Page 28 of Ancient Magic

Kane jerked in surprise. He hadn’t realized that Micha knew a couple centuries ago he’d been plotting to travel to New Orleans and challenge Micha for the right to the expanding Gyre in the southern expanse of America. Or that he’d sent endless petitions to Sinjon, insisting that Micha’s preference for isolation was wasting the potential of such a rich territory and that he would be better suited to Siberia, where no one expected him to be a strong leader. It was only Sinjon’s warning he would be branded as a traitor that had put an end to his maneuvering to steal Micha’s territory.

“My ambitions have changed over time,” Kane scoffed, acting as if he wouldn’t snatch the opportunity to take Micha’s place. “St. Petersburg might be cold enough to freeze my balls in the winter, but at least I’m not up to my ass in gaters and slime.”

“You forgot the beignets. And the jazz. And the magic,” Micha taunted in soft tones. “So much magic it pulses in the air.”

Kane’s jaw clenched, the air chilling as he struggled to leash his anger. Kane’s strength had never been questioned. He undoubtedly was one of the biggest, toughest, most aggressive members of the Cabal. But his inability to control his emotions meant he was always vulnerable. It took more than muscles to be a good leader.

“I forgot nothing,” Kane ground out. “And I forgive even less.”

Micha met the male’s furious glare without flinching. “Be content with what you possess, Kane, and return to your lair in peace.”

“Or?”

“Or lose everything.”

With a visible effort, Kane squashed his burst of temper. Then he stretched his lips into a tight smile.

“What’s that human saying?” He pretended to consider his words before sending Micha a taunting smile. “No pain. No gain?”

Micha refused to be provoked. Unlike his companion, he never allowed his passions to overwhelm his logic. Or at least, he’d always assumed his self-control was impenetrable, a voice whispered in the back of his mind. But that was before he’d encountered Skye Claremont.

He ignored the silent warning. Nothing had changed. The woman was a fascinating distraction, but she wasn’t the reason he was in New York.

Parting his lips to warn the older male that doing anything to try to force Valen out of his territory was going to cause considerable pain, he abruptly snapped them together when Azra pressed open a glass door and stepped out of the lobby of Valen’s building. The ambassador was silent as he studied them with his dark gaze, and Micha wondered if the ultimate leader of the vampires, Sinjon, was currently staring through those eyes.

A shiver inched down his spine. The thought was creepy as hell.

“Is there a problem?” the ambassador at last demanded.

Micha nodded toward Kane. “That’s what I’m trying to discover.”

“No problems. At least as far as I’m concerned.” Kane shoved his hands into the pockets of his slacks and strolled past the ambassador. “I’m headed to my rooms. Always assuming Micha has no complaint?”

Micha waved his hand in a dismissive gesture. “Be my guest.”

Kane’s body vibrated tension as he entered the building, leaving behind a sour scent. As if there was something inside the leech that wasn’t entirely healthy.

“Be careful, Micha,” Azra murmured. “There are rumors that Kane is increasingly frustrated with his dwindling power.”

Micha kept his gaze locked on the glass door, watching Kane storm across the lobby. “I’m always careful.”

* * * *

Skye was well and truly dead to the world when the smell of blueberries, bananas and a potent dash of magic led her out of the darkness. Forcing open her eyes, she discovered Maya perched on the edge of her bed, staring at her with a worried expression.

As usual the older mage was immaculately groomed. This morning she’d chosen ivory slacks and a soft sweater in a lovely shade of buttercup. Her black hair was smoothed into a bun at her nape, and her sculpted features were so perfect they looked as if they’d been carved from marble. Only the spidery web of scars highlighted in the late-morning sunlight proved she was a real-life woman.

With a groan, Skye scooted up the mattress to lean her back against the headboard. She felt like she’d been hit by a truck. The result of stress, depleted magic, and landing on her head—not once, but twice—after being forced to jump through a window.

And then there’d been her dreams. They’d been dominated by a glorious male vampire who stalked her through the dark. She hadn’t been afraid as she’d fled in panic. At least not that she would be hurt. But she was terrified she might give in to his sensual temptation.

Was it any wonder she was weary to the bone?

Maya tilted her head to the side, as if sensing her exhaustion. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” Skye pushed her tangled curls out of her face. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to oversleep.”

“You had a late night. Here.” Maya pressed the chilled glass into Skye’s hand. “My world-famous smoothie.”

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