Cast A Spell (Mages and Mates #4)

6. Thal

Thal

T he main house appeared sooner than I expected. No surprise. I’d lost myself in the brief glimpse Otto gave me of his true self. He was more beautiful than I’d expected.

He wouldn’t show me much, but I learned more than I think he intended. Whichever brother didn’t get to be guardian would die. Somehow he learned this before we met, and when he felt our bond, he reacted on instinct.

Did he know what he was doing before it happened? If he had, he’d have made the same choice. His selfless nature made me want him even more.

I shifted and ignored the formal clothes I’d left hanging in my stall. The formal ceremony would be postponed until the situation had been resolved. Opening the small chest, I selected khaki shorts and a pale-green polo shirt. The color didn’t flatter me, but it was my favorite because it reminded me of spring grass. Besides, there was no one to impress.

I was lacing up my shoes when Dad entered my space. “Is he on his way back?”

Earth magic connected him to every speck of dirt on the ranch. What he was really asking was how our talk went. “He won’t change his mind. This is about more than who gets to be Southern Guardian to him. He’s convinced whoever doesn’t become guardian is going to die.”

“I know.” Dad sat on the bench next to me. “He might be right. Most beings forget Katarina and Adelais were a guardian pair. I don’t share his certainty for many reasons, but the others and I agree it is possible.”

Which meant it was possible he was wrong. “How will we know?”

“When the new Southern Guardians are chosen.” He stood and waved me up. “You and Lysandor can help me move food into my office. Since none of us ate during the reception, you’re all going to be hungry given how much we have to discuss.”

I followed him out but stole a glance down the road. Unicorns didn’t possess enhanced sight, but in my mind I saw a tiny speck that was Otto. His smooth, easy gait brought him closer to me with every step. And took him away just as fast.

I didn’t understand why Dad had us move everything. We paid staff for these occasions, which sounded incredibly privileged, but it hurt to watch Owen and Lysandor working so happily together. They’d embraced their bond and were glowing from their joy.

Otto’s rejection no longer stung. How could I hate someone who’d willingly give up his life for his brother? His noble intentions, however, did nothing for the emptiness in my soul. I alternated between respecting his decision and wanting to scream at him to think about me.

I didn’t because he was right. If I’d had the chance to save Lysandor, I’d do the same.

Dad watched my every move. I never had that bubbly energy Lysandor had, but I’d worn my emotions openly. Most times I was happy and enjoyed being around others. My sullen, quiet affect as we worked was not typical.

Otto arrived sooner than anyone expected, and I wished he’d stayed away. He strode into the room with a sexy confidence. Like Dad, he’d dressed for an adult meeting. His crisp khaki pants, brown belt, and blue oxford with a fine checkered pattern accentuated his perfectly styled light-brown hair and chestnut eyes. The consummate diplomat, he conveyed competence and trust without coming off as arrogant. Even without a mate bond, I’d have found him attractive.

“Sorry I’m late,” he said even though he wasn’t. “Seven months living at the dragon palace took me out of the habit of letting the water warm first. It was a startling reminder.”

His straight white teeth practically lit up the room.

“You’re getting lazy in your old age, bro.” Owen laughed at his joke, but it fell flat on everyone else except Lysandor.

Otto managed a quick smile. “It’s not age, it’s being spoiled. Bart and Cael activated the house defenses the last time Leo stayed with them. He shrieked so loud when he got in the shower, they thought they were under attack.”

“Oh yes, the dragons and their magical palace,” Dad said with a smirk. “It was truly a marvel.”

It sounded like a waste of resources. “Would you like something to eat before we start? Father promised to drag this out past the dinner hour.”

He nodded, and I caught myself before I offered to help. We weren’t a couple and if he declined, it would reinforce his rejection.

Once he made himself a plate, Dad motioned us to the conference table at the back of his office. I took the chair on the end opposite my father, and Lysandor and Owen sat together on one side. Otto didn’t flinch at being next to an empty chair, as if he’d already accepted his new reality.

My pity party of one was affecting my ability to deal with the current situation. There was more at stake than just one unhappy unicorn.

“Everyone eat while I tell you what was discussed at the meeting with the ard ri, head of the Shifter Assembly, and Chancellor Hollen.”

As expected, everyone was surprised that two pairs were selected. They agreed there could only be one true pairing, but no one could explain what had happened. Otto had evidently spoke to his father before the meeting because his theory had been discussed extensively.

