Page 37 of The Maestro's Mates
“That’s impossible.” Justin looked back and forth between his mate and his mate’s mother. “I’m a vampire.”
“Are you sure none of your ancestors were witches?” Linda’s tone was eager now, her intimidation tactics from a minute before totally forgotten.
“Not that I know…” Justin didn’t know what the fuck was going on.
“Whatexactlydid you feel?” Linda asked.
“Well…I saw a flash of red, like the beginning of the crimson surge, but it wasn’t that. If Sebastian had been in danger, it would have triggered the crimson surge and made me attack you. But this was my demon waking up. There was a click, like a latch caught inside of me, and a pull in my chest, and then…you know, you got whacked by a book.”
Linda laughed loudly, and Justin flinched. This sudden change in attitude was making his head reel. If she was always like this, he understood why Veronica and Sebastian had both left.
“You used Sebastian’s power. Through the mate bond.”
“Even though it isn’t complete?” Sebastian asked. He looked as confused as Justin felt.
“Yup.” Linda stepped closer to Justin, and her perfume filled his nose, a strangely woody scent. “Like Sebastian said, bonds are my affinity. It was as clear as day. You reached through him and encouraged one of his chaos spirits to fight back.”
“How do you know it wasn’t Sebastian doing it?” This was absolutely insane.
“Because of the bond between mother and son,” Sebastian answered. “It’s not impossible to break, but I couldn’t hurt her without a full spell, and a powerful one. I thought I had a couple loose elderberries in my pocket, enough to create a distraction spell, but I was wrong.”
Sebastian turned back to Linda. “Also, what the fuck, Ma? You don’t pull that kind of shit with my people. Not if you want me to ever come back here, even to visit.”
Linda gestured dismissively. “I’m still not convinced. Especially now. If Justin has access to some of your power without the bond being solidified, it will only increase once you’ve mated. And I don’t trust him.”
“Mother, he isin the room. And we have a whole other mate. This is a conversation that won’t involve you.”
“Don’t shut me out, Sebastian.” Linda crossed to her son, inches away, and although she was almost a full footshorter than him, she showed no sign of intimidation. “That’s what your father did. And look where he ended up. Homeless, cursed…if he’s even alive.”
Sebastian’s eyes flashed with anger. She had clearly crossed some invisible line between them. “Father left for the same reason Veronica did. You drove him away. You know nothing about him now. None of us do. I wouldn’t push it. One morning you’ll wake up and every one of your children will be gone.”
Linda’s jaw set, and she crossed her arms. “If you think I don’t have the power to stop your mating, you’re stupid as well as foolish.”
“No.” Justin’s fangs dropped instinctually. There was no way he could take her on, but that didn’t matter. If someone attacked his mate, he’d risk everything. “You willnotthreaten Sebastian. I won’t allow it.”
“Oh, you won’t, little vampire?” Linda’s tone turned deadly. “You don’t have a?—”
“Enough.” Sebastian stepped between them, putting his arms out to stop the two from fighting. “This still isn’t your business. We’re not in the 1600s, as much as you might act like it. There are no arranged marriages or dowries. And we can’t deal with any of it without Pavel. He’s actively avoiding us, so in the end, none of this may matter.”
For a moment Linda balled her fists and clenched her jaw, but after a moment she relaxed. Maybe Sebastian’s words had finally sunk in.
“He’s a gargoyle, right?” Linda asked. “They were built for protectiveness. The moment either of you is in a bit of danger, he’ll be right up your ass. He won’t be able to tear himself away.”
Chapter 14
Pavel
The wind had picked up, chilling the air and raking the branches of the old maple tree across the black tar shingles of the Bayonne mansion’s roof. Not that the cold bothered Pavel, especially in his gargoyle form. The chalky, floral flavor of pollen hit his tongue as the breeze circulated the grainy evidence of weather change through the air. He sat on the peak of the house across the street, peering down through the windows at the witches’ dwelling.
He’d tried his damndest to stay away. He certainly hadn’t wanted to go to New Jersey. Who would want to go to New Jersey? But here he was, lurking by the Bayonne Circle’s base of operations like a puppy who’d been tossed outside for peeing on the floor.
It was pathetic.
Pavel was not used to acting like this. He’d led a solitary life for centuries, and even now, living in a bustling city, he kept to himself. Weakness was not an attractive trait,especially not in a gargoyle. Gargoyles were made to watch and to protect.
Which he guessed he was doing, despite the fact his so-called mates had no idea he was there.
Whywashe here? The house was protected. Gargoyles weren’t witches, they couldn’t interact with spirits in that way, but they were magical creatures at their core. He could sense the defenses, itching behind his eyes whenever he stared at the house too long.
