by K. N. Banet
Raphael didn’t move from his spot as I stood up and stretched. When I turned back to him, he was lying on his stomach where I had been, a sheet barely covering his ass. He was lounging and looked fucking damn good.
Irresistible.
I leaned down and gently kissed his shoulder, my fangs screaming in pain as I resisted biting him. It made me pull away faster than I wanted, knowing I couldn’t be careless. One mistake, one slip in my control and he would be mine for eternity.
A fate worse than death.
Going through my dresser, I found clothes to wear for the day. I had a large closet full of anything I could ever need, but the convenient dresser kept my more casual house clothes. I heard the bed creak, and the sheets rustle behind me as I put on my bra and underwear.
“You don’t have to do that,” he crooned. “You could walk around naked all day if you wanted.”
“You are the most sexual person I have ever met,” I accused, looking back at him. He’d rolled over and tucked his arms behind his head, watching my every movement. “Now, get out of my bed and put on some clothes. I know you’re hungry. Breakfast is probably calling your name.”
“Get back in bed and breakfast will be calling my name,” he retorted with a toothy grin that looked downright predatory. For a second, it seemed like a mask had fallen away. Whatever lived under Raphael’s human mask was something that wanted to eat me. Combined with the two scars on his face, he was dangerously sexy or sexily dangerous.
Wow.
I put on leggings and a tank and walked out of the bedroom without responding. On the other side of the closed door, I stopped and took a deep breath. Hearing him groan and get up made me start walking again.
I found a book and fell onto the couch, knowing there was little I could do until Cassius reached out. I watched Raphael over the top of the book when he walked out in one of those blasted black shirts that looked too small…and he was wearing grey sweatpants.
Those should be illegal.
The black shirt wasn’t long enough, and the too-sexy grey sweatpants were riding too low on his hips, leaving a strip of richly tanned skin, which only reminded me of the hard muscles he had—always taut, a supernatural thing. Most supernaturals had bodies and liked to be at peak condition. Raphael was no different.
When his head turned to me, I dropped my eyes back to my book, which was unceremoniously pulled from my hands a moment later.
I found myself staring at his warm brown eyes, my heart pounding.
I’ve turned into a teenage girl.
He put a hand over my mouth and chin, holding it closed, then leaned in to kiss my neck. I didn’t fight. We couldn’t kiss like other lovers, a rule I had established. No innocent pecks or hot makeout sessions. This was what Raphael had to do when he wanted to kiss me. In a way, it was a blazing hot interaction all its own.
“I don’t like when you run away,” he murmured, nipping my ear and sending shivers down my spine. He pulled away slowly, his hand the last thing to leave.
“We can’t stay in bed all day and fuck,” I reminded him. “Now, give me my book back.”
“We could. What’s the difference between reading, working out, or staying in bed?” He crossed his arms and waited for an answer. Noticeably, my book wasn’t returned to me.
“If Cassius calls while I’m reading, I can answer,” I fired back, raising my eyebrows. “Unless you have it in your mind to have sex while I’m trying to talk on the phone…with my ex.”
Raphael chuckled, picking up my book from my coffee table, and held it out. I snatched it, bringing it close to my chest as I watched him.
“Good point,” he conceded. “I just like being in bed with you.”
The feeling was mutual.
“Yeah, well…” Looking away, I bit my tongue to stop from this turning into an emotional talk. I needed to get both of us out of the house more or find a way to get out of the house without him. “We have really important things going on.”
He hummed, the sound he made when he heard what I said, but his male brain was only humoring me. I’d hate it if it wasn’t a sexy sound he also made when we were fooling around.
I didn’t understand him. We went from barely speaking to having sex nearly every night. We went from begrudging allies to partners and lovers. He went from wary and watchful to attentive and sensual. I was struggling to keep up with the pace he was setting and didn’t know how to tell him I was falling behind.
