CHAPTER SEVEN
Prince Nico lounged elegantly in an antique red and gold velvet wing back chair at the head of the wide conference table. He didn’t appear to be paying any attention to the activities happening around him as creatures entered and took their places, but Nico was in fact observing everything. Creatures’ expressions, thoughts from those who were not blocking, and body language. He was an expert at reading body language.
Normally, Ada would be studiously studying each and every creature entering the large conference room in the New York vampire building also, but she couldn’t stop thinking of Sandra Lipton and the black sorcerer.
Despite having very little to do with Galdorcwide and its creatures, Ada stayed up to date with its happenings. It wasn’t about a hidden interest remaining in the place, but all about being prepared for anything that could happen and affect her. And she would’ve had to be deaf, locked up in a box, and buried in the center of the earth to not have heard of Grydern, the black sorcerer. Grydern was once a loyal immortal devoted to his position within the immortal development team. The group worked on creating and designing the healthiest flora and fauna and the most powerful spells. Grydern was respected and admired until the day he was caught performing illegal experiments on creatures. Galdorcwide had been in an uproar, everyone demanding Grydern be imprisoned and charged. He had never been stupid enough to use his powers to brainwash colleagues, students, and those he experimented on. When the authorities came to arrest him, the immortal unleashed those he controlled on the population.
Ada sat rigidly in the seats behind the conference table that were set up for those observing meetings, her features pale, injuries sustained in the car explosion and burning house, healed. She looked calm and controlled, but inside trembled with the heartache of loss.
Never would she get the witch’s burned remains out of her mind, just as she had never forgotten every moment of witnessing her parents’ deaths, and that of a dozen brownies and five other creatures. She closed her eyes, briefly, providing a moment to gain focus on the here and now.
When Ada opened her eyes, she straightened her shoulders. What of Remi? Why did the black sorcerer want her? The index card in the dead witch’s hand was for the spell Remi requested to keep her safe from a warlock. Obviously the spell wouldn’t work against an immortal. The witch had written Not warlock. Grydern. on the card in her own blood, which led Nate to believe the woman lived a short time after the brutal attack and tried to warn whoever found her. It was horrific, and Ada felt awful about Sandra. She had liked the witch and was always impressed by her business entrepreneurially skills, though the woman had a distaste for following the law which saw her in Ada’s office quite often.
But she couldn’t dwell. No, she needed to put all of her concentration and time into finding Remi and saving her friend. The creature who had her was a frigging lunatic! There was no telling what the twisted creep would do considering he had thought nothing of performing torturous experiments to be the smartest and most powerful immortal.
At least she had some satisfaction from knowing there were at least three immortals who rivaled the psychotic bastard in power, and who probably surpassed him. Of course Divij Alto, the grand duke was one and his uncle, Emperor Tienn Alto. Then there was Tonya Smithson, a very powerful woman, and Ada would not discount Penny Galindo now that she had witnessed the immortal’s skills. Possibly she required refining and discipline, but Ada felt Penny’s power and knew she would be a force to take on in a few decades.
There was also Ada’s own intelligence. Surely as the black sorcerer was said to be insane, to some extent, her intelligence could outsmart him.
A meeting of the sentinels had been called, and nearly everyone was here, approximately twenty in total. At first Ada didn’t feel this was many, not when they were charged with protecting Galdorcwide and all creatures. But Penny reminded her sentinels were fierce, skilled and the most powerful of each of their kinds. If the need arose, they could also call on Galdorcwide police.
Of course there weren’t any brownies, Ada noticed a tad sourly. This was another reason why she and her kind resented other creatures. They weren’t considered as strong or as powerful. Most other creatures might think brownies wouldn’t care, or they were too busy holding a grudge to do anything about it. Neither of those were true. Brownies had to first get past the fact they were not as strong physically and magically to be considered for some jobs. Unfortunately, after centuries, it became a hurdle and most didn’t bother anymore. But if there were a fight, like the riots forty years past in which her parents and numerous others died, brownies would be immediately and fighting their hardest. There may be looting afterward, but tactfully. You had to take the opportunities where you could get them!
