I also noticed that Macgrath switched from coffee to tea as soon as it was available and made a mental note before refocusing on the conversation.
Kerry and I had already tried to locate Rhiannon with a scrying mirror, a crystal and a map, and several other locator spells. Just as before, none of them worked.
Once again, Rhiannon was in the wind.
I was both surprised and pleased with the knowledge and power Kerry possessed. In another twenty years, she would be fearsome.
My eyes strayed to her mate, Finn, and I knew that he would turn her before then. Her power would change and grow in unpredictable ways once she became a vampire. She could become one of the most powerful witches the world had ever seen or she might become the most powerful vampire. When those two types of magic were combined, the results were often unexpected.
Then there was the matter of Finn himself. There was no denying that the vampire had my eyes. He was the only other being, human or supernatural, that I had met with irises that color.
I’d lived too long to believe it was just a coincidence.
Kerry spoke, her focus on Rhys, but her voice drew my attention. I’d been distracted yesterday by everything that happened, but I hadn’t forgotten her words about my past. She knew who I was, or at least who I had been.
Aveta.
The name resonated within me. It was familiar, yet I didn’t understand why.
As I studied Kerry, she turned toward me and our eyes met. I was certain that she knew the direction my thoughts had taken because she mouthed, “Later.”
I canted my head to the side and gave a slight nod, letting her know that I accepted her request, but I didn’t intend to be put off for long. It might not be the best time for me to dig into my past, especially if it incapacitated me as it had yesterday, but I had to know.
Two thousand years was a long time to feel like a stranger in your own skin.
As Kerry spoke to Rhys and Finn, her words caught my ear. “I know a way around several blocking spells. If that’s what Rhiannon is using, we should be able to find her.”
“I have someone working on it,” Macgrath stated. “He figured out that she’d been at the house across the street from Ava’s home and he’ll find her again. Now that he has her trail, it won’t take long.”
“Who ishe, exactly?” Rhys asked, his tone suspicious.
“No one you know,” Macgrath evaded.
I nearly rolled my eyes because that non-answer would only spur Rhys on. Before they could get into it, I waved a hand at Rhys. “Don’t start,” I admonished.
He frowned at me. “He must have something to hide if he won’t tell us who’s helping him,” he argued.
“Would you tell him the identity of someone helping you?”
Rhys’ frown became a scowl. “That’s different. He’s already proven that he can’t be trusted—”
I shook my head. “That’s enough. I understand why you have issues with Macgrath, but do you truly think he means us harm?” When he hesitated, I narrowed my eyes at him. “Answer honestly because I’ll know if you don’t.”
Rhys made a sound that was part growl and part groan. “I don’t think he means us harm,” he finally admitted.
I nodded. “I agree with you.” Then I turned to Macgrath. “But I still think you should tell us a little about your secret weapon. If something happens to you, we might still need his help.”
Macgrath’s eyes glittered with both amusement and irritation. Amused irritation. It was an interesting look for him. But then again, all his looks were interesting. “Your compassion and concern are astounding,” he replied, his voice heavily laced with sarcasm.
“My first priority is to protect Savannah and Rhys,” I answered back immediately. “I don’t believe that Rhiannon has given up her hopes to use Rhys. I think the grimoire is just a back-up plan.”
“I agree,” Kerry interjected. “The amount of power required for the spells in that book would be massive. It would drain her to the point of being nearly defenseless.”
I raised an eyebrow at Macgrath. “So you see, we at least need the name of your assistant.”
Macgrath sighed. “His name is Callum. He’s one of my… offspring.” He stared at Rhys. “He won’t betray me and I can guarantee you that he won’t help Rhiannon. He hates her more than any of you.”
“How can you be sure?” Rhys asked, his eyes narrowed.
