Page 20 of Air of Seduction
“I’m sorry.” She glances up at me. “I didn’t mean it like that. Thank you for taking care of me. I feel better. I guess I was more exhausted than I realized.”
Her words make me smile, and my rage finally fades. “I’m happy to hear it.”
Just before we reach the living room, I remove my arm from around her shoulders and place my hand on the small ofher back. Guiding her into the room, I aim for a couple of seats close to the far end of the table.
Everyone turns their head to stare at us, but thankfully, people’s attention soon moves from us to the new arrival.
“Noah.” Markus gets to his feet. “It’s good to see you.” He walks up to the last of our team to arrive in London and places a hand on his shoulder. “I hope you’re ready to fight the master again.”
Noah’s lips curve into an amused smile as he looks at Markus. “What happened to you? You don’t usually give such a warm welcome.”
I barely refrain from nodding my agreement. Markus has been different since I arrived. His behavior is warmer and more caring than it’s ever been before, and it makes me wonder why.
Is it because he enjoys this new development where some members of our team have found their mates? Or is it because of Lyn and the apparent feelings he has for her? It could be either, both, or something else entirely.
“Don’t get used to it.” Markus turns to the rest of us with a grin. “But it’s nice to have you all gathered in the same place again. It’s been years since the last time.”
His expression sobers. “But as usual when we all assemble, it’s because of a major threat. If we don’t take down the master quickly, it will be difficult to keep the existence of supernaturals a secret from humans.”
Markus’s gaze lands on Payton. “Although not all humans freak out when they realize they’re not the only intelligent species on earth, I believe a lot will.”
His gaze isn’t disapproving, but I’m all too aware that she shouldn’t be here. We don’t usually disclose our existence to other supernaturals, and certainly not to humans. It’s easier todo whatever we need to do to prevent the evil assholes from causing too much damage if few people know about us.
I study Payton’s profile. She already knew about vampires when she bumped into me, but I’ve still tried to keep her in the dark about what we are. Except there hardly seems to be any point anymore. She’s already met most of the enforcers, and she’s witnessed me use some of my abilities.
We have ways to make her forget us and what’s happened, but considering everything she’s seen and the fact that her best friend is involved, as well, I’m afraid of what that would do to her mind.
It would be better if she promised never to tell anyone and never to approach us again after we rescued her friend. It’s a risk, but one I’m willing to take to avoid messing with her mind. If only…
“Ronan?”
Payton whispering my name brings me out of my head, and I blink to regain my focus.
“…on their way here.” Aidan’s voice catches my attention. “If all goes well, they’ll be here before midnight.”
Who?My brows push together as I try to remember, but I come up blank. It clearly didn’t register.
Payton leans closer and whispers, “Callum.”
I give her a grateful smile and mouth the wordsthank you.
So, Aidan’s techie friend is on his way. I assume accompanied by his mate, since the earth elemental saidon their way. Hopefully, them joining us will help us locate both Olivia and the master a lot faster.
∞∞∞
Lyn
I quickly dry off after my shower before heading back into the bedroom I’m staying in down in Aidan’s basement. After dressing, I braid my wet hair.
The sun is still up, but I know Aidan’s house well enough to get around without running the risk of walking into direct sunlight.
I usually sleep quite well during the day, but today I’ve hardly slept at all. Markus’s dark-brown eyes have haunted me the entire time, only interspersed with reruns of my conversation with Kate.
The petite vampire was adamant that Markus has feelings for me, feelings he doesn’t want me to know about for some reason. But I’m still not sure I believe her that what he’s feeling is anything more than simple lust.
He was clearly rattled by the fact that I’ve had lovers over the years. But I’m more inclined to assign that to his need for control than any deeper feelings for me. I know he values me, but it’s more for my ability to fight with the team than as a woman or even a friend.
Letting out a deep sigh, I stare at myself in the mirror. One common belief about vampires is that we don’t have a reflection. But like several other beliefs, that’s incorrect. Thank God, or I would probably have walked around my whole life with dirt on my face without knowing it.