Wild Warrior (The Weavers Circle 2)

It might not seem like a big deal, but this was Wiley’s superhero moment. This was when he made his big sacrifice for the good of everyone. He could do this.

And while it hurt to give Baer up, he had to remember to enjoy his time here while he had it.

Grabbing the stack of plates and pile of forks on top of it, Wiley went outside with a smile pasted on his lips.

They all settled in to eat just as the sun began to set. Dane had recently hung lanterns around the patio area, wrapping them in a beautiful warm glow. The handyman definitely had more than one kind of magic he could weave. He’d mentioned that he’d worked in insurance years ago, but the man truly had a gift for creating beautiful things.

Crickets sang from the woods and Wiley settled in to enjoy his meal, studiously working to keep his mind from thinking about Baer’s true soul mate. The Animal Weaver sat next to him, his warmth seeping into Wiley. He fought the urge to lean on him. Baer moved his leg so it rested against Wiley’s, and Wiley gave him a quick smile. He got a wink in return.

Wiley’s food wasn’t sitting well in his stomach, so he doubted he could take another bite. “We have to find a spell to break hers. There has to be something in those books, so I’ll go back to them tonight.”

“We all will,” Clay said as he relaxed in the lawn chair. “With the way she controls those animals, we’re seriously outnumbered.”

“Even if Baer brings in animals to fight?” Wiley asked.

“We have no way of knowing if she can take control of them. Frankly, I’m surprised she hasn’t sent more of her…minions in after us.”

Baer was pushing his food around his plate. “She wants to get to us. Get us to break. She thinks she can talk us into leaving.”

Clay looked around the table, his expression tight. “I’m not going to stop anyone who wants out now. You could each have a nice long life outside of this.”

“And what? Sacrifice everyone else? Sacrifice the world? Are you thinking of leaving?” Grey frowned at Clay.

Clay shook his head. “No, I’m in this for good. I just don’t want to force anyone’s hand here.”

Grey’s smile was sad. “I have no intention of leaving.”

All of the others agreed, and Clay’s features eased as he met the eyes of every man at the table. “So, we’re in this to the end.”

“To the end,” Baer said, raising his beer into the air.

The others followed suit, even Wiley who had opted for iced tea. They were all quiet for a time after that, most just picking at their food. Wiley gave up even though the enchiladas tasted fantastic and he’d done a good job on the rice. He just couldn’t bring his stomach to settle.

Baer’s hand landed on his thigh and squeezed. Wiley looked up at the gorgeous man to find concern darkening his face. He worked to offer him a small smile and must have succeeded, because Baer returned it, tightening his fingers.

Fuck, he wanted the man. Forever.

“I don’t want anyone leaving the plantation alone. There are at least two Weavers with any trip to town,” Clay said. “And even then, it’s going to have to be emergencies only. We’ll set up patrols. I’m hoping the aunts appear soon so we can talk this over with them.”

“Maybe they’re out looking for the Water and Air Weavers.” Lucien pushed his plate away and folded his arms on the table.

Dane swatted at a mosquito. “I wish they’d show. Surely they have experience they can share. They probably know all the different languages. Maybe they could help translate the parts of the books we can’t read.” He leaned over and lit the citronella candle in the center of the table.

Wiley looked around at the half-empty plates. None of them had appetites tonight. They should have just made sandwiches. He stood and covered the leftover enchiladas with the lid that came with the pan. It was mostly to keep the bugs out of the food, but he could tell nobody would be eating anymore. He sat down, pressing his leg to Baer’s.

He looked out over the grounds, taking in the beauty of this spot in Georgia. The trees and wild bushes, the sounds of nature around them. None of it helped to dispel the worry over that witch’s threats.

He needed to get back to the books. Picking up his tea, he took a sip when Ruby started whining. He looked over to find her rolling on the grass, whimpering. She let out a high-pitched whine, and Baer was immediately out of his seat and on the ground with her, his expression tight. Wiley quickly followed, kneeling next to the distressed dog.