He moved around the kitchen, and I fell into the book I was rereading, hoping to glean anything new—Obscure Supernatural Species and Legends by Garnet Griffith, Witch of the Griffith Family and Deidra Aleworth, Witch of Haverhill, circa seventeen twenty-three. It was one of the few books of it’s type, the two witches having traveled the world in pursuit of knowledge about the supernaturals who had slipped through the cracks, and cataloged it for the Tribunal. They hunted down human legends and tried to find the source, but some legends had no source, based purely on the imaginative fear of humans, or so they said.
The world got bigger yet smaller every day.
Whatever Raphael was had to be explained somehow, but I was growing desperate, and things weren’t matching up.
And some options were downright terrifying.
Whatever he could be was so rarely catalogued, people wrote down the wrong information. That was the only explanation I could come to.
Demigod? Possibly, but of who? What god would make something like him? Most demigods know what they are the moment they're born. They also have an innate need to pray and patronize their god or goddess when they don’t. Raphael lost, found, and lost his religion more times than I can count, and it’s the Catholic God, not one to have demigod children, and the ones he possibly had don’t fit either, not that I could research it. The Catholic Church and the Tribunal did not get along. And I’m not stupid enough to ever tell a Catholic or any Christian that Jesus was probably a demigod.
Yeah, that would be a terrible idea.
I slammed the book shut and sighed. Putting it aside on the coffee table, I considered my other reading material and went to find another good choice.
It went on for hours until I was surrounded by books on my couch. Raphael came in and out of the main house as if he was aimlessly wandering around, but I knew better. He was training. He was always training. I had set him up to learn with a talwar, my historic weapon, and he spent hours going over the forms. He was coming in to snack, use the bathroom, or clean up. Many days, I went out there for a little while and gave him tips and help, sparring to see if he was getting the muscle memory, but today, I just wanted the books.
It was nearing seven in the evening when my phone vibrated, and I grabbed it so fast, I sent the book in my lap flying. The physics seemed strange, but I didn’t pay attention.
Cassius: Found nothing. I’m sorry, the entire place was cleared. We need a new plan. Can Sorcha and I come over to talk?
I cursed, resisting the urge to throw the phone in a momentary wave of fury, and told him to come over immediately. Tossing the phone, I let it bounce on the couch as I got up. I knew Raphael would want the time to shower, so I went out to the gym.
“Cassius is coming over!” I called out as I opened the door. I didn’t go further in, though. I needed to clean up my mess in the living room. I didn’t like guests, the very few I had, seeing the disaster I could make when I was absorbed in something.
“I’ll shower,” he called back.
I cleaned fast as Raphael walked past me and headed into the back hallway, wiping down every surface, even if it didn’t need it. While Cassius and Sorcha understood I didn’t live the same lifestyle as them, I still had the urge to make sure they knew I didn’t live in a dump. I didn’t need Sorcha descending on me and remodeling my house because she thought I lived in squalor.
It was still hard reconciling the Sorcha I knew versus the one Paden told me about—a fae arms dealer turned noble. She seemed like any old socialite, and I wasn’t cra
zy enough to look too deep into her past. It was fae business, which was out of my league.
While I cleaned, I considered a new plan. There weren’t many options, and it was finally time to let myself off the leash—for Raphael. He needed me at my best, using all my resources and skills. I had let Cassius hamstring me for two months while we followed the leads his way.
Now, it’s my turn.
An hour later, Raphael was sitting on the couch, his feet propped up on the coffee table, and I was standing near the door. The new magical security system Cassius made for me let me know they were approaching. After everything that had happened since I met Raphael, I finally relented to upgrade just that for the fae noble. Cassius had reminded me he wasn’t just any noble. He was a prince, and if he had to, he would strong-arm me into letting magic become part of my security system.
I opened the door before they knocked, seeing Cassius with Sorcha on his arm, appearing to be a dutiful wife.
“So, we need a new plan,” I said, ushering them in. “I have a couple of ideas.”
