Kivsey rolled her eyes. And you're always pretending the supernatural doesn't exist.
Joan Yates had more elven blood in her veins than her daughter, but was completely content to ignore it, preferring to lead the life of a normal human in a normal world. This meant her daughter's choice of occupation wasn't entirely favorable, and she'd much prefer Kivsey work as a nurse, or some type of legal secretary.
Joan also wanted her daughter to settle down, a fact she proved in adding, “You need to get out of that office and mingle a little. Oh! Sam Middleton is going to be at the party, and I'd really like for you to meet him.”
Groaning, Kivsey sent a text to the agent she was working with before replying, “Not interested.”
“But he's handsome, and a doctor to boot. He'd be perfect for you!”
Realizing there was no sense in listing the numerous reasons why it would never work out, Kivsey didn't respond. Joan wouldn't take it seriously even if she told her mother her elven heritage had bonded her to a mate—and that was precisely what Kivsey believed was happening now.
After returning home, things concerning daily life were relatively normal—at first. The hardest task to tackle was visiting Tyrone's family to tell them precisely what happened to their son in Ithelyon, and his parents were devastated, but grateful she'd come in person.
Kivsey asked them to call if they ever needed anything, and with that dour responsibility out of the way, she'd hoped some of the tension would alleviate. But instead, it worsened with each passing day, leaving her unable to invest in anything, particularly work.
Things had seemed like a hassle before volunteering to go to the mine with Tyrone, but the sense that something was missing from her life had grown tenfold over the past two weeks. Memories of the time she'd spent in Satorala continually resurfaced with a longing to return, and Mikail was always at the center of those thoughts.
Yet it wasn't a simple matter of daydreaming and wondering if she'd ever see him again—several dreams about the Warlord had haunted her sleep as well.
At first, they seemed like nothing more than a natural reaction to being separated from someone she'd come to care about, specifically after their last night together. But as time passed, her dreams grew more frequent, erotic, and intense, indicating a much deeper meaning.
She simply wasn't certain what meaning.
Bonding was a definite possibility, though she hesitated to entertain the notion for numerous reasons. First, did she dare to think she'd actually become immortal? While the prospect was certainly attractive, it seemed like a bad idea to let herself consider the possibility.
Second, finding an actual mate was never a priority, and up until the past two weeks, she'd never considered how having one could change her life. Of course, it could also enrich her life, but that depended largely on her mate's mentality.
Would he be pushy? React to their bond with some possessive attitude, as if she had no reason to be reluctant, and no right to refuse any advances?
Where Mikail was concerned, it was hard to say. He was certainly the dominant type who had no qualms taking what he believed to be his. But Kivsey was torn over the idea. On the one hand, a part of her thrilled at the prospect of being desired by a man like him, but on the other, she needed him to respect her points of view.
So she was at a complete loss over how to proceed.
Still, if bonding was occurring, the only real way to move forward was by getting as close to the Warlord as possible—and she had no idea how to find him to even try.
The thought depressed her to the point that eating had become a chore. Cracker packets were now her meal of choice, and usually, she had to force herself to choke down a single one.
In fact, the only positive aspect of bonding with Mikail was knowing her mortality wouldn't bring his life to an end.
But such things meant little if she never saw him again, and the only thing stopping her from trying to find him was the promise she'd made to Arias.
So instead of offering her mother a long explanation over why she'd never be interested in Sam Middleton, or any other man who didn't have white hair, red eyes, and a sensuous smile, she merely placated her by stating, “Don't worry, Mom, I'll be at the dinner party.”
“Good! I'll see you then, sweety!”
Passing on her love, she hung up and exhaled a loud sigh. Sadly, during the coming weekend, she'd be suffering through another round of upper-class-shenannigans, which basically consisted of smiling at lame jokes and pretending to be interested whenever Joan introduced her to the main attraction. I think she only hosts these dinner parties to try hooking me up.
Knock-knock.
Glancing up at the sound of someone outside her office door, Kivsey wasted no time answering to distract herself from the irritating thoughts.
“Come in.”
At her invitation, the door opened to reveal Stephan, who asked, “It's not a bad time, is it?”
“No, I'm just doing the usual thing, you know, agreeing to attend another dinner party while directing these poor, inept agents all over the world.”
Smirking—a strange expression to see on Stephan's face—the vampire stepped inside and shut the door, then sat in a chair next to her at the work station.
“I hope you didn't think I was so inept when I worked here.”
Grinning, she shook her head. “Nah, I'm just being a smartass. So what brings you by? And where's Maddox?”
“Actually, she's the reason I'm here. Right now, she's at the Atlantan Spire wrapping up some official business, and I came to relay some news from Foxy's.”
Immediately, Kivsey turned in her chair to hear what he had to say. The investigation into the nightclubs Arias named was one of the few things she was remotely invested in these days, and information hadn't been readily available—unsurprisingly.
Of the three clubs, only two were still in business after the one in Havana, Cuba had shut down because of an altercation between a demon and a vampire that sent the patrons running a few weeks ago.
Afterward, the customers refused to return, so the owner was looking into other venues.
