“Are you sure? Because I think I spotted some sunflowers that would look perfect—”
“Willie, dinner is ready,” Flo called, cutting off whatever she’d been about to suggest.
“Next time,” Wiley said, and Willie repeated it as if they were secretly conspiring against Flo.
They all formed a line and loaded up plates buffet style before returning to the table. They dug into the meal, conversation coming to a brief standstill. The aunts were excellent cooks, and he was always grateful when they decided to pop in for a visit that included food. There had been more than enough visits that focused on bad news and dire events.
Baer was all too aware that the Weavers existed for one purpose—to stop the pestilents from destroying the world. But it was nice to escape from that heavy burden, if only for a few hours, and enjoy the things they were fighting to save.
“This is so good,” Wiley moaned. Leaning forward, he smiled at the aunts who were all seated together at the other end of the table. “Since you made the food, is there any way I could get just a smidgen of magic from eating it?”
Jo laughed loudly and Flo shook her head. The scary part was that Willie looked thoughtful at this suggestion.
“Trust me, I know it sounds cool, but you don’t want to get magic from them,” Clay said.
“Really?”
“The experience isn’t exactly pleasant,” Baer said.
“It’s fucking painful,” Clay snarled.
Jo made a reproachful noise at Clay before smiling at Wiley. “I’m so sorry, but it just doesn’t work that way.”
“That’s okay. I wasn’t serious. I mean, it would be nice. Even if it was only temporary, but I totally get that they don’t work that way. When the Weavers join the Circle, do you know what kind of powers each are going to have?”
“Yes, there are six Weavers, and all the powers are based on the earth and life. Clay is the Earth Weaver,” Flo said with a nod of her head toward Clay.
“So you can make earthquakes?”
“Yes,” Clay said around a mouthful of buttered roll.
Baer leaned closer to Wiley and said in a stage whisper, “Clay is the ultimate tree hugger. He can talk to the plants and flowers.”
Clay lifted the hand holding the roll like he meant to throw it at Baer’s head.
“Do it, and I’ll never make rolls again,” Flo threatened in a sharp voice.
Clay immediately stuffed the rest of the roll into his mouth and glared at Baer.
Wiley cleared his throat as if he were trying not to laugh. “And you can shift into different animals and talk to them, making you the Animal Weaver,” Wiley said as he looked up at Baer.
“He doesn’t need his powers to turn into a jackass,” Clay muttered. He jerked and rubbed his side, looking over at Dane. “What? It’s true.”
Wiley rolled his eyes before turning his attention to a silent Grey. “And Baer said you can read minds and maybe even wipe memories? I…I can’t even begin to understand…”
“I’m the Soul Weaver,” Grey explained. “If I wanted, I can dig around in your mind, unearthing all your darkest secrets and desires.” Wiley gulped loudly, and Grey’s grin turned a little wicked. “Or I can convince you that you’re a chicken and leave you clucking out in the front yard.”
“Whoa…” Wiley breathed.
“But he doesn’t,” Baer growled.
“Except for that one time,” Clay teased.
Wiley perked up again. Any fear he’d felt a moment ago already forgotten. “What?”
“When I was still learning how to use my powers, we placed a lot of delivery orders, so I had people to practice on. Baer and Clay didn’t want me practicing on them, and Dane was declared off-limits.”
Dane snorted and glanced over at his mate. “Thanks for that.”
Clay shrugged and pushed to his feet. “Anyone want more mashed potatoes?”
“Yes!” Baer and Wiley called out at the same time. “Just bring the entire pot,” Baer added.
“You were brainwashing delivery people?” Wiley asked, picking up the story again.
“Not brainwashing. More like…mild hypnosis. I had a flock of them in the front yard one day clucking and scratching at the dirt.”
Dane groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Since I don’t remember this, I’m assuming it was before I was told about your powers. Where the hell was I?”
Grey shrugged. “Probably running errands or maybe working on the kitchen at the back of the house.”
Dane looked over at Wiley, a half smile lifting one corner of his mouth. “Shit can get a little weird around here at times. Usually they’re pretty good about keeping the magic out to the practice field. We’re getting the house in good shape, and I don’t want to work on rooms I’ve already finished because of their antics.”
Clay handed the bowl of potatoes across the table to Baer and plopped into his seat next to Dane. Leaning in close, he nuzzled his lover’s neck. “We’ll be careful, babe. I promise.”