“You knew my grandfather?” Everett asked.
“I did. We shared a love of old books. I was sad to read of his passing.”
“Why is it called the Balder Estate if his name was Page?” Dax asked.
“Because he bought the home in the seventies from William Balder, who was a known spiritualist.” Everett made quotes around the last word. “Wilson, my grandfather, was into all things supernatural and jumped on the estate as soon as it went up for sale. My father and then I grew up in that house. I’m actually getting it ready for sale, though I’m finding it a bit hard to let it go. Wilson loved the place so much.”
His grief was obviously fresh. Dax could see it in the downward turn of his features. He felt a pang in his own chest, but he resisted the urge to rub that spot. His empathy made little sense. He didn’t know this man. But it was still there, a connection he felt deep in his bones.
And yet, Everett didn’t see the real Dax. He didn’t see any of the preternaturals there.
That heavy, black disappointment swept over him again, weighing down his shoulders. Everett was everything he’d always wanted.
And everything he could never have.
Everett shifted on the couch. “It’s probably crazy to hire a bodyguard, since it was most likely just a random mugging, but I just have this niggling feeling it was more.” Everett smiled at him. “So, are you available? I know I pulled you off a job.”
“We’ve taken care of that. Dax is available.” Xavier walked around to sit at his desk. “Shall we set up a contract?”
Everett moved to the chair on the other side so they could iron out all the information and discussed fees.
Leaving them to the particulars, Dax excused himself to go and talk with Daniel, their IT specialist. He’d seen him earlier, so he knew the banshee was on a night shift tonight.
He found him at his desk, peering at one of the three monitors.
“Hey, Daniel, mind if I interrupt a moment?”
Daniel swung his chair around with a grin. “I never mind interruptions. What’s up, Dax?”
“We have a new client who was attacked by a chimera—though he doesn’t know that’s what attacked him. But he did say he’s just inherited the Balder Estate. Could you send out feelers about anything to do with that place? See if anyone is talking about it or anything that might be in it? The client’s name is Everett Page, so he needs to be researched, as well.”
Daniel wrote down the information. “Got it.” He looked back up at Dax. “How does he not know what attacked him? Didn’t he see it?”
“It happened fast, and he was bitten and incapacitated right away.”
Daniel shuddered. “That could have been bad.”
Dax nodded. “I’m so glad we have Alaric.”
“His magic certainly comes in handy around here.” Daniel turned back to his computer, his claw-like fingers already tapping on the keyboard. “I’ll set up some searches and call you if I find anything.”
“I appreciate it. I have a gut feeling his attack has something to do with the recent inheritance. It’s too much of a coincidence otherwise.”
“Makes sense.”
“Thanks.” Dax left Daniel’s office and slowly made his way back to Xavier’s to find Everett on his feet and shaking Xavier’s hand. Dax was struck again by the harsh beauty of his features as well as the fierce aura of strength he carried for someone so slight. Well, he supposed he wouldn’t be considered slight by human standards—it was just when compared to Dax’s size. Everett seemed around five-six or so.
Everett turned and smiled at him. “You ready to be bored while I pack?”
“I won’t be bored, so don’t worry about me.”
Xavier turned toward him. “We’ve agreed you’ll be staying with him at the estate.”
“Do you need to pack a bag?” Everett asked. “Plus, we’ll need to swing by and pick up my car.”
Dax shook his head. “We all keep go bags. I’m all set. I’ll take you to your car.”
“Then let’s go.”
