Page 67 of Draco's Defiance
“Only the Vaughn brothers know how to get in.” Cherie’s lips twitched. “Balthazar was telling me all about it, and once Sebastian drops Rebecca here, he can literally lock us in.”
“I didn’t even know places like this existed.” Moira glanced around. The so-called safe room was actually a huge, cavernous space with at least one adjoining room beyond it. “I’ve only ever seen the concept in the movies.”
“That’s the Vaughns for you.” Cherie managed a small smile. “They’re not short of money.”
“I don’t know them well.” Moira met Cherie’s gaze. “I only met Draco’s brothers last night with you guys.” Hell, I only met Draco last week! “This is all new to me.”
“It’s pretty new to me, too.” Eden’s brow rose as she leaned against the wall behind her. “Sometimes I can’t believe what’s happened in my life.”
“You’re happy, though?” Moira prompted. “With Cole?”
“Oh, very.” A sly smile illuminated her lips. “But nothing prepares you for something like this.”
Moira couldn’t argue with that.
“Does anyone want a drink?” Rising from her chair, Cherie gestured to the tiny kitchenette. “I can make coffee.”
“Sure,” Eden replied.
“Thanks,” Moira agreed. She was about to offer to help Cherie when the wall shifted behind her and slowly eased open again.
“In here.” Sebastian appeared in the entrance, steering a shell-shocked looking Rebecca into the space. “Wait with the others.”
“I can’t wait in here!” Rebecca spun, grasping Sebastian’s arm as he turned to leave. “I have to know what’s going on, Sebastian. The man I love is going to war with my brother!”
“Your asshole brother,” he reminded her, his gaze flitting to Moira and the others. “Who kidnapped Cherie, stalked Moira, and tried to hurt you.”
“Oh, God!” Shaking her head, Rebecca sobbed against his chest.
“Come on, Rebecca.” Rubbing the redhead’s shoulder, Moira attempted to soothe her. “You need to let him go.”
“Moira’s right.” Sebastian offered Moira a grateful expression. “You’ll be all right in here.”
“But what about you?” Rebecca was hysterical. “Will you be okay?”
“You’ve met my dragon.” Sebastian’s brow rose as his gaze bored into his lover. “I’ll be fine.”
Heaving in a deep breath, Rebecca nodded slowly. “I love you.” Her voice croaked with pain.
“I love you, too.” Sebastian smiled, kissing the brow of her nose. “Stay here.” Glancing up, his focus flitted to Moira and the others. “Take care of each other.”
“We’ll be fine.” Moira’s buoyant tone was in complete contrast to the alarm ballooning within her, but in that moment all she could do was be strong. Standing shoulder to shoulder with a weeping Rebecca, she managed a stoic smile. “You take care of Draco, and the others.”
“Consider it done.” Sebastian nodded as he retreated to the exit. “I’m going to lock you in, ladies. See you on the other side.”
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Draco
STALKING DOWN THE DARK hallway, Draco thought to contemplate why his brothers had chosen to be based in this property when they went to war. Equally, why hadn’t he thought to query their choice?
The answer to the latter was obvious. Her name was Moira and she was safely tucked away in the house’s safe room, but to the former? He wasn’t sure. Sebastian’s townhouse was situated on the outskirts of the city, and was hardly the place for a battle between mythological creatures.
For once, Balthazar’s suggestion about the mountain lodge might have been the sane option.
“Too late now.” His fist tightened around the blade he’d collected from the kitchen after dropping Moira with Eden and Cherie. The reasoning would have to wait for the autopsy. Everything would. “If we can’t shift then we’ll fight as men.”
There was no doubt in Draco’s mind that he’d be victorious either way.