Page 24 of Seduce Me in Shadow

Bram snorts. “Spoken like someone who doesn’t live with the minx.”

We ring off, and I wait. Sure enough, within moments Sabelle walks into the pub. Every male head turns. Jaws drop. One man even rises to his feet, looking as if he’s in a trance. She holds up a hand, and he wanders back to his stool instantly, looking confused.

“Do you get that reaction from men everywhere you go?”

She shrugs. “It’s my grandmother’s siren blood, not me. I could be the ugliest hag in creation, and men would still respond that way.”

But she isn’t. Far from it. Sabelle is truly stunning. Wars have been started over faces half so lovely. Centerfolds would kill for her body. The first time I saw her standing in the middle of myliving room in Texas, explaining that my brother was suffering, I had to force myself to focus on her words, not my shock at her utter beauty.

But I quickly learned that she isn’t just beautiful on the outside. I genuinely like her. I admire her, even. But I don’t want her.

In fact, now that I’ve met Sydney, I can’t think of anyone else.

“If Bram hasn’t passed the message to you, thank you for trying to help Lucan.”

“Caden, I’ve known him all my life. He’s a dear friend. I’m not about to let him die senselessly if I can prevent it.”

She’s a brave soul. “Every other surrogate we’ve sent has run screaming.”

“I believe, deep down, he’ll recognize me before he does any serious harm. Now, whether he’ll accept me is another story.”

Is she being too optimistic? “He doesn’t know himself.”

She concedes my point with a nod. “Yes, well… It isn’t going as well as I would like. The energy he’s derived from my fear and concern simply isn’t enough. He expends it all thrashing and calling Anka’s name. Your brother needs more.”

“Meaning?”

“With the previous surrogates, he growled that he scented another man, then attacked them. I think I might have a solution. You’re welcome to observe.”

Something in the witch’s tone makes me pause. “Perhaps we should discuss this in detail before you do anything rash.”

Sabelle shakes her head, golden curls brushing her slender arms. “I need to do this my way.”

“But your safety?—”

“I’m fine.” She pats my arm. “Why don’t we meander outside and round the back? We’ll attract less attention when we teleport.”

I know a firm change of subject when I hear one. I give up—for now—as we make our way into the windy evening chill.

Once out of sight, Sabelle positions us in shadows, wraps her hand in mine andpoof!One minute I'm standing in a dark alley, the next I fight a black, stomach-turning void.Bloody magic!Then I’m standing in Bram’s foyer. And the man himself is there waiting.

“Glad to see you’re here. I was getting worried.” He inspects his sister, clearly reassuring himself that no harm has come to her.

She sighs. “I’m eighty-four, not four, brother dear. I’m perfectly capable of finding someone and bringing them here.”

“But not necessarily without avoiding trouble.”

Sabelle rolls her eyes, then turns to me. “If you’ll excuse me, I have important things to do. Entertain him for a bit, will you? I’m worn out.”

With that parting shot, she disappears.

Bram casts me a rueful glance. “I’ll trade you a brother in mate mourning for a mischievous sister.”

I almost laugh. “Thanks, but no. Honestly, I don’t want either problem.”

“I don’t blame you.”

“You look exhausted.” I know I shouldn’t ask, lest I find myself deeper in magical muck. But as much as I dislike some of Bram’s tactics, the wizard has taken my brother in, offered his home, his assistance, and now, his sister. “Any luck finding your mate?”