“This is important, Ian. Really fucking important. Theonlyreason I’m calling you is because we grew up together, and I know with absolute certainty that you take secrets to your grave.”
“Hence why you entrusted me with taking care of your dogs and discreetly keeping an eye on your sister from a distance. She’s safe, by the way,” Ian adds, his voice softening.
Shit. Heidi.
Amid all this political upheaval between humans and legacies, she should have been my first thought. There’s just been so much going on that I didn’t stop to wonder how she’s faring in the rural human town where she’s grown up.
“She just dumped another human boyfriend,” Ian adds. “Might need someone to cheer her up. Like, say, I don’t know…a hot, very available vampire who already knows everything about her and would be the perfect rebound, if nothing else. Just say the word?—”
“For the last fucking time, no.”
“Oh, come on. Why not? We’ve known each other forever, and you know I’d take good care of her, Evie.”
I scowl, lowering my voice enough that I know Baelfire won’t overhear from the other room. None of my quintet except Maven knows that Heidi exists, and I’d like to keep it that way.
“What Iknowis that my sister is not up for discussion. She wants a peaceful, human-like life, and that’s what she’s going to fucking get. She’s gone through too much shit to get tangled up with you, of all people. Keep an eye on her and make sure she’s safe and has funds for anything she needs. Otherwise, leave herthe hell alone, or I will drive an icicle so far up your ass, you’ll be coughing up snowflakes. Got it?”
Ian sighs again, muttering under his breath. “Look, just tell me what you need. And to be clear, I will overcharge you for my services.”
“I’d expect nothing less.”
Fifteen minutes later, I rejoin the others and blink when I see that Crypt is back. He’s covered in blood, lounging on the couch completely naked, smokingreveriumwith his sword stabbed into the carpet.
I get that he just returned from tending to Limbo, but seriously? This asshole has no respect for hotel room maintenance.
I scowl. “What the hell is wrong with you?”
“How much time do you have?”
“This is a non-smoking room. And if you’re going to be naked, at least take a damn shower.”
Crypt ignores me, exhaling a long breath of smoke as he swings one arm in a circle like he’s testing where it connects to his body. When I look at Silas and Baelfire to see if they’re going to be any help with the naked psychopath bleeding all over this suite, Bael shrugs. Of course, our resident shifter isn’t bothered by the nudity.
“He’s coping. We’re all trying to until she gets back. Leave him alone.”
I’m floored. “You’re defending him? I thought you hated him.”
“Him, hate me? Not at all. We’re best mates now,” Crypt drawls.
Baelfire rolls his eyes. Before I can say anything about it, Maven’s voicefinallydrifts through the bond.
Silas? Can you have the etherium ready for me?
He’s already moving, withdrawing the briefcase from his pocket void and laying the smooth pieces of the clear, paradisical substance on the table.
Are you hurt? Is everything okay?I demand.Where are you?
Her voice is slightly strained.No, yes, and Spain, but not for long.
On cue, a bright flash of light floods the room. Then it’s like the weight of the world drops away from my chest, and I can finally fucking breathe again as I wrap Maven in my arms, pulling her tightly to my chest.
She’s covered in blood, but at least she seems uninjured—except for a nasty bruise on her forehead. As soon as I notice it, I let one of my hands cool with frost and gently press it to her head to help with the swelling.
“Etherium?” she yawns, rubbing her face.
Shit. She looks dead on her feet.
I let her go, and we all watch as our keeper grabs a shard of etherium and whispers in a language I don’t know. But then again, Silas doesn’t seem to get all of it either, judging by the frown on his face.
