by Jami Gray
“Sabella, you can’t be taking his claim seriously,” Stephen said incredulously.
“Why wouldn’t I?”
He raised his hands and shook his head, dumbfounded. “Because we all know our history. The council wiped out the Cabal the last time they dared to stand against us.”
“Leander’s theory holds weight. Collectives like the Cabal have deep roots,” Sabella said. “Roots that can go dormant only to come alive again when least expected.” When Stephen looked like he was about to interrupt, she stopped him with a raised hand. “Maybe it’s not the Cabal, but if the only ones aware of this possible serum and the results of the Delphi project are at this table, it limits our possibilities, does it not?” When no one argued with her, Sabella’s tight smile remained far from amused. “Whether they call themselves the Cabal or not, I would not be surprised at the existence of a group intent on using the Delphi project to benefit their needs. Such a threat has always been a grievous concern when we’ve considered such projects. It is also one of the leading reasons why both Origin and LanTech were strongly advised by the council not to push forward with this research. Advice both of you chose to ignore, and now here we are.”
“With all due respect, Sabella,” Leander said, “as much as the council’s caution may be warranted, they are slow to change, and that is not exactly conducive to survival in today’s world.”
“It is also a well-worn argument that will find no resolution here,” Emilio cut in as he drummed his fingers on the table and studied the people around him, an expression of a grim acceptance on his face. He looked at Sabella. “Leander is right—we need to determine if we are being targeted and, if so, by whom. As for Stephen’s stolen serum, it must be found.”
“As the serum is based on Dr. Kaspar’s research, it belongs to your Family, Emilio. So once it’s found, then what?” Sabella asked.
His lips curved in a merciless smile, and his gaze swept over the other men before returning to her. “We can discuss options with the council.” When Stephen looked ready to argue, Emilio added, “Until then, we must find the serum and identify who has it and who is killing the researchers. Once the killer is known, we eradicate the threat.”
Sabella turned to the others. “Is this a viable solution to the problem?” She got a round of nods. “Good. Seeing how all invested parties are currently in this room, I suggest we create an investigative team of your Arbiters and my representative to find our quarry.”
Gazes turned my way, filled with speculation. The unexpected attention hit like an invisible punch, and heat rushed to my cheeks. While the Arbiters in question didn’t blink under the scrutiny, I felt nervous in a way that left my palms damp. I did my best to hide my apprehension at being lumped in with the others and managed to keep my face impassive. My grip on my cup was so tight I was surprised it didn’t shatter.
“Your representative?” Stephen studied me with a disbelieving eye.
“Yes, mine.” Sabella’s voice was hard. “Rory Costas. She will ensure that everyone plays nice and that there are no further miscommunications or poor judgment calls.” That not-so-subtle dig left a tic in Stephen’s clenched jaw. “She will also bring the serum to me, where it will stay until the council reaches a decision.”
I will? I was glad someone had faith in my ability to keep Zev and company in line while holding a world-altering potion safe, because I didn’t think it would be easy.
When no objections were voiced, Sabella continued. “Rory, Zev, Imogen, and Bryan”—she indicated the blond next to Imogen—“you understand your assignment?”
“You would like us to work together and track down whoever killed the LanTech and Origin researchers,” Imogen said.
“And track down our missing employee, Neil Pasternak. ” Bryan looked at me then back at Sabella. “We’re also to retrieve the serum if it exists.”
“It exists,” snapped Stephen.
Bryan merely tilted his head in acknowledgment.
Then it was Zev’s turn. “Once the killer is ID’d, do you want them taken into custody or dealt with?”
Leander, Stephen, and Emilio shared a look. Then Emilio said, “Use your discretion.”
Zev nodded, Imogen looked excited, and Bryan appeared bored. Meanwhile, I was edging toward panic with a healthy dose of resentment. The last thing I wanted was to get involved in something that would carry long-term consequences. Unfortunately, the contract I’d signed with Sabella meant as her employee, I went where she directed, even if that meant babysitting a trio of intimidating kick-ass Family enforcers.
I am so fucked.
“As important as it is to identify who is behind this, it’s equally important to recapture the serum and any leaked data related to the Delphi project.” Sabella tidied the pages and closed the folder. Her gaze held mine for a second before she continued issuing her directives. “During this investigation, all data and the serum—should it be found—will be turned over to Rory, who will then bring it me. If any of you fail to do so, you will answer to the council.” Her gaze shifted to the silently waiting Arbiters. “Understood?”
The warning in her one-word question came through loud and clear. The trio of Arbiters voiced their agreement. I sat there wondering just how big a bus Sabella had just thrown me under.
Orders given, she continued. “This matter needs to be resolved quickly and quietly. How long do you need?”
Since this was well out of my bailiwick and silence seemed to be my best option, I kept my mouth shut. Zev turned to Imogen and Bryan. After a quiet back-and-forth, he told Sabella, “A week, maybe two, depending on what we find out.”
“Good.” Her smile was reminiscent of the Cheshire Cat when she turned back to those at the table. “Shall we plan to reconvene in a week’s time to see where we stand, ladies and gentlemen?”
