“Are you done?” Quin asked, pointing at her plate.
“I am,” she answered, raising an eyebrow at his unfailing instinct.
Their plates vanished. Then a cup of coffee appeared in his left hand as a chocolate truffle appeared in his right. “You didn't tell me you have two weaknesses.”
She smirked and accepted his gifts. “Thank you.”
“Anytime.” He summoned a glass of wine. Then he drank while watching her sip her coffee and eat her chocolate.
His stare was unnerving, but after nearly a week of dealing with it, she'd unearthed the benefits of his intense focus. Sure, it still made her cheeks hot, but it also made her heart stutter and her stomach flutter. And there was no denying she remained terrified she’d choke on her food or spew beverage from her nose, but with his eyes glued to her, she’d be rescued or cleaned up in an instant. And while a million insecurities still ran through her head when he meticulously studied her features, his expression never gave her cause for concern, but it could raise her confidence through the roof. Yes, the unease was awkward, but the advantages were unrivaled in their significance.
A smile tugged on his lips as his gaze flitted over her aura, and she grinned as she looked away, scanning the world outside of her and Quin's bubble.
The recently wounded wizards seemed to be doing well. Belinos had Karena tucked under one arm and Skyla under the other. Drystan and Selena held hands and laughed at Alana and Brayden’s magic show; and Devlin sat to Drystan’s right, holding Edana’s shoulders while watching his grandchildren. Kearny had Brietta at his feet leaning against his legs; Banning to his left; and Enid to his right hugging his arm. Kemble was the epitome of calm as he lounged between Quin and Cordelia, sipping his wine while playing with his wife’s platinum hair.
Layla was relieved the wounded were doing so well, but their speedy recovery didn’t erase what had happened to them, and it wouldn't protect them from future attacks. “Who's watching the property?” she asked.
“A few friends,” Caitrin answered.
Layla’s eyebrows shot up. “Do they know what they're watching for?”
“No.”
“But what if Agro comes? It’s unfair to have them guard the community when they have no idea what they’re facing.”
“They've been instructed to let us know about any incoming magicians. Then they're to leave immediately. They won't be harmed.”
“And they agreed to that?”
“Yes, and without any questions. They're very good friends.”
She looked around again, remembering it was a weekday. “Why are we gathered?”
Caitrin bowed his head as he answered. “Because several of our members are leaving after dinner tonight.”
“Oh yeah,” Layla breathed, her heart constricting.
“It's okay,” Quin assured. “It won't last forever.”
She nodded and swallowed a thick lump, but she didn't say anything. What could she say? Sorry? That wouldn't cut it and they wouldn't accept her apologies anyway. She sipped her coffee and slowly lightened her aura, trying not to show how upset she was.
“Please don't do that,” Quin whispered, taking her hand.
“I'm fine,” she insisted
“I know better,” he returned, “and so does everyone else.”
She looked at their entwined fingers then found his concerned eyes. “Just let me hold it in until I'm ready to let it go. Okay? I know you're right, but I'll let it go when I'm ready.”
He sighed, but dropped the subject, and Layla gave his hand a squeeze as she swept her gaze over the family, wondering who’d go and who’d stay.
When she looked to the east, she spotted Finley, and her shoulders sagged as she rolled her eyes. She did
not
feel like dealing with him, but she had little choice. He was strutting her way, whistling as he juggled four small fireballs in one hand and swung the other, his aura thin and muted.
“Why is he here again?” she asked.
“Several reasons,” Caitrin answered, “the biggest being he knows too much.”
“Right,” she sighed.
Finley extinguished his fireballs before entering the circle, and everyone looked at him as he approached Layla. “Hey,” he greeted.
Layla looked at him, but didn't say anything, hoping her silence might discourage further conversation.
“You look pale,” he said, crouching in front of her. “Have you eaten?”
“It's not a lack of food that's bothering me,” she answered.
