There—another slight flinch in his broad shoulders at that word.
Husband.
My curiosity for this story is sharp, but I can guess at parts. A younger Georgiana meant something romantic to Bo. Maybe they dated. Maybe it was only a mild flirtation. But to him, it was yesterday, and to her, it was nearly two decades ago.
Still, she doesn’t have to be so harsh about letting him know where things currently stand.
Or is it more than that?
Not just letting a man know she’s off-limits.
Warning a monster that she’s not interested.
I’ve always gotten the sense that Georgiana is largely supported by the more traditional mythics of this town. The ones who think magical beings should only partner with their same kind or with a human. The people who believe monsters should be looked down on for their mixed bloodlines.
What would Georgiana’s political supporters say if they found out she once was involved with a monster?
The siren strides toward her SUV, but Samantha calls out after her.
“Council Member Stormwind,” the chief says, using the title, as if reminding the siren of her responsibilities, “do you believe Bo Folan is a danger to anyone in Folk Haven?”
Georgiana’s shoulders are tight to her ears for a moment, but then they sag just slightly.
“No.” The siren’s voice goes soft. “Bo is harmless.”
Then she leaves as quickly as she arrived, silence falling in her wake.
I don’t know what to do. My comforting skills have always been lacking, and I doubt another granola bar would fix this.
“Bo”—Levi breaks through the tension with his deep voice—“I thought you could come home with me tonight. Get some sleep in my guest room.” He holds his hands out, palms up. “You don’t have to figure anything out tonight.”
I glance back at Bo in time to see him give one short nod, even as his eyes stay downcast.
Despite my resolve not to, I ease the grip on my magic, allowing the colors of his aura to glow in my sight.
The most pronounced color twists my gut.
Cobalt blue for devastation.
6
Bo
The officer dropsus off at a beautiful home that did not exist in Monster territory seventeen years ago. Most houses in this area of the lake were smaller with a handful of exceptions.
One mansion in particular stands out in my mind, but I push those memories away as Levi leads me toward the front door.
“I ask that you step quietly. My mate is sleeping. And she’s pregnant, so she needs as much rest as she can get.”
“Yes, sir,” I mumble, still feeling unsteady. Not from any weakness in my body. But because of the dismissal I just received from Georgie.
Georgiana.
After the first shock, she seemed almost angry to see me.
Seventeen years.
That length of time continues to blink like a strobe light in my mind’s eye.
