Page 48 of Mystique of the Fallen
“Nah, I think honesty is the way to go. Lies are complicated. I’m glad I can sense them in others. I know it’s not like a sentinel, but that doesn’t make it any less valuable to me.”
“It’s definitely handy in our line of work.”
“I’ve learned so much in this past week and in training, but I still feel like I’m behind,” Grant confided.
“Don’t worry so much, okay? You have a lot on your plate, and I’ll help you. So will Arvandus and Samson. It’ll take a while to catch up on major ongoing cases, but right now, it’s more important for you to understand procedures and get to know everyone at headquarters.”
“Yeah, intellectually I understand that, but I’m also impatient to be well-versed in every aspect of my job. You know a bunch of sorcerers; can’t they invent a way for me to have additional hours in the day? I need to be with my mate, and I want the opportunity to lose myself in case files.”
“Sorry, as far as we know, there is no sorcerer who can twist time.”
“I hope they exist somewhere and that they suddenly have a burning need to help me out.”
Roman chuckled. “Speaking of sorcerers, next weekend is a monthly gathering at D’Vaire. Did you want to come?”
Lifting his head off Roman’s shoulder, Grant turned and stared at Roman wide-eyed. “Seriously? I’d love to go with you.”
“I was hoping you’d say that. I have a permanent guest room there; did you want to share it with me, or should I talk to the D’Vaires about ensuring they have a bed made up for you?”
“Roman, I won’t ever deny an invitation to share your bed, but I’m surprised you’re willing to let me. Didn’t you tell me a few minutes ago that being in bed together wasn’t on the agenda yet?”
“Yeah, but don’t get too excited. I heard it’s a themed weekend, which means it’ll be busier than usual. We’ll be lucky if we snag a couple of hours of sleep while we’re there.”
“It’s going to be awesome, isn’t it?”
“They usually are.”
“And I get Roman cuddle hours? My life keeps getting better.”
Roman kissed Grant’s bright smile. “Mine too.”
Chapter 18
With a duffel bag slung over his shoulder, Grant teleported to Roman’s apartment, and the door opened before he could knock.
Roman kissed him softly. “Hey.”
“Were you creepily waiting at the door until I arrived?”
“No,” Roman replied with a roll of his eyes as he stepped out of the way so Grant could enter the condo. “You texted me telling me you were on your way. So, I walked to the door and there you were. Teleportations are usually quick.”
“Are they ever not fast?”
“I don’t think so, why?”
“You saidusually, so I wondered if there had been an instance where teleportations actually took longer than a couple of seconds.”
“I need to learn to be more literal with you,” Roman said, his mouth quirking into a smile. “You like to question everything. It’s a beautiful facet of your personality, but also slightly annoying.”
Unperturbed by Roman’s criticism, Grant shrugged. “Thanks for your input. I’ll be sure to let you know when you’re annoying too.”
“I’m sure you will.”
“Tell me why we couldn’t teleport directly to D’Vaire.”
“Easy. The entire estate and the neighboring ones are protected by a magical dome created by some of the most powerful sorcerers alive. Before anyone can make their first visit, they need to be brought there by the Grand Warlock. Dra’Kaedan’s was the first layer of the dome, and he controls who comes and goes.”
“Hmm, what happens if he doesn’t like me and refuses to let me visit?”
