Total pages in book: 49
Estimated words: 44804 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 224(@200wpm)___ 179(@250wpm)___ 149(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 44804 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 224(@200wpm)___ 179(@250wpm)___ 149(@300wpm)
With a grin that emphasizes the wrinkles around his eyes, he nods agreeably. “I prefer for my guests to feel at ease. Although, you don’t seem as comfortable as I’d like.”
“It would help if I was here for a different reason.” His small smile slips a bit and the air turns cold, but only for a moment. He parts his lips, but a quiet knock at the door stops him from speaking.
A petite blond woman with an upturned nose pushes through the door using her backside as she carefully handles a silver tray loaded with teacups and a teapot. She turns and gracefully strides to the desk.
She sets the tray down gently, jostling the cups only the faintest bit. With a deep breath, she offers Alec a bright smile. Her dark brown eyes seek Alec’s approval, shining with obvious affection. A humorous smirk plays at his lips and his light blue eyes find hers.
There’s unmistakable romantic tension between them. So much so that I’m given the impression I’m intruding and I readjust in my seat.
“Thank you, dear.”
Dear. My brow lifts, although I attempt to hide my reason.
Her gorgeous smile widens further as she leans across the desk to give him a peck on the cheek. I hurriedly avert my eyes as her blouse slips, revealing a bit more than I think she realized. All the sight of the two of them does, is remind me of my own mate. I already long for her.
It’s not until I hear the click of the door closing that I’m brought back to the present.
Back to Alec and the matters at hand.
“She seems very nice.” Alec grunts a response and lifts the teapot.
“Just sugar? Is my memory correct?” I nod and eye the old sorcerer in front of me. With a heavy sigh, he finally acknowledges the obvious. “She’s quite nice. I enjoy her company.”
“I think she enjoys yours as well.” His eyes dart to the door with longing before he clears his throat and passes me a teacup with its accompanying saucer.
The porcelain clinks and it doesn’t escape me that the dainty dishes look completely out of place in my callused hands.
“Your message was very vague. What is it that you need, old friend?”
His blunt response and dismissal of the conversation regarding the woman seems forced. I’m not sure why he seems so touchy about discussing her further. He’s the leader of the Authority. The most powerful man I know, human or otherwise. Not because his magic is so much greater than that of the others, but because of his connections.
If he wants something, he’s given it without question. I consider asking about the girl, but instead I move on to business. If he wanted to confide in me, he would. Besides, I hate to interfere. Still, the agreeable air seems dampened since she left and I don’t care for the change.
“I wish you wouldn’t call me that. I’m not nearly as old as you.” He chuckles, knowing it’s all in good humor. I almost smile at the sorcerer, but with the heavy situation weighing down on my shoulders, my body stays stiff. “Do you have somewhere more private we could speak?” He tilts his head and opens a drawer to pull out a notepad. A pen flies from the drawer and into his open hand before he scribbles something on a sheet of paper.
Away from meddling ears?
I nod my head once, maintaining eye contact while I set the teacup down on the desk.
“Of course. Let’s head to the woods, shall we?” He snaps his fingers and the world blurs for only a moment before I’m sitting in the same comfortable chair, my hands still wrapped around the armrests, but in front of me is a babbling creek.
The morning light filters through the leaves onto the damp ground as a gentle wind passes. The shade of a large oak tree grants us privacy. It’s a calm place that brings back memories.
I knew he’d bring us here. It’s where we used to meet when I was younger. Back when I relied on him to get my footing as Alpha of my territory. Back when I struggled and worried I had made too many mistakes, and that I would fail my pack.
As I swallow down the recollections, a branch crunches under Alec’s tread. “You didn’t bring your chair,” I comment. My head whirls for the span of a slow blink and then I feel settled once again. As if the world hadn’t vanished and reappeared with the snap of his fingers.
“I have a feeling I’ll be needing to stand.” I get up from my seat to join him. We stand side by side watching the water flow over the small rocks. “Which one is it?”
“Which one?” I know what he’s hinting at, but I’d rather he say it.