Page 37 of Ulune's Daughter

“Recovering an item of historical and magickal importance from being illegally trafficked, you mean?” she retorts, but she’s grinning. “Yes. I recovered thecalicem Sulis Minervae.Want to see?”

My gut tightens. Surely she’s not carrying a cup of death curses around with her?

At my nod, her grin spreads until it’s impish. She whips out her phone, taps up a file of pictures, and hands the device to me.

I pretend to examine each picture closely. Not being obsessed with dusty trinkets the way my brother is, I’m not sure what I’m looking at, other than an old, metal cup. But I nod sagely.

“I’m not familiar with thecalicem Sulis Minervae,” I say, hoping there’s no reason Luca would know of it. “What’s its history?”

She tells me, expanding on what I overheard. Her enthusiasm is so alluring. She leans forward across the table as she speaks, eyes sparkling, talking so rapidly she trips over her words.

I’d barely have to lean in to capture those busy lips with mine.

She stutters mid-explanation. Blinking rapidly, she sits back. “Luca, I-I’m sorry?—”

I’m about to tell her she has nothing to be sorry about—her attraction to her mate is natural and good—when a deep voice interrupts. “Hey, Kellan.”

We both look up and the moment breaks. I see her shake herself before she smiles at the interloper.

Dark hair, bright eyes, square chin I’m tempted to break. Luca’s human.

I glare at him.

He smiles uneasily at me. He knows I’m not my twin. He’s always been able to tell us apart, even when Luca’s not emulating that bizarre green-haired character.

He holds his hand out to me. “Rhodes. Nice to meet you.”

“Luca. You’re interrupting.”

One side of Rhodes’ mouth curls and he slides his gaze to Kellan. “Sorry to interrupt. I just wanted to say I had an amazing time the other night. Any chance you’re up for it again? There’s a great band on tonight.”

Kellan nods cheerfully, a spark in her eyes I do not like at all. I will share her with Luca willingly; I care little if he tries to keep his human so long as Rhodes’ presence in our den doesn’t disturb our mate. But for Kellan to befriend him when she’s only had one conversation withme? No, that does not sit well.

“Eight again?” Kellan asks.

“Out front of Old Chapel? I’ll pick you up.”

Kellan laughs. “I think you’re trustworthy enough to pick me up from my place. Come at seven and I’ll have something to eat ready.”

She’s feeding the human? No, this is not right. She feeds me. She lavishes her love and attention onme. She kisses my toe beans. Mine! Her mate. Not this human who always smells of pool water. He’s fit to watch our kits, not be fed and feted.

I narrow my eyes at the human.

He clears his throat. “Well, I really don’t want to interrupt?—”

Kellan looks at me and I can see the distance gathering in her eyes, when a moment ago, they were so heated and welcoming. “You’re not. Luca and I are finished. I’m going back to campus. Are you going my way?”

“I am.” Rhodes sticks out his elbow, which makes Kellan laugh. She quickly clears up the remnants of her lunch and says goodbye to me, before leaving on the human’s arm.

This will not do. It will not do at all.

* * *

I can’t sabotagetheir date too obviously.

Although I’m tempted to spray her entire apartment with piss and seed so she spends the night cleaning instead of wining and dining the human, I don’t wish to damage my mate’s property. I’m also enjoying my position as her adored, pampered pet. I don’t want her to be angry with her kitty.

Instead, I call in reinforcements. My cousins Dex and Mags respond to my text message. Dex takes Rhodes’ car while Mags meets me at Kellan’s apartment. I’ve watched my mate bypass her wards enough times to crack them and Mags has her door jimmied before the freaky chicken has time to hiss twice.

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