“Your father and the others think there is some truth to your belief the earth gave you the power to choose,” Father said. “They don’t, however, understand why. Without discounting your theory that one of you will need to take Katarina’s place, they’re not convinced that’s the most likely theory.”

“With due respect, Bran,” Otto said, playing with the rim of his water glass. “None of you have the benefit of my personal insight.”

“Agreed, but you lack the benefit of distance. You’re too close to see more than yourself.”

I waited for Otto to object, but his control was excellent. A credit to his profession, he listened, took a drink, and thought before speaking. “I assume the group has another theory.”

“Two actually,” Father said. “Neither of which we could confirm, but I was asked to present them to you.”

Otto picked up a slice of apple, crunched off a bite, and settled back. Father fixed him a look that withered most beings, but Otto chewed slowly and then swallowed. “Does it require my approval before you can tell me?”

It was borderline insulting, but it was also valid. Father was trying to read Otto, but he wasn’t giving away anything.

“Are you interested?”

“No.” He shook his head. “But I’ll listen if that’s what you want.”

I could count on one hand the number of times I’d seen Father surprised. This was the second time today. “Are you that sure of yourself?”

Otto put the rest of his apple down and wiped his hands. “Bran, I wish with all my heart I’m wrong. The chance to embrace a bond with Thalion would be the single most amazing thing in my life. The fact the four of you couldn’t prove to me I’m wrong is reason enough to not consider other options. If there is even the smallest chance I’m right, I will not change my mind.”

The clear, unequivocal admission should have salved the hurt around my heart, but it made it worse. What had either of us done to deserve such a fate?

“Stop it, Otto.” Owen stood and glared at his brother. “I don’t need you to protect me, so stop playing the martyr. No one asked you to do this.”

Lysandor flinched at Owen’s words, but Otto gave his brother a small, mirthless smile. “That’s why it’s a choice. Why do you think Katarina cast the spell when her son, Darius, or nephew Percival were almost as powerful? She wouldn’t let those she loved take her place. Do you think I’d do anything less?”

Water pooled at the edges of Owen’s eyes and his lips trembled. “How do you think I’ll feel if the only reason I’m alive is because you died?”

“That’s why I’m taking this decision away from you. Fate gave me the power to choose, and I made the only one I can live with.”

Except he couldn’t. If he was right, he’d have to give his life for everyone else.

Father cleared his throat, and it ended the tense moment. “Your father said you wouldn’t accept anything but a definitive answer. Since none of us can give you that, we’re sending the four of you to Transylvania to meet with the ocular Elana.”

“Why do we need to go to Transylvania?” Otto asked. “Sally Pederson is the head of the Ocular Society, and she lives outside Philadelphia. We can visit her instead.”

“She’s the one who said you needed to see Elana.” If Dad had a smug, “Do you want to listen to me now?” expression, he was justified.

I watched Otto carefully. Behind his stoic facade, he had to be weighing all his options. Father made it sound like a command. Could he refuse? Although the Hollens were close, they didn’t have the same loyalty as shifters had to their alpha.

“When do we leave?” Otto asked.

The begrudging agreement shouldn’t have made me as happy as it did. The chances it would change his mind were small, but even a little hope was better than none. And he’d acknowledged his desire to mate. A faint sliver was enough for now.

“Your father is sending a private plane tomorrow. You’ll leave the next morning.”

I doubted anyone paid close attention to the details of our trip, but Father said he’d give us an itinerary. Otto had asked if he could return to Maine and meet us somewhere, but his request was denied. He nodded, but otherwise didn’t react to the news.

I expected Otto would be the first to dash out once the meeting ended, but he didn’t. Father raised an eyebrow before he left us alone.

The seconds after Father left were awkward, but Otto didn’t let it linger.

“I’m sorry.” For the first time since I left him on the road, he looked at me. “I wish things weren’t so complicated. Something went terribly wrong, and you’re suffering for no reason.”

A day ago, if he’d left out his pain, I’d have chalked it up to the macho attitude I heard so often among the staff. Hell, I’d probably been guilty of it, too. Having had a chance to read a tiny bit of who he was, this was Otto Hollen. He put himself second to almost everyone.

“Did you mean it?” I could’ve elaborated, but it wasn’t necessary.

