Steam Guardians 01 - A Lady Can Never Be Too Curious (29 page)

“Good. Excellent.” She pulled her hand away and walked toward her cabin. But she felt Bion watching her. Of course, it was only because he was duty-bound to watch her. There could be no other reason. She rubbed at her wrist, trying to erase the feeling of his skin against hers.

There was no other reason for his presence. None.

***

“I swear to uphold the laws of the Order, to defend its ideals and maintain my duty.”

The inner chamber of the Solitary Chamber was brightly lit, and Janette waited for the three Marshals to accept her pledge. Tonight, she’d take her Oath and become an Illuminist.

“Upon my honor, I swear to maintain secrecy, even if it should cost my life.”

There was a nod and then another and at last a third before applause filled the room. She stood, her knees aching just a tiny amount before she was distracted by the middle Marshal standing up. He moved toward her, carrying a gold Illuminist pin. Excitement rippled through her, but what she noticed most was the sense of achievement. It was like a candle flame burning brightly inside her. For the first time in her life, she had set a goal and earned an honor that was entirely her own. In spite of her gender, she was an Illuminist because she had chosen to be.

Her husband stepped up as the pin was placed on the lapel of her vest. The satisfaction in his eyes had nothing to do with her hereditary ability—it was because he loved her. She could see it in his eyes, and she loved him even more for standing in the place of her spouse during the ceremony. That was love. It didn’t have conditions or boundaries. That’s what made it perfection. They respected each other as individuals, as Illuminists.

“Welcome to the Order, Janette Lawley. Turn and be recognized by your peers.”

Her mother stood watching, a gold pin on her lapel too. Professor Yulric applauded with more force than his frail arms looked capable of, while Galene dabbed at her eyes with a lace-edged handkerchief.

“Happy?” Darius asked her softly.

“Beyond my wildest dreams, husband.”

He sent her a promising look that made her smile before she walked back to her seat. She was going to ensure he made good on his promise, too.

Mary Wine is a multipublished author in romantic suspense, fantasy, and Western romance. Her interest in historical reenactment and costuming also inspired her to turn her pen to historical romance with her popular Highlander series. She lives with her husband and sons in Southern California, where the whole family enjoys participating in historical reenactment.

Lessons After Dark

by Isabel Cooper

Author of
No Proper Lady,
a
Publishers Weekly
and
Library Journal
Best Book of the Year

A woman with an unspeakable past

Olivia Brightmore didn’t know what to expect when she took a position to teach at Englefield School, an academy for “gifted” children. But it wasn’t having to rescue a young girl who’d levitated to the ceiling. Or battling a dark mystery in the surrounding woods. And nothing could have prepared her for Dr. Gareth St. John.

A man of exceptional talent

He knew all about her history and scrutinized her every move because of it. But there was more than suspicion lurking in those luscious green eyes. Olivia could feel the heat in each haughty look. She could sense the desire in every touch, a spark that had nothing to do with the magic of his healing abilities. Even with all the strange occurrences at the school, the most unsettling of all is the attraction pulling her and Gareth together with a force that cannot be denied.

For more Isabel Cooper, visit:

www.sourcebooks.com