Page 53 of The Maestro's Mates
The projected thought rang off the inside of Justin’s skull, making him look up from his desk reflexively. His coven master’s presence was strong. He might as well have been standing there in front of him, rather than blocks away at the covenhouse.
What do you mean?
Justin couldn’t lie to Freddie mind-to-mind, but he wouldn’t volunteer details. Covens had a reputation for gossip, but the Grosvenor Coven went beyond that. Everyone was fully up in everyone else’s business. Justin’s brain hadn’t yet sorted out everything that had happened. He needed time to process without anyone else giving him advice.
I can sense your turmoil through the bond,Freddie sent, followed by a wave of projected compassion. The pity made Justin feel even worse.I would have reached out earlier if I thought you were in true danger, but at the very least, you owe me a report.
I do?
The clank of an industrial-size three-hole punch rang out from the office behind him. Yasmin had been in a mood all morning, and she liked to take it out on the office tools.
Yes.Justin could almost hear the eye roll in Freddie’s tone.I sent you to Bayonne to meet with the Eldest of the Circle. Or have you forgotten already?
Shit. Hehadforgotten. He’d been so caught up in Pavel’s abrupt departure, he hadn’t thought about coven business.
He was inadequate as a mate and as a coven member. No wonder Pavel left. Sebastian would leave soon enough as well. He should never have slept with them. Now his heart was involved, and all of this would hurt even more.
Justin, I’m your coven master. I can sense the self-judgment in your thoughts. Stop brooding and give me your report.
Sighing, Justin fiddled with a stack of papers in front of him, flipping through mindlessly.
I believe the witches are being honest in their desire for an alliance. They’ll negotiate in good faith.
There was a pause before Freddie responded.And the Eldest? She’s trustworthy?
No, she had tried to test and maybe kill Justin for being mated to her son, but whatever.
I don’t believe she’ll blatantly lie to you. She knows what’s at stake, and she understands vampires have an advantage over witches in direct combat.
But…
Justin wasn’t sure exactly how to put it. He didn’t believe Linda would lie, but he knew she’d wring every ounce of benefit she could from the alliance.
Linda Walker is intense.Justin pressed his lips together and drummed on the smooth wooden desktop with hisfingertips.I don’t think she is evil, but she is not necessarily good. She serves her Circle, and she believes in her own sense of right and wrong, and no one else’s.
There was a sense of probing in Justin’s mind as Freddie dissected his words.What does that mean?
She’s a power-hungry jerk. But I think you might like her.
Freddie’s low chuckle filled Justin’s mind, and he couldn’t help but smile.
The Circle was attacked again last night, through some kind of dream witchcraft. She’ll want to meet with you to get protection before the next physical assault comes.
Were you involved?Freddie asked, a note of concern humming under the words.
Yes.Justin stopped. He could trust his coven master, he knew that, but this was personal.I don’t want to talk about it.
Very well.
Freddie’s presence in his mind departed as Yasmin emerged from the office. He was thankful his master was willing to let that lie. Freddie could have commanded it, could have Compelled it from Justin, but he wasn’t that kind of coven master. He was kind. Justin didn’t have to worry about that sort of thing anymore. The Grosvenor Coven was his home. He was safe there.
The thud of several reams of paper landing on wood sounded as the stack of sheet music hit his desk. Yasmin stood there, almost fully hidden by the pile.
“The young artists will grab scores forDon Giovannion their way out,” she said, her voice crackly and her tone sluggish. Was she hungover?
“Got it.”
“Make sure you check their names off the list on the top.” Yasmin stepped back, folding her arms and eyeing thestack with annoyance. “I don’t know why they can’t have their shit together. We held off on copies because there was talk the young artists would go into a different production in the season, but then, of course, this morning at six a.m., the cast list gets finalized, and everyonehasto have their score.”
