by C. L. Bright
Dante shook his head. “I can’t believe I didn’t see this before. I don’t think I wanted to see it. You’re not lying about saving her life, and that makes your story more believable. You shared the parts of the truth that make you look good and left out the details that make you look bad. Serena didn’t tell me any of this, but I’ve been watching you more closely, especially now that you’re trying to screw with my life more than usual.”
Nicolas snorted. “Screw with your life? Why would I want to do that?”
“It bothers you that I have Juliet. To you, she’s just a toy I got first.”
“Why would it bother me that you have that scrawny little witch? She’s nothing.”
I reached under the table and pinched Dante’s thigh when he looked ready to say something else. If he rose to Nicolas’s bait, we’d be delayed longer.
Dante relaxed and responded with a bored, one-shoulder shrug. “Whatever.”
Nicolas’s lips pressed together in a firm line as he glared at Dante. When neither of us said another word, red crept up his neck to his face. He looked furious.
“I’ll see you and your witch later.” After biting out those words, Nicolas stormed out of the room.
“I can’t eat anymore after that encounter,” I muttered. “I suspect he’ll be back again.”
Dante nodded as he let out a tired sigh and looked down at his food. “I’ll clear our plates, and then we can go.”
“Where are we going?” I asked.
“First, we’ll go for a walk,” he replied. “I need some contact with nature, and I want to make sure that if Nicolas decides to follow us when we first leave, he sees nothing to make him more suspicious. I haven’t heard back from my old friend yet, so we have time to kill.”
Chapter 28
The expansive gardens surrounding the house gave us a lot of places to walk without leaving the estate. I still felt somewhat closed in since I couldn’t shake the unease after our breakfast conversation.
I also felt a dark mood coming on when I thought about leaving Dante.
How could I have gone from wanting to get home as quickly as possible to wishing I could stay longer?
“It’s not fair,” I grumbled as I looked across at a hummingbird hovering above a flower.
I felt free to speak my mind since Dante had cast a spell that encased us in a soundproof bubble. I’d been skeptical of its effectiveness until I’d moved just out of the bubble and couldn’t hear him.
“Which part?” Dante asked.
“Any of this,” I replied. “I found you, but I can’t stay with you.”
“I feel the same. Your magic is a perfect match for mine. I’m so at ease around you.”
“I know what you mean,” I agreed. “Serena’s situation also isn’t fair. She’s trapped in that house where no one looks out for her most of the time.”
“I didn’t realize what was going on,” he began, but then shook his head and continued. “Maybe I didn’t want to see what was going on. It was easier thinking Serena was a little crazy than it was to accept there’s a problem. I should have protected her.”
“You will now, so at least there’s that,” I remarked.
“As much as I can,” he replied.
I nodded. “I know you can’t always be here. Do you think having your protection will make Nicolas more likely to seek her out when you’re not around?”
“I don’t know,” he admitted. “Ambrose and Laranissa may also be able to help.”
“Laranissa protected her the day you were bitten. She seems to know there’s a problem, so maybe the two of you can come up with a plan.”
“I hope so.” Dante caught my hand.
“So much has changed,” I whispered. “I see the world differently, and I’m not sure how that will affect the rest of my life.”
He nodded and looked out at the flowers. “I’m not sure how I can go back to my old life. I was happy living with my narrower view of the world, but I was a fool.”
“That describes us all, doesn’t it?” I didn’t wait for a response. “We didn’t have many opportunities to see a different view of the world.”
“Serena had fewer opportunities than I did, yet she somehow managed to see that what we’re doing is wrong,” he stated. “I was shocked when she released that shapeshifter. We all were.”
“She’s something else,” I replied with a smile. “You are too.”
He chuckled. “But not quite as amazing as Serena?”
“After what you did for Alaric? I think you’re equally as brave and incredible,” I told him. “I’m not falling for Serena, so it’s safe to say I find you amazing in your own way.”
