Warrior Page 21

  Goldie rubbed my arm. “Carver dived deep to get you. I can forgive him his lapse in judgment for what happened afterward since Maslin wasn’t harmed.”

  Maslin popped a kiss on my cheek. “I’m truly sorry for my part in it. Make sure you take plenty of time to rest and recover. We have a ton of watering holes to top up once you have. Stay safe.”

  “You too. I’ll see you later.”

  “Absolutely.” He flashed away.

  “That goes for me as well since I imagine you’ll want to be elsewhere. Get lots of rest like Maslin said.” Goldie ’ported as he had.

  Faith smiled. “I really like Maslin. In fact I’m even a bit jealous he got to–”

  I clapped a hand over her mouth. “Don’t even think of saying it.”

  She pried my fingers away. “He got to cut Silas. Lucky dude.”

  “Sheesh, you weren’t supposed to say it.” I headed to my dressing room.

  “Who knows?” She sighed wistfully as she followed. “Maybe one day I’ll get my chance. I can but dream.”

  “What we actually need to do, and not just one day but soon, is work out a plan on how to bring peace between Peacio and Dralion.”

  “I’m with you there, sister of mine.” She pulled me into her arms. “Sorry, just needed another hug.”

  I squeezed her back. “I love having a sister. Thanks for being there during my rising.”

  “Of course. I wouldn’t have been anywhere else, and I’m with you on working out a plan.” She eyed the rack and snagged two pairs of black jeans then tossed me one of them. “We’ll go and see Silas, before he wakes up and comes over here. I need to see you put him in his place.”

  “Oh, I’ll be having words with him.” My chest tightened as frustration and worry equally collided. “Is he truly all right?”

  “I’ll check again, but I would have had forewarning if not.” She closed her eyes. “Yeah, he’s still out to it. Silvie’s with him though, as well as Davio.”

  I nabbed two violet stretch t-shirts and handed one to her.

  “Silvie’s flicking him in the leg now, telling him to hurry and wake up. She’s getting impatient. His chest wound is healing, though. I can see the pink line and it’s getting fainter. You ready to go?”

  “Yep.” I straightened the hem. “Don’t dally. I’ve gotta show him who’s boss.”

  “Good. Hold tight.”

  Everything darkened and my heartbeat raced as we arrived in Silas’s room. His thick beige curtains were drawn against the dark and the bedside light was on. He lay still, his wetsuit rolled to his waist, the slash across his chest healing, as Faith had said.

  “There you two are.” Silvie motioned me closer. “Come talk to him. Do something. He’ll respond to your voice for sure.”

  I crossed and took her spot as she moved away. “Hey, wake up. Enough of this lying around.” I merged my mind with his, sinking into my soul-blending spot.

  He didn’t answer, or even move.

  “I’m awake. Why aren’t you?” I picked up his hand and glanced at Faith.

  “Keep trying. He’s just napping, the lazy sod.”

  I cupped his stubbly jaw and leaned in. “If now isn’t a good time for you, I could come back later. I’ll have worked up a little more steam by then.”

  He moaned and his fingers tightened around mine. “You were down so deep.”

  “There were extenuating circumstances. What were you thinking?”

  “I wasn’t. I was an idiot for going after Sol when I should have been watching you.” He lifted his eyelids, then blinked. A tear escaped from the corners of his eyes as he focused on me. “I thought I was too late. You were so limp in the water.”

  “Nah-ah, I’ve been known to return from the dead, and I certainly would have come back to haunt you.”

  “Not funny. Let’s forget the handcuffs. I’m going to lock you up in the cells so no harm can ever come to you.” He tried to sit, but groaned and slumped into his pillows.

  “You could try.” I nipped his nose. “Although in your current state, I doubt you’ll be successful.”

  “If there’s a will, there’s a way.”

  “Then you’ll need a lot of will, because my way is the way. Officially, I’m now the boss.”

  “You’re fully healed?” His gaze traveled over me, inspecting all he saw.

