Mortal Enchantment by Stacey O'Neale Read Free Book Online Page A

claw marks. What was he hiding?
    He collected water inside his cupped hands. “You’re making a habit of this,” he said, curling around. As he sat on the rim of the fountain, he ran his fingers through his damp hair. “Should I pose or do you prefer watching me in action?”
    I rolled my eyes, but who was I kidding? He was the definition of swoon. The worst part was, he knew that I knew it too. “Over-confident much?”
    Desperately needing an aversion, I turned my attention to three female air elementals sitting on the opposite side of the fountain. They could have been triplets with their identical Botticellifaces, wheat-blond hair and ivory skin. Each wore the yellow strapless garments I had seen when I first arrived at the castle. They scooted closer together, diverting their eyes. I stepped nearer and realized they were all staring at Rowan with a very distinct expression on their faces—fear.
    I scratched the back of my head while glancing back at Rowan who was busy slipping on a hunter green t-shirt. “Let’s get started with your training.” He slid the leather sheath over his shoulder, inserting the sword inside.
    What was the deal with the scars? Why were those elementals afraid of him? “Okay, where do we go?” I asked.
    He surprised me by reaching out for my hand as if he were asking me to dance. Curious, I accepted. Our fingers clasped and my skin hummed with excitement. Before I could ask another question, I was being led toward the castle gates. I tried to relax, hoping he didn’t notice the goosebumps peppered across my forearm.
    “Somewhere we won’t be interrupted.”
    He loved vague answers. We made our way toward a group of air court elementals practicing what most people would assume was tai chi, but really it was weather magic. In unison, they moved from cloud hands into a single whip. The skies crackled in response. It would take their combined power to try to ease the thunderous eruptions. They each had a small portion of power compared to Dad's power. Judging by my unintended lightning display, mine will be strong as well. Assuming I ever learn to harness it.
    Although the elementals seemed focused, every pair of eyes followed us as we passed. I was about to shrug it off, but then I glanced in the opposite direction. I saw several other male elementals sitting in a tight corner whispering, fingers pointed directly at us. Either Rowan hadn’t noticed or simply did not care. I, on the other hand, squirmed.
    “Are you really that oblivious?” I asked. He didn’t respond and I squeezed his palm.  “Did you happen to notice everyone staring at us?”
    “I’ve gotten used to it.” He met my gaze with a wolfish grin.
    I rolled my eyes. “I don’t think that’s why they’re staring.”
    He took a quick look for himself, then turned to face forward. “You sound like you have a theory. By all means, let’s hear it.”
    “Those elementals by the fountain were staring at you—”
    “Now when you say staring , are you including yourself in this assessment? I recall you taking in the view on several different occasions.”
    “For the last time, I was not staring at you.” I was a terrible liar. “Now, if you’re done, I'd like to finish asking my question.”
    He let go of my hand, moving toward a white oak tree. Leaning against the trunk, he crossed his arms. “You’ve got my undivided attention, Princess.”
    My hands clenched at my sides. He could be such a cocky little prick when he wanted to be. “Fine, whatevs.” I took a deep breath. “What I was saying was the elementals by the fountain looked like they were afraid of you. I want to know why.” I put my hand up. “And no more elusive answers. I want the truth.”
    In an obvious attempt to impersonate Jack Nicholson, he replied, “You can’t handle the truth.”
    “Oh my God. You did not just quote A Few Good Men.” I was ready to strangle him.
    “It’s a great movie. One of the best scenes ever.” He ignored