Page 152 of Seduce Me in Shadow

Lucan glares back, and I curse under my breath. Reminders of the elder Denzell are a sore spot for my brother. Anka is still under Shock’s protection and in his bed.

I don’t know how—or if—that will ever change.

“I hope the mate thief and traitor rots.”

I agree.

“Actually,” Sydney speaks up. “I don’t know if Shock is a traitor. He seems to be on Mathias’s side…except that he didn’t tell Mathias that the Doomsday Diary only granted the heart’s true desire. The thought was in the forefront of my mind. Shock could have plucked it out as he did all the others. But he lied to Mathias.”

A puzzled silence falls over the group.

Finally, Duke offers. “I don’t know if we’ll ever know exactly whose side Shock is on. His own, I suspect. He’ll help us…if it suits his purpose. We’d all do well to remember that.”

Of course. How like Shock to play both sides so that, regardless of who proves victorious in the war, he wins. I don’t respect his position, but he’s hardly the first sodding bastard to take it.

“What do you think he’ll do next? Or Mathias, for that matter?” I ask the others.

“Shock?” Duke shrugs. “I have no idea what he’ll do to save his own skin. But the war isn’t over, and Mathias is predictable in this: He won’t quit until we put him down. We must stay prepared for any eventuality and stand strong together.”

“Amen.” I second his sentiment, appreciating his quiet leadership in the wave of Bram’s concerning illness.

He conveys his thanks with a tired smile. “I must be off. Dinner tonight with my family, including my half-brother’s fiancée.”

He doesn’t look excited.

“You don’t approve?” I ask.

He takes a long time answering. “There’s something about her that’s…troubling. Can’t put my finger on it.”

I hope that doesn’t spell trouble.

“The mirror is ready,” Sabelle says, stepping away from Lucan.

Sydney snaps into action and begins her transcast. Yes, the Council sent missives objecting, but with Bram so ill, Sabelle is clandestinely—and quite expertly—fielding messages on his behalf. Those old bastards can’t know that Rion is down or they’ll use it as an excuse to give him the heave-ho. As far as the Doomsday Brethren is concerned, it’s easier to ask for forgiveness than permission.

“During a battle earlier today, a group of wizards destroyed a mysterious weapon Mathias D’Arc used to rip the souls from unsuspecting humans and convert them to Anarki instantly. D’Arc escaped, but his forces have been badly damaged. As always, updates will follow as necessary,” she concludes. “Report anything suspicious or anyone aggressive to Bram Rion. Until my next update, I’m Sydney Blair.” She cuts a glance my way and winces at my scowl. “Make that Sydney Blair MacTavish. Stay safe, magickind.”

With a wave of Sabelle’s hand, the transcast ends. I’m still afraid for my mate’s safety, but pride pierces me like the brightest sun. She’s vital to me and to magickind. I have no idea what I’d do without her—and thankfully we escaped this morning, so I don’t have to find out the hard way.

I hold her close and press my lips to hers. “Perfect.”

“The transcast?”

“Yes, but I meant you. I’m so proud of you, firecracker.” I can’t resist kissing her again.

“Ugh. New mates.” Duke rolls his eyes. “I’m definitely leaving now. Good job, Sydney.”

She nods. After many hearty handshakes and brotherly backslaps, the others follow suit and close the door to the library behind them. Sabelle drifts upstairs, most likely to check on her gravely ill brother.

Finally, I’m alone with my mate.

“I hope you’re truly happy I’m staying here with you,” she whispers. “Because I called Holly today and quit my job.”

I’m still afraid for her, but I take a deep breath. This is war. We are mates, so whatever happens, we face it together. “She hadn’t already sacked you?”

“Aquarius told her I was working deep undercover on a new magickind story. It satisfied her until I called. She wasn’t happy.”

“Are you?” I ask gently. “Do you truly want to give up your human existence and work exclusively for the good of magickind? What about proving to your parents that you’re a journalistic star?”

---