And that fast, the meeting was over, and I was once again working with Zev and, by unwanted extension, the Arcane Families.
This sucks.
Chapter Three
As the group at the table rose and began to disperse, Zev stood, turned to me, and extended his hand, a small smile playing around his lips. “This is nice.”
“Is it?” Not wanting to be rude, I took his hand, got to my feet, and let him lead me a few feet away to the side of the room.
His fingers tightened on mine—not enough to hurt, just enough to keep me in place. “Yep, because now you have no choice but to talk to me.”
“It wasn’t like I was avoiding you.” More like you were dodging me. I didn’t miss the sideways looks the other two Arbiters gave us as they headed our way. I gave an experimental tug against his hold, but he didn’t let me go. “You know how to reach me.”
“I do, but I—”
“Zev.” Imogen curled a hand on Zev’s free arm with familiarity. It was a clear demand for his attention, and in case I missed that little possessive marking, she also invaded his personal space and all but shoved me out of the way.
Not keen on being dragged into the middle of whatever these two had going on, I once again tugged on my hand, but Zev refused to let me go. Instead of making a scene, I resigned myself to playing the awkward observer.
“I’m looking forward to working with you again.” She ignored me and leaned into Zev, boldly brushing her lips against his cheek.
He pulled back from her uninvited touch, his grip tightening on my hand. He shifted closer to me, the unexpected move adding a modicum of space between him and Imogen. Zev’s smile carried a cool edge, and even I couldn’t miss the warning flash of anger in his dark eyes. “Not sure I can claim the same.”
Imogen’s unusually light eyes flickered to me, reflecting a hard and calculating glint. When she turned back to Zev, her sultry demeanor carried a mean bite. “You never did like to lose.”
Zev’s cool expression dropped into the subarctic zone. “I never considered it a loss—more of a lucky escape.”
Yikes. I did my best to hide my wince at his cutting remark even a
s my sympathy fluttered to life.
That sympathy didn’t last long. Imogen’s eyes zoned in to where his hand held mine then rose to pin me in place. “You aren’t an Arbiter.” Since it wasn’t a question, I didn’t answer, and true to mean-girl form, she kept poking. “Why would Ms. Rossi believe your presence is required?”
“Feel free to ask her yourself.” This time, when I tugged on my hand, I got it back.
The last of the little quartet strolled up and deliberately stood between Zev and Imogen, leaving me facing all three at once. I should probably get used to this.
Bryan ignored the unfriendly vibes zinging around and cheerfully said, “Hey, I don’t mean to be rude, but I’ve got something I need to take care of. Any chance we can meet later so we can get this show on the road? Maybe even multitask and make it a business dinner? I know this great mom-and-pop taco shop where we could talk.”
“Later works for me,” Zev said.
“I’ll need until six to clear my schedule,” Imogen said.
When Bryan looked at me, I said, “That works.”
“Great.” Bryan’s smile gained a bit of charm. “You have a number so I can text you the address and time?”
“Just send it to me,” Zev cut in. “I’ll get it to her.”
In an effort not to snap out something highly inappropriate, not to mention unprofessional, I bit my tongue and barely hung on to my polite expression. I also didn’t miss the flash of temper in Imogen’s eyes before she quickly doused it with cool disdain.
As for Bryan, he simply raised a brow while amusement danced in his eyes. “Consider it done. Until tonight, then.” With that, he headed to where Leander waited for him.
Deciding it was in my best interest to follow Bryan’s example, I aimed a patently false smile at both Zev and Imogen. “If you’ll excuse me…”
I didn’t wait for their responses but headed straight for where Sabella was talking with Emilio. Whatever was between Zev and Imogen, they were welcome to it. I had enough to worry about without adding their drama to my plate. Nor did I appreciate whatever game Zev was playing. Not that I minded being the salt in a wound, but a heads-up would have been nice.
I felt Zev’s gaze on my back as moved closer to Sabella. Not wanting to interrupt her, I stopped a few feet away. A movement at the door caught my notice, and I looked over in time to see Bryan’s exaggerated eyebrow raise as he tilted his head in Zev and Imogen’s direction. Amused, I rolled my eyes in response. He flashed a grin then disappeared through the doors. His attitude made me think I had one less drama llama to deal with.
Impatience gnawed at me. I wanted Sabella to finish up because I had some questions for her. They mainly revolved around the Delphi project, but an even bigger concern was what exactly she thought she could achieve by assigning me the role of Switzerland. Unfortunately, the answers would have to wait until we were alone and could talk without the worry of being overheard. Reluctantly, I set my curiosity aside.
With nothing else to occupy my attention, I gave in to temptation and snuck a look at Zev and Imogen. He stood in front of her, his arms folded, his jaw tight, and a frown darkening his face. Imogen either didn’t care about or didn’t recognize the signs of his impending temper. She held her position in front of him, standing so that there were only a few inches between them. When she started to jab her finger into his chest, his hand shot out, catching her wrist and forcing her to still. With her back to me, I couldn’t see her face, but her spine went ramrod straight. She jerked on her arm. Zev let her go and stepped around her.
