Page 10 of A City of Hearts and Feathers

Zoe pinched the bridge of her nose. "I'm really tired, upset, and freaked out, so if you could give me some straight answers, I would appreciate it."

"You're not freaked out. I've seen freaked out. If you take a moment to breathe and think, you will realize that you're actually curious about all of this. You're not afraid of magic or monsters because you grew up knowing about them even if you can't remember it. Oman made sure of it to keep you safe," Kahil replied, all the teasing gone from his tone.

"He told me lots of stories about stuff like djinn and werewolves and fallen angels. Myth and fairytales. Not about invisible barriers in the bookstore," she argued.

"Maybe they seem that way now, but Oman was a part of our world, and he was trying to teach you about it. He was a neutral, neither light nor dark, like the Kartal family has been for centuries." Kahil held up a hand before she could open her mouth. "No. Be quiet for one second. You wanted straight answers, and I'm trying to give them to you. The Order of Anubis protects Ma'at. The balance between good and evil." He tapped the scales on his tattoo again. "We protect those that need protecting. Kill the creatures that need killing, including humans who deserve it. No, that didn't include your father."

Kahil leaned back in his chair. "Your family has always been neutral in the bickering between the creatures of dark and light. They were always respected by both sides and traded with everyone. That changed when Oman discovered a very ancient book, and everyone wanted it. It caused both sides to lash out in their desperation to obtain it."

Zoe rubbed at her biceps, a sudden chill settling over her. "That guy on the street who jumped me… He said something about a book."

"That wasn't a guy. It was analukah.They are like vampires and live off blood. Their leader wants the book like everyone else because of what they think it contains."

"Say I believe all of this," Zoe said, getting to her feet because if she didn't move, she would scream. "What's so special about this book? And why hasn't anyone just broken in here and taken it?"

"It's complicated, and I think you've probably had enough shocks for one day—" Kahil caught the rolling pin she threw at him.

"I'll tell you if I want you to stop. I've been lied to my entire life, and you seem to have the answers, so spit them out," she snapped, her temper getting the best of her.

Zoe blinked, and Kahil was suddenly standing in her doorway. He was so tall that he filled it entirely, and she had to step back just to see his face. She could smell his aftershave of frankincense, black pepper, and a hint of blood. Being close to him was like sniffing church incense and violence.

"Don't throw things at me," he hissed, the wooden rolling pin in his hand splintering. They glared at each other for a long moment, and then his fierce expression broke. "You're bold, Zoe. I'll give you that. Most people would have looked away by now."

"You don't frighten me," she lied, raising her chin.

Kahil smiled like he knew she was full of shit. "Invite me in, make me tea, and I'll tell you everything you want to know."

Zoe's eyes narrowed at his audacity. "I'm not inviting you in for tea. I don't know you. I don't know what is keeping you out, but I think I'd like it to stay up."

"Smart girl," he said, leaning against the doorframe and crossing his arms. "But I'm not the one you need to be scared of. It's the rest of Istanbul that's going to be gunning for you and that book once they know you're back in town. The Order is all that stands in the way of both sides tearing you apart. You and I are about to become best friends, and I can guarantee that you're going to get down on your knees and thank me before all of this is done."

His words sent unexpected heat prickling up her spine, which Zoe didn't like one bit.

"I don't get on my knees for anyone. Either you tell me what's going on, or we are done here." Zoe began to shut the door when the broken rolling pin was shoved in the gap to block it from closing. She opened it again. "Well?"

"I have my tea black and strong," he said, removing the rolling pin. "Trust me, Zoe, you'll need tea as well if you really want to know everything tonight."

Zoe sighed, knowing he was right. It was late, and she was already sobering up. "I'll be back. Don't go anywhere."

Kahil smiled like a hungry wolf. "Not a chance."

CHAPTER SIX

Kahil waited patiently while Zoe disappeared back into the bookstore. She wasn't what he expected. He had anticipated tears and timidity, especially after realizing he had been the one standing over Oman's dead body. She had far more fire in her than her sadness had suggested earlier that day. He hadn't expected the burst of anger at her mother, either, though he'd had one of his own.

What had Anita been thinking not telling Zoe about her family history? It put Zoe in even more danger because she had no idea what was coming for her. His job of protecting her was going to be so much harder than he imagined.

At least she's not boring. He looked at the rolling pin and thought of the way she had stared him down. Her black eyeliner had been a little smudged, and it had made her eyes even bigger. She smelled good, even after a night of clubbing. No wonder thealukahhad been about to bite her. With all her golden hair curled and loose, she looked as sweet as honey.

A niggling voice in the back of his head told him that he shouldn't be noticing those things about her. It sounded like Kerem, so Kahil did what he usually did with all of his friend'sgood advice and ignored it. If he was going to be watching over the girl every minute, it helped that she was so nice to look at.

Kahil pulled some of the faded cushions off the sun beds, shoving one through the wards for Zoe to sit on while he sat on the ground opposite it. He didn't want to sit on the other side of the roof to talk to her.

He searched the garden of dead plants, and finding a water tap, he washed the remaining bits of blood from the plain, thick bands of his silver rings. Walking around with silver knuckle dusters on was alarming. His rings worked just as well, especially onalukahflesh.

He didn't want to remind Zoe any more than necessary of the night she walked in on him covered in Oman's blood, so he scrubbed his hands extra hard. He was surprised she remembered anything at all; she had been so small. He didn't like that she associated him with trauma, but it couldn't be helped.

Arslan had insisted he be the one to protect her and not Kerem, and there was no arguing with their Grand Master when his mind was made up about something. The old man was as stubborn as a goat when he wanted to be.

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