Her kind were a bunch of cunning, whining thieves, a bit shameful really, but Ada would not be admitting that to anyone. Not all of course, and to be honest, most did it as a way to irritate other creatures for imagined, and real, grievances. Still, brownies should have the right to be sentinels. Maybe after they found and returned Remi, she would confront the Galdorcwide High Court. Hmm, this would actually be a good point to make in the land dispute also, another piece of evidence that brownies were considered lesser creatures.
Ada frowned. Sweet destiny! What ludicrous thoughts! Deliberately involving herself in creature life was one thing she fought hard against. What was she thinking? Obviously her recent interactions with the werewolf, vampire, and immortal were clouding her normally precise, clear, sensible judgment. This was a timely reminder that she must remain on guard and stay firm to her beliefs. Otherwise there is no telling what mess she would become tangled up in. One careless moment was all it may take.
Gazing about the room, she noticed a few seats vacant down the other end of the table and wondered briefly if they weren’t filled because of a sentinel dying, or betraying. Nate had only mentioned one sentinel turning against them to join the Revmiras, but there may be more. The thought made her uneasy, and she remembered that the werewolf said he and his vamp companion were here on a job. She glanced at Nico, who was sipping something hot; she could see the steam rising, from a gem encrusted coffee cup.
Again she pondered why two extremely powerful sentinels would give their services to find Remi, especially when they were searching for an ex-comrade turned deadly Revmiras. Of course now that they suspected Grydern had taken Remi, she completely understood their involvement. It was more than reasonable and definitely required, to have those of their power in the hunt for an immortal who cared nothing about rules, life and maintaining Galdorcwide secrets. But why had they pledged their services before discovering the identity of the abductor? Ada could only come back to they wanted something, and from her. At least she had not made any deals with them, and they pledged themselves without demanding anything in return…but why did this not feel right?
She was getting too close to these creatures. Unfortunately, she had no choice but to rely on them, she would be much more vigilant though. Fates, this was becoming increasingly more difficult! Even now her eyes were straying to the werewolf who was presently entering the room with his cousin Blaine. Though she chided herself, dragging her gaze from him was damn near impossible. The werewolf attracted her like no one else. Possibly it was opposites attracting? Possibly even a challenge, or that they were thrown together when she was so very emotionally overwrought. Whatever the reasons, Ada was not one to delude herself. The werewolf attracted her, and she was highly susceptible to him. She would consider the best way to deal with this later.
The door to the conference room was shut, and the last person in took the seat next to Penny, who was seated beside Ada. Penny was typing furiously away on her phone; presumably the immortal was gossiping, Ada hearing all the tales of gossip mongering from Remi. The man who had sat down looked similar to Penny with the same glorious toffee-colored hair, ice-blue eyes, and sharp, distinctive features. Tanned and gorgeous, the man wore an expression that portrayed extreme unpleasantness, though this did not deter Penny from leaning close to him and whispering something in his ear. She received a nod and went back to typing.
The eyes and similar features were a giveaway. This was Penny’s older brother, Severo, and cousin to the powerful immortal, Divij Alto. From the reports Ada had heard, mostly coming from Remi, Sev wasn’t the friendliest creature, preferring his own company usually. He was a master blacksmith though, crafting the most exquisite weapons that all the sentinels and police, or patrollers as they were termed, used. He also made other objects and items that were in high demand along with another master blacksmith, demon Prince Ruine Diablo. Coming from such a powerful family, it was strange the immortal was not a sentinel. Apparently, as per Remi, Severo Galindo was not as magically charged as his uncle, parents, sister, and cousin. Those who thought this made him weaker were taught a valuable lesson though. Remi had an astounding crush on the immortal, Ada taking a few moments to study him and could see instantly why. He was all bad-boy and attitude, the perfect man as far as Remi was concerned.
