“If you’d like. I assume that’s why you’re here.”
“Of course,” she blurted. “It’s just … I thought you’d want to interview me.”
He chuckled. “In case it’s not obvious, that’s not really my forte. In fact, I’ll look to you to handle that going forward.”
A strange giddy feeling stirred in her belly. Leilana hadn’t known what to expect from today, but this certainly hadn’t been it. Oh, she knew she was qualified and all, but she figured she would have to jump through hoops to get this job.
“You should know this is new to all of us. Blaz, he’s one of the Zenith. As are Huracan, Kidel, and Mirakel. With you in the mix, that’s the extent of my support at the moment. Hell, we don’t even havevestrahnyet. But I’m hoping you’ll be able to rectify that in the near future.”
Leilana felt as though she should have a notepad.
As though he read her mind, Kaj shook his head. “Trust me, there’s no need to write it down. I’m sure we’ll go over it all again. The question I have for you is, when can you start?”
“As soon as you need me.” She smiled. “And no, I’m not abandoning my current job. In the past couple of months, we’ve brought on a few additional teachers for our clan’s school. They’re aware of what my intentions are, and we’ve got a replacement. Considering the opportunity, my clan wasn’t willing to let it pass me by.”
He seemed confused by her statement.
“The Torvolyans have always been a big supporter of Kardobahn. We were devastated to hear of his death. When we learned that you had survived the attack and would be the reigning Alpha, my clan was quite pleased. There’s a lot of respect for you,phaal. The only request my clan has is that they have the opportunity to get to know you better. Similar to the way your father interacted with the race.”
He nodded, as though that made sense.
“I’m more than willing to help you build thekirlesgunso that you have the support you need. It’s an enormous task, but I’m up for it.”
“It’ll require you to use that backbone you’re hiding in there,” he said, a smile on his face.
“Yes, I know. And I assure you, I will. I’m not easily intimidated, which is saying something considering how overwhelmed I am in your presence. But I figure with time, I’ll get used to it.”
Kaj nodded. “I hope so. There’s a lot to do. Due to … recent events, we don’t have any more time to waste.”
Though she wasn’t sure what events he was referring to, Leilana understood.
“When would you like me to start?” she asked, feeling far more confident than she had when she walked into the room.
“Considering there are probably three thousand emails that need tending to, I’d say as soon as possible.”
“I’m ready when you are,” she offered, smiling in return.
The door to the room opened and Acadia appeared once more. Behind her … wow.
“He would not allow me to carry the drinks,” she told Kaj, smiling.
Leilana swallowed hard when the male stepped into the space. He was the most amazing male she’d ever seen, but it was his gunmetal-gray eyes that captivated her.
“Huracan, I’d like to introduce you to Leilana Torvolyan. Leilana, meet Huracan. He’s one of the few I trust with my life. Thank you,balisra,” he said when Acadia passed him a crystal glass, then turned his attention to Huracan. “Leilana is my new assistant going forward. The full extent of her role is up in the air; however, she’ll have plenty to do.”
The male peered over at her and nodded kindly.
Kaj took a sip of his drink, set it on the table, then sat back in his chair. “Blaz mentioned you requested visits with your family. I have no issues with you leaving the premises. However, you will only do so with Huracan accompanying you. He will be your personal protection anytime you step free of the residence. No exceptions. As you can imagine, I have many enemies. I won’t take your safety lightly. The two of you can work out how you want to handle your family visits or other trips away.”
Personal protection.
Great.
Leilana wasn’t even sure she couldlookat the male, much less be alone with him.
Perhaps visits home weren’t as important as she’d originally thought.
Chapter Forty
