* * * *
Savon took the trail to Main Street. She walked into a café that hadn’t been there when she was a kid. Trying to blend in and catch her breath, she ordered a cappuccino.
“Thanks.” She reached into her pocket. “How much?”
“First time in, it’s on the house.” He nodded to a seat.
As shaken up as Savon was, she didn’t argue. She took a seat and pulled her phone out, sending a text to Tremaine. What do you know about Canagan?
His response came a second later. Did you run into her?
Yeah. I need to know what’s going on. Savon ran her fingers through her hair.
Evangeline brought a cup to her. There was a wolf head drawn into the foam. “I hear you finally accepted Nate as your mate?”
Savon’s eyes closed. “Are you here to applaud or bitch about it?”
A slight smile pulled at her lips. “If he’s happy, and you realize what you have, I support your union.”
“Thanks.” Savon sat back. “This your café?”
She nodded. “Any chance you can overlook your first impression of me? I’d prefer to be your friend, Savon.”
“Why? Because I’m dangerous?” Looking out the window, she sighed. “Or you want to know what my parents hid too?”
She shook her head. “I don’t have any clue about what your parents hid. I know to be cautious with you because of your power, but I’m not afraid. I offer no threat.”
“Sorry.” Her phone pinged.
Tremaine’s response read, Where are you?
“What’s the name of the café?” Savon asked.
“Cappa Laurent.”
Savon sent the reply. “A friend will be here shortly. And sorry for being pessimistic. Ran into someone on the trail. Man, Canagan gives off a creepy vibe.”
Evangeline leaned forward, her eyes narrowed. “What did she do?”
“Not much. Wanted to win me over.” She rolled her eyes.
Tremaine, Robert, and Preston walked in and came to the table.
“Safe to talk here?” Robert asked.
Evangeline’s eyes widened as she looked from one mage to the next. “Maybe in the back, if this has anything to do with who Savon ran into.”
“Yeah, it does,” Tremaine answered, shooting Savon a dirty look.
“Follow me.” Evangeline stood and led them into the back, and into an office that was decorated with elegant furniture. This was how she saw Evangeline, thanks to their first meeting.
“Should I leave?” Evangeline asked.
“No, stay. You might be able to give us some insight,” Tremaine answered.
Nodding, Evangeline said, “She stays to herself. I’ve rarely seen her in the last three years. But I’ll share what I know. One question, though, do either Nate or Bran know where you are?”
“Don’t start on me,” Savon warned.
“Shit, Sav, if you hadn’t been attacked yesterday, no one would be worried,” Tremaine explained.
She set her sights on Tremaine. “Stop. Back up. What do you know about Canagan?”
“She was part of HARP many years ago. She was one of the few there by choice, hoping to find the secrets of the Wolfssengen Pendant. Never knew why she wanted it, though.”
Savon smirked. “She claims it will help release her from whatever bond she has with Killian.”
Evangeline’s head tipped. “Bond?”
“She’s a Sylvan Fae as well as werewolf. When he changed her, she forced a bond on him. She can control most werewolves. Only the most dominant can resist.” Tremaine rubbed at his head. “Who’s on her side here?”
Evangeline closed her eyes a moment. “Quite a few of the wolves. Neither Nate, nor Bran, or any of our friends. I’m certainly not. But most of the town seems to be. Everyone who hangs out in Jay’s bar, but if Jay was helping yesterday, I have to wonder if he’s only hanging back, watching.”
“Seems he was hanging back, watching,” Savon stated.
“He came for revenge against Killian. At least that’s how it started,” Preston offered. “He’s been part of several packs, and a lone wolf throughout the years. Because he moves so much, the Silver Council has kept an eye on him, but he tends to be a good pack member when he does join one. And he typically leaves when he disagrees with how things are run.”
Evangeline agreed, “He only attacks when provoked. And Killian certainly provoked him around a hundred years ago. Destroyed his pack, though he wasn’t directly involved. He was the one who gave the order. And Killian was a bastard.”
