick by her side. Miko hovers near, waiting on my attention. As soon as I nod to him, he tells me that Ob has begun loading the truck, shooing away the gnomes who tried to help. I smile and follow the winged warrior. He is adjusting the car seat when I join them.

"I have to say, I am sorry to see you all go."

Grace hugs me. I really will miss them all. I take Chloe from her arms and watch as Ob helps her into the back seat of the cab. He takes Chloe from me and straps her in her seat as Pandora hugs me. I note that the gnomes have stowed the roses and other seedlings in the bed and braced them for transport. One gnome holds a list of plants that will be delivered later. Ob finishes and kisses Pandora before she gets in the cab. He slides an arm around me and leans close.

"Grazi mi cooza. I can't tell you how much it means that my family was here, safe..." His voice cracks. "Tell the Sorcerer..."

"I know cooza. I will give Magnus your thanks. Cool Winds and Sweet Water find you in times of need." He climbs in the cab and I have Gnimaor open the Wards.

Josi... Let me know if, when, Grace begins to leave us.

Si Nadji... I... Si cooza. I will


The Truck hasn't been gone long before Magnus appears in the doorway. He says nothing, merely watching. I cock a hip and toss my hair over my shoulder. The backs of my fingertips trace along my jaw and I let my lids lower. The purr in my r's deepens as I speak.

"Do you see somtheeng you deesire, mi amor?"

I saunter closer, hips swaying the silks of my skirts. My hands slide into the heavy mass of my curls. loosening it into a silken fall. Magnus says nothing, but his eyes remain locked on me while he slips off his cape and hangs it on the coat rack. He steps forward and lifts the edge of the hood, just enough to take my fingers in a gloved hand and bring them to his lips. His eyes, as they again find mine, are warm and full of promise. I purr softly and his eyes take on a sensual gleam. He offers me his arm. My hand glides over his silken sleeve, caressing the firm muscle beneath. The door shuts behind us and he leads me away to our room.

As much as I will miss everyone, I am verrrrry glad they are gone.