Pivoting, she retraced her steps to the central building, the starting point of her explorations and where early this morning, Dom Ramiro had welcomed his old friend Fritiof and retinue.
Talaith didn’t know much about the secretive South American werejaguar race and had no expectations. Her two points of reference were Patty and Vallen, and if all feline shifters shared common traits, she assumed the jaguars would be attractive, strong, and graceful.
Then she was introduced to affable Dom Ramiro and his family. Dressed in the traditional white garb of the tropics, the males wore pristine guayaberas and slacks, the females off-the-shoulder sundresses, the da Cruzes sparkled like flawless diamonds in the morning light.
Kailen nudged her out of the group and closer to the jaguar leader. “Ramiro, it’s my pleasure to introduce you to my lady Talaith, Khnurn’s former disciple and a powerful sorceress in her own right.”
Her heart fluttered. Kailen’s public admission of her status nearly melted her on the spot. This was a formal introduction, and she had no time to indulge in personal nonsense. Recovering quickly, she responded with as much grace as possible to the initial questions and casual comments. From that point on, the exchange continued smoothly.
Now as she strolled back, the Iguaçu crew crisscrossing the grounds waved and saluted with friendly nods. Each member of the prowl displayed an uncanny similarity to their leader. Except for color variances, which helped to tell them apart, each one was as magnificent as the next. Which posed an interesting question—if they were all so equally splendid and powerful, what had Ramiro done to stand out from the crowd?
Toying with answers to that puzzle, she bounded up the short cement steps into the covered porch, went through the massive wooden front doors, and entered the wide-open foyer. Light colors abounded in the hacienda. A floor of tumbled travertine tiles in pale beige and off-white stretched throughout, and a faint sandy tint on smooth plaster walls played off the earthy theme. The highlight in this space was a large bronze-and-crystal chandelier. A single rainforest painting hung on each wall. The feeling overall was one of uncluttered amplitude.
Talaith found Kailen standing at the end of the vestibule, just before a long hallway that directed foot traffic left or right. Kailen, Eachann, and Bromm—she didn’t know when the wolf had arrived—conversed next to a wide arrangement of indoor areca palms.
These moments of private observation were a boon for her. Kailen dressed in his tactical clothing was a sight to behold. Somehow, the quasimilitary garb raised his natural masculinity a few notches. What he wore at the moment, his black floor-length Danann tunic, acted on her libido instantaneously. Technically, it shouldn’t, as he was covered from neck to wrists to feet. The final touch was the ubiquitous silver brooch fastening the high neckline closed. Despite all that covering, she knew the hidden prize under the silky material, the lean, muscular body that made her sex thrum and set her desires alight.
The only detail she missed in the present was the warrior braid he’d worn in a distant past. In her fantasies, she’d visualized him in battle, his silver-and-aqua-streaked hair coming undone, wild and loose as he struck down his enemies. If only she could have enjoyed the sensation while she braided his gleaming tresses, just once… All of Kailen was a sensuous attack to her psyche. She even thrilled at the sound of his name. With each moment and experience, she discovered something new and admirable about him. Which was a problem, because it was no longer a fantasy. Her eyes had been opened. She’d experienced and loved him and would always hunger for him. The now-familiar mantra, I’ll never get enough, sounded in her mind.
Moving as stealthily as a cat, she neared the trio. Kailen had his back to her. Eachann and Bromm faced him. The males were so engrossed in their conversation, they didn’t notice her approach. That bothered her. These were dangerous times. Traitors lurked, and a so-called ally could stab one in the back. No matter how secure the jaguars’ home appeared to be, dropping one’s guard was foolish. She was about to step out from behind the potted arecas to teach them a lesson, when Bromm’s question froze her in place.
“You traced the owner of the abandoned school?”
Drawing on a touch of magic, she went into dark-shadow mode, her form veiled within the areca fronds.
“Woody did,” Kailen answered. “He’s good with computer stuff. Sterling Consolidated bought the property two years ago.”
“An donas dubh!” Eachann cursed under his breath. “Bastards have planned this a long time.”