  “I’m fine, but in the future, no fighting with Maslin. He said it won’t happen again from his side, and I want your promise on that too.”

  “Your safety is all that matters. I give you my promise, and I’ll apologize to him when I see him.”

  “That’s one very agreeable mood you’re in right now.”

  “I shouldn’t have fought with Maslin. My jealousy almost got you killed, and it’ll never happen again. Whatever you ask, I’ll do.”

  “Now, that sounds better.”

  Loveria coughed. “Ah, if you two are about to make up, then we’re out of here.” He wrapped an arm around Faith’s waist.

  She sighed. “I’m not sure we should leave them alone. You heard. An agreeable mood.”

  “Ha,” Silvie snorted. “Well, I’m not agreeable. I want to go and talk to this Maslin Sol and hear his promise to not fight with my own ears.” She snagged Faith’s hand. “Take me to see him, please. Now.”

  “Nope.” Faith shook her head. “I know you too well. You’ll hurt him yourself.”

  “So? He’s a warrior. He can handle a little pain.”

  “It’s still a no.”

  “That’s so unfair.” She trudged to the door. “I’m not going to forget this. I’m not making you rocky-road again.”

  “Oooh, hold on. Now for rocky-road, I might take you.” Faith skipped after her. “I mean it. Make me a huge slab and we have a deal. I’ll find a way to protect Maslin from you.”

  Loveria chuckled and gave Silas a thumbs-up as he followed the girls. “Take the rest of the day off. You’ve still got some serious groveling to do.” With a silly grin, he shut the door as he left.

  “Come here.” Silas tugged on my hand and pulled me against him. “Do you forgive me?”

  “Maybe. Serious groveling, remember?” I rested my head on his shoulder and cuddled in. I was so tired. “What a day. I’m glad it’s over.”

  Here with him was where I longed to be. Nowhere else. He was my home, just as Dralion and the wide-open plains of the outback were.

  “Faith and I are going to work on a plan to bring about peace.”

  “That’s a tough one, but I’ll do what I can to help.” He stroked the nape of my neck. “As long as we’re together, that’s what counts.”

  I edged up and looked him in the eyes. “Thank you for saving me.” Undeniably he had.

  “You’ve saved me too, in more ways than one.” He reached to his bedside drawer and removed a small black velvet pouch from within. Sitting up a little, he tipped out a silver charm, one of a red rose. “I gave you a white rose for the beginning of time, a yellow for the gift of friendship, and this red rose.” He kissed me, deeply, until we finally had to pull apart for air. “I want you to know there is a love which consumes my heart, and it’s only for you.”

  “Oh. Wow.”

  “You have my heart, now and forever, Hope.” His breath whispered across my neck as he added the red rose to join the white and yellow charms.

  Love, it stole all good sense and was an agony unto itself. Still, my heart burst with the emotion. “I love you too, Silas. You’re my mate, and I’ll never let you go.”

  “You don’t have a choice, and I’ll make sure I never allow you to slip from my grasp again. You are the only woman I want. Always.” He took my face between his hands. “And I have our entire lives to prove it. Are you ready for our journey to begin?”

  I looked deep into his eyes, because I could never get enough of him. “For the first order of business. Kiss me. Then I’ll tell you.”

  He did, and with absolute devotion, I lost my “yes” against his lips.


  Other Lyrical Books By Joanne Wadsworth

  Protector

  Magio-Earth Series

  About Joanne Wadsworth

  When I first set out the cast and characters in the Magio-Earth series, Faith led the way in book one, Protector, and Hope followed in Warrior. Both girls are an integral part of the series, although I have other heroines and heroes, and a ton of edgy villains, all with their own issues, to bring you. I can’t wait to write their stories, and to catch up with Faith and Hope along the way. So look out for book three, Enchanter. It’s the adventure of Silvie and Guy, one which I’m working hard to get to readers right now.

  Another series underway is Bodyguards. This is an adult line of heart-pounding romance. Each story will bring you a bodyguard and the woman he protects. The first book in this series, Witness Pursuit, releases January 2014.

