Thomas East was meant to be the youngest Arch-Mage in history, a magical genius and a solver of problems. But he hadn’t expected quite so many problems -- not to mention the endless meetings, bureaucracy, and political negotiations. So he’s currently hiding in a sleepy California seaside town, working in an ice cream parlor and avoiding everyone he’s let down ... until a firebird in need of rescue crashes into his shop.<br><br>Nicholas Incandesco has far too many problems. He’s a firebird, a shapeshifter, and a power source, and a lot of magicians could use someone with his gifts. He’s also technically a murder suspect with two magical bounty hunters on his trail. He just wants someplace safe to land, and the attractive witch behind the ice cream counter might offer a sweet refuge.<br><br>This encounter might be exactly what both Nicholas and Tom need to find themselves ... and rescue each other.

The Arch-Mage's Firebird

He’d thought that maybe the wizard’s apprentice wanted him as well. He’d been flattered and delighted: Nicholas flirted with everyone in the shop, from small girls holding balloons to ninety-something grandfathers, but kept coming back to where Tom stood and lounging against countertops as if he belonged there. Kept saying, smile curling around those lips like an invitation, hey, let me tell you this story I just heard,or can I buy something for you this time, or don’t take that away yet, I was licking the spoon


Chapter 3