“There’s more,” Kailen said. “Woody also sent me the address of a clinic in Weaverville, a town near Asheville. The clinic’s been closed for decades as it dates back to the fifties. Nevertheless, Sterling Consolidated. pounced on the property the minute another developer showed interest. The town council, happy to get rid of the eyesore, was ready to sell to anyone. Sterling’s exorbitant bid was accepted. Bad choice for the town council, Woody says it sits boarded up and unoccupied.”
“That’s bull,” Bromm muttered. “I bet you every room in that building has been renovated. It’s the perfect hideout for them. The clinic appears closed to the world. Meanwhile, the necromancers are working on their experiments and no one’s the wiser.”
“Hold on.” Kailen held up two fingers in warning.
Eachann and Bromm nodded as a werejaguar walked past and tapped his forehead in salute.
Talaith held her breath. When the shifter continued to the opposite side of the building, she breathed again, then frowned at the discussion. What was Kailen up to?
“According to Talaith,” Kailen murmured, “in the dimension Dubtach and company used as escape, she saw a low skyline with few buildings. Maybe I’m way off, but since he’s colluding with Rhonda Sterling, my guess is they’re either in Asheville or at the Weaverville clinic.”
“I’m with you. Both towns are close to each other.” Bromm added, “By the way, great detective work, learning the human’s identity.”
Kailen gave a short laugh. “Dubtach revealed it himself. He used her last name, and Talaith latched on to the information.”
“Och, smart lassie. What is our next move?”
“I want Oras. The bastard is still in hiding,” Kailen grumbled. “When we were in Germany, Khnurn saw him in a scrying session heading for New York. That’s a ruse. We know he’s not there.”
“Bromm,” Eachann intervened. “You’re friendly with canny, smaller creatures. If you ask for their help, will they give it?”
“Of course.” Bromm nodded. “All creatures, big and small, have a vested interest in defeating the conspiracy. I’ll reach out to my jinn friends. Three came to America when the Iranian revolution broke out. Jinn enjoy making mischief, but in a peaceful setting, not in all-out strife. Two settled in Manhattan. The other is in Los Angeles. They’re quite crafty and can slip in and out of places others can’t. I’ll also contact the wood fairies. Oh, and the red-tailed hawks nesting in New York. Their visual acuity is great. Don’t worry, I’ll send out messages everywhere and alert my pack. Unless he’s hiding in a cave, he’ll be seen.”
“Until the son of a bitch is found, Dubtach will suffice,” Kailen grated. “As soon as Woody gives me confirmation of activity in North Carolina, I’m going after him.”
What’s this? Tucked in her hideout, Talaith felt her stomach plunge. She covered her mouth to stifle a protest. Kailen was planning on facing Dubtach alone? Not if she could help it.
“Nope. I don’t like the sound of that.” Bromm shook his head. His shoulder-length blond hair flicked with the movement. “You need backup, bud. Aren’t you taking Talaith?”
Kailen glared at the wolf. “I go alone. I’m not losing Talaith to Dubtach.”
“Whoa,” Bromm exclaimed. “That’s rather insulting. Talaith’s a warrior-class sorceress. Are you saying she can’t handle this?”
“No. You misunderstand. I trust Talaith’s abilities implicitly.” Kailen scrubbed his face with his hand. “If I take her, she’s going
to be worried about rescuing Khnurn. Fighting Dubtach will be secondary, and that will split her concentration. The mage is too smart. He’ll use it against her. I will not abide Talaith getting hurt.”
“Glaikit, risky idea, lad. Nae. Do not ask me to approve. You do not wish to lose Talaith, but have you thought about her feelings in this matter? And what about the rest of us? We canna afford to lose you.”
“Well… I don’t intend to let him win.”
“Intentions are one thing, reality another,” Eachann retorted. “It is indeed a terrible idea, and one your leader, Soren, should be apprised of.”
“Soren should be apprised of what?” The Titanian’s voice boomed ahead of him in the hallway. With Maya at his side, he strode toward the males. “I missed the beginning of that discussion.” He smiled.
