Thomas nodded slowly, deep in thought. “That’s fine with me as long as it’s okay with Theo. Theo is well versed in all the elements, and he’s got a lot of control and knowledge. Still, I think you’ll learn more paired with witches of your own element.”

She shook her head. “I don’t care. I want Theo.”

“It’s okay with me,” Theo answered.

Thomas nodded. “It’s settled, then. You two can work out the living arrangements. Even though it would be safer for Sarafina to be close to a more experienced witch at all times, if you decide not to stay at Theo’s, Sarafina, we’ve got apartments free within the Coven.”

Theo answered, “She stays with me.”

Adam raised his eyebrows across the room and Theo shot him another quelling look.

Sarafina shrugged. “I guess my decision has been made for me.”

“I can’t protect you when you’re in a different apartment.”

Thomas nodded. “I agree. We don’t know if Bai will come back or not.” He paused. “You’re in danger, Sarafina.”

She gave him a sad smile. “It’s okay. I have some practice at that.”

Theo was certain she was referring to her mother. What hell had the early years of her life been? They’d probably been a lot like his.

“I HOPE THIS IS OKAY WITH YOU.” SARAFINA STUDIED Theo’s back while he stood in the kitchen, stirring a charm in a saucepan. “I mean, that I wanted you for a bodyguard or teacher or whatever you are.”

No response.

“I mean, it’s not that I have designs on your body or anything.” Her gaze slipped to his ass. Much.

His shoulders tightened a degree. “Now that’s a pity.”

She grinned and stabbed at a bit of random herb on the table with the pad of her index finger. “Did I detect a note of amusement in your voice? Could it be? Has hell frozen over and have pigs grown wings?”

He grunted and continued to stir his pot.

“Anyway, I’m sorry if I pushed you into doing something you don’t want.”

Theo replied without turning. “Do you really think I’d do something I didn’t want?” More silence.

Well, I guess that was as much of an answer as she was going to get.

“So you don’t mind the living arrangements?”

“You must stay with me. Bai might try and come after you again and it would be better if I were close. Wards don’t work on demons. Not even the kick-ass ones surrounding the Coven. Not much works on demons.”

“So you won’t mind the pink panties hanging over the towel rod in the bathroom?”

That made him turn. “There’s going to be pink panties hanging over the towel rod in the bathroom?”

She grinned. “Actually, I wear thongs. They take up less space.”