The second was in California, and though Stephan knew a few vampires living in the area, the club was a popular haunt of draconians and werewolves. So vampires weren't exactly welcome, and the most they could do was set up an external watch.
But so far, no one had witnessed any short, horned demons visiting.
That left Foxy's, and not long after they'd returned to Terra, Kivsey recalled the fact that Maddox was actually good friends with the club's succubus owner. So setting up surveillance there had been a piece of cake, and though Foxy couldn't confirm Gyles' identity, she'd mentioned seeing a demon fitting his description in her establishment several times.
She'd simply never witnessed him doing anything particularly noteworthy outside of dancing badly.
So Kivsey was eager to hear the news, asking, “What is it?”
“Last night, a Perosian Foxy's never met before came in alone and sat at the bar. He didn't say anything unusual, but he wasn't friendly, and the fact that there aren't many demons in this realm was enough to catch her attention.”
“Did she give a description?”
“Yeah, said he was tall and muscular, with ice blue eyes, blonde hair, and pale skin. But there's something else.”
“What?”
“Another demon checked into the Atlantan Spire last night, and he arrived from the same portal sphere that connects with The Nexus.”
His response was too specific not to ask, “Who told you that?”
“Ardilon. I saw him this morning before the sun came up.”
“Ardilon?” Uncertain, Kivsey inquired, “Was he visiting you, or did you run into him?”
“He was visiting, to ask about you, actually,” Stephan admitted. “That's one of the reasons I came instead of calling. He said he was worried about this deal you made to watch those nightclubs, and wants to make sure you understand just ho
w deceitful Arias can be.”
“Wait, Ardilon knows Arias?”
“Apparently, but he didn't say how. Naturally.”
Stephan muttered the last, speaking from experience—he used to be Ardilon's votary, and they both knew the divinian wasn't always forthcoming with information. So she didn't bother asking if Ardilon mentioned anything about Arias' strange capacity to foretell events, and instead, explained why his concerns were unwarranted.
“Don't worry, I didn't make any deals with him, Stephan. Arias helped me in Satorala, and I'm watching these places to repay him. So there's no shady strings attached.”
Stephan seemed reluctant to believe that. “You sure? I mean that Ancient asshole infected me with an incurable disease while I was chained in a vampire basement, Kivsey.”
“I know, and it pisses me off. But I can't sit by and let something happen to Satorala regardless of what he's done. It's important to the Dok'aal, even crucial to their survival in Ithelyon.”
“And Arias told you he'd send someone for whatever information you collect, right?”
She nodded, stating pointedly, “You know I'm just as suspicious as the next person, but I promise Arias' interest in protecting Satorala is sincere, and Gyles is the real problem. I don't know what it was, but something about him set off some warning bells. So if there's a way I can help, I'm gonna do it no matter what.”
Sighing, Stephan sat back and muttered, “Okay, I won't bother you about it anymore. I just don't want that bastard to hurt you, that's all.”
“I know, and I'm not upset. I just … ”
Trailing, a heavy sigh parted her lips. She wanted to explain the reason her patience was so thin, but the words simply wouldn't come out.
Yet Stephan seemed to know something was wrong because he mentioned, “I heard you've had your head up in the clouds lately. Is something bothering you?”
Staring down at her lap, she muttered, “Kind of, maybe?”
Uncertain she wanted to talk about it when the mere thought of her situation had the agony of despair taking hold, a gentle hand landed on her shoulder, prompting her to look right where she spied concern in her friend's green eyes. It was strange to see when she was usually the one hoping to comfort him, and the role reversal made it difficult to remain silent over her woes.
Stephan's next comment only compounded her difficulty—and nearly had tears in her eyes.
“Did I ever tell you that you're one of the reasons I'm still alive?”
“What?” Kivsey shook her head. “Not that I recall.”
Nodding, he explained, “After I was rescued from that vampire lair where Arias infected me, I just wanted to let things go. My vision was gone, and I was terminally ill, so it seemed like a good idea. But you never treated me like an invalid, and never irritated me with reminders of how much I had to live for.”
Stephan's recovery wasn't at all difficult to recall. The time he'd spent in captivity left him a shell of a man, and Ardilon asked her to keep an eye on him personally because of her limited medical training, and his reasons were simple. A certified nurse or doctor would've tried counseling, and considering Stephan rarely ever spoke unless telling someone to fuck off, it simply wasn't the right time.
So she'd watched him, and kept their interactions limited to the basics, bringing him food, helping him eat, and changing his dressings when needed. She'd even left a laptop in his room playing soft, acoustic guitar music during the day, which he mentioned fondly.
“I know you're the one who left that music playing in my room, too. It made me feel less lonely.”
Smirking, Kivsey pointed out, “Actually, I remember you demanding I turn that shit off.”
Stephan grinned. “I know, but I secretly enjoyed it. I couldn't see, so hearing was the next best thing, and I didn't like it too quiet. But the point is, you helped, and I don't know what's bothering you now, but if I can, I'd like to return the favor.”
A sentimental smile graced her lips. How could she not explain her woes when she knew he'd do his best to assist? What are friends for, right?
