Page 29 of Obsidian and Frost
“That fact that you’re asking me this question means that you’ve been watching me too.” Otherwise, how would he be aware that I’d made a read on Lazriel, or even been in his vicinity at all?
“I keep any eye on all those who draw close to Velra.”
Velra.I was aware that they were Soul Branded, but I didn’t know that he was still a part of her life. I’d thought they’d gone their separate ways, that whatever had been was long over between them.
Huh.This complicated things.
“Does she know that you’re intervening and making moves inherlife behind the scenes?”
“Of course not. She would misinterpret it.”
“As stalking? Because I’m not sure how much of a misinterpretation that would actually be.”
“No,” he grunted. “As me caring too deeply.”
“And you don’t care?”
He shifted his weight. “I’m just concerned for her wellbeing and safety.”
The level of delusion I’d experienced lately from others was unbelievable.
“You’re sure about that?”
He flinched, then looked uncharacteristically off-center. He shoved his hands into the pockets of his pants. “Just tell me what your take is on the wolf. Kai has informed me that your instincts are virtually infallible.”
Of course Kai thought that.
It made sense with our history.
And I also needed others to believe that.
But in the case of Lazriel, it was actually a very easy read.
I didn’t need to be an empath to see the truth there.
“He’s volatile, but at his core there is morality, lines he won’t cross, care he wants to express but fears to at the same time. He’s not hurting Velra. He helped her.”
“And he… desires her?”
“Yes.”
“I see. Well… very good.”
“Is it good? Because if it isn’t and you want a place with her, now would be the time to make that known. And, keep in mind, that thereisroom alongside him with her. It doesn’t need to be a competition.”
He stared at me for several moments.
And then he flinched.
“I must get back,” he announced. “He’s calling for me.”
He?
I didn’t get to voice the question, as he teleported out in the very next second.
Huh.
That had been enlightening.
