After Dale Edinger’s eccentric aunt passed away, she left him with a house full of clutter mixed with magical items and a djinn named Riadh. With his own history and a set of rules that make it impossible for him to be freed, Riadh now belongs to Dale. But when your skills at magic are one step above non-existent, you need a teacher.
Now Dale’s on the hunt for a teacher so he’ll not only learn how to wield magic, but will also be able to protect Riadh. Unfortunately, his options are limited. Who poses the greater risk -- a dragon with uncertain motives, or a big city mage who'd like to add Riadh to his own collection of possessions?
Chapter 1If I say the words and use the crystal, the candle will light, Dale Edinger told himself. He sat slouched on the sofa of the den with his late Aunt Mildred’s grimoire in his lap. At first glance the thing looked like a binder full of recipes, instead it was a book of spells and notations on magical items. Maybe he should ask Riadh for advice on the spell. No, damn it, it was only a spell for lighting a candle. If it didn’t work, it was no big deal. Riadh would probably give him one of those slow, amused smiles. God, the idea of being pressed up against Riadh sent a wave of warmth through Dale. The dusky tan of Riadh’s skin, the long lithe body, the firm curve of his ass…Dale shook his head, refocusing on the binder in his lap. He had placed a fat pillar candle on the coffee table