He pulled me into his arms. “I hate that I’m going to have to give you up.”
“Me too,” I admitted softly. “If you could leave it all behind to be with me, would you? I’m not asking to make you feel obligated. I don’t know if I could make that sacrifice. I also don’t know if there’s anywhere we could be safe together.”
He kissed my forehead before resting his chin on top of my head. “If I could think of a place where we would both be safe, I’d leave everything behind in a heartbeat for you. Maybe, when you’re the leader of your people, you can make big changes, at least in the Heathergate Refuge.”
I pulled back and cocked my head to the side as I considered what he’d said. “You’re right. Once I’m leader, I can make changes. Why shouldn’t I teach people the truth?”
“Many don’t want to learn the truth,” he pointed out. “You should probably let this go. I don’t want anything to happen to you because you challenged the long-held beliefs of your people.
“Those beliefs can change,” I reminded him. “We’re proof of that. I now know not all spellcasters are my enemy, and I can’t go back to pretending they are.”
“Plenty of spellcasters are your enemy. The truce between our kind is reluctant at best. Your people need to know that spellcasters are a threat to them. As you’ve seen for yourself, it only takes one little mistake for you to end up in a trap, and it’s best if they have a healthy dose of fear.”
“Fear is different from hate. I’d hardly consider what happened to me a little mistake.” I pulled out of his arms. “That was an attempt on my life. I hope that doesn’t happen often.”
“Do a lot of shapeshifters mysteriously disappear?” he asked.
“No, they don’t mysteriously disappear, but some are killed while away from the Heathergate Refuge. No one ever brings back a body, so it’s possible this isn’t the first time something like this has happened.” I shook my head. “No, that’s crazy. If this happened more often, you’d have seen other fully-clothed shapeshifters in traps.”
“Unless they changed to their animal form before they were trapped,” he remarked.
“I suppose that’s possible, but I’m still convinced I wouldn’t have been the first found fully-clothed if this had happened to others.”
“You’re probably right, but keep in mind that just because I’ve never heard of it happening doesn’t mean it hasn’t.” He tensed, and I knew someone was approaching.
I felt the magic that hid our voices fall away, and Dante changed the subject to one that wouldn’t get me killed. “I know you haven’t done much hunting yet because of your age, but I imagine you’ll be quite skilled. You handled yourself better than a lot of experienced hunters would have with the nāga.”
“I was trained to defend myself against even less common threats,” I replied. “I never expected this training to come in handy.”
“There you are!” Ambrose practically shouted as he approached us. “I’ve been trying to call you, and I looked all over the house. What are you doing out here when you’re in danger?”
“Who told you I’m in danger?” Dante asked.
Ambrose rolled his eyes and let out an exasperated sigh. “We don’t have time for games. Nicolas is trying to convince Father that Juliet wanted to have you killed.” His attention briefly shift
ed to me, and his tone gentled. “I don’t believe a word of Nicolas’s lies. You saved my brother’s life, and you have my complete loyalty. It’s pure insanity that my father would even think you could set this up.”
“We know, but there’s not much we can do about it,” Dante told him. “I’ve already stood up for Juliet. I’m sure it helps that you also believe her.”
Ambrose snorted. “We can’t count on Father trusting my judgment. Come on.”
He turned and walked away.
Dante looked irritated as he caught up to Ambrose.
“Where are we supposed to be going?” Dante asked. “I was planning to take Juliet out soon.”
“Laranissa wants to see you,” he replied. “Your plans can wait.”
Chapter 29
No one spoke as we followed Ambrose to a room with bookcases covering two walls and a bay window facing a flower garden. There was a large desk, some comfortable looking chairs, and a sofa.
“I’ve had Ambrose looking everywhere for you.” Laranissa sounded tired and frustrated. “Where have you been? I was beginning to worry you’d been taken away for questioning without my knowledge.”
