“We’re well aware of that now.”
“You don’t think it’s curious your banshee friend disappeared when Lugh appeared?”
“It’s very curious,” I agreed. “But I have it on good authority that Lugh isn’t stashing her where he’s staying. Nor has he ever held her there.” I slid a glance his way. “Are you keeping something from me about her?”
“Banshees are not meant to be in those lands. You must retrieve her soon.”
“Cryptic,” I said, my brow furrowing. “Can you elaborate?”
He gave me a thin smile and rose. “Come. Let us go outside and test your mettle. Perhaps you can burn off a little of that temper.”
I chucked a paper coaster at his head, but my father blinked from the couch to the door, grinning at me before he stepped out.
Chapter
Nineteen
THE MEDDLER
“What were youthinking?” the male hissed.
Rachel rolled her eyes. “She’s unbearable. Did you honestly think I’d be able to befriend that awful woman?”
“I knew I should have used someone else for this.”
Rachel pouted. “Please.” She fanned herself with a delicate hand, hiding her wince. That bitch throwing her had resulted in some lingering injuries. She’d be fine tomorrow but tonight was proving unpleasant. “I’m the only one who has so much history with the Lord. Things might have gotten off on the wrong foot, but he’ll visit me tonight. He can’t help himself.”
His eyes narrowed. “I suppose you’re right. Few shifters can resist their urge to nurture wounded females.”
“Exactly. Caelan’s healer wrote up a full report.” She fluttered her eyelashes. “I might have embellished my injuries a tad.”
He smirked. “I suppose we’ll see what happens.”
“He’s always been resistant in matters of the heart.” She lowered her voice and leaned in. “Though I heard he and thatbitch had a fight tonight. He’ll be vulnerable, and I am not without my charms.”
The male didn’t seem as convinced of her charms as she was, but he nodded and pulled something glowing from the breast pocket of his suit. He’d started visiting her a few months ago, under the guise of business with her father, but Rachel noticed he’d always try to catch her alone.
At first, she’d been flattered by his attention until she realized he wasn’t there for romance. He’d come for something far more sinister.
Rachel was happy to oblige him, considering how Caelan ended things between them. The massive paycheck she was slated to receive at the end didn’t hurt her willingness either.
“What is that?” Rachel leaned forward and sniffed, recoiling at the scent. There was something wrong about the liquid, something she didn’t like.
“If you expect failure, you will use this. Put it in his food or drink. But do not use it if things are going to plan—only as a last resort.”
“What is it?” she asked again.
“Harmless,” the male said, but there was a gleam in his eyes Rachel didn’t like. “It will make him more susceptible to suggestion, that’s all.”
“Temporarily?”
He shrugged. “It will wear off. Eventually. But I fully expect you to charm him without using the bottle. I’ve been slowly softening him up for you.”
At her look of alarm, he chuckled. “Nothing obvious. Caelan won’t notice. It’s just enough for him to drop his guard a little.”
He dropped the bottle into her outstretched palm, and Rachel recoiled. “It smells. Caelan is too smart not to notice.”
“Once it’s mixed, it’s tasteless and odorless.”
