Page 64 of Asher

“And once we realized it wasn’t just an old hunter’s cache,” Asher says smoothly, “we called in the appropriate authorities and came to tell you immediately.”

“Did you not consider that you should have come to us first and allowed us to call the authorities?” Damaris asks.

“We were trying to save time?”

I give Asher props for not cowering, but he loses points because it sounds like a question.

“Regardless of the proper protocol,” Jesse says, clearly trying to prevent bloodshed, “things are in train now. What happens next?”

“Gideon will take a sorcerer up to the cave to check for any hidden traps or wards,” Zac volunteers. “We’re still not sure if this was made by humans or the community, so the policy is to check. They should be here soon. And Alistair, Garrett’s cousin who works with Gideon”—there’s a ripple around the table. Most of these people were at our wedding. They remember Alistair—“knows someone who makes mechanical puzzles. He’s apparently a master and should be able to open the door.”

“Until that’s done and the contents of the cave are identified and catalogued,” Asher continues, “it’s considered to be a restricted CSG site. They want to minimize the chances of anyone getting hurt in there.”

Damaris’s eyes narrow. “Are you saying we, the council, can’t visit this cave and see for ourselves what all the fuss is about?”

Asher almost trips over his tongue rushing to say, “I’m not saying that at all.” His grandmother gives a satisfied nod, and he winces before adding, “The Community of Species Government is saying it.”

Her face darkens, and a murmur of discontent rises from the rest of the council.

“I’m sure Alistair and Gideon would be fine with you having a look. They just don’t want everyone from the village wandering up there,” I suggest, mentally kicking myself for opening my mouth as all eyes turn to me. Asher’s gaze asks me what the fuck I’m doing. “Let’s give them some time to sort out the details, and then you can request an escort.”

For the first time since Asher and I announced our engagement, Damaris turns her “I’m going to murder you” look on me.

“An escort?” she hisses.

“To answer your questions. Not for any other reason.” Sweat breaks out along my spine.

“Thank you,” Jesse announces, and as the attention moves away from me, I suck in oxygen. “We’ll discuss this and decide what steps we want to take next. Please advise Gideon and Alistair that we’d like to speak with them before they leave.”

I hardly hear the exchange of farewells before I latch onto Asher’s arm and let him teleport me home.

I’m barely oriented to being in the teleport room—and swallowing hard to keep my lunch down—when Micah yells, “That you?”

“No!” Zac calls back, then leads the way to the kitchen. Where he stops in the doorway for me to run into the back of him.

“Dammit, Zac, I’m still all dizzy. Why are you trying to make it worse?”

“Move or I’ll move you,” Asher threatens him, even as he gently steadies me.

“Sorry, I wasn’t expecting us to have company,” Zac says over his shoulder, moving into the kitchen so we can get through.

“Company?” I look toward the table and see who he means. Gideon, Alistair, and Micah are there, of course, and I recognize the newcomers from my wedding. David Carew and his boyfriend, the elf Caolan. “Hi. Good to see you both again.”

David stands politely and offers his hand. “You too. Married life agrees with you.”

Alistair grins wide and opens his mouth, but Caolan elbows him, and then they put their heads together and whisper furiously. I can hear them, of course, but they’re not saying anything worth listening to.

“We were just waiting to hear how the meeting went before we take David to the cave,” Gideon says.

“Grandmother isn’t pleased. The council wants to speak to you before you leave.” Asher’s words are simple and informative, but the underlying tone is a mix of resignation and gloating. Damaris is mad at everyone right now.

“Great,” Gideon mutters, but Alistair perks up.

“I didn’t get a chance to meet your grandmother at the wedding,” he exclaims. “I’mdyingto.”

I wince. Alistair’s annoying, but heisstill my cousin. “Now’s probably not the best time for chitchat,” I warn. “Keep it professional.”

He solemnly traces his forefinger in a cross over his heart. “I swear by all I hold dear.”

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