I didn’t need to see my brother naked. Or worse—getting frisky with a certain hunter cousin of mine. The embarrassment might kill me before any Fae could.
Pushing the door open slowly, I peeked into the room, relieved when I didn’t see any naked bodies.
“Connor?”
When no answer came, I stepped fully inside a bedroom that was as lavishly decorated as the one I’d woken up in. Windows on the opposite wall overlooked the backyard and the rolling hills beyond. A telescope sat in front of them, aimed up at the stars.
Done in a mixture of charcoal and autumnal colors, the room featured a leather ottoman and chaise in the center. Against one wall was a massive bed. The wall opposite it was covered in built-in bookcases that reached to the ceiling. Their shelves laden with hardbacks and other items that I could tell even from this distance would appeal to my brother.
Thomas really had bought this place and retrofitted it to suit our family. There was no other explanation. Someone had gone to a lot of effort to design our rooms. They wouldn’t have done that for a temporary rental.
“How long has Thomas owned this place?” I muttered to myself.
Longer than the council’s most recent plot against us. That was for sure.
Leaving the question of the house and its owner behind, I drifted across the room, forsaking the bed, which showed no signs of recent use, in favor of heading toward the bathroom.
Also empty.
“Damn it, Connor. I thought we talked about this.”
No going off on his own without informing me first. How many times did I need to say it before it sank in?
I reached for my phone before remembering that I’d left it on my nightstand.
“Very smart, Aileen,” I muttered unhappily.
Turning to go, I spotted the folded piece of paper on the dresser closest to the door.
“At least he left a note this time,” I grumbled, picking it up. It was an improvement. Though not exactly what I’d meant.
For as much crap as he gave Thomas, Connor was just as prone to finding and taking advantage of any loophole in his way.
Unfolding the note, I focused on Connor’s neat handwriting.
Aileen
As you may have discovered already, I am out following a lead. You were not awake to inform so I am leaving this note behind. Don’t worry. Be back soon.
Connor
P.S. Regarding last night’s events, I will be happy to help you plot your revenge upon my return.
Connor’s postscript brought a chuckle to my lips as I crumpled the note in my hand. “I might just take you up on that offer.”
Turning on my heel, I left Connor’s bedroom to find Deborah in the process of entering the bedroom across from mine as I stepped out.
Looking thoroughly sun kissed from her time outside, her hair still damp, drops of water soaking into the cover up she was wearing, Deborah paused to take in my unexpected presence. Her gaze darted to the room behind me. “What are you doing in Connor’s room?”
There was no accusation in her voice. Only curiosity.
I shoved my door open and walked inside. “I had a question for him.”
“Ah.”
I looked over my shoulder to find her lingering on the threshold of my room, an awkward expression on her face.
“You saw him leave, didn’t you?”
