Page 43 of Changeling
I can’t hold in my chuckle.
Sachi gives an elegant one-shouldered shrug. “If I must.”
Though he arches his brows, Dominus takes the gentle teasing in stride. “What happens now?”
“Sebastian asked us to bring him here to say good-bye.”
I stiffen. That’s exactly what I asked of them, but now that I’m here, I don’t want to be parted from Dominus so soon. I thought we had at least another week together. His tail tightens around my waist, and a flicker of hope sweeps through me. Does he feel the same?
Remy continues, “I’ll need at least a day’s rest before creating another portal. Then we’ll take him to Bran Vigny to meet the others. And with your permission, I’ll let The Dozen know that you’re a reasonable man capable of being civil to fae so long as they’re civil to you.”
Dominus asks, “What of Ivaz?”
“A messenger will be sent to relieve him of his duty to escort Sebastian any farther.”
What a shame I won’t see Ivaz again. “Will you send my thanks along with the message, please? Ivaz was kind to me.”
Remy bows his head. “Of course.”
“Do you have a place to stay for the day?” asks Dominus.
“Are you offering?” Remy doesn’t bother to hide his surprise.
“I suppose I am. All of Sebastian’s things are still in his room, and he’s clearly fighting sleep. He needs rest.”
“Thank you, but no,” says Remy. “If it suits you both, we’ll leave Sebastian with you and come to collect him tomorrow at dusk. Or if that interferes with your business, perhaps we could meet north of the city?”
“I’ll bring him north myself.” Dominus’s piercing blue gaze lands on me. “Is this what you want?”
No.
I don’t know.
I don’t think so?
I want to know you better.
Words, when they come, ring false off my tongue. “Yes, that’s probably best, right?”
Say no.
Ask me to stay.
“Right,” says Dominus.
The finality in his tone is like a dagger to my heart.
CHAPTER12
Dominus
The witch-vampireand the fae-vampiress depart without incident, taking some of the unease from the room with them.
Sebastian must head north. Tomorrow. I knew he’d go. I never wanted him here in the first place. But now? A part of me wants to keep him for myself.
I shove the foreign feelings aside and catch Leonas’s insightful gaze. He looks us over, Sebastian leaning heavily against me, my tail coiled twice around his waist and hugging his hip. He lifts his brows.
“That could have gone worse.” Leonas rises from the chaise and arches his back. Bones pop in his limber spine. “I’ll take over for Danya. Get some sleep.” And with that, he pads from the room, leaving Sebastian and me alone.