“We both needed a walk after the morning we’ve had,” Dante replied. “Is it too much to hope that people will be happy that Juliet saved my life? I was up and around for just over an hour before the interrogation started.”
“You can’t blame your father for his suspicions,” Laranissa insisted. “Nicolas made a very compelling argument that someone who hasn’t met Juliet could easily believe. I had hoped to have a word with your father first, but I didn’t get a chance.”
“I can and do blame him,” Dante ground out as he began pacing the room. “Juliet has done nothing suspicious since she’s been here. She’s remained by my side and taken care of me.”
“Meeting up with her while out on a hunt and bringing her back here was suspicious,” Ambrose pointed out. “Father hasn’t fully trusted her from the beginning.”
Dante glared at him.
“He’s right,” I stated. “Everyone was suspicious, and with good reason. We just didn’t expect to have someone accuse me of trying to kill you.”
“Nicolas didn’t say you were trying to kill Dante,” Laranissa corrected me.
“No, he just said you arranged the attack,” Ambrose remarked.
“For what purpose if not to kill Dante?” I asked.
“You rescued me, so I doubt Nicolas could get many to believe you wanted me dead,” Dante added.
“I think he could convince people she wanted you dead,” Ambrose replied. “You barely survived. Had she taken a little longer getting back, the antivenom spell wouldn’t have been enough to save you. Nicolas can argue she hoped to get back when it was too late so you could tell them she’d tried to save you with your dying breath. Of course, I don’t see how your death could benefit Juliet.”
“Unless Juliet isn’t a Shadow Walker,” Laranissa mused.
“Is that an accusation?” Dante asked.
I put a hand on his arm. “Calm down. They aren’t accusing me of anything, just pointing out arguments Nicolas might use.”
“Ones that are easily disproven but could still create problems for you while someone confirms your identity,” Laranissa stated.
“If Nicolas can convince the right people to listen, you could be locked up while we await that proof,” Ambrose added.
“I shouldn’t have lost my temper with Nicolas earlier,” Dante muttered.
“Why not?” Ambrose asked. “Nicolas had already decided to mess with you. You must know by now that it doesn’t matter what you do once he’s decided to torment you.”
Laranissa’s lips lifted into a sad smile. “I’d hoped he’d back off after I spoke to him the other day. He made it sound like he planned to leave you alone.”
“You did your best,” I assured her.
I was trying to hide my fear of being locked up. If I was a witch, it would be an inconvenience and enough to make me angry. As a shapeshifter, it would be a death sentence.
Once they found out I wasn’t who I claimed to be, it would only be a matter of time before they discovered I was a shapeshifter. That would probably be considered proof I’d tried killing Dante, even by those who supported me now.
“It would help if we could find a way to keep Nicolas from spewing anymore lies over the next week,” Dante grumbled. “By then, Father should have time to realize how ridiculous these accusations are.”
I’d also be gone by then.
Laranissa looked thoughtful. “Yes, that would help. Maybe I should talk Nicolas into going to the Tulurgate Peninsula. Once your people vouch for you, he’ll have no reason to distrust you.”
“I hate to say this, but that would only be a temporary fix,” Ambrose remarked. “Nicolas may come back with more lies to use as proof of her guilt. He hasn’t liked Juliet since she got here, and he’s not going to change his mind.”
“Nicolas doesn’t like anyone,” Dante pointed out.
“But he seems to have more against Juliet than most,” Laranissa said thoughtfully. “For now, I think we should focus on how to diffuse this situation before things get ugly. If Juliet is detained, Nicolas could find a way to get himself assigned as a guard.”
My eyes widened in shock. “How? He’s a hunter with other responsibilities. Why would he be put in charge of guarding me?”
“Things must be different on the Tulurgate Peninsula,” Ambrose began. “Here, if someone is being held for wronging a family, that family can send a member to guard them. The head of the family gets to make the recommendation, so Nicolas would likely be one of your guards.”
