Indigo Spell (45 page)

Irritation gnawed at Jaxon’s insides. “You are telling me in your subtle way to accept my brother back into the Assembly.”

Falcon grinned. It was the first time Jaxon could remember seeing his mentor look so carefree. “I was not aware I was being subtle.”

Tess came to stand beside her husband. “I’ve been telling him all along that he can’t turn his back on his brother.”

“He will do the right thing when next he faces his brother.” Falcon’s voice rang with confidence.

“Well, I think we’ll just leave the two of you alone.” She reached forward, hesitated. “Is it okay to touch you now?”

The elderly wizard turned toward her, opened his arms. “I was actually hoping for a hug this time.”

Startled, she stepped into his embrace. “I will miss you.”

Falcon cleared his throat. “And I you. Take good care of this husband of yours. Our people need him.” He didn’t need to add how he felt about Jaxon. It was written across his face, in the dampness of his eyes.

The wizards rose as one and preceded her out the door. Tess closed the door behind her to afford the two remaining wizards the privacy they needed to say goodbye.

Jaxon walked to the window, his heart a heavy fist within his chest. “I do not know if I can do this.”

“You have no choice.” Resignation colored Falcon’s voice. “The Fates have chosen.”

An angry rush of air exploded from Jaxon’s lips. “When do we get to decide?” He slammed his fist into his palm. “Dammit! It just does not seem right that you are not going to be here. For as long as I can remember, I have always had you near. When I could not figure something out on my own, when I needed someone to talk to…”

“For the past few months, you have been making the decisions. I have been standing in the background and following your lead. The day we fought Athena, you gave the orders, you led us as any leader would. You were born for this position and you will be what you need to be in order to protect the Assembly. The Fates could not have chosen a better leader.”

“I do not understand why we needed another leader. We had you.”

Falcon leaned one shoulder against the window frame and for the first time, Jaxon noticed the tired look on the wizard’s face, the droop of his shoulders. “The Fates did not decide the Assembly needed another leader. I asked them.”

Jaxon whirled around. “What are you talking about?”

“I need a rest. I have been leading these wizards for centuries and I am tired. It is time to let someone younger take control. I know you can handle it.”

“You could have told me.”

“So you could attempt to talk me out of my decision? I did not make a mistake, Jaxon. I knew exactly what I was doing. I still do.”

“You are choosing to leave the only family you have ever known.”

“I am choosing to start another life,” Falcon corrected.

“Will I ever see you again?”

Falcon turned toward him and placed both hands on Jaxon’s broad shoulders. “I will only be as far away as your memories. And you are perfectly capable of opening a window anytime you want to see me.”

The words brought a frown. “We cannot track one another.”

One hand dropped away, delved inside the folds of his robe. “Here.”

The gem glistened in Jaxon’s hand, a dark onyx.

“Use this whenever you feel the need to find me. I would ask you to exercise a little common sense.” Falcon grinned slightly. “Who knows? Maybe I will find my own Tess in this universe.”

Jaxon considered the words. “You are going to look for a wife.”

The wizard shook his head, almost vehemently. “No. I would not look for what the Fates do not wish me to find. They will let me know if that is the course I am supposed to take.”

“We make our own destinies. You could choose to settle down, become an old married man.”

Falcon’s brows beetled. “You are having fun at my expense.”

Jaxon laughed then sobered. “Seeing you is well and good but will I ever talk to you again?”

“If we meet again, then that will be our destiny.”

“Now I understand what Tess was saying about the riddles.”

“Excuse me?”

Jaxon waved a hand. “Never mind. When do you leave?”

“Tonight.”

“But the others…”

Falcon took a step back, stretched out his arms. “I have already said my goodbyes. There is no way to tell you how much I shall miss you. You have been the son I have never had, closer to me than any kin. Be well, Jaxon.”

“Wait.” Jaxon strode forward, tears stinging his eyes. He grabbed the lapels of Falcon’s robe and dragged him into a tight embrace. “Be safe.” When he pulled away, the moisture was running in rivulets down his cheeks. His chest tightened. “Falcon, I…”

Falcon smiled, lifted one hand to silence him. “I know.”

* * * * *

Tess met Jaxon at the bedroom door and embraced him. He clung tightly to her, burying his face in the intoxicating scent of her hair. His shoulders shook with unrestrained emotion and she just held him. He was grateful she didn’t speak, didn’t ask him to explain what he was feeling inside. He couldn’t explain it to himself, let alone someone else. He’d just said goodbye to the one man in his life who understood him. And now he was facing life at the top without a net.

“You’re not alone,” she whispered, stroking his back, his shoulders, letting him feel her assurance.

His arms tightened, secured her against his body. “I’m trying to remember that.” The dizzying scent of her skin cocooned him, reminding him of what he held in his arms. Could he love her any more than at this moment?

