Darius glanced at the attendant, who took Callie’s empty glass. “Let’s wait until we are underway before I explain.”
“How did you even know I was going?” I asked. “This all happened in the daylight hours.”
“My people received notice that the MLE office wasworking out a special contract for you. Being that it was done in haste, my daytime attendants woke me. They are well versed in the matters I deem important. Loss of half a day’s sleep was nothing. But that’s no matter. Please, relax. Make yourselves comfortable. Once we are in the air and you are comfortable and sated, I will discuss the upcoming matter in detail. There is a lot to discuss.”
“There is?” It didn’t seem like it, though maybe he hadn’t seen Callie and Dizzy’s old case files.
He didn’t answer me, but he did get me a cheese plate, which was just as good.
After takeoff, it took a solid hour for Darius to be convinced we were comfortable. That we all had plenty of food and drinks, and blankets should we need them. Finally, he waved his hand, and the two flight attendants made themselves scarce. Clearly he and Callie were in agreement about the inadvisability of trusting people, because he put up spells within our compartment to keep what we said private.
“Let’s all get onto the same page,” Darius said, crossing one long leg over the other. He leaned back and draped his arm behind me, over the back of the couch. I prevented myself from giving in to both of my impulses, equally as strong: scooting away like a Nervous Nelly, and scooting into his body. “Reagan, you are the most wound up. Maybe you should start.”
“She has a damn good reason to be wound up, if you ask me.” Callie shifted and yanked down her pink velvet top. “No woman wants a stalker. I don’t care how good he looks.”
“Honey, have some more whiskey. It’ll do you good.” Dizzy grabbed her glass and looked wistfully in the direction of the missing attendants. “Oh shoot. I forgot they were gone.”
First things first. I hit Darius with a hard stare. “So you’re here why?”
Darius eyed me steadily. “First and foremost, I cannot allow you to walk into danger on your own.”
“Why is that?” Callie tilted her head.
“Yes, why is that?” I repeated.
“And I haven’t been able to, I’ve realized, since you nearly died in my arms,” he continued.
“I’m missing something, I think, and it’s not just the champagne.” Dizzy tapped the bottom of his empty glass. “I feel like I should’ve heard about that.”
“I’ll say.” Callie stared at me with wide eyes.
“It was nothing.” I waved it away.
“It doesn’t sound like nothing,” Callie said.
“There were things surrounding that situation that I can’t talk about.” Like the fact that unicorns were real and the vampires protected them. “So unless you also want to be stalked, it was nothing. Besides, Darius and I have been through this. It’s not me you’re worriedabout; it’s my worth as an asset. The whole ‘I’m priceless though not actually priceless’ situation. Because since when do vampires care if a human dies?”
“Since you,” Darius said softly.
“This is not good,” Callie murmured.
“You guys, it’s nothing. He doesn’t know what he’s saying.” I rubbed my eyes. I sure hoped he didn’t know what he was saying. The whole thing sounded nuts, because vampires, especially elders, did not behave like Darius. They just didn’t. End of story. There had to be an ulterior motive.
Which probably circled right back to my status as an asset.
Didn’t it?
I took a deep breath. At least Darius wasn’t trying to prevent me from going to Seattle. That tiny distinction was enough to abate my anger. For now.
“What’s your plan, then, Darius?” I tried to read his impassive face. Nothing came of it. Surprise, surprise. “Are you going to try to solve this with me, or just lurk around like the boogeyman?”
“I can help you solve it, if you’d like. As I recall, we made an excellent team.”
“We were the worst team imaginable, actually. That point was driven home when you took off on your own with no explanation, then got captured and needed rescue,” I said. His lips thinned. “But if I’m going upagainst a level-four demon and a bunch of mages, that monster form of yours might come in handy.” I tucked a wisp of hair behind my ear. “You’re not legit, though. The shifters there will be all over you.”
“Do you think I went to all this trouble to help you, only to neglect such an important detail?” He tsked at me. “I added my name to the contract. It was easily done. The magical board is eating out of my hand. They will do anything for money, as corrupt as they are.”
“Wow. You’re something.” I shook my head. “Okay, fine.” I stuck my finger in his face, making him lean back. “But I’m taking the lead. This is my case.” He nodded, but I didn’t miss the humor sparkling in his eyes. “And I am keeping a low profile, got it? I’m there to find the mage who is killing people. I don’t care about that demon. If it’s around, their local people can handle it. I don’t need it getting word of me. I’m going in as a normal, everyday magical person.”