His smile stayed in place as his gaze slid to her chest. “Why is your aura hidden?”
“Show some respect,” Quin warned, “and raise your eyes back to her face.”
Finley laughed as he glanced at Quin. “I suppose you think she’s your property, huh? That you’re the only wizard who gets to look at her.”
Quin narrowed his eyes and motioned to Finley with his wine. “If you paid the slightest attention to her personality, you’d know she doesn’t want you staring at her chest. And if you bothered to look away from her long enough to acknowledge the rest of the coven, you’d notice the wizards on this lawn look at women’s faces when they’re speaking to them. I strongly suggest you do the same.”
Finley rolled his eyes then looked at Layla, keeping his gaze on her face. “Are you going to answer me?”
“No,” she returned, itching to stretch her tension away, but she didn’t want to give Finley the satisfaction of knowing how much he vexed her. She stared at her coffee as she swished the last sip around. Then she looked at Quin and pointed to his glass. “May I have some wine?”
“I didn’t know you drink it,” he replied, taking her mug.
A goblet of wine appeared in her hand, and Quin’s jaw flexed as he glared at Finley.
“I can give you what you want much faster than Quin,” Finley taunted. “I don't think he likes that.”
Layla narrowed her eyes as heat flooded her veins and rippled her muscles. She was so mad, but there wasn't a damn thing she could do about it, so she took a calming breath and poured the wine out at Finley’s feet. “Don't do it again or I'll throw it in your face. I don't want anything you have to offer.” She turned to Quin. “Will you refill me please?”
“Sure,” he agreed, pointing at her glass.
As the goblet refilled, Layla watched Quin’s expression, making sure he was the one supplying the wine. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” he returned, pulling her hand to his lips.
Layla sipped as she looked forward. Then the solemn atmosphere shifted as Alana flitted across the circle. Selena flew from her chair in pursuit of her daughter, and the rest of the coven straightened, wary as their youngest member drew closer to Finley.
“What’s wong, Waywa?” Alana asked, flying into Layla’s arms from several feet away.
Layla vanished her wine so she could hug the toddler close, and Selena laid a hand over her heart as she landed a few yards behind Finley.
Layla sighed and looked down at Alana, who was tucked into her bosom and peeking at Finley with one leery eye.
“Hi, there,” he greeted, flashing a perfect smile. “What's your name?”
Alana turned away, whispering as she found Layla’s face. “I don't want to tawk to him.”
“That's okay,” Layla assured. “You don't have to.”
“Oh good,” she cutely sighed, cuddling back into Layla’s chest.
Finley’s nostrils flared as his cordial expression slipped away. “It’s amazing how quickly they learn to follow in their family’s footsteps. Or was she instructed to ignore me?”
“I’d say she’s just smart enough to see through your facade,” Layla countered. “A flashy smile means little when you’re spewing insults.”
“Who did I insult?”
“Quin.”
“I did no such thing,” Finley disagreed. “I merely spoke the truth. I can’t help it if he can’t handle it.”
“Your truth is skewed by jealousy. Even a toddler can see that. Why can’t you?”
“Truth, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder, and Quin has you wrapped around his finger, distorting everything you see. I’ve saved your life twice, yet you look right through me.”
Alana raised her head and furrowed tiny eyebrows. “What’s he tawking about?”
“He’s talking nonsense,” Layla answered. “Don’t worry about it.” She laid a hand on Alana’s cheek, covering her ear as she scowled at Finley. “Do you mind? She doesn’t need to hear that crap.”
“Of course she doesn't,” Finley conceded, bowing his head. “I apologize.”
Layla suspiciously eyed him, noting his solid attempt to play the nice guy. Then she pulled Alana from her chest and found her big eyes. “I'm glad you came to sit with me, angel, but I think your mom already misses you.”
“You’we sad,” Alana pointed out. “I want you to be happy.”
