He left the males to discuss next steps beneath what was being dubbed the Lair. Once he was upstairs, he stepped out into the crisp night air, vanished his form, and materialized on the front steps of Angel Central, as he’d heard the human male refer to it.
Speaking of the human … Kaj wasn’t sure what to think of Oliver Calazans yet. He’d noticed the male’s interest in Bijou, but he hadn’t the heart to tell him Bijou’s heart resided with another. For one, Kaj hoped she’d move past that ill-fated crush. Reve, the male she’d given her heart to, was nothing more than an opportunistic little shit who wasn’t even remotely good enough for his little girl. Then again, considering he was new to this father gig, Kaj wasn’t sure he had a right to suggest such a thing.
When he stepped into the main foyer, Kaj expanded his senses, noting where the others were. It was oddly quiet, a few conversations taking place, but the majority of the energy seemed to be in the main room below. He figured he would locate Obsidian to thank the male for being so considerate in offering accommodations, but he didn’t make it that far.
His boots were tracking over the rug when there was a distinct hum in his blood. He pulled up short, peering up at the ceiling as though he could see through it. His senses scattered once more when he managed to home in on the source.
Acadia.
Pivoting, Kaj strolled to the stairway, taking them two at a time to the top. He made a hard left, a quick right, then three doors down. He paused with his hand raised to knock. Rather than announce his presence to every soul in the place, Kaj dropped his hand.
Let me in, Acadia.
The door swung open, surprising him. Honestly, Kaj had expected Acadia to turn her nose up at him. After their last conversation in the stairwell, when he’d all but claimed her as his, Kaj was waiting for her to put him in his place.
“Where were you?” Her eyes were wide, concern pulling on the corners, adding a wrinkle to her smooth brow.
Kaj stepped into the room, eased the door shut behind him. “I’ve been taking care of some business.”
“I was...” Acadia inhaled, exhaled.
Kaj waited for her to finish, but right before his eyes, her expression smoothed out, giving away nothing. Just like her to tug that mask in place, pretend she didn’t care about him.
Not that he blamed her. When he’d walked away, Kaj had known he’d hurt her. It hadn’t been his intention, but when she refused to go with him, he’d had no choice. And that was one of the main reasons he’d decided to settle down nearby. Perhaps if she could remain close to the angels, Acadia wouldn’t keep pushing him away.
Daring to move closer, he took each step with caution. One foot then the other.
Acadia remained where she stood, her eyes locked on his face. He could see the wariness in her eyes. She wanted him but she didn’t want to want him. He knew the feeling. It was what had plagued him for the eighteen months he’d been away from her. His heart had remained here while his duty was with the vampires. As it was, his absence had led to the demise of his father. Kaj couldn’t help thinking if he hadn’t been injured, hadn’t taken shelter here, that his father would still be alive.
Since he couldn’t change the past, Kaj knew he had no choice but to make plans for the future. Taking care of his clans was paramount. Shoring up their armies and preparing them for battle against the shadow beasts was critical to their existence.
But his heart was here with her and it always would be.
“I’ve moved into the vacated residence nearby,” he told her, watching her face to gauge her reaction.
“And this concerns me how?”
Kaj smiled, stepping in close now that he realized she was not going to run from him.
“Because it’s where I would like you to reside,” he said softly, lifting his hand and brushing the tips of his fingers over her smooth cheek.
For a moment, Acadia closed her eyes. Kaj could hear the rapid thump of her heart, knew she was affected by his nearness.
“I cannot abandon the warriors.”
“No one’s asking you to,” he assured her. “When you’re ready, you’ll come to me, Acadia.”
Her eyes opened, meeting his. “I’ve been thinking about that.”
“And?”
“And I’m not convinced this is a good mating. You and me.”
Kaj smirked. “Balisra, that is not up to you to decide. The Fates have already sealed it. My heart, my very soul shall always belong to you.”
She shook her head as though that would void his statement.
He leaned in, pressing his forehead to hers, then reverted to his native language to express his feelings. “’Tis true, my sweet love. My heart, body, and soul are forevermore yours. There is nothing either of us shall do to change that.”