Her attention was drawn to the conference table where a big man, a demon with dark blonde hair and dark blue eyes, rose. With stomach clenched, heart aching, Ada put aside all other thoughts and focused on learning what she could to help her find Remi.
“This meeting has been called because of possible news of the black sorcerer, Grydern Turner.” Crown Prince of the Demons, Chasen Diablo, announced in his very authoritative, yet deceptively quiet voice.
He had a presence that could not be ignored and caught everyone's attention. Whether that was because he was a very powerful, deadly creature, one with astounding magic, strength, and smarts, or because of his well-deserved reputation that garnished respect, Ada did not know but would evaluate. She needed to know exactly who was involved in the hunt for Grydern, and ultimately, her best friend. Whatever she learned may be of some use in retrieving Remi safely.
“On the day the threat of Revmiras is announced, Grydern attacks after six months of no one seeing or hearing of him, as though he vanished into a black hole. How can this be a coincidence?” A dainty looking imp spoke.
Looks could be very deceptive. As a brownie, Ada was well versed in how to use appearance, voice, and anything else at her disposal, so was not about to judge the creature without seeing her in action. Mistakes like that could cause great offense, and as imps had powerful magic, Ada could end up an ass or something else just as embarrassing.
“I believe it is not, Eleanor. Revmiras want creatures to rule the world, to not be secret. They wish to walk down a street in any town and city around the world and be looked upon with respect and awe for exactly who they are. Magical, powerful…superior.” The demon prince’s voice dropped seductively, leaving a feeling of unholy. “They lead the way to a believed supremacy, and to many creatures and humans destruction, possibly the worlds. We live in relative peace and harmony with the earth and humans, our lives are full and great. Humans and creatures are not yet ready to deal with one another on equal footing, respecting the differences and leaving one another without injury. Human governments would want to capture and examine us, experiment out of fear and gain knowledge for taking control if necessary. Each of you know how accepting a human has been when one is brought among us. It is very rare the human does not immediately think of ways to escape and kill us.”
“Like that human your young cousin Dante is mated with.” A sentinel murmured.
“This is unfortunately true, Tasmin. And on our part, do we not dismiss humans and interfere when it’s for our own purposes? Again, true. We cannot say that after a time we could all live in equality, but it would be a battle no one is yet ready for. And this leads us to Grydern, the black sorcerer who has defiled our morals, rules, laws, and beliefs. I do not feel he is in league with the Revmiras, but he would use them to his advantage. Today, an imp was taken, one who is above average in magic and intelligence. We know Grydern’s agenda and can conclude he snatched the creature to fulfill his plans. Everyone is redeployed to hunt Grydern. Tasmin, can you, Novell, Charity, and Eleanor continue the search for the ex-sentinel, Myles Byrnes. As he planted a bomb in one of the Vampire Council cars earlier today, there may be a link between him and Grydern. It is a logical link, if we consider the black sorcerer was aware of where Nathaniel was when the bomb was set. Which he may very well have as he called Remika Alberts’s friend, Ada Gerritsen to threaten her and mentioned Nate and Nico in his threat.”
The sentinels nodded, some threatening retribution. Ada stood, everyone in the room immediately going quiet and turning to look at her with disapproval and suspicion. There was probably a protocol here. As an observer she was possibly not meant to be standing and speaking, and that was why she was receiving a lot of pointed disapproving looks, but she was not intimidated in the least.
Though Nico hissing at his fellow sentinels and Nate moving swiftly to her side bemused her momentarily. Were they standing up for her, defending her against their comrades? She dismissed both men. There were far more important matters that needed to be dealt with right now, and she couldn’t take the time to wonder and work out the numerous, strange issues they appeared to have. She turned her attention to the demon, Chase, as he seemed to be the in charge.
“You mentioned Grydern has an agenda, though neglected to elaborate. To be able to locate and lock him up, it’s important to have all the facts, regardless if you think them needed or not.”
