Saving Verakko: The Clecanian Series Book 3 by Victoria Aveline (books to read for teens TXT) 📕

“Like you said, she was a real person yet most of her story was embellished. I’ve been there, though. Many times.” Verakko chewed on the last pieces of meat while they sat and took their turns before continuing. “That place is where we bury our citizens. Of course, they’re not buried in glass like Daera, but once a year during the storm season, we visit the graves of all those who’ve died and use metal rods to attract lightning. It’s said that if the soul of the person has moved on, lightning will hit and create a glass grave marker. If not, we try again the following year. My father’s grave was struck last year.”

“He’s moved on?”

Verakko smiled and shrugged. “If you believe the legend.” His gaze turned serious, and he pointed down to the board. “I think you’re letting me win, and I won’t have it.”

Lily’s face broke out into a grin. “I assure you, I’m only letting you think you’re going to win.” She moved her piece. “And when I win,” she said, watching him fall into her trap, “I have a question for you.”

“Another question?” He sighed sarcastically.

Lily used her king to jump Verakko’s remaining pieces and smothered a cocky grin while he scowled. “Yes. Another question.”

Verakko crossed his arms over his chest and leaned back against a tree. He popped a few nuts in his mouth and leveled his annoyed gaze at her, waving impatiently to indicate she should ask her question.

“What is sway?”

Verakko’s eyes darted, and his jaw began to work slower than it had before.

Is he trying to think of a lie?

“It’s what I do when you say I’m messing with your head,” he said finally, after swallowing.

Lily rolled her eyes. “Yeah, I figured as much, but how does it work? Mind control is just so…alien.”

“It’s not mind control. It’s difficult to explain, but I can’t make you think anything I want. I can only push you to think of something you already have.”

“That doesn’t make any sense.”

Verakko let out a sound of exasperation and peered up at the sky in thought. After a moment, he said, “I can’t, for example, sway you to take off all your clothes right now because that’s likely not a thought that crossed your mind. If I tried to sway you to do that, it would ring untrue, and you’d discard it. But if I swayed you to go to sleep, it might work, because you’re tired and may have already thought about going to sleep.”

Lily wondered if there wasn’t a small part of her that wanted to take off all her clothes. Verakko was incredibly sexy. She couldn’t deny it. And although he was a bit temperamental and irritating beyond compare, he’d held her when she’d cried and tried his best to take care of her. He’d made her a delicious meal, done all the heavy lifting, built the fire and, most importantly, she realized, he hadn’t complained about what they were doing. He hadn’t tried to convince her to go back or to give up on Alex. He’d supported her, as if knowing this was something she needed to do.

Lily recalled the feeling she’d had when she’d allowed his sway in earlier that day, and warmth dripped down her scalp, making her shiver and grow hot at the same time. “Why don’t you try now?” She had to stop herself from making her voice a purr.

He stared at her, and the bright peridot of his eyes darkened a touch. The veins in his corded forearms bulged. “Try what?”

For a moment she considered asking him to try to get her clothes off, but then her senses returned to her. “To sway me. I’m curious about it. I want to know how it feels so I know how to shake it off.” Not a complete lie.

“It doesn’t work on everyone. The calmer you are, the harder it is. It’s easiest when a person is emotional or distressed. When their mind is distracted. The more intelligent a person is, the harder it is to sway them as well.”

“I bet you could do it.”

“You, my little anomaly, have been able to brush off my sway every time I’ve attempted it.” Verakko snorted. “I think it may have something to do with the fact that you’re human.” He shot her a sidelong glance. “Or possibly your stubbornness.”

Lily chose to ignore his jab. “You were able to sway me earlier today, though.”

“I’m pretty sure you let me, and you were very upset at the time.” Verakko held her gaze, sincerity shining in his eyes. “I meant what I said before. Sometimes I can’t help it. It just comes out.”

Lily considered that. “I believe you,” she said slowly.

Verakko’s tense shoulders relaxed a fraction.

“But I still want to try it.” Lily shifted onto her knees and inched through the checkerboard before settling in front of him. “Give it your best shot.”

Chapter 9

Verakko had to keep his mouth from hanging open. The object of his every waking thought for the past two days was kneeling in front of him, asking him to sway her. Goddess, did he want to take advantage of the situation.

“What do you want me to do?” His voice sounded shaky to his ears. It didn’t surprise him. He felt shaky. And weak. He didn’t trust himself with this task but wasn’t strong enough to deny her.

Lily shrugged, eyes bright and trusting. So trusting. “Uh, just say anything, and I’ll see if I can shake it off.”

Verakko swallowed. Anything? He internally cuffed himself. She’ll be able ignore whatever the sway is anyway. “Okay.” Verakko sat up straighter. “It’s quite chilly out here tonight. You feel cold,” he lightly swayed.

Lily frowned and slapped him playfully on the knee. “Come on, that wasn’t even a real try!”

Verakko grunted