Page 19 of Ancient Magic

“You don’t?” Micha asked, genuinely interested. He had two mages who lived in his territory and provided services when needed, but their relationship was purely business.

He suddenly realized he knew very little about the rare creatures. And even less about seers.

“Sometimes,” she conceded. “And yes, my magic allows me to sense the emotions of others, especially when I’m in the Gyre. The power intensifies everything.” She turned back to meet his curious gaze. “But usually I don’t have any problems in blocking them out. As I said, I’m tired.”

“Does my presence bother you?”

She shook her head. “I can’t sense a vampire’s emotions.” Her lips twisted into a wry smile. “Although your power can be smothering.”

“And our arrogance is insufferable,” he added.

“Those are your words, not mine.”

“Maybe I’m the mind reader.”

“You are,” she readily agreed. “But not my mind.”

“True.” A vampire could enter the minds of both humans and demons to manipulate them, although the result was rarely worth the effort. It was easier to intimidate or pay them to do what you wanted. Now, however, he was frustrated by his inability to peer into this woman’s thoughts. Ironic, really. He was usually the one considered to be mysteriously elusive, but Skye was a master of hiding her emotions. On the surface she was confidently charming, but he sensed that was a well-rehearsed façade. “It’s a shame. I would like to know what’s in that mind of yours, Skye Claremont,” he admitted with blunt honesty.

“Nothing of interest.”

“Now that I very much doubt.” He stepped forward, frowning when she took an abrupt step backward. “Are you afraid of me?”

She wrapped her arms around her waist as if unconsciously trying to protect herself. “I prefer to avoid physical contact.”

Micha studied her tense expression. He couldn’t detect fear, but unease was laced through her scent.

“With men or demons or people in general?”

“With everyone.”

“Everyone?”

“A touch can set off a vision.”

Ah. Relief surged through him. He’d been concerned that she might be repulsed by him. There were mages who considered vampires the enemy.

“Have you ever had a vision for a vampire?” he asked, genuinely curious.

“Vampires live multiple lives in multiple forms,” she said, not actually answering the question. “It disrupts a seer’s magic.”

“Have you ever tried?” he pressed.

“No.” The word was clipped, effectively ending the conversation. “I should return to the salon before Peri sends out a search party.”

Micha resisted the urge to halt her determined retreat. This wasn’t the time or place to discover more about the fascinating Skye Claremont. But soon...

“I’m not a threat,” he promised, his low voice echoing through the room. “At least not to you.”

She halted at the door, glancing over her shoulder. “And Peri? Are you a threat to her?”

“Time will tell,” he said, unwilling to lie.

Her eyes suddenly burned with a black fire, the scent of laurel leaves thick in the air.

“Valen isn’t the only one who would do anything to keep Peri happy. Or to protect her,” she warned. “I might not possess great magic, but if you hurt my family, I make a very dangerous enemy.”

Micha dipped his head in acknowledgment of her threat. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

---