The demon’s fair brows rose, an amused smile coming and going briefly. Ada bristled at the look. She returned his look with a very haughty one of her own.
Nate growled, body tense with aggression and half shielding her from the others in the room. She would roll her eyes at the werewolf’s behavior, not needing him to take offense on her behalf, but admittedly he and Nico were a very big advantage for her. She needed the sentinels to put in their greatest effort to find Remi.
“I assure you, Ms. Gerritsen, I find nothing of Grydern irrelevant.” Dark blue eyes pinned Nate, and the demon sighed ever so slightly. “Wolves are annoyingly difficult to deal with during the first stages of mat—”
“A delicate matter, demon.” The grand duke, Divij Alto interjected. “Nate, brownie Ada, please retake your seats so we may conclude this meeting and begin the hunt.”
Nudged back into her seat by the werewolf, Ada sat stiffly. Nate sat beside her and planted a large hand on the curve of her neck. It was annoying because she didn’t need his protection, which this could be seen as, nor was she his possession. But shifting his hand would cause a scene, so she had to content herself with casting him an aloof, irritated glance that did nothing but get her a cheeky, wolfish grin and wink.
His hand was heating her Ada managed not to squirm, but she had to work hard to push past the warm, needful sensations erupting from the contact. It was alarming how his touch evoked a side of her she never would have known she possessed, one that was purely feminine, physical, and lustful. The longer she was around him, the more her body craved his touch, wanting, fantasizing, and left shaken and completely unsatisfied. This was no spell. No, what was happening between them was very simple and basic. Attraction. If she were honest, which she would be only to herself, while the physical attraction was off the charts hot, she also found herself attracted to his personality. She enjoyed his cheekiness, the strong sense of duty he possessed and the caring he had for others. It certainly didn’t hurt he was so damn hot either! How she wished she had the time, and frame of mind, to figure this strange occurrence out, to resolve it once and for all. No time though, and with her body in this state, no way to think clearly and make accurate, clear conclusions. So she must restrain herself, and him somehow.
Holy hell, a werewolf having restraint! How absurd!
“Get on with it, Chase.”
“Very well, wolf.”
“You have not answered my question.” Ada would have stood but was held in place by the werewolf’s hand on the curve of her neck.
“I am about to, brownie.” The demon frowned. “Where was I?”
“As usual, issuing orders.” The vamp, Lucio murmured with a yawn.
“He’s always about the orders.” Prince Ace of the fairies popped a grape into his mouth.
“Si, tedious.” Nico tutted.
“Give him a break.” Blaine, a count in the werewolf hierarchy and cousin to Nate, smiled cheerfully. “He can’t help it; he’s a demon after all. That’s enough to make you feel sorry for the rigid control freak.”
Chase didn’t look bothered or amused. “Thank you, but in future, Blaine, I think I can do without your support.”
Grinning, Blaine shrugged. “Just trying to help, old friend.”
“Fates blood, get on with it.” Severo snarled. Blaine winced.
“I second Sev.” Prince Ruine Diablo, demon cousin to Chase, slammed a hand down on the table, somehow not breaking it. Demons had fearsome strength.
With a nod, Chase looked around the room. “Just over six months ago, as most are aware, Grydern Turner was a valued member of the immortal development team. He had access to weapons, magic, and restricted objects. Unknown to most, Grydern found an old tablet that told of how to gain unfathomable power with the strengths of every creature combined. He became obsessed with the idea and stole the tablet from the High Council’s vault, along with a few other items, such as a sacrificial dagger holding dark magic and a set of old demon bracelets. For many years Grydern was known to be eccentric or…”
Chase paused, then shrugged. “Off, shall we say? Unfortunately, we thought of it as social ineptness and didn’t see that he was ill and required help. The tablet he stole damaged him, twisting his mind till consumed with the idea of having unfathomable power, being a unique individual with the magic and strengths of every creature. He wasn’t aware the tablet contained its own blend of dark magic, a spirit in actuality, that did not corrupt but embedded itself into the mind of the possessor. With his mental problems and the spirit in the tablet now inside him and taking over, what emerged was no longer the Grydern of old, but a combination of him and the spirit. This spirit is a creature who was long ago banished to the tablet…one who was successful in creating a creature who possessed the qualities, magic, and strength of every paranormal kind and wielded this power to harm. If Grydern is successful in creating one of these creatures, well, the battle will be bloody.”