“Let’s hear it,” Cassius said with an exaggerated sigh as I closed the door behind them. Cassius didn’t wait for me to take him to the living room, leaving me to lock the front door again and follow behind the fae couple.
They found a place on my loveseat, silently deciding not to fight over space with Raphael on the larger couch. They were picturesque on a seat made for two, completely at ease with the close proximity. Cassius leaned back, his left arm over the back of the loveseat, wrapping around Sorcha. She was leaning into him, her silver hair falling over his blazer, and her moon-grey eyes taking in the room with curiosity. She always looked like that in my house, curious even when nothing had changed.
“I’m taking over. We’re doing this my way—”
“No. Absolutely not—” Cassius tried to intercede, so I talked over him.
“We’re going to put feelers out with Paden. He’s an information broker, and I can pay that bill without getting any of you involved. The only problem is if Paden will accept. After Sinclair, I haven’t wanted to bother him, but this might be too good for him to pass up. He can send a message to ears we can’t that we’re looking for someone, and I can give him the sketch we made of the guy. It’s better than chasing the dead ends left for us. This guy knows how to cover his tracks. He’s good, so I need to do better. I can do better.”
“The way you do things is dangerous,” Cassius said, standing. “And we don’t know what sort of repercussions we could face if we go down those channels.”
“Exactly. If we keep pissing them off, they might slip up,” I said with a smile. “Cassius, we’ve done this your way, and it led us to a shack in the desert, left for us, and nothing more. We looked through the lives of Eliphas and Tarak and found nothing. I’m taking over. You can end the Tribunal’s official investigation and let me do this alone.”
“Kaliya—” Cassius really wanted me to be quiet. I knew when he was worried.
“Cassius,” Sorcha whispered, and her husband fell silent. “She’s right.”
I saw the defeat on his face, a battle fought and lost as his wife laid down the law.
“Cool. Then I’ll head to the Jackalope.”
“I’ll go get ready,” Raphael said, looking around the room, his eyes landing on me. “That was fun to watch.”
“You aren’t worried about this?” Cassius demanded, waving a hand at Raphael, then me.
“Not really,” he said, shrugging nonchalantly. “It’s already dangerous to even be looking into this. We all know that, and I know even better than the rest of you what these people are willing to do. I’m not the expert at these things. Whatever is decided, I follow. If she wants to take this in a different direction, I’m going to back her up because backing her up is better than letting her do it alone.”
Cassius looked at me and in that gaze was knowledge and no small amount of condemnation. He only held it for two seconds, but they were long ones, lasting an eternity in the span of a breath.
I knew what he wanted to say. Raphael was my mate, and I should be doing everything in my power to protect him over everything else. The mysteries could stay mysteries if Raphael was at least safe.
“You stay,” I ordered, looking at Raphael. I needed a break from him, and this was the only chance I figured I would get. “I’ll go on my own, so no one else is in Paden’s sight, in case he hopes to extract a favor or something.”
“No, that’s really stupid,” Raphael countered, turning to me. “You have to take someone. I know he’s a friend but—”
“Finally, someone is speaking with some logic and reason. If you’re going to do this, you have to take someone,” Cassius said, smirking.
“I’ll go,” Sorcha offered, and I watched as a wicked smile bloomed on those perfectly painted lips. “We’ll make it a girl’s night.” She stood, elegant and regal as if she was wearing jewels and a ballgown, not the trim pantsuit she actually had on. As she walked toward me, I swallowed, wondering if this was something I wanted to deal with. Her arm looped through mine as she turned back to the men at my side.
Cassius wasn’t happy, but he said nothing as he stared at us.
“You two have a beer and enjoy some guy time,” she ordered, then looked me over. “Are you going to go out in that?”
“No, I’ll go change,” I said, taking a deep breath as I took my arm back.
I was trading Raphael’s constant presence for an evening with Sorcha. As I went into my closet, I realized I had never spent time alone with her before. Cassius was always a silent presence, watching her and me as if we were going to get him killed, except there was a lot more love in his eyes for Sorcha than for me.