Tremaine leaned against the desk. “I think someone took him out of this plane, saving his life. That’s my guess. The question is why.”
Evangeline shook her head. “That I don’t know.”
“Unfortunately, we won’t until she’s ready to tell us. But the way she’s jumping through dimensions, I think Ms. Murdock is looking for him, not hiding him.” He turned to Savon. “Tell me exactly what happened when you ran into Canagan.”
Savon told them everything from the weird wolves, to the strange conversation, and knocking her away to leave.
“Why attack her?” Evangeline asked.
“Too many howling wolves. I didn’t know what to expect, so rather than stick around, I made sure she was out cold and walked into town where she was less likely to make any kind of move.”
“Smart, though attacking her wasn’t wise,” Tremaine warned.
“Yeah, well, her wolves shut up the second she hit the tree.”
“You’re lucky.” Preston snorted. “Look, no one wants to see what happens if Nikolai gets his hands on you, or Canagan. I’ve heard stories of what she has done to those who get in her way.”
“What? You want me to hand over this pendant? It’s the same damned thing Nikolai wants, and it sounds like it might be for different reasons, but fuck them both.”
“Wait, do you know where it is?” Tremaine asked.
“Not a damned clue. Never heard of it before he mentioned the pendant a few weeks ago,” Savon snapped.
Tremaine lifted his hands, palms out. “Relax. I had to ask. I can’t imagine you handing it over, but knowing where it is might help us deal with the problem. And right now, you’re Nikolai’s target. I doubt he sees you as a friend or lover.”
She shook her head. “Yeah. Not the first time, though. I can’t be a prisoner.”
“Which means you call me, or someone else if you can’t sit still that long. At least until this is over.”
“Yeah, got it.” She started for the door.
Robert appeared in front of the door. He looked over her shoulder at Tremaine. “Almost wish Liz had insisted on coming. Maybe she could get through to Savon.”
“Why’s that?” Savon asked.
Robert smiled. “You remind me of her. You’re strong, independent, and don’t take warnings well. Please, for all of our sakes, use a little caution until we at least have answers.”
“And when will you have them?”
He ran a hand down his lapel. “Soon, I hope. Though Ms. Murdock runs on her own schedule. So there’s no telling.”
“Yeah, I know that well.” She turned to Evangeline. “Mind giving me a ride? I’d like to talk to another woman.”
Her green eyes sparkled. “Sure.”
Tremaine caught Savon’s shoulder. “Remember, you called me out here. Please, be cautious until we figure it out.”
“I am. And I appreciate it.” She gave him a hug. “I’m going home, and if I need another walk, I’ll text you. Okay?”
“Thank you. Besides, Canagan may open up if she sees me. She once thought of me as a friend. Though, I was playing for the opposite side.”
“That’s a story I want to hear. Though later.”
“You got it.”
Shaking her head, Evangeline led Savon outside and around the corner to her Bugatti Veyron. “You keep interesting friends. I’ve seen the Magister and his
Lieutenant enough to recognize them. They certainly are stirring up controversy with the DSF program.”
The Diversified Special Forces in the Silver Council enforcers was a new branch that included Other types of casters than mages. Something Savon would have enjoyed doing, except her magic was too chaotic and not at all controlled, thanks to her parents.
Tremaine wasn’t anyone she recognized. Though it was clear the other two men trusted him.
They slid into the car and Savon looked over. “Maybe the Council will stop being so exclusive.” She rolled her eyes and stared out the window. “And thank you for bringing Nate to the surface after the accident.”
“Did he mention anything about us?”
Savon turned toward her. “That you shared a similar thing with Nate as I did with Tremaine. I’m not worried about that. Besides, my brother wants you. He’s a good man. And he mentioned your reservations.”
Evangeline glanced back at the road. “I had a mate. And times have changed. I imagine he wouldn’t be what Jasper was.” She winced. “Looking back, I’m glad I lost him when I did. And I couldn’t admit that until Bran reminded me Jay wasn’t the monster my mate was. And your brother feels like an ass for judging Jay for my hatred. Never realized what he felt ran so deep.”