Terrifying. Ada felt an overwhelming, disabling pain, her heart aching. Remi had been taken by this sorcerer. Was there even hope? How could there be? Grydern was a lunatic. He must have stalked Remi not out of sexual or romantic interest, but to steal magic and power from paranormals to make some strange, warped version of something altogether terrifying.
“The black sorcerer is after the ceremonial power bowl. With the sacrificial dagger already in his possession, he will use this on his victims, each selected because of their power. From what we know of the spell, he sheds his victim’s blood with the sacrificial dagger and mixes each in the bowl, casting a spell and consuming.”
“What comes from this will be almost unstoppable.” Divij continued after Chasen and a few moments of appalled silence. “Many centuries past, the previous creature to perform such an abomination was cast into the tablet but unable to be destroyed. With a combination of that spirit and Grydern’s, I do not wish to contemplate how difficult it will be to fight the black sorcerer. We are, as always, indebted to my cousin Severo for his suspicions of Grydern six months past. If not for him uncovering the immortal’s deadly intent, we may very well have been taken unawares. As it is, we have extreme difficulties in finding him, and the ceremonial power bowl he seeks to accomplish the spell.”
“We don’t have the bowl?” Ada exclaimed.
“No, but neither does he. I have many immortals searching for it.” Divij drummed his fingers on the table, face a mask of determination. “There is hope for your friend, Ada. The black sorcerer has to have blood from the flesh. Fresh, live blood. He cannot kill her, and he cannot perform the spell without the bowl.”
Hope bloomed, Ada leaning forward. “Why can you not find him?”
“He changed when taking in the spirit from the tablet. Penelope and I shall return to the witch’s house and see if anything lingers that will aid us.”
“But why would he take Remi now, Div?” Penny asked. “Without the bowl, and as far as we know, not any closer to finding it, why take someone he would have to keep alive for who knows how long?”
“A valid point. Perhaps the opportunity presented itself?” Ace suggested. “We are unsure.”
“Maybe he is closer to finding the bowl than you realize.” Ada mused aloud.
“Possible, of course, but doubtful.” Divij murmured.
“You sound very certain for someone who doesn’t even know where this incredibly dangerous bowl is.” She snapped in frustration.
Nate’s hand tightened on her neck, a warning to her to mind her manners, or a show of possession she didn’t know, but she saw how the immortal’s eyes snapped at her momentarily. She probably should be a little, at the very least, cautious, if not downright afraid. He was unbelievably powerful. But Ada understood the grand duke to be a reasonable person, not one to lash out. Reportedly, it took a great deal to get the immortal angry, but when he was, run like the Gods of wind.
“You intrigue me, lawyer Ada.” He inclined his head and waved a hand absently. A phone appeared in his palm. “This is not for the records, Penny. The bowl was broken into four pieces a millennium ago and buried by four whose minds were wiped, and have since died. When a piece of the bowl is discovered and unearthed, a few highly magical creatures would feel this, like a cold draft ripping through them. Most unpleasant, I assure you. And if the black sorcerer had the bowl, he would fuse it back together. This we would definitely feel. Alas, the bowl must not remain buried, not with Grydern searching and now bringing it to the attention of others, such as the Revmiras who would prize the item to use in their battle against us. We must find each piece and decide what must be done.”
“Destroy the fucking thing.” Ruine snarled.
“Agreed, demon,” Nate said. “You and Ace need to find that bowl.”
“Meeting over.” Nico rose and left the conference room.
“We’ll be in touch.” sentinels began filing out, some simply vanishing from their seats.
