Good thing I was prepared for the worst. Had already begun to gather my power, calling on my healthy paranoia and the fact I was so used to walking around with my shields as a daily wardrobe choice I merely had to boost them with the magic I held in reserve, more than enough to block Belkni's slim, large hand from reaching me.
His power pressed against mine, not as a weight, but a slim blade, trying to slice through my wards and tear them open. I was ready for that, too, had read him like an open book, figured his quiet nature meant a more subtle style. I'd gone up against vampire Queens and Brotherhood sorcerers, demon princes and an Unseelie lord. And though I was well aware how dangerous my grandfather's bodyguard likely was, I was also confident he'd underestimated me.