Taking the dagger from her fingers, he dragged the flat side against her leg, drawing it up her thigh until he placed it back into its sheath.
He hated to break the tension between them, the intimacy and trust that was slowly building. But they were there for a reason. “Ready to meet the man who hired you?”
Rae blinked, her earlier arousal disappearing beneath a burst of fierceness that tightened his chest. Reaching for her hand, he walked them both back into the venue, the event having already started while they’d been outside. The guests had grouped together, waiting as the presenter finished setting up on the stage.
He found Riley immediately just past the crowd, Kyra and Xander waiting in one of the corners. But it was the man he spoke to that held Titus’s interest, their eyes meeting over Riley’s shoulder. Councilman Edwards tensed for the briefest second, professional smile slipping before he recovered.
“Edwards,” Titus greeted when he reached their side.
“It’s Councilman Edwards,” he said with a cutting edge before returning to Riley. “I was just asking Mr Storm where his wife was.”
“Mate,” Riley corrected him. “Alice’s working on a big case, so couldn’t attend, unfortunately.”
“Mate,” Edwards repeated with a look of disgust. “I forget. How barbaric of you. Must be from those beasts of yours.”
He felt Rae glance towards him, her hand squeezing his gently in curiosity. He squeezed back, but didn’t remove his attention from Edwards.
“I’ve requested a meeting with you several times,” he said to Riley, deciding to ignore Titus entirely. “But you’ve never responded.”
“I’ve made you aware of the increased activity, that’s all I’m required to do.”
“I’m your Archdruid –”
Riley bared his teeth. “And I’m not one of your dogs to be called to heel. We don’t work for the Order, or for you.”
Anger flashed in Edward’s eyes, disappearing as quickly as it came. “Thanks for reminding me,” he said with cool contempt. “The Guardians seem to have gotten out of hand, you were created by the Order, and yet do not follow your duty.”
“We do exactly what we’ve been designed for,” Titus growled.
“And yet,” Edwards said with a flash of irritation. “I’ve heard of the evil you’ve invited amongst your men.” He looked directly at Titus, eyes widening a fraction before stepping back.
‘He doesn’t know about you,’Riley said through his mind, placing himself between them slightly.
Titus kept himself composed. Edwards had noticed the colour of his irises, surprise darkening his own eyes.‘Which meant he likely didn’t set the hit.’
‘Then who the fuck did?’
‘Someone wanting to use Edwards against us.’
“I expected decorum from someone of your prestige,” Rae said, seeming unable to keep quiet any longer. “Not a pompous prick with superiority syndrome.”
“And who exactly are you?” Edward’s expression hardened.
Rae’s smile was deceptively sweet. “Your worst nightmare.”
Edwards went to respond, but a man appeared by his side, the silver ‘V’ pendant of a Vector glistening on his breast pocket. His head dipped, whispering directly in Edwards ear.
Titus’s beast stilled, claws prickling at his mind.
Riley’s voice was sharp.‘You sense that?’
“It seems I’m needed elsewhere,” Edwards said, his professional smile slipping back into place. “Until next time.”
Heart pumping fast enough to ache, Titus felt his muscles lock, his breathing quickening. The Vector turned his head, and something inside snapped.
There was nothing but crackling, a white noise of incoherent screams that changed in pitch. The face that looked back at him was all wrong, eyes brown rather than crimson, face soft rather than sharp. But it was the same leer that had plagued him for fucking months. The same nightmare repeating, reliving the pain over and over. The man stood, wrinkles creasing his face, and hair peppered with greys. But Titus blinked, his memories merging with reality as he saw someone else, the face angular, auburn hair a straight curtain over his shoulders as he spoke to the Councilman.
Bishop.
