“They took the master of the city up on his offer of lodging,” Deborah explained.
Right. I’d been there when he’d offered. I’d almost forgotten.
“I’ll give her a call so we can regroup.”
Deborah made to leave before pausing. “Aileen—one thing you should know. Drake was with Connor when he took off.”
The unexpected nature of the news meant I didn’t quite have control of my expression.
Deborah gave me a strained smile. “You don’t like Drake, do you?”
“I wouldn’t say I dislike him,” I equivocated.
“Come on. I’ve been around you long enough to pick up on the signs.”
“It’s not that. He and I have some common acquaintances. I’m just a bit protective because I don’t know what he wants.”
Deborah sent me an uncertain look but didn’t push any further. “You’ll let me know if I need to do something about him.”
That surprised a laugh out of me. “If it comes to that, you won’t be the one taking action.”
An offended look crossed Deborah’s face. “I could take him.”
No, she couldn’t. But I didn’t say that.
Deborah looked a little salty at my obvious doubt. “Thomas sent me up here to see if you need to feed before tonight.”
I thought about it for a moment before shaking my head. “I’m good.”
Deborah’s eyebrows lowered mistrustfully. “Are you sure?”
Her doubt was understandable given my history. I had a habit of spacing my feedings as far apart as I could get away with.
In this instance, her skepticism was misplaced. Liam’s blood had more than replenished my reserves. To take any more would make me a glutton.
“I already fed for the day,” I said, hoping she would leave it at that.
A knowing look entered her eyes as her lips curved in a teasing grin. “Maybe I was hasty in my research. It looks like anannulment might not be necessary with all the celebrating you two have been doing.”
I flushed and pointed to the door. “Out.”
Deborah went, snickering. “Thomas wanted me to tell you we’ll leave after sundown.”
“We?”
She shimmied her shoulders as she walked backward. “I’m invited too.” My frown made some of her excitement fade as she straightened. “You’re not going to tell me I can’t come, are you?”
I wanted to. So badly. With what Thomas had relayed regarding the council and Muiredach’s possible involvement, it went against my protective instincts to bring Deborah into a potentially dangerous situation like the one we were walking into.
Except remaining behind in the mansion probably wasn’t any safer.
“Thomas will need all his enforcers with him,” Deborah pointed out logically. “Anyone left here will be vulnerable.”
I gave my companion a look. “You’re getting good at that.”
“Thanks. I’ve had a lot of practice.”
“It wasn’t a compliment,” I grumbled as she skipped out of the room to go get ready.
