“Lysander! Come in. You’re on your feet.” Frost’s timely appearance saved him. Lysander had a feeling Stone’s hijacker planned to find a way to turn him away.
Lysander passed Stone as if they barely knew each other and walked with Frost back to the clinic section of his home. “Yeah, I thought maybe I should get the once-over to make sure there’s no lingering damage.”Can you hear me?
Thankfully, Frost seemed accustomed to having his mind steamrolled. “Yeah.” He dragged out the word, as if signaling he responded to the spoken statement and the mental inquiry. “We should definitely do that. You were frighteningly close to passing into the next life.”
He felt Stone on their heels, listening to every word. “I’ve never gotten that bad before. I still feel a little queasy.”Don’t react. Stone is currently possessed.
“This is new territory for me, but I appreciate the chance to study this phenomenon. I find fairies fascinating.”What do we do? Should I alert the other guards?
Play this calmly.“I’m always up for being used in the name of science.” Lysander threw as much sexual innuendo as he could behind the claim. He couldn’t let Stone suspect anything.
Frost motioned for Stone to stay put as they reached the door of the clinic. “Doctor, patient privacy and all that. I’ll have to ask you to wait here.”
Stone’s eyes flickered Lysander’s way. “Of course.”
Lysander didn’t breathe too much in relief when the door closed between them. He knew Stone would still hear every word.
“Just let me grab my stethoscope. I need you to take some deep breaths for me.” Frost pretended to listen to his heart and lungs.Tell me. “Just breathe in and out.”
His mind is hijacked by a dark fae, making him extremely dangerous. I don’t think the dark one always has control, though. You can tell by his eyes. They’re not his eyes. I can see inside his mind and see the beast behind the mask. I don’t know why this is happening or what the fae seeks. But I need you to help me fix him.
Frost froze. “Your heart and lungs sound fine.” How can I help?
Lysander paced away. Celina was awake in her bassinet, chewing her hands. She would be stunning one day.Where is Gemini?
“Your pulse seems strong too. I’d like to get some bloodwork.”I told him to take a nap. He was up with Celina all night.
Lysander smiled. His eyes returned to the baby he hovered over. “She’s such a good baby. Quiet.”She might also be in danger. I don’t know, but Gemini should take her away from this place.
Frost’s eyes flashed in a way Lysander had never seen before.I’m the most dangerous being in this house. No one will harm her.Power practically radiated from Frost.
Just the same. I think it’ll take both of us to pull this beast from Stone. Please. I want my mate back.
Sympathy crossed Frost’s features.I’ve asked Gemini to get Leif. Then he’ll come for Celina. We have a plan.
Lysander nodded. “It’s odd to see such a small human, but she’s beautiful.”
“Do they have babies in Faerie? I’ve never thought to ask, but now that I think about it, I can’t recall ever seeing a single fairy child.”
Lysander chuckled. He couldn’t help the lust-filled tinge to the sound. “Faerie isn’t a child-friendly realm. Every day there is a sexual feast. To answer your question, though, no. Fairies are born from magic fully formed and return to pure magic when we die.”
“Huh.” Frost sounded unnervingly calm for the situation they were in. “That’s fascinating as hell. How do you define families, then? Deidra is your cousin, and there’s a royal family.”
Lysander wished he could think clearly. Inside, he was a mess. “There’re different lineages of magic. It’s not all equal. Most enchantments are born from nature, like the air and the trees. I was born of water. Our king—”
A soft knock interrupted them.
Frost didn’t hesitate. “Come in.”
Gemini poked his head inside. “Is it safe?”
Lysander laughed. “Don’t worry. I’m dressed, but my natural form is so much better.” He couldn’t let Stone suspect him of being anything other than himself.
Gemini stepped fully inside the room. He had Stone and Leif on his heels. Leif closed the door behind them. On the sly, he touched the door. Since Leif was a Druid vampire, Lysander assumed he used his magic to secure the room.
Gemini picked up Celina. He kissed Frost. “Grandpa is demanding time with his granddaughter.”
Frost gave him a sharp nod. “We can’t have him missing his grandbaby.”
