Page 8 of Dimitri

“Nyet.” I didn’t feel the need to talk about the fact that I’d met my mate with them. That and this was where the warlocks were. I needed to ask about one, so to me, it made sense to have come here. “I did not believe he would be aware of warlocks visiting the mountain.”

Master Edison shook his head. “No, I meant the other comment.”

“Ja. I am not the only enforcer who has noticed that those of us without magical powers are often left here to…twiddle our fingers? Is that the phrase?”

Alistair chuckled. “Thumbs,” he told me.

Ah. “Yes, that.” I looked to Rainier. “Thank you for the information. I will not be forceful with my mate. I can be patient. My dragon is known for his patience. It is how I am so skilled with my tracking.”

“Tracking?” Alistair asked.

I shook my head. “You should read the enforcer files. But also, do not forget that as someone from the created dragon’s line, I have other abilities. As I am certain you are as well?”

Alistair nodded.

“I will go talk to my dedushka about Caspian.” I looked back at Rainier. “Thank you for the information.”

I didn’t give them more of an opportunity to say anything. I wanted to share my news with my dedushka and yéye.

It only took moments to reach Dedushka’s office. I found him and Yéye there, talking to one another.

“Dimitri, back so soon?” Yéye asked.

“Ja. I have met my mate just moments ago.”

That expectedly brought excitement. “Moments ago when?” Yéye asked.

“Just before I came back into the building,” I told them. “I was at the bakery to get something for supper this evening,” I told them. “But when I arrived, there was a warlock I’ve not yet met there. I scented him immediately, but he left right away.” I sighed, going over the interaction, short as it was, in my mind again. “I came back here to talk to Master Edison and ask if there were any warlocks visiting.”

“What did he say?” Dedushka asked.

“It was Rainier that told me Sebastian’s brother Caspian was here to visit. I cannot be absolutely certain Caspian is my mate, but if he is the only warlock visiting, then that will give me my answer.”

“Where is he now?” Yéye asked.

I sighed again. “I am not sure. He left the bakery, and when I followed, he was already gone once I’d reached outside. I do not know if he was upset with me, with the fact that we are mates, or if Mallorie had said something to him to upset him.”

Dedushka narrowed his eyes. “I will have a discussion with them again about their daughter. There have been several comments from enforcers about her being curt and rude.”

I shrugged. “I was not there for that conversation. She did mention how she thought Caspian was a bit rude and then mentioned it was expected because he was a warlock. I did not care for that comment.”

Dedushka’s displeasure could be felt in the room. “I will discuss it with them. It might be that they will need to not have her work in the front. They won’t want to lose their contract with the council.”

Yéye touched Dedushka’s arm. “I want to hear more about his mate. What all happened? You said he took off. Did he say anything to you at all?”

I nodded. “Just that he supposed it had to be one of us. I do not know what that meant. After that, he left. I followed, but not fast enough.”

Dedushka handed me a piece of paper. “This is Sebastian’s house number. You can go ask if Caspian is there. If not, Rainier has a cabin in Timber Valley that he donated to the pack. His family use it when they come to visit from Europe. Here is its location if he isn’t at Sebastian’s.” I took the slip of paper and placed it in my pocket.

“Thank you.”

“This means you won’t be joining us for supper, then?” Yéye said.

I shook my head. “I wish to locate my mate and at least have a full conversation with him. I do not know if that will be possible, but my dragon most likely will not rest until I am able to learn who he is at the minimum.”

“That is to be expected,” Dedushka said. He wrapped his arm around Yéye and pulled him in close. “Do you remember when I first located you and how my dragon pushed?”

Yéye grinned. “You were relentless.”

---