  Thank you for joining me…where romance meets fantasy and adventure.

  To learn more about Joanne and her works, visit her website at http://joannewadsworth.com

  Warrior

  ISBN: 9781616504960

  Copyright © November 2013, Joanne Wadsworth

  Edited by Penny Barber

  Book design by Lyrical Press, Inc.

  Cover Art by Renee Rocco

  First Lyrical Press, Inc. electronic publication: November 2013

  Lyrical Press, Incorporated

  http://www.lyricalpress.com

  eBooks are not transferable. All Rights Reserved. This book may not be reproduced, transmitted, or stored in whole or in part by any means, including graphic, electronic, or mechanical without the express written consent of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

  PUBLISHER'S NOTE:

  This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locale or organizations is entirely coincidental. The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party Web sites or their content.

  Published in the United States of America by Lyrical Press, Incorporated

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  Protector: Magio-Earth Book 1

  by Joanne Wadsworth

  Chapter 1

  “Faith. Hey, Earth to Faith Stryker.”

  Silvie Carver snapped her fingers and bobbed her head of fiery red-gold curls in front of me. I slowly focused on her, dreading my instinctive first thought as I shook my head forcefully. “Oh no, don’t you dare even think it, Silvie. No. Don’t think it and don’t say it. We’re in class and there are other students–”

  Only I knew what she was going to say next, because I knew my best friend like no other. She inhaled sharply. “Faith, it’s gotta be said. You need to get laid. You need someone fun to…well, you know what.”

  Too late.

  I bowed my head and dropped it uselessly into my cupped palms. Because there it was–Silvie’s answer to the fact we were both now eighteen and still completely single.

  I lifted my head, staring her down. “Did you not hear me say we were in class, Silvie? Your timing for that analysis completely sucks. Besides, we should be studying for our end of year exams. A boyfriend comes after exams, one wise thought which should most definitely apply to you.”

  With concern, I glanced around the usual faces in our classroom. Yeah, it was as I thought. I was the current spectacle because unfortunately for me, Silvie’s voice could carry just as blisteringly hot as her stunning, wildfire red hair.

  I shot a narrowed glare at one of our fellow male students who was riveted on our conversation and giving me the worst slumberous wink I’d ever seen. “She wasn’t meaning I should have sex with you, Caleb Stiles. Now look the other way.” Then I directed my hostile stare at Silvie. “You, Silvie Carver, better sit down before I knock you down. I can’t believe you just said that…no, actually I can–only it’s beyond my reasoning why I always put up with you and your big mouth.”

  She only laughed as she shamelessly scraped one of the blue-gray metal school chairs around next to mine. She plopped herself down on it, dropping her English books, refill pad and pen in front of her onto the desk. Next, she stretched her legs out as far as she could and crossed them idly at her ankles. “Well, this conversation isn’t over. I’m sure Belle would agree.”

  “Don’t you dare bring Belle into this.” My voice was low and controlled, even as I watched Silvie casually twirl her blue pen in mid-air around her first three fingers.

  Her aeronautical pen trick always captivated me. But not right now. Because right now, I was more than peeved. I’d had the worst week ever since my eighteenth birthday. I mean the–Worst. Week. Ever. No one should have to live through the tribulations I’d just experienced, and was still experiencing, no thanks to Belle Benner still being in town.

  Silvie wagged one brow as her gaze rose over my shoulder. “Too late, Faith. Belle’s here. She and I have been talking.”

  Great. Just grrreat.

  Belle pulled out her school chair, taking the position on the other side of me, her dark locks settling with stunning abandon about her tiny waist as she twirled around and sat. She did everything with such finesse. Even the simple act of her sitting was like watching a moving piece of art. So moving, I had quizzed her about being a ballerina. She just had this way about every precise movement she made. Dainty and delicate.