Kailen stiffened and sent an ice-cold glare to the vampire. Undaunted, the supernatural stood his ground and stared right back.
“Where is Talaith?” Maya’s silky voice cut through the palpable tension. “I checked your chambers, Kailen, and she wasn’t there.”
Soren lifted her hand and placed a light kiss on her knuckles. “Pure timing perfection, as always.”
“Charmer.” Maya caressed Soren’s cheek as she sent a knowing glance at the potted arecas. Her phoenix senses were near impossible to trick. Talaith pressed more tightly against the wall.
“I came to round you up, gentlemen,” Soren said. “I understand the invited leaders are on the property, and the rest of us lowly supernaturals have been summoned to the conference room. We can pick up this conversation later. I want to know everything.”
“I’ll go look for Talaith.” Kailen made a move toward the front exit.
Maya circled his arm with hers. “Oh, don’t worry. I’m sure Talaith will find us. The Iguaçu crew know the meeting has been called. They’ll escort her to the hall.”
The explanation was for her benefit. Talaith counted two long breaths after the group left. Dispelling the dark-shadow magic, she returned to her regular form, then took a moment to check her appearance, ensuring her gown was in place and not hanging awkwardly after the switch. Tuning her hearing to the masculine voices and specifically to Kailen’s, she followed to the conference room at a prudent distance. Now that she knew his plans to deal with Dubtach alone, she’d trail him like a bloodhound.
About twenty-five feet down the hallway, an open double door on her left indicated the entrance to Ramiro’s conference hall. The sleek, minimalist décor, so different from the rest of the residence, was a nice surprise. A blank oversized screen hung on the wall directly ahead, and a polished wood rectangular table fashioned with wide ends took up most of the floor. At the moment, thirty chairs had been arranged with enough space in between to avoid crowding the guests. She was certain a few more chairs could be added without a problem. She located Kailen standing within an animated group of supernaturals and swept to his side.
Entwining his fingers with hers, he moved her a distance from the group. “I didn’t see you, a stór. Where have you been?” He was all sweetness and affection.
Responding in kind to his tenderness was a bit difficult as she was still angry. If she gave in to her impulses and kicked him in the shins, she’d give away her eavesdropping. Even worse, he’d shut down and be even more secretive about his intentions.
She went along with him. “I was walking the gardens. This place is magical. I was thinking, why don’t we teleport to the observation deck at the base of the falls? Join the humans gawking at the splendor of nature.”
“Iguaçu has enchanted you.”
“Mmm-hmm. What say you?” She fluttered her eyelashes. “We can make this an unforgettable experience.”
“Gods, flirting and everything. You must really want this.”
“Yes, Kailen. I do.”
She inched a little closer, offering her mouth. Taking the invitation, he cupped her cheek and kissed her softly. Undone by his gentleness, she draped her arms around his neck, melting against him.
“Ahem,” Fritiof murmured behind them.
Smiling, Kailen released her, but his light-blue eyes remained locked on hers. A little embarrassed, she dropped her arms and her gaze.
Fritiof chuckled. “Why don’t you escape? Go for a quick getaway after the initial introductions are done.”
“It’s fine,” Kailen said. “We were discussing a visit to the falls.”
Fritiof’s eyes widened. “Huh. Actually, that’s not a bad idea… Not at all. Now I wish Adalheidis was here.”
“The council is only getting started. You can still invite her,” Talaith said.
His expression grew sad. “Not this trip. I’ll come back with her and spend time with Ramiro and his family.” He touched his forehead. “Okay, kids. I have to take my place next to Soren. Oh, I know it’s going to be boring, but don’t fall asleep. You could be called to address the audience.”
“Really?” She turned to Kailen.
He shrugged, pulling her chair out. “Don’t fret over this. They may or may not want to hear from us. I’ll speak for you if you’re shy.”
She sat at her designated spot, waiting for Kailen to join her. Hands folded over the table, the embodiment of quiet discretion, she studied the supernaturals present. Slowly, conversations ceased as one by one, leaders and companions settled down. Standing behind his chair, arms folded, Ramiro watched and assessed the temperature and attitude in the room.
