Page 50 of Sight of Fate

Slow, remember.

Before I do something she might regret, I step back and hold out my arm. She slips her hand into the crook of my elbow with zero hesitation, and a curl of satisfaction flares at this tiny step forward.

When we reach the garage and she sees the car running, she peers up at me and smiles. “You’re spoiling me. I’m never going to be able to get into a cold car again without grumbling.”

“You deserve to be spoiled,” I state firmly, helping her inside. She hasn’t shared much, but the little she has said tells me she’s gone through more than most people do in a lifetime.

“Did Macklin tell you about the place we’re going?” I ask as I pull out of the garage. She shakes her head. “The Fork is at the base of the mountain with an incredible view across the valley. Everything they prepare is grown right on their ranch, and the food is unbelievable.”

“Sounds delicious,” she says, but there’s a slight note of uncertainty in her voice. “Is this the ranch where the hatchlings are? The ones you mentioned the other day?”

I chuckle. “No. The Fork is run by Elementals. True magic users. They wield power as easily as you and I breathe. In fact, Elijah is the one who made the snowstorm bigger to make sure the pass would close.” Her brows lift. “We didn’t want you to worry.”

She looks at me, then down at the hands she’s wringing in her lap. “Thank you.” Her mouth opens, then shuts.

Reaching over, I hold my hand out, palm up, and wait. She slides hers in mine, and as our palms touch, the connection surges, adding to the intimacy in the car. “We won’t let anything happen to you. But it’s not just me or Macklin. Greystone protects its own, and you’re one of us now.”

“Because we’re mates?” she asks, biting her bottom lip.

I shake my head. “Very few people know we’re mates. Although, I warn you, they will after tonight. Greystone is a hotbed of gossip.”

She lifts a shoulder. “I grew up in a small town.”

Interesting. Another glimpse into her past. Unprompted too. “You’re one of us because you’ve been here a grand total of ten days and already used your ability to help someone else. Twice. Without asking for anything in return.”

A stunned expression crosses her face as if she didn’t think about it. I lift her hand and press a kiss to her fingers.

Her breath catches as her gaze shifts to my lips, then she clears her throat and says dismissively, “I didn’t really do anything. It’s not like I have control over my visions.”

“Don’t,” I tell her sharply as I pull into the restaurant. “Every time you have a vision and you choose to share it with someone, or you choose to use the knowledge for their benefit, you’re making a very important decision. You. Nobody else. That’s control. Power. Don’t downplay the magic you wield as a seer.”

She sucks in a breath.

Cursing for having been so blunt, I slide out and hurry around to her side of the car. Growling a warning at the panther shifter already opening her door, I move in and extend my hand.

To my relief, she takes it and steps out.

“I’m sorry, Charli,” I say, cupping her jaw and tilting her face up. “I don’t know everything you’ve gone through or why you feel the way you do. Just know that this world, our world, sees you. I see you. Your gift is remarkable.”

She slowly draws in a deep breath, then lets it out. “I’ve felt powerless for so long. Terrified of my gift. Of being different. I don’t know how to be the person you see.”

Her whispered confession pierces my heart, and I lean closer. “Sweetheart, you’re already that person. You don’t have to change a thing. I promise.”

Her lids lower, covering her eyes, and I can’t tell if my words are getting through.

“They’re waiting for us to leave the car,” she murmurs, motioning to the two valets.

I want to growl at them to fuck off, but I rein myself in. This is Charli’s first date. Our first date. I want it to be magical.

“And I promised you a fabulous first date,” I remark, forcing myself to find some fucking patience.

She looks up, relief in her eyes, and I wink at her.

Chapter Twenty-Two

CHARLI

Teague strides into the restaurant with the same confidence he displays everywhere, as if he knows his place in this world is at the top of the food chain. Not in an arrogant, I’m important way, though. Working with him has been eye opening. He’s a natural-born leader. People in the office respect and listen to him, and while he pushes them to be their best, he also gives them his best.