Page 59 of The Bonds of Nyx

I quietly pulled on my boots, sparing him only a quick glance. “I’m going to make a call. See if I can find this third mate of hers.”

“You think you can find him? He’s been hiding for eight years now.”

I climbed to my feet and stared down at our sleeping mate. She’d rolled over into Kingsley’s arms, nuzzling her face into his bare chest, her breaths still even. “I’m going to have some old colleagues keep an eye out for any Fae exhibiting increased power that claim to be unmated. There are a couple of favours I can call in.”

Kingsley dragged a hand over his face, his eyes tired. “You think you can trust these people?”

“I trust them enough to get me the information we need.” That bastard wouldn’t be able to hide for much longer. I had a feeling Ivy’s power surge could have been avoided if he was here and not off doing as he pleased, running around with his own increased magic.

The prince watched me for a long moment before nodding. “I hope you find him.”

I bowed my head once before stalking out of the quiet bedroom. The rest of the house was asleep, save for the two preparing for their boundary shifts. I’d have to thank Grey later for pulling me out so I could stay with Ivy.

I took to the halls and slipped down to the basement; the eerily quiet space dark. Lights flickered on automatically as I entered, their buzzing a low hum that made me frown. I couldn’t wait to take Ivy home to Avalon, to show her the beauty of the island, of my home.Soon, I thought, a smile forming on my lips.

The lights of the small gym flickered on, and I stopped in the doorway. I spared a look over my shoulder, searching the underground garage for any sign of listening ears. I strained, waiting for a stray breath or a heartbeat that was too loud, but I heard nothing. Not even a new scent.

I released a breath and reached for my cell. The enchanted phone from Sir Ya’Dahir weighed heavily in my hands. I dialled a number I knew by heart and waited for it to ring, the soundalmost too loud in the too quiet basement. My own heart joined the sound, crashing against my ribcage.

After the fourth ring, the line connected, and a rough and hard voice spoke. “What?”

“It’s Beckham.”

There was a silence on the other end that lasted what felt like an eternity. Then, the old man spoke again. “What do you want?”

“I found my mate,” I started. He made a huffing sound, one I recognised from childhood as his way of sharing his surprise or pride. “Only problem is, she’s mated to another.”

“That wolf of yours jealous?” Cyrus chuckled darkly before coughing.

In my mind, he hadn’t aged a day, but by now, he’d be one of the longest-living shifters—save for the Queen’s own mates. Cyrus had been a soldier, a general, and once, a mentor. He’d been my teacher back when I’d lived at the orphanage, someone I would consider a true mentor and someone I trusted. He was still as strong as the bear he shifted into and just as large in my mind—the mind of the child I was when I met him for the first time. But it’d been years since I’d seen him.

“Not in the way you might be thinking,” I finally replied, shifting on my feet. I kept an eye out for anyone approaching as I continued, “Thing is, the other mate is Fae. When they met, he glamoured her and made her promise not to speak about him. Now, she doesn’t fully remember who he was.”

Cyrus made a sound of discontent on the other end. I could almost see the shift in his eyes as he considered my words and realised the implications. “They completed the bond?”

“Yes.” I could feel my anger rising within me as I thought about the bastard. “She had no idea they had until recently. Now, he’s out there and has someone close to him blocking their bond.”

It was hard keeping the specifics under wraps, but there were details he’d need if he wanted to fully understand the gravity of this situation.

“What do you want from me?” he asked. “What can an old man like me do for an agent like you?”

I snorted, shaking my head. “Your connections would help.” The last thing I wanted to do was drag him into the middle of all this, but if I wanted to help Ivy—if I wanted to protect her—then I would do anything to ensure she was safe. “Full-blooded Fae. He would be experiencing an increase in power, especially in the last month. I don’t want anyone approaching him, just a name.”

Cyrus grunted his understanding. “Power increases after bonding are a rarity, you know.”

I couldn’t bring myself to respond for a long moment. Cyrus wasn’t stupid. Soon, he’d know if his suspicions were true. But for now, I wouldn’t confirm his beliefs, but I wouldn’t lie to him.

“Ah,” he hummed, moving around what I assumed was his hidden cabin outside the city. “I’ll let a few trustworthy friendsknow to look out for a Fae male with increased power. No approaching, just a name.”

I sighed a breath of relief and rubbed my eyes tiredly. “Appreciate it.”

He hung up and the phone went completely silent. I took a small amount of comfort in knowing he wouldn’t treat me differently. He didn’t have it in him.

If he found nothing, I wasn’t sure what I would do. Cyrus had connections worldwide; in his work, he had to have friends everywhere. But if they found nothing...

Sooner or later, the Fae would reveal himself. And when he did, I’d make damn sure he never forgot the pain he put Ivy through with his actions.

When I was done, he’d wish for death.

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