Page 107 of Seduce Me in Shadow

“As long as it doesn’t interfere with your war.”

Bram nods, unapologetic. “It can’t. Will you stay and fight? I’ll send Ice out with you tonight, regardless. After that, if you won’t remain, I have to focus everything on defeating Mathias.”

The planned attack on Mathias’s compound looms in my mind. As soon as Shock resurfaces, they’ll finalize and execute. I don’t want to tie myself any closer to this magical mess, but what if Anka’s been recaptured? Can I really walk away?

“Yes,” I mutter, the word tasting like ash in my mouth.

Bram smiles. “Until then.”

“In the meantime, she has nothing to say that you should hear.” I jerk my head toward Sydney. “Are we clear?”

“Damn you!” Sydney spits.

Bram fights a smile. “Indeed.”

He turns away, ushering Tynan into his office. Marrok follows, closing the door. The feeling of being shut out intensifies, and I hate that it bothers me. I never wanted in, did I?

“Where to?” Ice slips on a pair of leather gloves to ward off the November chill.

I have no idea. And that, more than anything, shows how lost I truly am.

Chapter

Forty-Eight

Sydney

Iglare at the closed doors, alone in the suddenly empty hallway. Caden’s not only cut off my access to Bram, but he’s scarpered again—right after trying to dictate my actions. The bloody tosser!

It’s mental that magickind is in the dark about their worst enemy’s return. They should know the truth, along with safety measures, emergency contacts, and how to report Mathias sightings. Anything would be better than this dangerous ignorance.

Focusing on thatalmostkeeps my mind off Caden and his maddening contradictions. He wants my body, aims to protect me, but can’t commit to truly being with me. What’s going on in that thick skull of his? I’d write it off as typical bloke fear of commitment, but the connection between us feels so strong. Or is it the diary’s magic playing tricks on us both?

Sighing, I peek in on Aquarius once more, surrounded by fresh ice packs, and wander down to the library. With the lightson, the room no longer has that air of forbidden romance. Sabelle and Olivia lounge on the sofa, oblivious. Clearly, they have no idea what Caden and I were up to here just an hour ago.

“I didn’t until you thought about it,” Sabelle says with a teasing smile. “Join us?”

Since Aquarius is resting and I’ve caught up on the notes for my next story, I’ve nothing else to do. Caden made sure of that. Maybe a good chat with these two is in order. “Thank you.”

With a nod and a smile, Sabelle gestures to me to sit in a nearby chair. “What would you like to talk about?”

“A way I can help magickind. Caden is furious, and may…I don’t know, paralyze my mouth if I say this, but?—”

She bursts out laughing. “Caden is out, so he can’t overhear.”

True, but that worries me as well. Mathias could be searching for Anka. If he is, if Caden finds both of them and there’s trouble… I’m terrified for him. But I haven’t tried to prohibit him from doing what he must.

“Caden, Ice, and Duke are large wizards. Experienced fighters. Mathias is currently weak,” Sabelle says.

“But they’re all helping.” Even if Caden doesn’t want to. “Caden expects me to do nothing but cower in the name of safety.”

“Wizards can be overprotective,” Sabelle adds. “My brother is a perfect example of that.”

“Amen,” Olivia seconds. “I love Marrok—most days. Then he brings on the ‘me big warrior, you little woman’ crap. I have to remind him that this isn’t the Dark Ages anymore, and I’m not playing that game.”

I smile. I can actually see the little brunette standing up to her massive husband, and him backing down…eventually. He loves her to distraction; even I’ve noticed that. And I’m a bit green with envy.

Caden has his moments. While making love earlier today, he said something more romantic and poetic than any man has ever said to me.Become a part of me, as I become a part of you…

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