Not sure where they went from here, how they were going to find Remi when for six months no one had seen or heard from the black sorcerer, Ada remained seated. There was a lot to take in.
There was limited possibility of Grydern being able to move quickly with Remi. Despite being an immortal and able to shift, and somehow having overpowered Remika, she was an imp and well able to interfere with his magic. There was a strong possibility the black sorcerer was using the demon bracelet he stole from the High Council vault, which could be used to drain Remi’s powers, thus making it easier to control her. If this were the case, then they could be anywhere in the world. Remi though would not give up easily; Ada must remember this and do whatever was necessary to help continue the search.
“Stay here.” With a gentle squeeze at the base of her neck, Nate stood and went over to Lucio.
His cousin Blaine sat in the seat Penny vacated when leaving a few moments ago with her cousin Divij.
“We haven’t met—”
“I am aware of who you are, Count Blaine of the Le Garde werewolf clan.” Ada dismissed him with a look, though couldn’t help but notice, yet again, how extremely fine he was. “You have the reputation among your kind of having a great throwing arm.” She curled her top lip disdainfully, eyes frosty.
He smiled slowly, and then understanding dawning, Blaine’s smile turned rueful. When the brownies sneaked into the werewolf compound with measuring tapes and sacks, often they were caught and tossed from the high fence surrounding the property. From what Ada heard this morning, and from a few CreatureBook reports, the werewolves used the measuring tapes they took when capturing the creatures in their compound to see how far they’d thrown the brownies. So far Blaine was in the lead, closely followed by one of his many brothers or cousins, or second cousins or whatever.
Severo snorted a laugh, leaning back in his seat and crossing big arms over his chest, drawing attention to his shirt. It sported a few holes and had blazoned across the front I’m making a wish: Die fucker, die. Blaine ran a hand through his light brown curly hair, his grin actually sweet and rueful. She could clearly see why he was in demand from the female population.
“You’ll be happy to know your brownies have managed to slip out with a good amount of loot.”
“Allegedly, so you say.” Ada smoothed a stray hair back into the bun. “And I tend not to trust the word of deceitful, land thieving dogs. Excuse me.”
“Sure.” He shrugged, not bothered by her insult and testiness.
Feeling edgy and confined, Ada weaved through the few remaining creatures in the room and out into the hall. The day had been long with very little achieved. They were no closer to finding Remi and for the second time in her life, she was at a loss, not knowing what to do and how to help. Never having wanted to feel that way again, Ada ensured she was always in full control and took steps to place herself in a position she was comfortable with. She couldn’t control others, only herself, but she could try to make sure the situations she was in worked for her.
Of course this didn’t always work out the way she planned, not possible when you interacted with others daily and had a best friend such as Remika Alberts. But Ada had thought she was happy with her life, where she was headed. Now, she was seeing things differently and wasn’t so sure she had made all the right choices. Creatures were too unpredictable, some high strung, aggressive, contrary and many other things, to mingle with constantly, she had to be on guard and was always suspicious. This was understandable having seen her parents killed during riots forty years ago, a protest against a High Council decision. One minute the protest was peaceful, the next, unsuspecting members of the crowd were set upon.
Had she focused on parts of creatures natures and blamed them for what happened?
“Cara, why do you stand out here by yourself?” Nico glided down the hall and came to a stop beside where Ada stood staring out the windows into Central Park across the street.
“A moment of quiet to think.” She turned and looked up at the stunning vampire. “Where do we search now?”
The ethereal creature leaned down and, surprising Ada, gently kissed her cheek and took her hand. Nico Romano was OK, for a bloodsucker.
“Grazie.” Thought reading again. He tucked her hand into the crook of his arm and led the way down the hall. “Come, fratello, there is much to organize.”
Nate was following behind them, his green eyes intent on both of them. He reminded her of a stalking beast, and one wrong move could trigger some instinct to pounce and howl. Amusing. He was a wolf after all, and they loved to pounce and howl and always blamed it on “instinct.”
