Page 59 of The Powers of Nyx
Nothing,a mhuirnín, she replied. The use of her pet name for me made my skin tingle.But would it be okay if I came in?
Of course.Not a moment later, Maeve slipped into the bathroom and closed the door behind her. No longer did she wear gear; she was back in her own satin blouse, this one a deep navy blue, and black slacks.
I had to admit, she washot. And now that we were mated, I had no issue admitting it. Her legs were toned, and her slacks tightened ever so slightly around her thighs. She wore a single dagger at her hips, which apparently did something to me. Beneath the water, I had to press my thighs together.
Maeve watched me from the doorway, her eyes darkening until they were more red than blue, and her nostrils flared as I slid beneath the water. It was hard hiding the desire and arousal, but by the looks of it, I’d failed.
My cheeks burned red, and I ducked my head. “Sorry,” I said, clearing my throat. “What was it you wanted to talk about?”
Maeve stood there for a moment longer, and I couldn’t help but think she was a predator, looking at her prey.
And I was the prey.
I could admit I liked it when she looked at me like that. And my desire only heightened at the thought.
Finally, she shook her head. Approaching the tub, she sank to her knees beside me, keeping her eyes locked on mine. “This is temporary.”
My stomach sank. “What do you mean?”
“This suite. This...situation. Sir Ya’Dahir, he is the one who runs the Phoenix Compound and Training Centre and is essentially the leader. Like the head of your FBI.” I’d gathered as much, but I didn’t say it aloud. I actually welcomed her explanations, her ability to relate it back to something back home. “He will likely be here a lot.”
I frowned, nodding. “That makes sense.”
“That doesn’t upset you?”
They think I might...My eyes widened. “Of course not! He’s like...Adrian’s dad, or stepdad, or whatever their relationship is. That would mean I’m crazy, and I refuse to be crazy.”
Maeve smiled, one that looked more genuine than any she’d ever given me, and the way she laughed...it made my heart swell to a size that didn’t seem possible. “That’s not what I meant,” she finally said, grinning enough to show the points of her fangs. “I meant, would that overwhelm you or the children.”
Now, I felt like an idiot. Sinking further down into the tub, I shook my head. “They should get to know someone from Queen Greer’s...whatever you call it. And I’ll be at the academy soon, right?”
There was no hesitation in the way she reached for my hand and entwined our fingers, locking them on the edge of the tub. My heart skipped a beat, skin tingling from the contact.
“You leave for the academy in two weeks. During the week, you’ll be on campus at the dorms. It’s the safest way to attend. Weekends, you can be here. Thea and the kids will have twenty-four-hour protection. I’m going to take Elias at some stage to assemble a team, if that’s okay.”
“Yes, of course. I trust you two completely.” I gave her hand a squeeze to emphasise it. “What do you know about Thea’s family?”
“Since they were on a cruise, we had teams waiting for them. They’re in protective custody, and on their way to Avalon with Jay’s team. And your belongings from your home and apartment are currently in storage, awaiting final inspection for any lingering charms or trackers, before they’re moved to the Queen’s Wing.”
I nodded slowly; it was a lot to take in, but it also gave me great comfort knowing Maeve knew what was going on. I wasn’t sure if I could handle not having answers.
“Maeve—”
“I’m sorry,” she blurted out.
I leaned in closer, ignoring the shifting water and my attempt at modesty. “Why are you sorry?” I asked, frowning.
“I feel as though I haven’t been completely honest with you. Because I haven’t. And you deserve to know why I’m so...hesitant.”
My hand tightened around hers. “Maeve, if you aren’t—”
“I am. You’re my mate. I keep seeing the way Rowan looks at you, like he’s determined to prove his worth, and I realise how selfish I’ve been since we formed the bond. I’ve been keeping you at arm’s length, while Elias is unable to stop touchingyou. Adrian gazes at you like you’re the Goddess Herself, and I’m...afraid.”
Her words made my heart race. But I couldn’t formulate a response, couldn’t fully articulate what I was feeling. There was a part of me that felt the same. Like, for some reason, I hadn’t been good enough. That to Maeve, there was something missing.
But she had her own demons. Maybe she’d finally won that battle.
“I was afraid this wouldn’t last. That the bond was temporary. Like I would wake up once your blood was out of my system, and the connection would be gone.Youwould be gone. And I couldn’t stand it. But then I was terrified that I would give in, and you would see just how broken I am.”