Page 61 of Veiled Yearning

Gavril sighs heavily before calling back to him. “What, Frederick? I’m a little busy right now.”

From the other side of the door, Frederick replies, “Something strange happened. I was searching for Sam, and suddenly I could see much further than normal. Instead of seeing only twenty feet around him, I could see at least two-hundred.”

“Hmm.” Gavril’s hand stills on my back. “And that’s never happened. Ever. Right?”

“Never. You know that, Gavril.” Irritation bleeds into his tone. “It’s almost as if my ability was enhanced. The question is, how did that happen?”

After a brief pause, there’s a soft snort, and he says dryly, “Oh. Well. Perhaps when you’re done, you might want to come out and discuss your new ability?”

My face gets hot so fast, I think I might spontaneously explode from embarrassment. I hiss, “Gav. He knows.”

His cool lips brush my cheek. “It’s alright, gorgeous. I promise.”

And then louder, to Frederick. “We’ll be out shortly. Now if you wouldn’t mind…”

Once Frederick is gone, Gavril kisses me again. “Well. I guess we figured out what our ability does.”

19

The Vision

GAVRIL

“I’m concerned that our location could be compromised.”

Larkin’s expression is solemn as he looks around the table, brows drawn down, his eyes shadowed by years of unresolved struggles. While his emotions are carefully masked, there’s a small muscle twitching in his jaw—a tiny tell that shows how worried he really is.

He’s like me, holding everything close to the vest, never letting on to his true emotions. Although, I’m not quite so closed off anymore, at least not with Chiara.

But Larkin is worried, and I can understand why. I’m not feeling great about the situation, either.

“I’m concerned,” Larkin repeats, and he looks across the table at me. “I’m not sure your home is the safest place for us anymore. With the Custodian coming here, and possibly getting word to his allies… we could be setting ourselves up for an ambush.”

“The shields are still strong,” I reply. “Even if the Custodians stood right outside, they wouldn’t be able to see the house.” I glance over at Chiara for backup. “Right?”

“Yes.” Her voice is soft but certain. “I went over everything last night, reinforcing all the shields. They’re very strong.”

And she exhausted herself doing it—meticulously reinforcing every square foot of the house until she was so drained she could barely stand. But whenever I gently suggested that Chiara take a break, she flatly refused, saying, “I won’t be the reason a Custodian gets in here again.”

It wasn’t her fault, and I hate that she still thinks it is. If anyone is to blame, it’s me and the other Sentinels.

But blame serves no purpose. It won’t turn back the clock. All we can do is move forward with the new information we gained.

Like the Custodians trying to infiltrate our ranks, and the possibility of it happening again. So after a discussion last night, we all agreed—none of us should travel alone anymore. If we’re always partnered up, there won’t be an opening for another Custodian to sneak in disguised. Although I’m really hoping there aren’t any other vampires working against us with that same rare ability.

“The one we killed was the only one I knew of,” Larkin told us yesterday as we all gathered to discuss everything that had happened. “But she was a recluse, living out in California. I never would have expected to see her working with Nicolas.”

“He’s convincing them somehow,” Frederick said darkly. “Likely promising impossible things he has no intention of delivering.”

That may be so, but it doesn’t change the fact that Nicolas and his Custodians are growing more powerful. Or that our time to stop him is quickly diminishing.

“I don’t think we should leave.” Holding Larkin’s gaze, I explain. “We’re protected here. If we leave, that means hours out in the open while we travel. And we’ll be vulnerable while Chiara imbues new shields at our new destination.”

“I can go quickly,” Chiara interjects. “It might not last as long, but if you need…”

I’m already shaking my head. The mental image of Chiara scared and anxious, rushing around a new house, frantically imbuing everything, taking on even more stress than she’s already feeling… I don’t want that for her.

“No, Chiara.” I squeeze her hand under the table. “It’s better if you take your time.”

---