TheCodexAnimarumwasn't just a powerful artifact. It wastheartifact, a source of ancient Druidic earth magic written in blood and passed down through maternal lines. Its protective wards made it impossible to find or wield by anyone other than its appointed guardians.
Which meant it was only useful if the witch to whom it had been passed came with it.
In the hands of a powerful elemental like Muriel, it was the equivalent of the Holy Grail being held by Jesus himself.
If the Collectors suspected it had resurfaced as Jason’s intel suggested, then they would stop at nothing to claim itandMuriel. The one who controlled Muriel could control—well, everything.
His magic stirred restlessly, a spike of protectivenessthat rose at the thought. It was more than simply concern for the magical world as a whole, and more than garden-variety attraction. Sure, he'd felt drawn to Muriel from the moment he’d felt her magic on that amulet she’d spelled for Jessie, but this was different. This was sharper. More urgent. More… primal.
Which was both inconvenient and potentially disastrous, given her determination to keep him at arm’s length. He got it. She didn’t trust mages. But in this case, her survival might depend on it.
The energy in the air shifted suddenly. Brandon glanced up and—promptly stilled.
Muriel stood just inside the doorway, sunlight streaming through the windows and catching in her silvery blonde hair. She wore a deep green dress that made her eyes look like polished amber and priceless emeralds.
She looked terrified.
And utterly captivating.
Their eyes met and for a heartbeat, neither of them moved.
The air between them thrummed with energy. Judging by her quick intake of breath, she felt it too.
The decorative planters flanking the bookstore's entrance confirmed that theory, bursting into riotous bloom. She dropped her gaze, even as a lovely red flush crept up her neck.
Her hands clutched the strap of a leather satchel with white-knuckled intensity, and that’s when he noticed thesubtle shimmer around it, like heat rising above a hot summer pavement. The distortion was faint enough that most people wouldn’t notice, but he was at a higher level than most. Was that theCodex? Was she carrying it around with her?
“Muriel.” He kept his voice gentle, welcoming, as he moved out from behind the counter.
“I...” She swallowed, visibly gathering herself. “Hi.”
The single word, breathless and uncertain, squeezed his heart.
“Jessie said you might be stopping by. Would you like some tea?” He gestured toward the back of the shop, where a small seating area held comfortable chairs and a table. “I have several varieties. Chamomile, peppermint, lemon balm, ginger... I think there's still some jasmine green if you prefer that.”
“Chamomile would be lovely,” she said. “How did you know I like tea?”
“Haven’t met a witch yet who doesn’t,” he said with a casual curve of his lips. It was certainly better than admitting Jessie had voluntarily provided inside info. The she-wolf made no secret of wanting to improve his chances with her friend, and he was glad for it.
While the tea steeped, he gave Muriel time to look around, watching from the corner of his eye as she took in the many shelves of books and magical artifacts, as well as the greenery he’d scattered throughout.
“This place is amazing,” she said softly, running her fingers along a particularly ornate wand. The polishedamber swirled and glowed under her gentle touch. “Why is it doing that?”
“It’s responding to your magic.”
“Oh.” She glanced around the shop, biting her bottom lip. “Is everything in here… magical?”
“Pretty much, though all things hold the potential for magic. The challenge is getting them into the right hands.”
“Is that why you sent me theLiber Terrae?”
He pulled out a chair for her, then moved to the other side of the table. “Yes. Did you like it?”
She settled into the chair, the satchel perched snugly at her side. “Yes, very much.” She met his eyes. “But I can't keep it. It's too valuable.”
Brandon took the chair across from her and poured them each a cup. Then he leaned back and regarded her. “That book deserves to be in the hands of someone who'll use it, not gathering dust on a shelf.”
“But it’s?—”