“He hadn’t told you?”
“Wouldn’t listen.” She snorted. “I understand you have the same problem.”
“Yeah.” Savon laid her head back and closed her eyes. “Unfortunately. We can learn, though. Right?”
“Yeah. We can.” She handed Savon a card. “Call me if you need another girl talk. I don’t have a lot of friends out here.”
“Why are you here then?”
Her eyes locked on Savon’s. “Your brother. I’m afraid to let him in, but I can’t walk away.”
“He’s worth a little vulnerability. Trust me.” She slipped out of the car and hurried inside.
Chapter 24
What a gorgeous sight. Savon swayed to the music as her brush illustrated a breathtaking scene filled with colors bursting from a man and woman in the throes of passion.
Her auburn hair was tied up in a messy knot, paint streaked across her arms and in the loose locks of her hair.
The heady scent of her desire hit him. Reds and purples seemed to flow around her as she filled in the scene.
He’d already heard about her run-in with Canagan. They could deal with that later. Hopefully, he could keep a cool head when he went there.
Savon bent, the shirt riding up, revealing her round ass under his shirt, and the scrap of panties she wore. He couldn’t resist.
Nate closed the distance, dropping to his knees as he pushed the fabric aside to lick through her core.
A moan escaped her lips, the brush falling to the floor with the palette as her hands landed on the edge of the easel. He flicked his tongue over her clit.
“Nate,” she moaned as he gripped her hips and feasted on her sweet nectar. “Wait…ah, fuck, wait.”
“Why?” he groaned.
Spinning, she fell to her knees and pushed him back, ripping his shirt open. Buttons flew and she pulled the undershirt off with the button-down.
“Sav, I wasn’t done.” Pulling the shirt over her head, he smiled at the paint on the cloth, her skin, in her hair. “You’re a gorgeous mess, love.”
Mischief danced through her eyes as she trailed her fingers down his chest and abs, leaving trails of color on the way to his fly. “Hope you don’t mind the paint.”
“Not as long as I get to help you clean it up.”
“Don’t want to be my next masterpiece?” she purred, shoving his pants down his thighs to grip his length.
“I’ll be anything you want,” he promised.
She bent, and he caught her face, crashing his lips over hers while she stroked his length.
Once she gasped for air, he whispered against her ear, “Need inside you too damned bad to wait.” He wrapped his arm around her waist and laid her back.
Her eyes latched onto his as she bit her lip. He sank into her tight sheath. Those gorgeous eyes rolled back with a sexy whimper.
Her hands landed on his chest, nails digging in. He found her end and slowly retreated, only to push back to the hilt.
Long shapely legs wound around him as one of her hands glided up and around his neck, pulling him down for a deep kiss.
The sweet spice of magic flavored her rose and lilac scent. There was nothing like it on Earth. Their pace meshed, speeding up. Her grip on his hair tightened as they devoured each other.
Everything he ever wanted, everything he needed, was right there with him. His love for Savon burned down every doubt and fear. Anything she asked, he’d do it, provide it, make it happen. He didn’t fucking care as long as she was happy and his.
Her walls rippled around him, pulling him into release with her. He couldn’t hold it back, no matter how bad he wanted to make it last.
Rolling to the side, he crushed her to his chest. “Didn’t realize how damned broken I was until you let me in,” he panted.
Leaning back, she met his gaze. “Didn’t think anything could ever mend all the cracks. But you filled in every gap.”
He trailed his hand up her stomach to cover her heart. “I know you heard this before, but next time you need air, let someone come with you, anyone. Please. Just until everything settles down.”
One corner of her mouth tipped up. “Promise.”
His brow arched. “Really? That easy?”
Rolling away, she climbed to her feet. “Yeah. Look, I wasn’t thinking. I went out, wanting air, to explore, to take myself out of my head. But I get it, and I don’t want to argue when I don’t plan to do it again.” She walked out of the room.