“I’m going to try to cast doubt on Nicholas’s accusations,” Laranissa began. “I’ll also see if I can do anything to shift Nicolas’s focus. If he has something else to keep him busy, he may spend less time obsessing over Juliet.”
“He should try finding a witch of his own,” Ambrose grumbled.
“Would you really wish Nicolas on any witch?” Dante asked with a slight smile.
“There are a few who deserve him,” Ambrose replied. “You should either end things with Juliet or move to the Tulurgate Peninsula. I’m not sure Nicolas will let this go.”
“That seems a bit extreme,” Laranissa argued. “Let me see if I can get Nicolas to back off first.”
“He isn’t going to listen to you,” Ambrose stated. “Your only hope is to distract him.”
Laranissa’s eyes narrowed just before I felt power flow from her and swirl throughout the room. “Nicolas is no match for me, and he knows it. I’m surprised he defied me on this.”
“He knows you love him,” Dante reminded her. “You’ll never truly hurt him, so you’re not much of a threat in his eyes.”
“You can only temporarily stop him from messing with Juliet,” Ambrose added. “If Juliet stays here, it will always be like this. Nicolas despises her, and he’s become more jealous of Dante in the last year. I’m surprised he didn’t try starting trouble sooner.”
“Jealous of me?” Dante sounded surprised. “Since when?”
“I think Ambrose may be right,” Laranissa replied. “Nicolas never had any reason to be jealous of you before you finished your hunter training. He’s considered one of the best hunters, second only to your father. Now, you’ve been getting more notice, Dante. Your father put you in charge of hunting teams sooner than he did your brothers after they finished training.”
“I’m fine with that because I don’t want to be in charge,” Ambrose added.
“Neither do I,” Dante insisted.
“But Father and others recognize you as a natural leader,” Ambrose stated.
“He’s right,” Laranissa agreed.
“What’s to stop him from going after us if we leave?” I asked.
“I think he wants to take you away from Dante,” Ambrose replied. “Nicolas wants to hurt him.”
“It doesn’t matter what his reasons are, Nicolas is a pr
oblem, and Juliet can’t stay here. She and I need to discuss our plans alone,” Dante told them. “We’ll let you know what we decide, but this is a private matter.”
“Of course,” Laranissa agreed.
“You should leave tonight,” Ambrose insisted.
Laranissa rolled her eyes. “That would look suspicious, and it might cause problems with the Tulureans. Your father and Nicolas could go to the Shadow Walkers with their accusations. Even if Juliet’s family doesn’t fully accept her, they’d never put up with that kind of insult to their family name. My advice is to go about your business and enjoy the next few days before one or both of you leave.”
“But he might detain Juliet before then,” Ambrose argued.
“And then we will have to get a Tulurean out here to demand her release,” Laranissa replied before looking directly at me. “I agree that leaving is a good idea, but it’s best to have a solid plan first.”
“We’ll consider what you’ve both said while making our decision. If you’ll excuse us, I’m going to take Juliet out for the day.”
“That seems unwise under the circumstances,” Ambrose told him.
Dante shrugged. “What difference will it make?”
“He’s right,” I agreed. “We can sit around here and wait for Nicolas to be a problem or go about our day as planned. It will look less suspicious this way.”
Laranissa nodded. “You’re right. Go and try to enjoy yourselves.”
Chapter 30
Dante was tense as we again attempted a trip to the market area. It wasn’t quite as busy as it had been the day we’d rescued Alaric, and for that, I was grateful. Still, I felt like all eyes were on me.
Their eyes might have been on Dante and not me. People might have heard about him killing a shapeshifter the last time we were there or about his nāga bite. If they were staring at me, it might be because I’d saved Dante and not due to the lies Nicolas was spreading. For all I knew, those lies might have gone no further than the Verdugo family.
“We should just go and see if your friend is home,” I suggested.