The silence that follows is brief before his fingers tap against his chin and his brain is at it again. “Perhaps your connection to light and dark could serve the same role twins once played.” He hops up and wanders through the books again. “I think I have something on the…” His voice disappears, along with his body.
God, I hope he’s wrong. I barely even know what an elder is. How could I possibly be one? I could really use Jess right about now. I hope she wakes up soon.
Thud!
I jump again when yet another heavy book lands in front of me. Whoever said libraries were supposed to be peaceful has never been to this one. “I figured you could use this.” I already know who the irritating voice belongs to, and it’s not Quenric.
Shit! If Zarreth sees her, it’s going to get ugly fast. He knows what she did. I told him everything last night, and I could still feel the anger rolling off him this morning.
Naked demons having an orgy decorate the cover. If I grind my teeth any harder they’re going to crack. “What do you want, Sable?”
She sits across from me, kicking her boots up on the table. “It was taking Z longer than he wanted to get his human some food, so he sent me here to watch over you. It must be exhausting having a mate who can’t protect herself.”
Not wanting to feed into her shit, I ignore her jab and ask, “Why would he send you?”
“I think he felt bad spending so much time with me when his poor little mate was starving, so when we were done, he asked if I’d do him this favor. Of course I said yes. I’ve never been able to say no to ZeeZee.”
A pang of jealousy hits me, but I ignore it. She’s just trying to get under my skin. Zarreth would never give her the time of day after what she did to me.
“I also wanted to apologize for the little miscommunication yesterday. I forgot that you’re not a full-blooded demon. I didn’t mean to embarrass you, but I had to make sure they didn’t use tainted blood. I’m sure you understand.”
I’ve spent my entire life living with a sociopathic mother. I know better than to waste my breath trying to point out what she did was wrong. She’ll find a way to blame it on me or someone else. Instead of responding, I make a show of flipping through pages, wishing she’d randomly combust.
“Why are you reading about our history? It has nothing to do with you.” She pushes the book she threw down earlier closer to me. “You should be focusing on this one if you want to truly satisfy Z.”
Darkness swirls inside my chest, but it stays put. I’m surprised it doesn’t spread to my hands, given how badly I want to punch her in herstupidly perfect face. “Don’t worry about Zarreth, he’s taken care of. Now stop talking before you piss me off.”
She does the whole wide-eyes-hand-to-chest act. “I didn’t mean to offend you. I just thought I would offer some advice, since I know exactly what ZeeZee likes. I mean, how could I not, when I’ve spent ten years learning what pleases him?”
I school my features, even though I swear I’ve just been punched in the gut. Tenyears? Zarreth and I haven’t even known each other for tenmonths. I try to tamp down my jealousy. I knew I’d run into one of Zarreth’s exes here, but I didn’t expect it to be the conniving little bitch sitting across from me.
The stone at my neck grows heavier, warmth building under it as my anger spikes. But my magic stays still. No shadows…nothing. Is it reacting to me? Absorbing my magic?
I slam the book down, leaning closer. “It took you ten years to figure out what he likes in bed? I bet he thanks the Gods the two of you weren’t mated.”
I can’t help my smile when her face falls. I know I’m being petty, but I don’t mind stooping to her level. She quickly recovers and focuses on the stone. “Your necklace is glowing.” She reaches for it, but it zaps her before she makes contact. “What the hell? Did you feel that?”
“Weird, it’s never done that. It must not like you.” I shouldn’t lie, but the look on her face is worth it.
“You know, Frankie,” she huffs. “You don’t have to be jealous of me. I’m only trying to help you.”
“Stop talking.”
Sable and I jump at the same time.
Zarreth comes through the door a second after his voice does. His eyes are already locked on Sable’s with a focus that could cut bone.
“Z…?” She sounds breathless, unsure. Almost frightened.
He walks to the table with the slow, deliberate pace of someone who’s trying to keep himself from violence. He sets a cloth napkin in front of me without taking his eyes off her.
“Go away.” His voice is low and flat, but I know he’s not as controlled as he sounds.
She swallows hard. “I—I just wanted—” Her voice cracks. “It’s just been so long, and when I saw you—”
He cuts her off with a sharp look. “Stand up.”
She rises slowly, like she’s unsure her legs will hold. When she reaches for him, his hand snaps around her wrist. “Don’t touch me.”