So she finally stated, “There's not much to tell really, and I feel like saying it out loud just makes it a valid problem. But … I miss someone. Bad.”
“Who?”
“The Dok'aal Warlord that took me to Satorala, actually. He was so damned testy at first, but once we reached the city, he stopped treating me like I was part elven and actually started … what?”
Her question came when Stephan gave a surprised look.
“You're part elven?”
“Yeah, I thought you knew.”
He shook his head in the negative. “I thought you were just human. But come to think of it, your eyes are a strange shade of brown.”
“I know, and Mikail could sense what I am without being told, so he wasn't friendly at first. But there's something else.”
“What?”
Looking down at her lap, she confessed, “I've been dreaming about him since I came home, Stephan. At first, I thought it was just because of everything we went through. But the dreams have only gotten more vivid, and … ”
Trailing, she added conspiratorially, “They're usually on the racy side.”
Taking her statements in, Stephan suggested, “Then you think you're bonding with him like an elf would?”
“It's possible I've inherited that trait,” she confirmed, then fell back against her chair with a loud groan.
Somehow, saying those words aloud only amplified her vexation, prompting her to exclaim, “And it's so frustrating! Every time I wake without him there, I'm … disappointed. I've had to force myself to get out of bed, and even eat.”
Reaching up, she pushed her fingers under her glasses to rub her eyes, then turned her head to see Stephan nodding as if he completely understood the feeling.
“It's not quite the same thing, but I had to spend my first day alone last week,” he started. “Maddox was in Linchester, and I didn't manage to teleport from Atlanta before the sun came up. So I had to stay in the New York Spire without her, and I was worried sick because of her trouble sleeping when she's alone.”
Grumbling, he qualified, “I don't eat anymore, but if I did, I knew I wouldn't have been able to that day.”
Realizing he understood what she was going through—at least in a general sense—Kivsey smiled. It was better having someone to talk to than she'd expected, and she couldn't help but point out, “I'm glad you and Maddox are together now, and … okay, I'm also jealous as hell. But you were so sullen before meeting her, and now you seem so happy.”
“I am,” he confirmed, then patted her shoulder reassuringly in adding, “and don't give up on Mikail. If you're actually bonding with him, chances are you're his by fate in return. So I really doubt you've seen the last of him.”
Kivsey smiled warmly, hoping he was right. Though the idea of Mikail finding someone else ripped her heart straight down the center, even worse was knowing that bonding with him didn't ultimately matter. She'd still miss him badly enough to consider returning to Satorala once her investigation was complete no matter how many dreams she'd had.
She just didn't get the chance to say so before Stephan's phone rang.
Pulling the device from his pocket, he answered with a, “Hey, sweetheart,” proving Maddox was on the other end.
And she seemed to have something important to say.
“Seriously? Yeah, Kivsey's right here.” A pause. “I'll let her know.”
She waited eagerly as he looked at her to state, “Maddox says Foxy just called, and the same, short Perosian you described as Gyles came in about five minutes ago, and it looks like he's waiting on someone. So if you're up for it, we can go and make sure it's the same guy.”
She didn't bother answering the question with words, and instead, immediately started the task of closing her work station for the night in eagerness to get underway. Foxy had video surveillance in her club, but Kivsey didn't want to wait for the recordings to be sent
for identification.
After all, the sooner she could wrap this up, the better. Once Arias has the info he needs, I can start looking for Mikail.
Smiling at her enthusiasm, Stephan told Maddox they'd be along shortly, then pocketed his phone and mentioned, “We can reach the Charlotte Spire by mist in about ten minutes, but I gotta warn you, I'm not sure you'll enjoy traveling so far that way.”
All vampires had the ability to turn into mist, and one of the first things Stephan related when asked what it was like to be a vampire was the way perception shifted in that form. Apparently, it made the world seem fuzzy, and the speeds were dizzying, particularly when traveling long distances.
Still, she insisted, “I'll deal with it. If Gyles is at Foxy's now, I need to know, and find out what he's up to.”
“Okay, but I really hope you haven't eaten recently.”
Considering her lack of an appetite, airsickness was unlikely to be a problem. Still, it didn't really matter. If tossing a few cookies was necessary to conclude this investigation, she'd bring a bucket.
Either way, she was going to fulfill her promise.
CHAPTER TWENTY THREE
♦
Atlantan Spire
Atlanta, Georgia
Mikail never thought he'd seek respite in Terra, but that was precisely how his trip to the mortal realm felt.
Ever since Perosia's liberation, there had been one task to handle after another, and his inability to leave for a reunion with his mate made each responsibility seem like an impossible burden.
But in the end, the work proved fulfilling. Just last night, Perosia officially crowned its new leader—Dalia Persias, known by the Satoralans as Lia, took the throne as Empress with an undeniable air of confidence, and her first order of business was to make a simple, albeit serious declaration.
From this day forth, the Dok'aal are free, equal citizens in all Quarters of this world.
Mikail wasn't there to witness it, but some of the Perosian Quartersmen had thrown a fit over the decree during a meeting following her coronation—and were promptly silenced by the Empress' newly fashioned Imperial Guard.
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