Page 547 of Shadowblood Souls
“It all went well,” he says. “Good.”
Jacob makes a face. “We’ll see how ‘well’ it actually was when those assholes get their butts into gear. I don’t know if the Guardianship will definitely fall for the trick—or if they’ll do anything useful even if they believe Balthazar has joined up with shadowkind to attack them.”
Rollick’s smooth voice rings out as he emerges from a nearby room. “We’ll just have to wait and see on that score. I have people watching the board members we identified—and Pearl will nudge them in ideal directions as much as she can.”
The thought of the succubus having to seduce the jerk currently leading the guardians makes my stomach turn. But I have to admit she didn’t look all that bothered about it when she left to make her own trip via portals.
I guess when it comes to meals of sexual energy, all sources are pretty satisfying. And I know she likes getting to contribute to our war with Balthazar the one way she can.
I sigh, and Jacob’s arm tenses around me, pulling me a little closer.Ihaven’t been doing a whole lot all day other thantracking Balthazar’s movements and brainstorming possible attacks, but I feel as worn out as if I’ve jetted around the world alongside him and Zian.
Rollick’s penetrating gaze passes over us, and a sly smile curves his lips. “I think the six of you deserve a break. You’ve been through an awful lot—in the past few months, and in your entire lives.”
I shake my head to deflect his concern. “We’re used to it.”
“You shouldn’t have to be. And you’ve been working hard ever since you finally broke free. Youarefree, even if everything else isn’t perfect. For once, no one’s even hunting you down. Why don’t we establish a new normal? It’s time you took the opportunity to unwind.”
I study the demon warily. “Unwind how, exactly?”
I don’t think he’d suggest anything I’d find totally horrifying. Rollick has our best interests at heart. But he is still a sort-of monster. He doesn’t see things the same way a human being would.
The demon waves off my question with a carefree air. “However you like. I’ll just make it easy for you. Why don’t you take a little staycation in the guest cabin across the west garden? It’s set up for visitors who want a little more independence. The fridge is stocked, and so’s the bar.” His smirk grows. “And I’ll make sure none of my shadowy companions venture out that way all night, so you don’t have to worry about invisible spectators.”
It's not hard to figure out what he’s suggesting withthatremark. A wash of heat tickles over my skin, matching the trace of pheromones given off by the guys on either side of me.
“That’s very generous of you,” Andreas says in a wry tone. His gaze holds mine for a beat, desire flaring in the dark gray depths of his eyes. “A night off from worrying sounds good to me. Why don’t we check the place out?”
I’m sure we’ve all noticed the building at the edge of the west garden before. I’d hardly call the thing a “cabin,” though.
As we cross the lawn between the flower beds, the grass whispering under our feet, I study the white-washed walls that match the mansion and debate whether it could even reasonably be called a “cottage” or if “house” is the only fair term.
The place is only one floor, but it’s decorated as immaculately and stylishly as the mansion proper. We roam from the sprawling kitchen with its gleaming stainless steel through a living room full of plump leather upholstery and peek into three bedrooms with king-sized beds and the relaxing scent of lavender lacing the air.
I can’t help comparing the space to the home I imagined us settling into after we first fled the facility. At the time, I pictured someplace full of old wood and a cozy atmosphere, off in the untamed wilderness.
Kind of like the isolated forest cottage where we found Ursula Engel. Tangling with our creator left me with mixed feelings about that kind of setup.
Rollick’s guest “cabin” is expansively airy and bright with daylight-toned light fixtures, but something about the openness makes it easier for me to consider unwinding. Like there’s room for me to set aside all of the worries on my shoulders for the night, knowing I won’t lose sight of anything I needed to keep track of when I come back to them in the morning.
Back in the kitchen, Andreas starts mixing drinks from the offerings in the bar cabinet and fridge. He slides them across the counter to their recipients one by one with the total confidence of the guy who’s always held on to every bit of our history.
Jacob speaks up before Drey gets to him. “I want Riva-style lemonade. If you think you can pull that off.”
Before I can open my mouth to say I can make it myself, Andreas grins. “Already had it planned. I can make double.” He flicks his gaze to me. “And you can tell me how successful I am.”
As he squeezes the lemons, I lean my elbows on the island between the kitchen and the living area, basking in the unexpected sense of normalcy. How impossible is it that after all the torment we endured, all the lies the guardians told and the enemies we’ve faced, we all ended up here?
Together. Alive. More deeply connected than I could have conceived was possible.
Andreas pushes the first glass of homemade lemonade my way, and I bring it to my lips. Does he have any idea how tart I actually like it?
Apparently so. The sourness hits my tongue hard enough to send a shiver through me, but it’s one of delight. All of my tastebuds jitter eagerly as I take another gulp.
I grin at Drey. “It’s perfect.”
Jacob takes a swig from his glass and shakes himself. “All right, that’s got bite. Just like our wildcat, when she’s in the right mood.” He aims a teasing look my way.
With total maturity, I stick my tongue out at him. And then get back to draining my shockingly refreshing drink.