“What is your idea, bloodsu—Nico?” She corrected herself.
Led into the study she had been in earlier today, Nico waited until Nate closed the door behind them. As vampires tended to do, he took his time to answer, drawing out the moment so all attention was focused on him.
“I am not attention seeking, cara.” He smiled smoothly. “I paused for a moment to think and consider my words. And no, I do not see that it is rude to listen in to thoughts.”
“I guess you would not, but let me assure you, vampire, it is. I won’t even bother to explain why because unless I’m talking about a vampire’s believed perfection in oneself, they rarely listen to what others have to say.”
Nico frowned ever so slightly, his expression almost tired. “I am wounded, Ada, that your opinion of me, and my kind, is this low. Tell me, why is this? Why hold such contempt for your fellow creatures?”
Appalled, and ashamed at her callous remarks and thoughts, Ada had no excuse other than worry, fraught nerves, and anger. Nico had done nothing but be helpful. She was prepared to dismiss that he mesmerized her earlier. It may be offensive to her, but she now understood he did it with no ill intent or selfish motives. Possibly she could just explain she did not like to be mesmerized and he wouldn’t do it again.
“I apologize. I am angry, frustrated and worried and taking this out on you and others. I realize this is not acceptable and will not do so anymore. Please, tell me your idea.”
“This is a trying ordeal for all.” He reached out and squeezed her hand briefly, then released and turned to a large, antique desk. “Nathaniel, you have been at my desk, I see.”
The werewolf rolled his eyes and stuck his hands into the pockets of now ruined jeans. If she didn’t know better than to make bets and deals, Ada would have bet a demon Nate was behaving like a child about to be scolded, and rightly so. Ada disliked anyone messing with her desk. It was amusing and interesting to watch, considering how cocky and take charge the man normally was, to see him dropping his eyes now and kicking the toe of his shoe into the carpet. She hid her smile.
“I didn’t go near it. Must have been one of your vamps.”
“My vampires know better than to touch my desk, or anything in this room. You, my wolf, cannot seem to help touching everything, regardless of what is expected.” Turquoise eyes narrowed on the werewolf, and Nico hissed. “I can smell you on my iPad.”
“Ah, hell. Come on, Nico, I had a call and needed to write something down. It was important.”
“Not important!” Nico muttered under his breath in a mix of Italian and Spanish, holding up one finger when Nate went to speak. After a moment he breathed out, temper leaving him. “Let us not touch my desk again, si, Nathaniel?”
“Yeah, yeah.” The werewolf growled. “Be touching every damn thing in this room if you keep the attitude up.”
Turquoise eyes blazed, clashing with vibrant, meadow green. One hissed, the other growled. For a moment she thought they may actually come to blows. She wasn’t a fan of fighting, and they certainly didn’t have time for it right now, so she stepped in between the two big aggressive male creatures.
Yes, an absolutely stupid move ordinarily, stepping between two big powerful creatures often resulted in the person who interfered having the anger turned on them. But not in this case. They considered her to be under their protection and had taken vows to cause no harm to innocents when being sworn in as sentinels.
“Stop it, both of you. There are much more important matters to see to. Nathaniel, do not mess Nico’s desk, and Nico, you allow Nate into your study. Yu must allow him some freedom to make use of it. Perhaps give him a desk of his own. Now, can we continue with matters other than these childish arguments?”
Nate grinned, tugging her into his arms and burying his nose in her hair. “Yes, ma’am.”
There must be some way to deter the werewolf of this preoccupation he seemed to have developed of touching, sniffing and holding her! Especially the holding, Ada snapped to herself, resisting wriggling as this would only entice the damn creature. The problem was she normally found it objectionable when anyone attempted to do any of these things to her, rebuffing briskly and ensuring they knew never to attempt again, except for Remi, of course. The werewolf though was having a very peculiar effect on her, one she was finding impossible to resist.
