We hit the front of Raine’s room at the same time. But she’s there and pulls the door closed, stepping out into the hallway. “It’s fine. I’m sorry, it’s just my sister. She’s... excitable.”
There’s pounding from the inside of the door. Raine’s holding it shut, but the door vibrates. “Raine, I’m sorry for yelling. Who are you talking to?”
“No one. I’ll be back in a minute.” Raine doesn’t let go of the doorknob.
“You’re all right?” My heart hasn’t slowed.
“I’m right as rain.” She shrugs and smiles at Evander. “I apologize again for my sister.” She places her free hand on my forearm. And it’s like a warm blanket covers me. The fucking ceremony needs to be over with. My eyes flick to her bare arms, and I can’t help but wonder what sort of mark the lighting will leave on her. A band on her arm? A mark over her heart? One around her neck? What color will it be? My own dam—mother—had a blue stripe down her leg. The queen has golden shoulders like the ties of a cape. Evander’s dam, I’m not sure of, but then it isn’t something you ask someone.
“I’m glad,” I say.
“It’s good to see you.” Her eyes hold mine, but she doesn’t let go of the knob behind her.
“You as well.” I know she’s wondering why I have been ignoring her since the other night. Truthfully, it’s the only thing I’ve thought about. Working on the hoard is important to her. And when she has the lightning, we’re all going to be preoccupied for a long while. If I keep her tied to her bed like I want now? Then later she’s going to have a hard time getting what she wants done with the three of us assholes at her all the time. “You’ve had a lot to do with the collection.”
“It’s coming along well.” There is another thump on the other side of the door. Raine calmly turns her head. “Gimme a minute, would ya?” It’s a half shout.
Evander laughs. There’s sweat pouring down his chest. “I like seeing your spunk, Raine.”
“Yes, well, I’ve been trying to be on my best behavior. But family has a way?—”
“Of making you real,” I interject. There’s an ache in my gut when I think about my missing family.
“Yes, really.” Evander grabs my other arm, but he drops it almost immediately.
My family isn’t something I discuss with candidates. It isn’t something I discuss with anyone.
Raine’s attention turns to Evander. Her eyes dilate when she takes in what he’s wearing. Or not wearing, as the case may be.
“Forgive me, Spunky. I was working off some steam in the gym.”
“Oh...” She gives three minuscule nods. “Right. Well, I’m sorry for taking you away from your morning activities. I’m going to give my sister a quick tour, and then we’ll be heading down to the village.”
“Village?” I turn to Evander. Kieren had mentioned something about Raine’s sister coming and them staying at the local inn. But he said he was going to have Leopold talk her out of it.
“Oh, I thought Leopold mentioned that the two of you were going to stay here.”
“He did. But then...” Raine drops the doorknob and crosses her arms over her chest.
The door opens, and Raine falls backward into Wren. Raine’s sister, the one I read the texts from.
“Raine, get off of me.”
“You’re the one who opened the door.” Raine untangles herself from her sister and helps her up. “Are you okay?”
“I am now.” She smooths down the front of her skirt. Wren is a good three inches taller than Raine, but then she’s wearing the ridiculous shoes that some human women like to wear. How they can protect themselves in them is beyond me. Their features are similar, but Raine’s blue eyes have more depth than her sister’s. And the blonde hair on herhead lacks the warmth of Raine’s dark locks. “Are you going to introduce me?”
Raine purses her lips. I have the same feeling when I think about having Raine meet any other males.
“These are my bosses: Roark Lang and Evander Slate. This is my older sister, Wren Fischer.” Raine angles herself in a way that makes it hard for Wren to hold out her hand. But she still does.
I don’t like the word “boss.” Not the way she says it. Not at all. But then what would I want her to say? Lover? Candidate? Neither would make sense to her sister.
“Raine is doing some great work with our collection,” Evander says. He stares at Wren’s hand but waves. “Nice to meet you. Sorry, sweaty hands—I was working out when I heard you yelling.”
“You aren’t going to shake my hand either, are you?” Wren eyes me and drops her hand. Now it’s Wren’s lips that are pursed. It’s clear that neither of the Fischer sisters lacks intelligence. “I work with a lot of shifters. It’s nice to meet you. My sister is the best. I have no doubt her work will be of the highest quality.”
I bring up the accommodation again. “Village, Raine? Didn’t Leopold?—”
