The Mating Intent-mobi Read Online Free PDF Page B

like a garden ornament come to life, amused Sienna. But a sharp stab of pain shot through her temple, and she winced. Since yesterday, every time she held a positive or cheerful thought, the darkness inside her reacted.
    Gabriel’s expression tightened. He cupped her face, his broad, calloused palm warm against her suddenly chilled cheek. “It’s very bad for you. I heard what you did to cleanse the earth of Terithen’s evil.”
    “Word gets around fast.”
    “Fairy grapevine, courtesy of Willow. You know how Fairies love to gossip.”
    Sienna nodded, closing her eyes and centering on chasing away the pounding. “Lately, it’s worse. Feels like a railroad spike hammering into my head.”
    “Because you’re fighting it so hard. This will help.”
    He brushed a kiss against her pounding temple. It was a mere press of his mouth, but the pain suddenly eased. Sienna opened her eyes, grateful and confused.
    “Thanks. Gain a new ability since I last saw you?”
    Eyes the color of jade regarded her solemnly. “It happened after you left. I felt it after we made love and it grew stronger when I finally decided to test out my new power.”
    “New power?”
    “I can call out a person’s magick, use it to strengthen my own, and heal people.” His grin filled with mischief, Gabriel held up his hands. “Care for more healing? These can make you feel very, very good, especially if you’re naked.”
    A flush heated her face. Before she could respond, Willow reached them. She ignored Sienna, focused on her boss.
    “Gabriel, you needed me?”
    “Willow, meet Sienna. Sienna, Willow.”
    The Fairy darted a nervous look her way.
    “We’ve met,” Sienna said briefly.
    Gabriel fished a set of keys out of a jeans pocket and handed them over. “Find George, give him these and tell him to take over the store for me. You can help him close up.” 
    “I can close up myself,” Willow protested. “You don’t need George. Why won’t you trust me? I’m not a child.”
    He gave her an indulgent smile. “No, of course you’re not. But George knows the routine. I have to take Sienna over to the house. She’s an Elf trying to avoid the dark side of life. Have to get her inside before sunset.”
    Sienna smirked, wincing at another stabbing jolt of pain.
    “I’m s-sorry for being rude earlier,” Willow stammered. “Are you a dark Elf?”
    “I’m not fully dark,” she protested.
    Keys jangled in Willow’s trembling hand. “Dark Elf. Bad things happen with dark Elves.” Her gaze fell to the knife at Sienna’s belt.
    Her chest tightened. “Sorry about earlier. I have a short temper these days.”
    The Fairy nodded, then gave Gabriel a nervous look. “Is she staying here?”
    “Don’t worry. Sienna won’t hurt you. Go, find George and give him those keys,” Gabriel said slowly, as if speaking to a child.
    Resentment flashed on Willow’s face. “I will, but I’m the one who will do most of the work. How many times must I tell you, Gabriel? When will you listen to me and let me close the store by myself?”
    To his credit, Gabriel held his temper. “I’ll listen when you cash out and don’t come up short. Do it tonight and ask George to supervise and if he approves, you can close by yourself tomorrow night.”
    The Fairy hurried off, fleet of foot but with no wing display.
    “A little touchy, that Willow,” she observed. “Why do you keep her around?”
    “She’s good with the plants. As a water Fairy, she keeps them well-soaked.”
    Sienna took a deep breath and forced herself to stand, waving away Gabriel’s hand.
    “I can walk on my own.”
    “You need help,” he said gently. “It’s no shame in having to admit it.”
    “Sure. Like you’ve ever asked for help.”
    Gabriel gave her a pointed look and she flushed, remembering how she’d come to his territory. “That was different. Your land needed the assistance. Not you.”
    “I am intimately connected to the land, pixie, as are you. What affects