Page 64 of Guardian of Shadows
“He went to see his mother. He’ll be back later today,” Tony explained as he grabbed plates, silverware, and three kinds of syrup. Maple was Elle’s favorite.
“So, who all is coming for the festivities? Harlow asked.
Tony took a piece of bacon from the plate Elle had stacked the slices on to drain. “My parents are flying in. I’m not sure about the Norway collective. Thran and Yari said they would be here for Elle, but I don’t know if they’re bringing the dragons or not.”
Carleigh stopped typing again. “What about Tabitha?”
“She’s sequestered at the hotel. A crazed man got too close to Craig Kilbrook with a knife, and even though the guy was arrested, he was shouting ‘this isn’t over,’ so the production company wants the cast and crew to lie low for a few days.”
“I bet she’s pissed,” Harlow said.
“That’s putting it mildly. She missed out on the West Virginia showdown too.”
Harlow plugged a cord into the side of her laptop, then inserted the other end into the small black box. “Do you have a plan yet as to how you’re taking him down?”
Elle removed the first batch of pancakes from the griddle and placed them on the table next to a bowl of blueberries and cut-up strawberries. “Nekoma is opening a portal in the woods. He and I can call on the shadows to hide us. I’m thinking we lure Grevolus outside somehow, then Nekoma and I can take him down.”
Carleigh pushed her laptop to the side so she could fill her plate. “But how? Not being an asshole; I’m seriously asking how you plan to do it.”
“We haven’t made it that far into the discussion. I guess when he gets back from Evyndral, we’ll talk about it.”
After making sure everyone had enough, Elle fixed her plate and sat down. Tony handed her the maple syrup, which she used liberally before adding blueberries on top. The females stopped working long enough to eat, and when they were finished, Harlow grabbed both plates and took them to the dishwasher. Elle would get them back out later. No need in wasting water when a little bit of magic did the trick. She didn’t know what they were working on, but it amazed her how they could type and talk at the same time. While Tony told them about seeing the GIA agent the night before at the restaurant, Elle slipped upstairs for a quick shower. Afterward, she dressed in new jeans and a sweater, then slipped into her boots, grabbed a light jacket, and headed outside. Georgia weather was weird. One day it was freezing, and the next, mild.
She walked down to the glider, which was still by the firepit. Elle sat, then closed her eyes, listening to the birds chirping. With all the different songs, she couldn’t begin to imagine how many types there were. She had missed this. Being outside with no care in the world. Before Winterhaven, Elle spent most of her time enjoying the gentle breezes, the birds calling out, Novus’s presence, just being free to breathe. When she wasn’t practicing with her bow, she foraged for plants and herbs. She tended the garden. She ran barefoot through the tall grass. At night, she lay on a quilt and enjoyed the twin moons when they appeared as if they would collide as the convergence neared. Elle was grateful for the chance to enjoy herself once more. Fourteen years was but a blip in the span of a fae’s life, but they had been a rough fourteen.
The back door opened, and Elle didn’t have to look to know it was her mate. Tony’s essence was tied to Elle’s. He slid his hand around the back of her neck, rubbing his thumb across her pulse. They enjoyed the peacefulness for several minutes before he said, “I have something for you.”
That had her looking over her shoulder. “What is it?”
“Come with me.” He held out his hand, and Elle took it. Tony led her to the barn Nekoma used as his workspace. He flipped on the lights, then tugged her farther into the space. Amid the furniture Nekoma was making was a gorgeous bow. Tony picked it up and offered it to her. “I had Nekoma make this for you. He said the one you brought with you isn’t very good quality.”
Elle’s breath caught as she reached out and grabbed hold. The wood was perfectly smooth, and if she didn’t know better, she would have thought it was the same weapon she left behind in Summerland. Elle gripped the string with her fingertips and drew it back. The draw weight was perfect, but the string itself was different. “What is this?” she asked, running her finger along the material.
“It’s a synthetic polymer that is stronger than what you’re used to. According to the website I found it on, it allows the arrows to fly faster than natural materials.” Tony held out an arrow. “I bought these online so you’d have something to practice with.” He then gestured to a quiver filled with arrows. “I’ll take you to an archery store where you can choose your own, but these should do for now.”
Elle held the bow to one side so that she could step into her mate’s space without hitting him. She lifted on her tiptoes and pressed her lips to his. “Thank you.”
“Want to test it out?”
“Does a bear shit in the woods?” Elle blushed at her bold rebuttal, and Tony threw his head back in laughter. It was the best sound in the world, right after him whispering he loved her.
“I see Cailín is rubbing off on you.” Tony tapped her on the nose. “Come on. I have a target set up for you.” He placed the single arrow into the quiver and led her back outside. He pointed toward the trees, where a target was nailed to one of the larger ones.
Elle grinned as Tony kept walking. When he finally noticed she wasn’t following, he frowned. “Is something wrong?”
“Yes. You’re too close.”
“You can hit that from back there?” he asked, gesturing with his free arm. Elle arched a brow, waiting. He grinned and returned to her side. “Is this still too close?”
“It’ll do. For now.”
Elle zipped her jacket, then took the quiver and looped the strap over her head, adjusting the length. She angled her feet, grabbed an arrow, and nocked it. Pulling the string back, she rested her fingers beside her ear, exhaled, then let loose. She was about an inch off. Not too bad considering how long it had been. The next one hit dead center. She moved back several feet, nocked another, and let it fly. It landed next to the last one.
“Damn, Sweetheart. That’s some fine shootin’.” Tony jogged down to the tree and removed the arrows, bringing them back. Elle inspected the tips, glad to see they were still intact. “When you were on the hill during the battle, how far away were you from those fighting below?”
Elle turned and looked behind her. “Come with me.” She strode as far as possible without getting into deep vegetation. When she stopped, she said, “Probably twice this far.”
“No shit? And you can still hit the target?”
