Page 50 of The Bonds of Nyx

Thea smirked. “You haven’t been able to get rid of me yet, have you?”

At that, Eloise smiled. There was a time when she’d looked up to Thea as a big sister because we’d been joined at the hip, and it was nice to know she still looked to Thea like that. It meant she found support in us.

It meant she knew she wasn’t alone.

And maybe it meant I was getting my little sister back.

We decided to let Ginny and Maisie sleep a little longer. In the meantime, I looked for Maeve, who needed to know our decision.

Leaving Eloise with Thea, I searched the second floor, checking Maeve’s personal office as well as the larger meeting room, but found no sign of her. The sun was still in the sky, so she had to be in the house somewhere. Because she didn’t sleep, she hadn’t claimed a bedroom for herself.

The first floor seemed quiet, too. Elias and Adrian were out in the forest with some of Jay’s team, who had initially taken care of my sisters. And it seemed the new team was just as peaceful.

I paused in the kitchen and crossed my arms.Where is she…

Who, Angel?Elias replied.

It was going to be hard getting used to that.

Shaking my head, I responded.Maeve. Eloise wants to say goodbye to Kerry and tell the girls. I need to warn Maeve so she can sort it out.

There was a heavy silence on Elias’s end for a moment.Are you sure? She might be overwhelmed by all the changes. She might resent it after.

I smiled to myself as I wandered over to the window in the kitchen.Thanks for being worried. I think it’s time. It’s probably her way of controlling the situation in a world shecan’t control. And she wants to be the one to tell Ginny and Maisie about Kerry, not me.

I’m sorry, Angel. I know you and your mother didn’t have the best relationship, but it’s hard on you, too. She was still your mom.

My teeth clenched as tears burned behind my eyes. He was right, and yet I felt guilty mourning the woman. She’d been my mother, yes. She’d also been my best friend once. But she changed. She stopped being my mother at some point, and after a while, I stopped seeing her as such.

As I wiped away a stray tear, unable to form a response for Elias, a hand landed on my shoulder. A flash of electricity ran through my veins as I spun, expecting one of my guys.

My eyes widened as I met the new team leader’s surprised stare. His hand dropped, and he took a large step back. “My apologies, I didn’t mean to scare you.” A smirk tugged at his lips as his dark eyes dragged over my body.

He was handsome, which I hated to admit, because he gave the impression that he knew just how attractive he was and used it for his own gain. His shoulder-length dark brown hair looked almost black in this light, and his rugged features looked almost Middle Eastern. His black eyes were as sharp as his cheekbones and jawline. Broad and over six feet, he reminded me of someone who’d spent a lot of time in the gym. The only clue he was different were the pointed ears sticking out of his hair.

As if sensing the question, his smirk turned wicked. “I’m half-Fae, if you’re wondering.”

“I wasn’t,” I lied, “but thanks.”

I tried to step around him as he chuckled. “Something I can help you with?”

“Just looking for Maeve.”

He made a sound and appeared at my side, his dark eyes meeting mine. “She’s downstairs in the basement gym. Come on, I’ll show you.”

My gaze narrowed as he took a couple of steps towards the door. “I know where the gym is,” I muttered.

He chuckled again but didn’t respond.

I hesitated a moment, crossing my arms over my chest. There was something about him…It wasn’t like I distrusted him. I didn’t know him. But I wasn’t sure what he thought ofme. He reminded me a little of Rowan, but where Rowan wore his heart more on his sleeve, this guy used his wicked smirk as a mask of sorts. And I wasn’t sure if I liked it or not.

But when he looked over his broad shoulders, something unfurled within me at the look in his eyes. Something I didnotwant to touch on.

Stupid men. I shook my head and huffed. “Fine, let’s go.”

He smirked and opened the door to the basement for me. I spared him another uncertain look as I passed him, ignoring the brief touch of our arms and the warmth that came with it.

I didn’t like how it reminded me of the others. And I certainly didn’t like what it might mean.

---