Not wanting to get caught watching, I quickly looked at the floor, trying my best not to acknowledge the spark of jealousy that ignited a dull ache. A single kiss twenty-three days ago did not justify harboring a green-eyed monster. Nor was such an emotion smart when, for the next two weeks, I was tasked to work with all three of them and my assigned role was to be neutral. Yeah, that’s going to be a serious challenge.
I could feel Zev closing in like an approaching storm, and I tuned in to Sabella’s conversation, hoping she was close to being done. Relief hit me when she turned to me and asked, “Rory, are you ready?”
Eager to make our exit, I answered, “Whenever you are, Ms. Rossi.”
She patted my arm but smiled at the somber man next to her. “Well, then. Emilio, I won’t say it was lovely, but it was entertaining.” She reached out and squeezed his hand. Then she turned to Zev, who had stopped at Emilio’s side, and studied his expression before wrinkling her nose. “Zev, I’m sorry.”
He raised a brow. “For?”
Sabella didn’t look over, but she did tilt her head just the slightest bit in Imogen’s direction. “I know it will make things uncomfortable.”
“For her, maybe, as she’s never been able to separate business from personal,” he said, his voice indifferent. “But not for me.”
His comment left an uneasy tremor in its wake, but I shook it off.
“Still”—Sabella patted his arm—“I appreciate you accepting this assignment.”
His dark eyes sparked with humor instead of the expected temper. “Did I have a choice?”
Sabella’s amusement floated through the room on a light laugh. She gave his arm a squeeze and let go. “Not really, but then, I’m sure you knew that before you agreed to come.” She didn’t give him a chance to reply. “Regardless, thank you for indulging in an old woman’s whims.”
“Whims?” His voice carried an indulgent note, turning an accusation into a familiar tease. “More like machinations.”
Her answering chuckle was soft. “Tomayto, tomahto. At least this way, I am assured of answers instead of more questions.”
He inclined his head. “We’ll endeavor not to disappoint.”
She patted his arm one last time. “I’m sure you won’t.”
I wondered if I was the only one who heard the underlying threat beneath the friendly comment.
Chapter Four
I waited until we’d left the hotel in our rearview mirror before I braved a conversation with Sabella. It wasn’t ideal, as my attention would be split between our conversation and the road. Normally, this would be an easy task, but I’d quickly learned that easy wasn’t a word associated with being Sabella’s driver. My first lesson occurred on our initial foray while I was driving her home after dinner with friends. When I realized we’d picked up a tail, I offered the standard choice—flight or fight. The choice was hers as she was, after all, the client. She assumed they were simply pesky paparazzi, so our ride home had included an unanticipated high-speed race through late-night streets. Fun for me, stressful for her.
I enjoyed leaving them in the dust, but afterward, I wondered if Sabella’s assumption had been correct. Yes, our mysterious chasers could have been overzealous camera-carrying gossipmongers, but considering the feathers I was ruffling at the time, I had my doubts. Especially as they’d been a bit too sneaky about their approach and stubbornly persistent in sticking to our bumper.
In the end, the answer didn’t matter because that initial assignment with Sabella netted me a long-term contract as her preferred Transporter when she was in town. Well, Transporter, sometimes bodyguard, and pretty much full-time girl Friday. Three weeks earlier, after carefully reviewing the contract with an Arcane Guild lawyer, I’d agreed to take Sabella on as my client. If it had been anyone else, I would never have signed on the dotted line, but Sabella could make or break the professional future of a relative unknown like me. Although I had a few contacts from my days with the Arcane Guild, they could never build my reputation as fast or as solidly as Sabella could.
Our contract allowed me to accept other jobs when she wasn’t keeping me busy, not that the issue had come up yet. Immediately after the papers were finalized, she was called back to Italy unexpectedly and had only returned to the Valley a mere week before. So taking on this proxy role as my first officially assigned task was akin to letting myself be thrown into the deep end without a life preserver. No doubt,
it was going to hurt.
Once we were safely on our way, Sabella proved that despite our limited interactions to date, she had me pegged. “Now that we’re away from inquisitive ears, dear, ask your questions.”
I hovered between curiosity and frustration, all my questions tangled in my mind. In an effort to unravel the mess, I started with the most basic. “Why?”
Fortunately, Sabella understood the ambiguous context of my question. “Because I need an impartial set of eyes and ears.”
Okay, I can see that. Unlike everyone else in that room, I had nothing at stake in this mess. But still… “You want me to run herd on a trio of Arbiters?”
“Yes.” Her confirmation emerged in a perfectly calm voice.
I, on the other hand, was far from calm. “They’re Arbiters, Sabella.” Stressing the title in an effort to impress upon her just how daunting the task was, I did my best to rein in my panic. Contemplating dealing with the magical heavyweights of powerful Families was bad enough, but I also had a secret to protect. “I’m a Transporter. Unless I’m in a vehicle and they’re not, when they turn on me, my chances of survival are nil.”
“Don’t be silly,” she said, waving off my concerns. “They won’t kill you.”