Seating arrangements were set up in order of hierarchy and seniority. The strategy was fairly obvious. Seated one empty chair over on Ramiro’s right, a white-haired female elf scowled at an indistinct point. She was nice looking despite the angry lines twisting her face. On Ramiro’s left, Gustaf and Eachann had taken the next two spots. Still, two chairs remained empty, one to the right of the werejaguar and the other beyond Gustaf and Eachann. Talaith was about to ask Kailen who was missing when a bright golden light illuminated the room.
“Lord Aten and retinue are here,” Kailen whispered.
This was her first encounter with the Aurician race. Excitement surged at the splendor entering the conference hall. Lord Aten, as elegant and tall as the Titanians, sauntered more than walked in, a gleaming golden aura haloing the prince. The radiance played with highlights on his golden-bronze complexion. He wore a loose-fitting, sand-colored gown, the wide hem swishing as he advanced. The gown was simple, almost modest in its lack of adornments or intricate stitching. His long ebon braid fell down his back to his waist. Two items clashed with all that simplicity: a massive gold chain and a matching Eye of Horus pendant dangling to the middle of his chest.
Meanwhile, as Aten and Ramiro offered each other all the protocols and formalities available, an older male, much shorter than the Aurician lord, but with the most perspicacious expression she’d ever seen, hesitated at the doorway.
“That’s Zuberi,” Kailen murmured.
As if the tiny male had overheard, he turned to Kailen, waved, and sped toward them. Once Lord Aten sat at his place, the Aurician guards gave the hall a second thorough glance. Satisfied with their lord’s safety, the pair vacated the doorway and took an angled position at the juncture of the left and forward wall, where they had a complete and unobstructed view of the room.
Kailen stood and pulled out a chair for his friend.
“Peace be with you, Lord Kailen,” Zuberi murmured.
“And with you, Zuberi.” Kailen bowed, pressing his right palm over his heart.
Zuberi glanced around Kailen, his eyes gleaming. “And may I ask, who is your lovely companion?”
“Please.” Kailen turned. “This is my lady Talaith. Khnurn trained her since she was very young.”
“Ah… Exquisite, simply exquisite. This is indeed a pleasure, Talaith.” Grasping her hand, Zuberi kissed her knuckles.
The flattery made her giddy, and she had no idea what to say or do. So instead of voicing something she might regret, she opted for a smile and a nod. Neither one could get her
in trouble. As Kailen and Zuberi fell into a whispered exchange, she studied the conference hall.
Talaith’s attention returned to the elf representative. The young female kept fidgeting and twisting in her seat, much like a dog searching for the right place to lie down. Nasty vibes began to emanate from the elf as she eyed the occupants in the room. If she was trying to get attention, no one looked her way. Her frown deepened. Finally, she gave a loud huff, planted her elbow on the table, and spoke to Ramiro.
Talaith was too far away to catch the elf’s words, but Ramiro’s reaction was startling. He narrowed his piercing cat eyes with such intensity, Talaith squirmed, and the look wasn’t even directed at her.
“Do not test me, Gisela.” Ramiro’s voice thundered. The room went silent.
“Well, this is an affront, and I—”
“Affront?” He struck his knuckles on the table. “Considering your inexperience and lack of seniority, you should be sitting way at the back, behind the other guests. But as a courtesy to your race, I’ve kept you in your father’s place, even though, by the way, his actions are in question at the moment. Don’t you realize why this meeting was called?”
Gisela lost all color. “I don’t believe a word. My father’s been an ally and a trusted member of this council for ages. In fact, he is one of the original five. These charges against him are preposterous and mean-spirited.”
Breathing hard, Ramiro stiffened. Moments passed before he spoke again. “Mean-spirited, you say? That’s why this meeting was called. We will listen to the witnesses’ reports and consider your father’s activities and any proof that is presented today.” His tone had adopted the patient softness of a parent pacifying an unruly child. “All right?”
The Last Danann (Titanian Chronicles, #2) Page 24
