She said quietly, as she pressed herself against his side, "I was so worried about you."

He put his arm around her and said, "I'm sorry." "I wasn't careful, and I can't be careless any more."

She asked, "Was it the mages?"

He nodded. "Yes, but we can talk about it later." His eyes went to the house, where Ellen and Rio were waiting for their guests to leave while they stood on the porch. He kept his eyes on the Carl. He felt deep desire, which was something he hadn't felt for a woman in months, but it was more than just sexual attraction.

Any man who didn't see...