When he sniffed her, she shivered. When he touched her, whether it was fleetingly or a tight hug, she trembled. When he held her, it was like a rush of heat, sensations and needs coming to life inside her and erupting to take her over. She was far from being a fool and never deluded herself or avoided issues, instead meeting them head on and eliminating them. This was different. She had needs like anyone else, and the werewolf set her alight. There was only so long she could fight it, only so long logic, reason and a strong aversion to interacting in any way with other creatures could be pushed aside. And she was consumed with need that only he could satisfy, the pleasure only he could deliver. At least she wouldn’t have the worry of emotional attachment from either of them. Once the burning physical attraction between them was met and quenched, they would part and move on, never to pine or mourn the loss.
That was Ada’s consolation in this untimely, and unwanted attraction, or realistically, honestly, the driving need that was fast consuming her for the hot, aggressive, dominant, green eyed wolf.
They would be lovers, and very soon.
Nico was not so appeased, and his usually cultured, ever so slightly accented voice took on a petulant, if somewhat childish, tone.
“He is well aware of how I do not like what is mine to be touched, cara—”
“But you’re mine, so all the shit in here is too.” Nate gave a cocky grin. “Come on, Nico, I’ll keep my paws off your precious desk.”
“See that you do.” With an arrogant look, Nico flicked on the laptop. “We have had little to no success in finding where the black sorcerer hides the last six months because of the tablet spirit who has embedded itself inside him and changed Grydern him. Usually when a creature is being pursued by the authorities, werewolves and vampires can chase using scent, and immortals, imps, fairies, and demons trace the magical signature that all of us have. Penny found the lingering magic at the witch’s house familiar, though different and tainted. We can hope that she and Divij will memorize the magic signature and when used again, they can identify and, if extremely fortunate, follow. This leads me to the imp, Remika. I noticed in the land dispute meeting today she wore a charm around her neck. We may have a chance if the black sorcerer has not thought to remove it, or even considers we can use this to find her.”
That had not occurred to her and was actually rather ingenious.
Ada nodded. “Whoever wove the magic for the charm. You think to follow this. I don’t know how that works, but the charm was from a friend, though I cannot recall who.”
“Penny. And it was either made by Sev or Ruine. Also, the demon bracelets. I am curious as to who forged them.”
“Why would this be significant?”
“Because, cara, an object crafted will hold the magical signature. One moment.” Again he held up one finger, halting both Ada and Nate’s opinions and questions with a single gesture. Turning to the computer, he typed with incredible speed, even faster than Penny had. Vampires were known to be exceedingly fast, the fastest of all creatures. “Ah, here we are. The bracelets were placed in the vault when the High Council wished to collect objects that were dangerous or highly valuable, either to keep them from the wrong hands or to protect and preserve for the future. They were donated by Sultan Carlos. He forged them himself.”
“Damn brilliant thinking, bro.” Nate slapped Nico affectionately on the back.
The werewolf was right. The vamp’s thinking was brilliant. With both the pendant and demon bracelets holding magical signatures, they may be able to track directly to Remi. Excitement shivered through her, but she quashed it as effectively as she quashed opponents in the courtroom as it would only distract and as yet there was still much to do. This is where her precise, calm, rational attitude came to the forefront.
“What do we do now?” She asked, wanting to set them on their course immediately and not waste any time.
“We have Chase and Div see what they can do to find the bracelets and lead them to the black sorcerer while Penny, Sev, and Ruine look into the charm the imp wears.”
There may be hope for Remi yet, like Divij had said to Ada in the meeting. Where she had been frustrated, hurting and angry before, not to mention tired, it was all replaced with very contained hopeful excitement.
“In the meantime, we need to get changed and head to Galdorcwide.”
The excitement took a nose dive to panic. Oh Gods, no!
She’d always had the unexplainable fear that if she ever returned to Galdorcwide, she’d be trapped there. After managing to leave and setting herself up with a life in the human world, she’d made sure never to set foot, for whatever reason, in the creature world again.
“Galdorcwide? Why?”
“Magic, honey.”