  “So what were you two talking about? I didn’t have my ears tuned precisely in,” Belle said as she tossed her pad and pen with an artful glide onto her desk. Her slim fingers came around and smoothed her silky mass of dark hair behind one ear.

  I snapped my fingers, finally pinpointing exactly who Belle looked like. It was that young star female lead off High School Musical. The one who got the basketball guy and sang and danced with him.

  Focus, Faith. I asked what you two were talking about. I didn’t have my hearing turned up.

  There Belle went again with that telepathic skill of hers, speaking mind to mind, always trying to draw me into her mysterious world. I sighed and gave in since she knew I would’ve heard her. Silvie thinks I should get laid. I pushed the words along our newly formed telepathic link, the crazy link we’d created on the night of my eighteenth birthday. We’d been speaking privately like this for the past few days, something Belle called a strength skill, but something I called plain crazy.

  So crazy I felt like I lived one of those science fiction and fantasy movies in real time.

  Only she seemed to have more insight than me into this odd, spinning frenzy that had become my life these past seven mind-boggling days. She insisted my skills came from the same place as hers and that place was another planet in this universe–one named after their timeless skills–one she referred to as Magio.

  I can feel your resistance. We are from Magio. I’ve told you this over and over since we first connected last week. I’m an empath and can feel your emotions.

  I sent her a very long eye roll. I heard you say so the last one-hundred times. It doesn’t mean I have to believe you. My mother doesn’t have any of the skills I’ve been developing since my birthday. So there simply can’t be an alternate planet called Magio. Believe me, I’ve been scouring the NASA website for any link on this mysterious planet you’ve been spouting nonsense about. There’s nothing. Nada. Zilch. Nilch. Got that or do we speak a separate language as well?

  She gave me her own dark eye roll back. Obviously, you won’t find anything about Magio on the NASA website. Get real. If such a thing happened, the powers that be on Earth would no doubt try to bomb us to smithereens. We live a simple existence, like that of your people hundreds of years ago. We don’t harbor advanced technology as you do.

  Quite frankly, I’d had enough of her talk about this other planet and this other country called Peacio. My mother was human. I was human. In fact, for eighteen years
I’d been just a regular–or as regular as I could get–New Zealand girl. It was Belle who was the problem. I’d only known her for three short, unnerving months. I couldn’t shake her and, on top of that, I had no answer for this telepathy and other unmentionables.

  Right, let’s agree to disagree on this subject. I was getting a headache, just as I always did around her.

  Silvie nudged my arm from the other side, winking while a sassy grin tugged at her lips. “Are you two talking privately again? That mind thingy-majigimy you two do?”

  “Yes, and it’s about Peacio again.” I pursed my lips, frowning. “You’ve seen those paranormal programs, haven’t you? It’s not uncommon for some of those weird beasties to speak mind to mind. That’s all this is about. I don’t believe there’s another planet like Earth out there.” And I didn’t believe I was a weird beastie either, just a weird human being it seemed.

  She chuckled and sighed almost dreamily. “You two are so funny. I only wish I could do what you do.”

  Sheesh. I slapped my forehead, dropping my chin. She definitely needed a mind transplant. No one I knew would want to be this different this early on in life. I sat between two crazy people. I shook my head, staring at my scratched up desktop.

  “Why I put up with either of you, I have no idea,” I grumbled, then tilted my head to glare at one, then the other. “Oh yeah, that’s right. I put up with both of you because I have no other stinking choice. Can’t seem to shake either of you if I tried.”

  Belle smiled and dropped a hand to my shoulder, ignoring my rude comments as she had a terrible tendency to do. “You put up with me because you and I share a common trait. Our home planet–whether you believe it or not.” She paused to peer past me at Silvie. “And you put up with Silvie because she’s like a sister to you. You know I can feel that.”

  “Oh, would you just quit with the whole empath thing.” I threw my arms in the air. “I wasn’t exactly asking why I put up with you. I was letting off some steam. I mean really.” Still flinging my arms about. “Talk about a drama queen. You don’t have to over-analyze every single little word I say.”