Page 26 of The Maestro's Mates
“Do you need to go back?”
Sebastian nodded. “Yes, but not immediately. The Circle is secure, and my sister has been beaten back. It will take her a while to prepare another assault. But next time she’ll come with more firepower.”
Justin didn’t know how to respond. Everything that had happened today was absolutely insane. He’d been thrust into a world—of witches, of gargoyles, ofmates—that was overwhelming and confusing, and he hadn’t had a second to process it. The combination of being so young and his old coven being so isolationist meant that he had no context for any of it.
Despite that, he couldn’t help but think of the handsome gargoyle on the roof.
“Why…why did Pavel stay up there?”
Sebastian smiled, resting his elbow on the arm of the chair, his head propped up on his hand. His face was suddenly cherubic. The sight sent a shot of warmth through Justin’s chest, despite chaos gremlin lurking underneath the witch’s sweet demeanor.
“I don’t know too much about gargoyles, but witches do pass down knowledge. We’re very into books. It’s kind of our thing. Plus, youknowI did some research in the Circle library when I realized who my mates were.”
Sebastian stretched his arms out above him with a yawn. Justin smiled at the easy familiarity of it.
“According to the legends, gargoyles have three forms. Human, although the old books disagree about whether that was innate or an adaptation. The flexible stone form that flew us here. And a true statue, the dormantstate. Gargoyles take that form to rest and recharge their innate magic. It takes a lot of energy to keep all that stone aloft. Although I wouldn’t mind if he stayed in his flying gargoyle form for sexy times.”
Sebastian flashed his wicked smile, and Justin shook his head. He might be a vampire, but this witch was far more evil than he ever had any hope of being.
“I…I don’t think I?—”
“I made tea, Sebastian. Would you like a cup?” The clear tenor voice rang out from the doorway to the kitchen. It was Anthony. One of the advantages of the coven master’s mate being a world-class opera singer is you never had to worry about hearing him.
The man stood in a perfectly tailored charcoal suit, a colorful fuchsia fabric square peeking out from his blazer pocket.
“That would be lovely, actually.” Sebastian smiled at the short Italian man, and it struck Justin how comfortable the witch was here at the covenhouse. How comfortable he would be in Justin’s life, in his bed?—
No. As tempting as that was, it had been a mistake for them to kiss in the elevator, and the events of the day had proven that. Getting involved with anyone, but especially with Sebastian, would bring trouble to his coven. Anthony and Freddie were the only reason Justin had the life he did, and he wasn’t going to put that in jeopardy.
History had shown when he opened his heart, those around him suffered. He’d learned his lesson.
“Justin?”
Standing in front of them, Anthony handed Sebastian a cobalt blue mug with steam rising off the top. Justin must have missed the milk and sugar negotiations.
“Sorry?” Justin asked.
“I know you don’t like tea,” Anthony said. “Do you want blood?”
Shaking his head, Justin’s glance flitted to Sebastian as the witch brought the mug to his lips. His soft, perfect lips. Justin licked his own unconsciously.
That’s when he realized Anthony was staring at him with an evil look in his eye. Shit.
“You two?” Anthony giggled, touching both hands to his cheeks. “Oh my God, how perfect!”
“Anthony…” Justin suddenly wished he could disappear into the cushions of the armchair.
“Come on.” Anthony was practically pouting. “Something’s going on between you two.”
“Not between us two, no,” Sebastian said. Justin heaved a sigh of relief. He really didn’t need Anthony on his case.
“Yeah,” Justin started to say.
“Between us three.” Sebastian’s eyes sparkled with malevolent glee, simultaneously filling Justin with dread and making his stomach flip in nervous anticipation. How did the witch manage to be both sexy and sobad? And how were they somehow the same thing?
“Wait. You two…and the maestro?” Anthony’s eyes went wide for a moment, and then suddenly bent over at the waist, letting out a loud, raucous laugh. “That’s fucking amazing.”
“Anthony…”