“Yes,” he said without hesitation. “But we shouldn’t get our hopes up. This Elana might not give us the answer I need.”

Maybe not, but it was possible, something that was improbable just a few hours ago. “You know, Elana is Dad’s mother. She refused to migrate to America when Dad moved the herd. She couldn’t bear to leave the village where she’d live for so long with my grandfather.”

“I didn’t know that.” Otto didn’t seem surprised, but it softened his expression. “Are you excited to see your grandmother?”

The times we’d visited she was always Elana, not grandmother. She was nice to us but hardly the doting grandmother people imagined. “She’s interesting. I didn’t know she was my grandmother until I was twelve. Dad always introduced her as Elana, the wise matriarch.”

“That’s . . . interesting?” He gave me a playful smirk. “Grandparents are tricky. Growing up, Grandpa Hollen was Mage Chancellor, so he and Grandma Hollen were always so much more. Mom’s parents were more grandparenty, but they’re important mages, too. There was a lot of love in our house, but it was mixed with duty. I suppose you understand that.”

This was the most personal he’d been since we met. So why was I so suspicious? “Why did you stay behind?”

Otto stood taller, his body more rigid than a moment ago. “I wanted a chance to apologize.”

He didn’t lie, but that wasn’t the only reason, but he was trying. If I called him out, I’d make him regret his decision. “Unless you did this on purpose, you’ve nothing to be sorry about. I admire your strength. As much as I’d like to think I’d do the same for Lysandor, I’m not sure I could’ve resisted.”

“I think you sell yourself short. This also wasn’t a snap decision. I’ve had months to steel myself for this moment. After the fight with the klarion, I realized Owen was likely the fifth guardian. He’s almost as extraordinary as our brother Bart. I swore I’d do everything I could to spare him that role.”

Fortunately, we’d never learn if I’d measure up to his action. I wasn’t so sure I could resist the pull of the bond no matter how much time I had to prepare. “You’re sure it’s him or you?”

He drank the last of the water in his goblet. “Owen stopped in Maine so we could travel together. The moment he walked into my office, the sensation was so intense, I was sure I’d gotten it right. When he bonded with Lysandor, I was elated, which sounds weird given what it meant for me personally. Then you and I almost bonded.”

He swallowed and he wasn’t alone in how painful those words were. We’d nearly had something special. I walked over to the water pitcher to hide my expression. After pouring myself a glass, I refilled his.

“Thank you.”

I drank and watched his lips on the rim of his goblet, wishing I could press mine to his. I imagined they’d be cool and wet from the water. And soft. Otto’s would be perfect for kissing.

We finished at almost the same time, but I couldn’t find my voice to speak. He spared me from stumbling for words.

“I didn’t know exactly what it meant, but it put Owen’s future in danger. The earth threw a rock in the calm lake surface. None of us know what it means.

“Back to your question, I’m not sure anymore, but I’m still scared I’m right.”

My first thought was his will was crumbling, followed closely by what a terrible being I was to make his impossibly difficult choice even harder. A better being would have offered their full support for such a noble act.

I wasn’t that being, but neither would I make it worse. “Can I ask a question?”

He smirked. “You just did, but go ahead.”

I wondered what he’d be like if he wasn’t weighed down by responsibilities he foisted on himself. Would he be funny? Whimsical? Serious? Or some combination of those?

“What do you want from me?”

Otto breathed in deeply and stared at something only he could see. I let him sort out his thoughts. I wanted to be around him as much as possible, but I didn’t want to tempt him to change his mind. We couldn’t survive a lifetime together if he blamed me if things turned out like he feared.

“If you’re willing to be generous, I want to be your friend. I know that’s selfish, but it’s the only truth I have. You can tell me no without any guilt. Fate has a plan, but no one can see the details. What I see is a path to heartbreak and sorrow for you no matter what I do. Though I didn’t consciously set that in motion, I’m truly sorry if it comes true.”

I wanted this man so much it strained my self-control. Dying didn’t upset him, only how it would affect me. “And the others see what?”

“Your father and the others believe neither Owen nor I will be the fifth. Under their theory, you and I are destined to be the Southern Guardians. Owen and Lysandor will be mates, free to live their lives however they like. Their view has its merits, but so does mine.”

This was the most hope he’d expressed for our being together. If there was a way to influence this decision, I was going to make sure fate didn’t choose Otto’s plan.