Xander Lanie had called us all to the training grounds without much of an explanation, but once let it all out. She needed to test her ability to compel people.
Of course | wanted to be there. If Lanie was going to be exploring any new range of absolutely going to be with her to make sure nothing went wrong.
powers, âIt's going to be fine, love,â she said, hanging back from the others for a minute. âI promise you. My grandfather would never risk me, and Charlotte would never risk her mate.â
âWhy canât they have you test this on me?â | grumbled back at her.
She slipped her hand into mine and leaned against me. âBecause I've already shown that | have the ability to compel you. We already have a connection.
My mind shot back to the night we'd met the dealer who was giving us the wolvesbane we needed to break the agreement between Zane and Rhiannon. That felt like a lifetime ago. Sheâd had to compel me that night to get me to back off, but I'd also agreed to do it once | felt her strength.
âWe need to find out if | can truly compel someone against their will, when theyâre actively and strongly resistingâ She paused, her brow creased with concern. âIt seemed like | could do it with Orion, but everything was happening so fast, and then he was killed, so...itâs really hard to say. | need to be able to practice and test my limits, in a safe environment Which this isâ
| grumbled again. Of course i trusted her, but that wouldn't stop me from also wanting to protect her.
âShe will be fine with us, you know Malachi greeted Lanie with a kiss to each cheek.
ouldnât tell if the vampire had been able to read my mind, or if my thoughts were just that clear all over my face. âThen she'll be fine with me here watchingâ
Malachis cold gaze flicked past us to the doorway His mouth thinned into a smile. Apparently, your ulher mates feel the hate way it will be quite the party nated but Lake laughed My mates are ascom to be her, grandfather im not scared or ashamed about them being any part of what for learning Fruh beband me. Zan hang arm around my derrything coul Zane laughed er der le men detras to the other of the âhey SRM Min. Raut ly the dragon wher âChill, bro. Mason thought to me in a private link.
âHeâs allowed to have other friends.â
| rolled my eyes as | turned to my brother and thought in reply, âDonât act like Iâm some kind of control freak.
Mason didnât reply with words, only raised eyebrows and a smug grin. | frowned, but backed off from calling after Zane as he went to greet the dragon shifter kept close to Lanie, though.
âGreyson.â Malachi said this smoothly, waving him over. âThank you for coming.â
âCharlotte said there was something special she needed me for?â Greyson gave us all a curious look.
âYou should go over there and wait for her,â Lanie said calmly without a hint of tension in her voice. She pointed to a bench on the other side of the room.
Greyson gave her a strange look. âSure. Okay.â
We watched him go. When he was out of earshot, Malachi said quietly, âThat was a good start. But you're too timid, Lanie. You have to compel him to do something he absolutely otherwise would not wish to do.â
this.
| could sense her nervousness and the tension in her muscles. âHey. Maybe this isnât the right time for Does she have to do it right now? Maybe she could-
âXander, she interrupted. âIâm fine. | promise. It's just weird. Iâm just getting used to it.â
Mason was on my side, though. âShe doesnât have to do this at all. Ever. Just because you think she needs to be able to do some weird vamp s hit doesnât mean she actually has to.â
Malachi rolled his eyes and shook his head. âMason, your reluctance is understandable, and | can sense your great love and concern for my granddaughter.
But you need to back away with that attitude.â
Mason took a step back, then another. He scowled.
âGet the f uck out of my head!â
âSee? Malachi turned to Lanie with a small grin âIt can be as subtle as that Now you go on. Give it a try!
212