She melted into him, pressing her breasts against his chest. “You love him. It’s hard to let him go.”

He kissed her hair, her cheek, before drifting down to her lips. “It means a lot to me that you understand.”

She touched his cheek, ran her thumb along his lower lip. “I understand you so well I amaze myself.” She caught hold of his arm and guided him toward the window. “Will you really help Braeden?”

He laughed a little, momentarily distracted by the sway of her hips as she moved across the floor. “I don’t imagine I’ll have much of a choice. He is still one of us.” He bumped her shoulder with his and her fragrance embraced him once more. He’d grown hard the moment he’d touched her but now his cock ached.

She pressed a kiss against the silkiness of the robe covering his biceps. “But you’ll help him because you love him. I never thought for one moment you really intended to ban him from the Assembly.”

He melted beneath her warm gaze. “Oh yeah? Why not?” He couldn’t remember another time before Tess when one look had the power to move him. She touched him, knew him and had successfully wrapped a powerful wizard around her little finger. He wouldn’t tell her that. Her power over him was strong enough. There was no need to pass along any more ammunition.

“Because I know you. I know that while you feel justified in your anger against Braeden, you’re starting to understand the reasons behind his actions. I know you’ll never understand his relationship with Athena but we don’t choose who we fall in love with, do we? I mean, would you have chosen to fall in love with me?”

Turning, he moved her fully into his embrace, wanting her to feel his erection. “I
did
choose to fall in love with you.”

Tess’ eyes widened with approval as she laid her hand over his heart. “We don’t choose who we fall in love with, Jaxon. That’s why it’s called falling.” She shifted her leg, brushing her thigh over his cock, letting him know she was fully aware of his arousal.

Jaxon’s eyes narrowed as her leg moved back and forth, simulating a stroke. Lungs constricting, he strove for a calm tone. He doubted he succeeded. “That’s assuming I actually fell.”

Her leg stopped moving. “What are you talking about?”

He brushed the worry lines off her forehead. “I knew exactly what I was doing. There was no falling. I was walking. I knew the moment you climbed up onto that stage I would love you and that you would be mine.”

She slipped her hand down to cup him through the thin fabric. “Is that why you came on so strong?”

His eyelids drifted shut. “I wasn’t aware I came on strong.” She’d begun to massage him with just enough pressure to send electrical shocks up his spine.

“My mistake. I guess that’s your ordinary manner.” Tess laughed in a sinfully sexy way.

He captured her wrist, stilling its motion. “Do you remember that night we walked along the beach outside your house?”

The memories returned, as welcome as a warm summer rain. She smiled, her body tingling as the scent of sand tickled her nostrils. “Nice touch, but how could I forget it? You scared me but beyond that, you intrigued me. I wanted to know more about you. I wanted to know everything.”

“And now you do.” His fingers released the top button of her cotton shirt, exposing the barest hint of lace. Not enough. Another button popped free.

“I think you might still have a few secrets you’re not so willing to share.” Tess chuckled and brushed his hands aside, her smile broadening at Jaxon’s frown. Apparently he’d tired of the conversation and was ready to move on to much more pleasant alternatives. “Do you know what I want to do?”

“No, but if it’s the same thing I want to do, I’m going to be a very happy man.”

Feeling mischievous, Tess shook her head. “I’ll please the man in you later. For now I want to please the wizard in me.”

His grin was rakish. “I believe that was my intention but I can be flexible. What did you have in mind?”

She snatched his hand. “I want to find out what I can do.” With a wave of her hand, their clothes fell away. Jaxon looked at her with one eyebrow lifted.

“I can do that!” She laughed and spun around the room.

“Tess, you can do anything and now that you’ve taken the initiative, I want to find out what I can do.” The husky tone of his voice made Tess’ smile widen.

“Jaxon, you can do anything.”

In one quick movement, he lifted her and carried her to the bed. Placing her against the mattress, he stood back to look at her. “You’re beautiful.”

She chuckled when he covered her body with his. “And you’re prejudiced. I hate to be the one to tell you this but I don’t have any more uncharted territory.”

His hand slid along her thigh, his fingers dancing against her skin, brushing over her tingling pussy. She jumped, sighed a little. “I wouldn’t be too sure about that.” His thumb pressed into her clit, massaging her, knowing the right way to touch her, hold her, kiss her. And he could never get enough of her.

Her body melted into the mattress. “Are you ever wrong?”

“I try not to make a habit of it.” The weight of his body pinned her beneath him. “But I’m sure if that time ever comes, you’ll be there to point it out.”

She grinned up at him. “I try to keep you on your toes.”

“I’d prefer a more horizontal position.”

Her legs rubbed against his. “Thank you.”