“I think it’s all a trick. I think Mr. Valentine is playing everyone, especially the way he laughed at all of us on our wedding day. I think he actually wants us to end up together. And everything else…is a trick. It’s a ruse.”
Alaric had stopped moving completely, standing frozen inside my hold. “You think God dying was aruse?”
“No,” I stated instantly, gentling my words. “I think Mr. Valentine wants the females to end up with the correct people they are intended for, and he’ll do or say anything to make it happen. It’s thewhythat stumps me.”
Eventually, Alaric started plating our eggs onto his blue porcelain plates. He hummed, “Faith, you may be on to something there. We haven’t been able to track him down because he follows no repeated plan, but this might help us.”
I snorted. “I think his game plan depends on the woman. Find the new mate before he does, and you’ll eventually trap him in his own sadistic games—if I’m right. Like you said, I didn’t experience what each of you did. I’m kind of an outsider looking in at the past.”
Alaric grunted. “Goddamn.”
“What? It’s just an idea. Take it or leave it.”
“No, I’m just excited.” He turned in my hold and wrapped his arms around me. His dark brown eyes lit with confidence. “It’s fucking genius. I need to talk to Theron and Cass about this after breakfast.”
The elation of actual hope leaked out of his very being.
I grinned and shook my head. “I may be wrong. Don’t get too excited. And you still don’t know why he’s doing it, even if I am right.”
“But we may be able to catch this bastard now. Cass has visions. He could help us trap him when one hits.” He bent down and kissed my forehead. “Thank you for your insight, beauty. Don’t ever be afraid to talk to me. I’m only scary on days that end in Y.”
My lips twitched. “I’ll put those damn meditation pillows on my shopping list.”
He groaned, dropping his head on top of mine. “A woman after my own heart. She’s as much a smartass as I am.”
I snickered. “Hey, when you’re done with your call, can we try that hedge maze you’ve got out there?”
“I designed it,” he warned. “It’s difficult. Everyone gets lost in it.”
“Then you’ll just have to rescue me.”
“Will yourideoff with your knight in shining armor afterward?”
“You. Are. Terrible.”
“You’re the one with the voodoo pussy. I can’t help that I’ve fallen under your spell.”
I tipped my head back and roared with laughter. “Okay, okay. That one beat mine. Let’s eat now. I’m fucking starving.”
His grin was sly, his mouth opening.
I slapped a hand over it. “Eat first. Then I’ll let you use your mouth for other purposes.”
Alaric bit my fingers gently, grinning around them. “The maze is sounding better and better.”