“Oh, sweetie,” Layla whispered, “I'm not sad, and you do make me very happy. But I'm okay, and your mom wants you to sit with her right now.”
“Whewe's you'we auwa?” Alana pressed.
Layla considered releasing the haze, but she didn't know if Alana could read auras and didn't want to cause her further concern by the colors she’d see in it. Instead, she smiled and tapped her teeny nose. “My aura is playing hide and seek right now and needs more time. Go sit with your mom for a while. Then you and I can try to find it. How does that sound?”
Alana contemplated Layla's face for a few seconds. Then she kissed her cheek. “That sounds good. Wiww you be otay?”
“I’ll be fine,” Layla assured. “Now go make your mommy happy, and we'll play later.”
“Otay.”
Alana turned and flew into Selena’s arms, and Layla watched them walk away before returning her gaze to Finley.
“Cute kid,” he offered.
“Yes she is,” Layla agreed, “and you need to stay away from her.”
He rolled his eyes and shook his head. “I'm not going to hurt her.”
“I didn't say you were, but you're hateful and rude, and Alana doesn't need to be exposed to that when she should be experiencing the safety and security of home.” She took Quin's hand and summoned her wine. Then she motioned toward Finley with the glass. “Why are you still crouching there? Don't you get it? I have no interest in you. If you're hungry, help yourself to food, but until you can learn to respect everyone in this coven, including Quin, your company isn't desired by anyone here.”
“I came to see if you need anything,” he returned. “Despite what you think, I worry about you and would like to help.”
“Well I don't want your worry, and I get all the help I need from my family.”
“I can give you things the rest of them can't. Will you not give me a chance to prove it?”
“No.”
“You didn't even think about it.”
“I don't need to.”
“Come on, Layla. Stop being so cold. I'm trying to help here.”
Caitrin's pipe disappeared as he leaned forward. “She's told you no, Finley, and she's clearly expressed she doesn't want your company, so if you insist on staying out here, you need to find another place to sit.” He waved a hand toward the table, summoning an extra chair. “You’re welcome to our food and a seat, but take them away from my granddaughter.”
Finley stared at Layla for several more seconds, watching her eyes and mouth. Then he sighed and straightened. “I'll move, but I'm staying on the lawn, so if you change your mind, I'm only a shout away.”
Layla shrugged and averted her gaze. “As long as you keep your distance, I don't care where you are.”
He took a deep breath as he examined her profile. Then he left the circle, sat on the ground, and glued his gaze to her face.
Layla’s tension eased, so she passed Quin her wine and waved Alana over. The toddler quickly obeyed, practically flying across the circle, and Layla beamed as she cuddled her close. “Would you like to help me find my aura now?”
“Yes.”
“Okay. You point to a spot. Then we'll decide if it's there.”
“Otay.”
Alana looked her subject over for several thoughtful seconds. Then she pointed a tiny finger at Layla’s heart, which promptly melted.
“Wow,” Layla exclaimed, releasing her happy aura. “You're really good at this game. How did you know that's where my aura was hiding? You didn't cheat, did you?”
“No, siwwy,” Alana giggled. “Mommy says auwas come fwom youw heawt.”
“Well your mommy's right, and I'm so glad you found my aura, because I was missing it.”
“Me, too, Waywa. You have the pwettiest auwa.”
“That's so sweet, angel, but I think you have the prettiest aura.”
“Weawwy?”
“Yep. It’s one of my favorites to look at.”
“I can't see it.”
“I know, but I promise it's beautiful.”
“Thank you.”
“You're welcome, sweetie. I love you.”
“I wuv you, too,” Alana returned, cuddling closer.
Layla closed her eyes, burying her nose in the toddler’s soft locks as she breathed deep, and for the first time since finding out why they were gathered, she was able to relax.
Chapter 6
Finley remained quietly seated away from everyone the entire afternoon, but his gaze stayed on Layla, and every time Quin offered her something, Finley succeeded in providing it first.