Since she had a feeling she knew what words they’d used—antagonistic, she-demon, nuisance—she was going to consider them compliments.
Who didn’t rejoice in their ability to drive others mad from frustration?
“Come, my lord, the emperor is still waiting to see us,” George said with an impassive expression.
Archie made a soft sound of agreement, sweeping past. He paused when his shoulder brushed Tate’s. “I’d appreciate it if you would have your friend stop spying on me. It is un-befitting behavior for someone who was just declared sentient. If others knew, they might assume he was nothing more than an animal.”
Tate’s gaze shot to the perfectly concealed Night. Mia was a little more obtrusive but nothing in her behavior would suggest she was stalking Archie.
“I’m sure I don’t know what you mean. My friend was simply coming to find me.”
Archie’s smile didn’t reach his eyes, leaving them colder and harder than before, like little chips of diamonds. “Is that so?”
Tate didn’t respond as he and George took their leave. Roslyn sent Tate a sympathetic glance before drifting into the crowd.
Finally, Tate could relax. Her shoulders slumped as she released a breath.
His presence was unexpectedly intimidating. Standing next to him felt like standing next to an apex predator—like he could rip out her throat before she even noticed.
“What the hell, Night?” Tate asked, knowing he could hear her.
As if by magic, he appeared out of the crowd, slinking to her side and sitting. His amber eyes were fastened on Archie’s back.
There’s something wrong with his smell.
“Do you know what?”
Night shook his head hard, his fur sliding back and forth as he rose to four legs.
“No, but it’s quite interesting.” Mia joined them. “One might even say it’s inhuman.”
There weren’t a lot of options if that was the case. Sleeper. Or one of their descendants.
Tate stayed silent, not daring to say the words out loud. The ramification if this was true felt too big. What would happen if the Black Order realized the man they’d chosen as their leader was part of the very group they loathed?
SEVEN
“You know Archie spotted you,” Tate told the two Veles.
Night chuffed.Impossible.
“Oh, really? Because he said as much. To my face.” Tate pointed at the face in question before dropping her hand. “It was all cloak and dagger. Vague references filled with threat. Quite thrilling really.”
I don’t get caught.Night’s tail thrashed.
Someone was certainly arrogant. Granted, he had cause. He really was good at the whole stalking thing. Or at least he had been before a certain Obsidian Lord picked up on his game.
Tate rolled her eyes as she started moving in Dewdrop and Daisy’s direction. Night prowled after her.
I don’t,he said defensively.
“Argue all you like but the fact is Archie figured out you were tailing him and used it to not so subtly threaten you and I.”
Night’s eyes narrowed to slits. After a brief moment, his accusing gaze slid toward Mia.
Oh boy. Tate didn’t think her friend knew quite the hell that was about to rain down on him. He was bold—if suicidal. She’d give him that.
“I highly recommend you keep whatever you’re about to say to yourself.” Mia’s face was remote as she finally looked at Night’s direction. Death rolled off her, giving Tate an imminent feeling of danger. Enough that Ilith flooded her body with strength. Just in case.
