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It started to drizzle, so I walked faster, and my two little mourning cloaks fluttered from my head and landed on my shoulder, sheltering under my hair. I zipped Magnolia’s coat right up to my chin and pulled my hair forward so they were protected from the wind and rain.

I rounded the corner and rushed down the narrow street, checking numbers on mailboxes, then spotted it. Xavier’s house was a massive brownstone, four levels high, with dark gray trim and a shiny black door. The rain came down harder, and I rushed across the street and up the stairs. Rome might be pissed when I told him that I’d come here, but I’d met this guy before, I’d even had a brief conversation with him.

I was about to knock when the door opened and a female walked out. There was a wide smile on her lined face, a look in her eyes as if the heaviest burden had been lifted from her shoulders.

“Whatever you’re here for, you’ve come to the right place,” she said and walked away.

I watched her go. It was impossible to miss the warmth, the happiness radiating from her. I felt it.

“Can I help you?”

I spun around. Xavier stood there, his lips curled up on one side, his cool lavender eyes moving over my face. “I’m not sure, but I hope so.”

“We’ve met before. Jasmine, yes?”

“Sorry, yes. I’m Rose’s cousin. We met at her and Ronan’s place a few months ago.”

“I remember.” He smiled.

His eyes drew me in, and I momentarily forgot what I was doing. He was handsome, there was no missing it, I’d thought as much when I first met him. His hair was a deep brown and had a wave to it. It was combed back and seemed to sit perfectly around his chiseled face. He was tall and lean but muscled from what I could see. His jacket and trousers strained around his biceps and thighs.

“You said you needed my help?”

I jumped again, my face flaming hot at being caught checking him out. “Oh…right.” I laughed, and it came out a weird kind of giggle. “I heard you’re a specialist when it comes to metaphysical barriers?” Similar to Ronan’s ability, all dhampir seemed to have some kind of metaphysical blocking ability, though not as many were as powerful as Ronan. Xavier’s power was different, from what Councilor Trotman said. Apparently, he could search nooks and crannies on metaphysical planes, but couldn’t create his own.

“I am, among other things. Would you like to come in?” he asked.

“Please, if you have time to talk?”

He opened the door wider and motioned me inside.

I walked in. The floors were hardwood and gleamed. Wainscoting matched the floors and the rest of the walls above were a rich cream. Twin curved staircases rose from the grand foyer on either side of the room, leading up to the second floor. There was a delicate and expensive-looking side table with a marble statue of a female looking into the distance, her body draped in silk, on top. I’d never seen anything like it. “Your home is stunning.”

“Thank you. It’s been in my family for several generations. I’ve lived here my whole life.” He motioned to a door on the right.

“You collect antiques?” I asked as I walked into the beautifully furnished room.

“I do.”

I guess you’d call it a formal living room. Damask silk fabric covered the couch and chairs, there were gorgeous pieces of furniture, vases, statues, and a rug that I assumed cost more than my car. “I don’t know anything about antiques, but everything is just…beautiful.”

“That’s very kind of you. Please, take a seat.”

I sat on the love seat, and Xavier sat across from me in an armchair.

“Thanks for agreeing to talk.”

“Of course.”

“When I asked if you were a metaphysical expert, you said among other things.” I was extremely curious about the male now that I was here.

“Yes,” he said and didn’t elaborate.

“The female who just left, she said you helped her?” I was being nosy, but I wanted to know. The happiness that flowed from her when she left was…intense. “Can I ask how you helped her?”

“I don’t usually discuss my clients with other people, Jasmine. The service I provide is…delicate. But I guess in this instance, I could share a little of what I do. I assume someone told you of my ability to travel through realms? Yes, it sounds exciting, but there isn’t much call for it.” He grinned, and his eyes seemed to swirl as he took me in. “If I were a great explorer, maybe it would be something I’d enjoy, but I prefer to be here.”

“I don’t blame you. Your home is amazing.”