Page 22 of Knight of the Sword

“I’m almost ready,” he said as he slipped the robe over his head.

“I can see that,” she said with an amused smile.

Even in the semi-darkness of dusk, it must have been easy for her to spot the hard bulge that strained against his jeans. “Sorry—”

She placed a hand lightly on his arm. “Don’t be. Male sexual energy can be a potent force for us tonight.”

He looked at her. She was slender, almost fragile, with long pale hair and porcelain skin. Her face was beautiful in a classic way, gentle and composed. She looked more like a madonna—especially since the witches usually wore pale blue robes—than someone who would find sex amusing.

Tonight, though, she was wearing verdant green, the color of growth and prosperity. It was Sara’s robe and it seemed strange to see Brianna in it. “You’re officiating?”

She nodded. “The others chose me since Sara is miss—not here.”

“I’m glad. You are the most neutral and fair-minded of all of them.” He squinted toward the clump of trees near the lake where the other witches were preparing. “Is Morgan here?”

“Yes. She has a strange energy radiating from her tonight.”

Michael’s senses went on alert. “Light or dark?”

Brianna frowned. “You know we practice white magic only.”

“That’s not what I asked,” Michael said softly. “There’s something about Morgan I don’t trust.”

“She’s young and she’s new. Perhaps she’s just not totally comfortable yet?”

“I don’t think that’s it. She disliked Sara, remember?”

“That’s because you and Sara were such good friends. I think Morgan has a crush on you.”

“I certainly didn’t encourage that.”

Brianna replaced her frown with an impish smile. “You are a warlock—women are supposed to be enchanted by you.”

Too bad Sophie didn’t know about that theory. It certainly would make things easier. He sighed. The seduction of Dr. Sophie Cameron was going to take a very long time, and right now was when he needed her help in finding the Sword.

“You know about the dragon sightings, don’t you?” he asked.

Brianna looked puzzled. “Sure. It’s been all over the news. It’s appeared at some vet clinic twice.”

“That’s been no accident. That veterinarian is going to help me find Excalibur.”

Her eyes widened. “The second relic?”

“Yes.” Michael was glad he didn’t have to explain. Brianna was Sara’s best friend and understood what they had undertaken.

“What does that have to do with Morgan?” she asked now.

“I don’t know, but she showed up at Sophie’s—at the vet clinic—and now she’s working there.”

“Coincidence?”

“You know there are no coincidences.”

“Sometimes Fate works in ways we don’t understand. Maybe she’s there to help in some way.”

“I’m not sure.”

“Well, let it play out. Destiny is what it will be.” She gestured toward the trees. “The others are waiting.”