“And Mirakel?”
“He went out to interview for thevestrahnposition. We had five candidates Blaz thought would be good.”
Kaj nodded. “We’ll need them in place sooner rather than later.”
“Of course,phaal.”
Acadia listened to the interaction between the two males. She noticed how Kidel dutifully paid attention to what Kaj wanted, even taking notes as though he might forget.
“At the top of the hour, I’d like you to relieve Huracan at the infirmary.”
“Absolutely.”
“Shoot me an update when you get there. I’d like your take on what’s going on.”
That seemed to please the vampire immensely, to be utilized for his opinions. Funny how such a minor request could change your status from simple employee to valued contributor.
“Let Blaz know we’re in my office,” Kaj concluded, taking her hand and leading her toward the other side of the residence, through the double doors, and into the enormous space they’d allocated for the Alpha’s private workspace.
The fireplace had clearly been tended to lately, the flames licking brightly, warming the room nicely.
“I’m starting to wonder what the point is in having those shutters,” Kaj noted as he moved toward the entire wall of windows at the back of the house.
“It’s a lovely view,” Acadia said, peering out at the grounds. “It’ll be pretty as a picture once spring arrives.”
Kaj smiled. “Thanks to thedhira, I’m unable to see.”
Oh. Acadia hadn’t thought about that. She reached up and placed her fingers on his temples, slid them down, and let them fall back to her sides. “How about now?”
“Definitely beautiful,” he rasped, but he never turned to look out the window.
She felt her cheeks warm with her blush. “I was referring to the view beyond the glass.”
He chuckled, then turned away, his smile brightening. “I can’t tell you how relieved it makes me to see out and not be met with total blackness. I understand Obsidian’s reasoning, but it’s a bit disconcerting for the rest of us.”
“Consider it resolved,” she offered. “I’ll take care of it for the Zenith and anyone else you deem worthy of seeing.”
His eyes shifted back to her face, and the warmth she saw in them melted her. Acadia briefly wondered if that would always be the case. Centuries, even millennia in the future, would he still look at her as though she mattered? She couldn’t imagine the reverse being the case. What she felt for this male … it had been building for so long. It almost didn’t seem real.
A soft knock on the door behind her had Acadia turning. Kaj offered his arm, and she gratefully took it as their guest stepped into the space.
“Phaal, I’d like to introduce Leilana Torvolyan, youngest child to Sir Markiel Torvolyan.”
Acadia was tempted to curtsy to the female but she refrained. For vampires, only those who were considered noble were assigned surnames. All others simply had one. Which meant this young female was from a regal bloodline.
Leilana’s eyes were wide as though in shock, and the moment they landed on Kaj, Acadia feared the female was going to pass out.
“It’s an honor to be allowed in your presence, my Alpha,” she said softly, speaking in the language of vampires.
While Acadia wasn’t exactly fluent, she’d learned enough over the past few months to keep up.
“No need for formalities,” Kaj told the female. “I’d like to introduce you to my mate, Acadia.”
Leilana shifted her full attention and curtsied respectfully.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Acadia said kindly.
“The pleasure’s all mine,” Leilana returned.