I pulled off my shirt and knew I wasn’t alone.
“Did you really follow me to my bedroom?” I demanded, poking my head out of my closet to see Cassius. “Really?”
“If she gets hurt, I will never forgive you,” he warned softly.
“Obviously,” I snapped, unsurprised. “And if Raphael gets hurt, I’ll kill you. We’ll make it a whole fucking diplomatic incident. I’ll be careful with her and try to keep her out of trouble.” I went back to finding what to wear, hearing him walk closer.
“She doesn’t get into trouble.”
I heard a small creak and knew he was leaning in the door.
“Anymore,” I mumbled, picking out what I wanted and changing quickly. Cassius was a married man, but we were both immortals and had already seen what the other had to offer. I didn’t care if he was there while I was naked.
“Kaliya.”
“You know I’m right,” I hissed, grabbing the boots I wanted and getting in his face. “She’s trouble. It’s under her skin, it’s in her eyes. She will never forget the life she once knew. She’s like me when it comes to that. I wouldn’t doubt if she’s an adrenaline junky. Am I right?”
“Yes.”
“Then don’t put it on me that your wife used to be a fae criminal. I like her, and I’ll do my best to keep her from trouble, but gods, Cassius, don’t ever think I’m the only bad girl in your life. I knew better the moment she walked into The Jackalope.”
I walked around him. The bad girl comment was uncalled for. Cassius had a definite type, and it was undeniable after sleeping with me then marrying a woman like Sorcha.
“I’m not in denial,” he said, trying to convince me and maybe even himself.
“It seems like you are,” I retorted, walking around him to sit on my bed and put my boots on. “If you’re not in denial, what are you?”
“A worried man,” he said softly, running a hand over his face. “Sorcha and I don’t keep secrets. If we did, we’d be doomed from the start. I love her more than anything, Kaliya. I’m just…worried about her going to someone like Paden, especially without me there to throw my rank among the fae around.”
“You’re worried her past might catch up with her.”
“I am. She doesn’t get into trouble anymore, but that
doesn’t stop people from bringing trouble to us. Someone tried to kill us at the same time you were dealing with the prison outbreak. It’s made me cautious.”
“Well…I’ve got her,” I promised. “I would have taken you, but Sorcha spoke up.”
“Why not Raphael?”
The look I gave him was all I could do. I didn’t know if Raphael was close enough to hear us.
“Fine,” he relented. “I’ll stay here until you both get back, then take Sorcha home.”
I finished lacing my boots and nodded.
“See you on the other side,” I said, leading him out of my room.
Grabbing my keys, I waved for Sorcha to follow me without missing a step. I didn’t like public displays of affection, so I didn’t get close to Raphael.
“Stay here. Have a beer. Cook for Cassius.” I waved at him and was glad to see him wave back instead of trying to come closer for a kiss or something like Sorcha and Cassius were already doing.
I went to the garage, opening the garage door before jumping into my car. Sorcha strolled out next and got into my passenger’s seat.
“We’re going to have fun,” she declared as I put the BMW into reverse.
That’s what Cassius is afraid of.
6
Chapter Six
“So, how long have you known Paden?” Sorcha asked as I drove. We’d sat in silence for all of two minutes.
“A long time,” I answered, keeping my eyes on the road.
“Since I’m fae, I know how hard it is for other species to have lasting friendships with us. How did you make it work?” She seemed professionally curious, her entire way of speaking changing from sassy noblewoman to something with a bit more of an edge.
“We don’t count favors anymore, stopped a long time ago. I’m sure if we did, things would have gotten messy ages ago.” I smiled a little. “He knows I don’t have time for fae games, and I keep his business…safe-ish. A Tribunal Executioner who makes money on the side as a bounty hunter is a good thing for him because it keeps the most dangerous criminals out of his hair.”
