And still… Adam is under Deacon’s care, now. Under Kieran’s, but Deacon watches over all the packs.
“Njáll,” another voice says, and I jerk my head up, startled. I did not hear Deacon pass over the phone.
“Vasile.”
“I would like to visit tonight, if I may.”
What, so he can convince me that Deacon is right? So that he can explain to me how I am handling this poorly? I swallow the growl that threatens to rumble through me; I will not show my weakness here.
“I am busy tonight,” I reply, and I know Vasile will read my tone perhaps better than anyone.
Perhaps not. I have not known Maurice for that long, and yet, I feel he knows me well already. The most important parts of me.
Vasile never knew I hunted. Maurice barely batted an eyelid when I told him.
“Ah. Tomorrow, then?”
“I don’t—” I shake my head, even though no one is here to see. “I will let you know. There is much to do here.”
Vasile chuckles, but there is little humour in it. “I expect so.”
When he doesn’t speak again, I don’t rush to fill the silence. I know Vasile has taught me as much as he can, and that I should still take his advice, still turn to him when I have difficulties, but…
He is more loyal to Deacon than he is to us. No matter how much he might try to be fair, or how much he might pretend otherwise, he and Deacon are intrinsically, magically bonded.
And Deacon? Deacon is loyal to his wolves.
“I hope to hear from you soon,” Vasile says, an olive branch, and I sigh before I take it.
“I will call you in the next few days.” It’s not quite a promise, but we both know I will do it anyway.
Provided the next fae Maurice and I meet does not try to kill me. Given my luck with them so far, it seems increasingly likely.
“I hope so, Njáll. Be safe.”
“You too.”
He hangs up first and I set my phone down before I bury my face in my hands. I am not, really, any closer to a solution with Augustine, and despite all the emails I have waded through today and calls I have made, there is still much to be done.
I get to my feet, scrubbing a hand over my face. I will sleep, and I will help Maurice, and maybe when we return tomorrow night, somehow, some of this will magically have been solved.
It is unlikely, but I can hope.
Chapter Thirteen
Maurice
“Youdidnothaveto come if you had other matters to attend to,” I say, trying not to make my tone too curt. “I trust that you will be safe in the clan house.”
“Will I?” Njáll replies. In contrast, he sounds almost mocking, and I fight the urge to growl at him.
In truth, no. If a fae wanted to hurt him, it would not be so difficult. There is more warding on the clan house than I was expecting before I arrived, but all the same, a fae-blessed mage’s wards can hardly stand for long against actual fae magic.
Well, with a handful of exceptions. This mage who has helped them is not one of those.
“You might besaferthere,” I mutter.
Njáll huffs. He ducks his head, looking at me side-on, and now he seems at least a little amused. “Sorry,” he says, which surprises me. “I worked some after we were done this morning.”