Nate rolled to his feet to follow. “Oh, don’t you dare walk away. You say you won’t do it again. I believe you. I’m used to more resistance from you.”
Her eyes danced when she glanced over her shoulder. “Yeah, well, you’re fun to tease, and I don’t resist on the serious stuff when I agree. Everyone was right. I should have called someone to join me on my walk. I hate it, but I don’t really want to put myself in that position again.”
“You won’t hear another word from me then.”
She grabbed his wrist and pulled him into the master bath, toward the shower, where she cranked on the hot water.
Nate turned to the mirror and smiled at the streaks of paint. “I like the new look.”
She laughed. “Yeah, well, Bran and Evangeline are coming to dinner, and I should probably go to the store, so I can make something good. Which means no paint everywhere.”
He wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted her off her feet. In the shower, he shut the glass door and placed her under the stream of water. “If you use brushes, why do you have paint all over your hands, your arms, hair, everywhere?”
One shoulder lifted. “Sometimes it’s easier to mix the paint by hand.” She glanced up at the ceiling. “I drove one instructor nuts when I did that. And I don’t do it all the time, but the colors needed something more.”
“I love how you see the world. You bring it to life.” He ran his thumbs over her cheeks. Pink burst through the white and violet surrounding her.
Her eyes hooded. “Hmm?”
“Didn’t realize I’d get a little of your ability through mating.”
Her brow furrowed. “How so?”
“Started seeing colors around people after making love to you.”
She chewed her lip. “Yeah, that might take some getting used to. Let’s hope you don’t get the rest of the crazy.”
“You’ll help me figure it out.” He reached down, grabbing the body wash. “Now, let’s get cleaned up. I’m going to enjoy scrubbing you down.”
* * * *
Bran paced the small basement where Clay was passed out in a silver lined cell. Nate put his bones back together, sewed him up. Then Nate tore him open to get answers,
only to put him together again.
This time, Nate made Bran hold Clay’s intestines in place while he patched Clay up. And considering what the bastard wanted to do to Savon, he had no problem with the torture, just never expected Nate to go there. Ever.
“Bran, what’s going on?” Evangeline asked from behind him.
“Fuck. I need to clean up. You still coming to dinner at Savon’s?”
“Yeah, but why are you so pale?”
A laugh escaped. “Starting to wonder if I know Nate. He ripped Clay open to get answers. Literally.”
Evangeline snorted. “You did beat Clay until half his bones were broken for threatening Savon. Considering what Clay wanted to do to his mate, I understand Nate’s actions.”
“Yeah, I do too. Can’t help wondering if this sends him down the same path as Killian.”
“Not in the least. Killian acted on impulse, inflicting pain because he got off on it. Nate used his knowledge to get answers. He could have done far worse and left him to rot.”
“Might have been better to let him rot,” Bran muttered. There was something off about Clay. Bran could sense it, but there was no obvious proof…yet.
“Maybe. But Nate might need Clay later,” Evangeline offered.
“Yeah.” Bran scrubbed a hand over his face.
“He’s not Killian. Nate wouldn’t have tortured him if he didn’t think it was the only way to get answers.” She nodded to the door. “Let’s get you cleaned up and head to Savon’s for dinner. I’m curious how she pulls it off.”
Bran snorted. “Yeah, me too.”
* * * *
Canagan couldn’t find Clay. He’d disappeared. No one she trusted knew where her lover had disappeared to.
Accalia and Faolin were curled up under her porch. And after getting a taste of Savon’s magic, she couldn’t bring herself to harm her loyal companions. They’d been right to flee.
Things were finally moving in the right direction. She convinced a healer to repair Nikolai. Letting the bastard rot was tempting, but he was her only hope of possessing the Wolfssengen Pendant. She needed it to break the bond to Killian, but it would also pull the wolf from her body, leaving her fully Sylvan Fae again. Then she could go back to the Sylvan Forest and seek revenge against her family, who sacrificed her life for their own.
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