But the sound was getting louder, leaves and twigs snapping under heavy tires. Headlights flashed through the trees, growing steadily brighter. There was no mistaking it now. Someone was driving down the hidden access road, heading straight for my secret hideaway.
Luce and I exchanged a tense glance, a thousand unspoken worries passing between us. We both knew the gravity of the situation. If the Council had somehow found us...We could probably take them, but the bloodletting would weaken us for our real mission.
Stopping the formless ones had to be the priority.
I snatched up my discarded clothes and hastily pulled them on, adrenaline flooding my system and chasing away the last remnants of desire. Luce did the same, his movements quick and efficient. In seconds, we were both clothed and ready, heading out the RV door just as the car pulled up in a spray of gravel, tires screeching to a halt. I broke to the right, getting out of direct line of sight, my claws ready. "What the fu?—"
A horn blared, cutting off my exclamation. I tensed as figures emerged from the vehicle. Then I blinked.
"Rey?" I sputtered, disbelief coloring my tone. "Cathy?"
They weren't alone. Jeanette pulled up behind them, her delicate features set in a determined expression. No one else arrived.
After a stunned moment, I turned my attention back to Rey, stalking forward, jabbing a finger in his direction. "How in the hell did you know we were here?"
Rey spread his hands, a maddening grin tugging at his lips. He looked entirely too pleased with himself, like a fox with chicken feathers sticking out of his mouth.
I ground my teeth, tamping down the urge to wipe that smirk off his face. Of all the people to show up unannounced, it had to be Rey. My alleged boss, who apparently had no concept of privacy or boundaries.
He’d better have a damn good explanation for this, or I was gonna?—
"Rissa," Luce said quietly.
I took a deep breath. As much as I wanted to tear into Rey for his little stunt, we had bigger problems to deal with.
Like the fact that my hideaway was apparently not as secret as I'd thought. And the looming threat of the Council, who could be closing in on us even now.
I met Luce's gaze, seeing my own concern mirrored in his eyes. We needed answers, and fast.
Rey laughed. "Did you forget that I have excellent hearing? I could hear you telling Luce where to meet you. When you mentioned the hideaway, I decided to meet you here too. I've known you had this place for ages now."
Uh huh. Damn nosy Rey.
I glared at him, my claws retracting as my hands clenched into fists. Of course he'd heard. Damn shifter senses. I should have known better than to underestimate Rey's abilities, but I'd been so focused on getting Luce to safety that I hadn't even considered the possibility of Rey eavesdropping and then deciding to interfere.
"Sometimes I really don't like you," I growled, my voice low and dangerous.
Rey snorted. "Back at you," he said, his tone wry. "But I’m here to help you plan. What are we planning?"
I gritted my teeth, biting back the sharp retort that sprang to my lips. As much as I wanted to throttle Rey for his flippant attitude, he was right. And he surprised people all the time, as he’d just proven.
Luce sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. "I've already got an idea," he said, his deep voice tinged with weariness. "But come in, trickster king. We'll do this together."
14
RISSA
The weathered woodenplanks of the dock creaked beneath my boots as I trailed after Luce. Briny sea air filled my lungs, tinged with motor oil and fish. Sunlight glinted off rows of gleaming white yachts, their masts swaying gently in the breeze. Luce strode ahead with his usual easy confidence, heading straight for the largest boat in the marina.
"Are you sure this is a good idea?" I muttered under my breath.
Behind us, Rey chattered excitedly. "I can't wait to set sail! It'll be just like Pirates of the Caribbean. Do you think we'll find buried treasure? Battle sea monsters? Discover uncharted islands?"
Cathy laughed. "Slow down there, Captain Jack. This trip is more business than pleasure."
I clenched my jaw. The prospect of being cooped up on a boat for weeks with Luce was one thing. But adding Rey's hyperactive antics into the mix? I suppressed a groan. At least Jeanette seemed content to hang back in sullen silence. Small mercies.
I hated being out on the water so, so much.
