Cloud Watcher 4

Author:Saintcrow, Lilith [Saintcrow, Lilith]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Romance, Fantasy, General, Fiction
ISBN: 9781933417189
Publisher: ImaJinn Books
Published: 2006-02-15T08:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-two

"Good.” Jack reached around Anya and traced another rune on the countertop, a backward-leaning X. It glowed briefly with red light, vanished into the glass. His skin tingled with her nearness. He took care not to crowd her. “And this one?"

"Naithuz.” Her eyes danced as she glanced up at him, the smile hovering around her mouth. “The Closer of Doors. It can be used to lock or dispel."

"Very good.” Theo grinned from the other side of the counter. “I don't know what we'd have done without you, Jack. I'm no good as a teacher, it seems."

It's all Anya, he wanted to tell them. All I did was offer what I know. I'm not a Teacher.

"Wow.” Mari's blue eyes sparkled. She leaned against the glass on the other side, right next to Theo. “That's fantastic, Anya. I struggled for months with the runes. It's like a whole different language."

"It is a whole different language.” Elise gave Anya a wide, dazzling smile. Her elegant fingers, nails lacquered with red polish, drummed the countertop. “I knew you'd be the brains of the operation."

"Hey,” Mari objected good-naturedly, giving Elise a slight push.

"Oh, relax. You're the cute one.” The redhead gave Jack a piercing look. “So I guess you've been doing some good, Mr. Gray."

Jack, standing behind his witch, met the redhead's look squarely enough. “I hope so,” he answered, the balm of Anya's presence between him and the hurtful glow of the other Lightbringers. Anya had lost the dark circles under her eyes, and largely lost the sheen of nervousness and fear. She was no longer so thin and desperate-looking. But she still flinched at certain noises—and she checked the mail every day at the store with pale cheeks and trembling hands.

He leaned a little closer to her, meaning to comfort, and didn't miss her slight shifting back toward him. Don't get greedy, he warned himself. And don't think it's anything more than it is. You're only useful, that's all. You're just her Watcher. Nothing more.

Dante, his hands on Theo's shoulders, raised his eyebrows. “That's the first time I've heard you say something complimentary to a Watcher, firehair."

"Don't get used to it.” Elise turned away and surveyed the inside of the store. Dusk was coming, and the golden electric light inside spilled out through the windows. The wind had risen as dark fell, whistling through the streets. The sign was turned to “Closed,” and a full moon was rising in the sky outside. It was the first Full Moon of the new year. Anya hadn't wanted to celebrate the Winter Solstice, but the other three had dragged her to a party at Mari's house, and she had given in with good grace. The three Guardians, with perfect tact toward Anya's financial situation, hadn't exchanged presents this year, but Theo had given her a few days off with pay.

Remembering the party at Mari's made Jack think of driving home with Shell asleep in the back seat, Anya humming along with carols on the radio and yawning.

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