A Battle of Blood and Stone (Chronicles of the Stone Veil 4)

I know he’s teasing, so I bump my shoulder against his good naturedly. “Well, maybe I can convince him to play a few games of pool. I’m really good, and I’m not above hustling him.”

“It’s a good thing I’m not a sucker then,” Carrick’s voice sounds from behind us. Maddox and I both twist to look at the door to find Carrick standing there casually, one arm raised and his hand resting against the jamb slightly above his head. The smile on his face is amused.

“You’re back,” I exclaim, pushing up from the couch. I was looking forward to unwinding a little with Maddox, but if it’s a choice between time with him or Carrick, I’m going to choose Carrick every time.

It seems just so natural, despite the fact I know Maddox is watching, to walk right up to Carrick and kiss him.

Or perhaps it’s him who is kissing me.

Regardless, my lips are happy for that brief connection, and I take stock of the fact I’m infinitely happier at this moment than I was a mere thirty seconds ago hanging out with Maddox, and I was pretty damn happy then.

There’s no getting around it.

Carrick just does it for me in all ways.

Taking my hand, Carrick shoots a quick glance over my head at Maddox before bringing his eyes back to me. “I brought someone I believe can help you to access your powers.”

There’s a distinct glimmer of discomfort in Carrick’s expression and I turn back to Maddox, who stands from the couch to face us.

He bears the same expression, which tells me he knew all along what Carrick had planned and it’s something I’m not going to like.

“Who did you bring?” I ask hesitantly, but there’s a tinge of warning in my voice that Carrick will get full blast if I don’t like his idea of “help”.

“He brought me,” a sultry voice says from behind Carrick, but his body is so tall and wide that I can’t see the woman.

But I recognize her voice. My teeth grind down hard as her hand creeps over his shoulder and she peeks around his arm, flashing me a victorious smile.

Deandra.

My eyes lift to Carrick, who stares at me guardedly, then back to Deandra, who has linked her arm through my man’s and is actually leaning into him. Carrick makes no effort to distance himself, but, in fairness, they’re both filling the doorway so there’s no room to step to the side.

I give my regard to Carrick. In as pleasant a voice as I can manage, which still sounds incredibly biting, I ask, “Do you mind if we speak privately?”

Carrick nods and Deandra takes the hint, spying Maddox behind me.

“Mad Maddox,” she calls out with glee, pushing roughly past me so I stumble to the side as she runs to Carrick’s brother.

I watch over my shoulder as she leaps into his arms, wraps her legs around his waist, and plants a hard kiss on his mouth.

Oh my God.

Has she slept with Maddox, too?

Maddox merely laughs, slaps her on the ass, and lifts her under her arms to set her back down on the floor. I notice that Deandra is actually dressed in modern Earth realm clothing—jeans, an off-the-shoulder blouse, and wedge-heeled boots.

Unfortunately, the fact she’s dressed for the Earth realm probably means she’s here to stay.

Or, at least, I’m sure that’s what Carrick is thinking, but I intend to change that assumption.

I move past him into the hallway and I can feel his presence behind me despite his steps being whisper quiet. I head to his room, which is closer than his office, so we can have privacy.

When he follows me in and shuts the door, I force myself to turn slowly to face him—straining to keep my emotions under control.

Taking in a breath, I let it out slowly. I try for a pleasant smile. “Deandra. Really?”

Carrick doesn’t move to me, which I thought he would. To either distract or comfort. He holds his place by the door, stone faced. “I think she’s the best option to help you learn your powers. She’s one of the strongest Light Fae in the world, and she has extreme mastery over magic.”

My control slips as I blurt out. “But she hates me and I hate her.”

“Exactly,” Carrick replies with a nod. “And that’s what will make her your best option.”

Chin jerking inward, I frown at the man that I love with all my heart. Is he off his rocker?

“You’ve had some success in using your powers,” Carrick points out, a fact I know as it frustrates me to no end that I know I’ve got the ability. “And you’ve been under great duress each time you were able to utilize them. Specifically breaking the incubus compulsion over you and Adira in the bar, and then again at your house. That is some serious use of magic right there. And I’d even dare say in Faere when you confronted Deandra, you were able to tap your powers.”