Page 42 of Ancient Magic

Chapter 9

Valen smiled as he felt a delectable warmth wash over him, a light floral scent teasing his nose. Peri had entered the room. And even better, she was approaching the bed where he’d spent the daylight hours, protected from the sun by the heavy shutters that covered the windows.

“If this is a dream, don’t wake me,” he murmured as her fingers brushed his bare shoulder.

“Valen.”

His name didn’t come out as a husky invitation that promised infinite pleasure. In fact, there was a sharp edge that had him pushing himself into a seated position to study his mate with a worried gaze.

“Let me guess. You’re not here to make me the happiest vampire in the world?”

“Not now. I have to leave.”

He belatedly realized that she was wearing a quilted jacket over her jeans and sweatshirt and that she had her satchel slung over her shoulder. She was carrying potions. Never a good sign.

Shoving aside the silk comforter, Valen headed for the vast walk-in closet. “What’s wrong?”

“Maya called to say that Skye is missing.”

Valen swiftly pulled on a pair of gray slacks and a charcoal sweater. Then, sliding his feet into leather loafers, he stepped out of the closet.

“How long?”

“A few hours.” She held up her hand as his brows arched. “I know, it’s not that long, but it’s weird. She snuck out of her bedroom window while Maya was working in the coffee shop. She’s never done anything like that before.”

Valen didn’t know the young seer that well, but he was certain she would never do anything to worry her friends. The three of them were closer than sisters.

“I’m assuming you’ve tried to call her?” he asked.

“She left her phone in her room.”

Valen’s vague unease sharpened to genuine concern. Skye might have wanted to sneak away for a dozen reasons. A lover. A break from her duties at the Witch’s Brew. A movie...

But there would be no reason to leave behind her phone.

“I’ll organize my staff to start a search,” he reassured his mate. “They can be spread through the area in five minutes.”

She managed a weak smile. “I’m going to Jersey. I might be able to follow her trail with magic.”

He moved toward her, wrapping her body in his arms. She was trembling, clearly far more worried about her friend than she wanted to admit. Valen clenched his fangs in frustration. No doubt she didn’t want to share her concern when he was dealing with their unwelcome guests.

On cue, a loud ding interrupted his attempt to offer her comfort. With a grimace, Valen reluctantly loosened his hold on Peri and moved to the intercom system mounted on the wall next to the door. Expecting to see the familiar face of his assistant on the monitor, he clenched his hands at the sight of the pale-haired vampire glaring at him.

“It’s Kane.” He muttered the name like it was a curse. And that’s exactly what he was, as far as Valen was concerned. A curse. He forced himself to push the button beneath the monitor to open the microphone. “Can this wait? I’m in the middle of something.”

“Bed your mate later,” Kane snapped. “I want to know what the hell is going on.”

Valen managed to hold on to his temper. Unless you counted the ice that coated the expensive carpet.

“You’re going to have to be more specific.”

“You swore no one could breach the security of your guest floor.”

Valen’s anger faded as he stared at Kane’s furious expression. Was the bastard trying to imply he couldn’t protect guests in his own lair? It was the worst insult a vampire could offer.

“They can’t.”

“Then why does Micha’s room look like he was in a battle and smell of demon blood?”

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