Page 99 of Until the End of Ever
“Mom called us—you and me, that is—for an urgent report on the murders.”
I blinked. “Today’s a holiday.”
“Not for the head of the Guard when there’s an emergency.” He brushed his hand through his hair, sounding exhausted. “There was another body found while we were out of it Saturday, and she’s not impressed by the fact that neither of us were available.”
Fuck.
I’d expected it; one had shown up every week like clockwork. Knowing it wasn’t my doing didn’t shift the knot of guilt churning in my stomach. All those deaths, to get tome.
“And you can go give the damn report! Kleos needs to stay right here,” Silver insisted, her eyes narrowing.
I could guess her purpose. Silver had her matchmaker hat on and wanted to leave me alone with Lucian. And after last night—after the entire weekend, really—I was ready to have that talk, so I was grateful for it, though part of me still dreaded it.
"I mean, I'd cover for you if I could, but I've given her half answers all week. I don't even remember which rune is which. Trying to answer her now is beyond my scope. I think it's best to get it over with."
I considered my options, and slowly nodded my agreement. “I guess it’s been a couple of weeks since I’ve shown my face at the Guard. It’s no wonder she wants an update. I’m just not certain what we should tell her.”
The truth was too complex, and too closely linked to me for it to be on the official Guard record. Aunt Hilda might be family, but she was still part of the Highvale government. I didn’t want them in my business. And I also didn’t want it to get back to my parents if she confessed the details to her husband.
“I stuck to the basic information you shared about the runes, without going into it in detail,” Gideon said. “We can explain all the info we have on that, bring the books about the forced bonding ritual. That ought to satisfy her for today.”
I turned to Lucian, wondering about his opinion on everything. While he frowned, he ended up saying, “Sounds good. And if you do have to go to the Guard, it might as well be with Gideon by your side. I meant to stop by the office soon in any case.”
“You have an office?” That was the first I’d heard of it.
“It’s not like I want to entertain clients at home,” he pointed out.
As soon as he said it, the rationale made sense; he wasn’t the kind of man who easily let strangers in. Except for me—though by the time I'd inserted myself into his life, we weren't reallystrangers. He'd been friends with Gideon for half a year. We’d had a few drinks together. I'd given him cupcakes.
“I need to ask about available jobs for Sess’s kids,” he reminded me.
“Perfect timing then." We were both going to be busy this afternoon.
Lucian held Gideon’s gaze. “You’ll bring her back? Kleos doesn’t go anywhere unaccompanied until this is over.”
“Of course," my cousin replied easily. "And if I have to get some work done, with the new body, Silver can bring her.”
Silver acquiesced, getting to her feet with a stretch. “I’ll head home to get changed. Ping me if you need me?”
I hid a grin. She looked like a pixie in Lucian’s guest clothes, having opted for pale pink kiddy leggings and a tunic meant for someone a lot taller than her. It fell to her knees. She’d styled it with a belt, but no wondered she craved access to her fancy wardrobe.
"I suppose we'd better head out too," Ronan drawled. "Come on, Lucky. You can raid my library."
"Your library has a lot of ancient porn, and not much else," she shot back.
"My school library," he amended, leading the way out of Theke.
I stood to follow, but Lucian tugged my wrist, dragging me to him.“How about eating out tonight? There’s an amazing restaurant in town. I think you’d like it.”
“Tired of cooking? I can do it from time to time, you know. And we could always try Cassius’s bread and wine.” I grinned.
“Perish the thought. And I enjoy cooking for you. I just figured it was past time I took you on an actual date."
Adate? The concept seemed absurdly mundane, for someone like Lucian Regis. What need would he have to wineand dine a girl when he could seduce her with his manor, magic, gorgeous smirk, lickable abs, and cat instead?
I smiled. "All right. Let's go on a date."
Our kiss was far too fleeting for my liking. “In a few hours then.”
