Page 17 of Untraceable
He smiled, and she actually looked at him. He was gorgeous. Tanned skin, deep red hair, and golden eyes. His shoulders were broad, and his tunic moved smoothly over his chest. His hands were lean and graceful. She could see sharp teeth, and they reminded her that he was a kitsune, and this wasn’t his only shape.
“You are staring, necromancer?”
“Please, call me Val, Your Majesty.”
“You may call me Amori.”
“I don’t think I can do that.”
He chuckled. “You will manage. Now, why are you staring?”
“I didn’t actually look at you before.” She shook her head. “I am sorry. I shouldn’t be looking now.”
“Why not?”
“It’s not appropriate.”
He leaned forward and grinned. “I have a number of inappropriate thoughts about you, but then, last night left quite an impression.”
She felt ice run through her. “What?”
“The spells used at the club. I designed them. You think I can’t see through my own glamour?”
“Oh. No.”
“Oh, yes. You and I are a perfect match. I was surprised and not surprised all at the same time.”
She leaned back and tried to remember concealment spells. They all slipped away as soon as she thought she grasped one.
“You won’t be able to do any mage craft in here. It is why I asked you to come to my office. This is a little more basic than the court. So, beauty, what shall I do with you?”
“Is there still a price on my head?”
“The death sentence? Oh, yes. They still have a price out for you saving my life.”
“What about the kid at the beach? Am I in trouble for that?”
“No, of course not. How long will your mark remain on him?”
“Less than two weeks. His healing was simple—” She clamped her hand over her mouth.
“Wait. Healing? You heal while you bring back the dead?” He leaned forward eagerly.
“Shit.”
“This isn’t known?”
“No. It’s an abomination. Life and death should never mix.”
“How long have you been hearing that?”
“Since I was five. My mother was a necromancer and began training me, but I liked to make things grow and thrive. Lots of beatings followed.”
He frowned in concern. “So, you ran from Suura?”
“I walked away once there was no one to fear. The magical purge did wonders for my options. I enrolled in a mage program a few towns over but had to wear Suura on my uniform so folks knew to be wary.”
“Have you experienced genuine welcome?”
