“Leave you? I could never.” She hugged him tightly.
Allatus headed for the coffee table. He picked up a pitcher of pale lemony-colored liquid and poured a glass.
“My dear,” Allatus said, taking a sip of his drink, and Eve glanced at the mage. “Nothing in life is black or white. It was their destiny to die in that accident, and yours. But fate decreed otherwise for you. Instead, the sliver embedded in you, saved your life. You were never meant to be alone. Just to wait for the right person. I sent Reynner to this place because his destiny ties in with yours.”
He drank more of his juice. “This nectar’s really good.” He set the glass aside. “Reynner had to find you. He would not have done so of his own accord had he known the true reason. Lucan informs me it’s like getting the white cliffs of Empyrea to move when it comes to this male.”
“You were playing with my life—Eve’s?” Reynner growled, his arms tensing around her.
Allatus merely said, “Love soothes hurts, but hatred and violence deepens them. Had you gone on in that manner, you would have ended up in the last place you wanted. Be thankful you took that step and healed old wounds.”
Eve glanced at Reynner, worried at how he’d react to the high mage’s words. Her heart settled when she saw him scowl. He wasn’t angry.
“There’s something else,” Lucan said. “The Darkreans let Eve go because they believe she isn’t the foretold one—just an Empyrean’s mate.”
Reynner went motionless behind her. “They knew?”
“Their leader tasted her blood, but we have more pressing problems in light of what I’ve just heard about the Stone shattering. It seems they have found another of the females who possess the Stone’s magic.”
“We have to go get her. Where is she?” North asked.
“It’s not that simple,” Lucan said. “It was a cell phone call Sebris took. I stayed behind after we rescued Eve and tried to track them, but they shut down the house and disappeared. However, I saw one of them in the city.”
“And the woman?” Aerén asked.
“No idea.” Lucan features became cast in ice once more. “We must find her first. They cannot have her.”
Allatus nodded at Lucan. “Now that the quest is back in your hands, it’s time I returned to Empyrea. But first, I will avail myself of Izzeri’s mouthwatering feast.” He headed for the door.
Eve pulled away from Reynner. She had to speak with Allatus before he left. But Reynner grabbed her hand and frowned. “Where are you going?”
“I won't be long.” She offered him a quick smile, patted his chest, and hurried after the departing mage. “Allatus?”
The high mage turned, his cloak sweeping around him in a gentle swish. “Yes, my dear?”
Eve opened her mouth to speak and asked him something totally different from what she’d intended. “If I’d chosen to go back, would you’ve really been able to send me?”
Those unending black eyes studied her. “You were tempted?”
She thought it over and shook her head. “No. I loved my parents and always will, but Reynner is my heart. I just wanted to say thank you for sending him to me.”
Lines crinkled the corner of his eyes. He dipped his head in acknowledgment. “It’s my great pleasure.”
Arms stole around her waist and a muscled wall pressed up against her back. He smelled so good, all warm male and cool green forest. She wasn't surprised he’d followed her.
“I'm glad to hear that,” Reynner murmured in her ear.
A smile tugged her mouth and filled her heart. His silky hair brushed her cheek as he kissed her nape. A blaze of heat spiraled low in her belly. Her breath hitched when she felt his semi-erect sex pressing into her. Unable to resist, discreetly, she moved her bottom against his groin.
He stilled. His grip tightened on her waist.You play a dangerous game,me'morae.
Eve bit her lip, smiled innocently at his telepathic words.
“Now that this is settled,” Allatus said, distracting her. “I have another headache brewing, and one far more stubborn than you,” he informed Reynner.
Reynner snorted.
“I know you’ll keep him in line,” Allatus told her and disappeared into the kitchen.
