Page 60 of Clash of Sin and Secret

I grunt. “You just being here would be an improvement over last time.”

“Fucking Jaxon,” Huntley gripes.

Scottie pats my leg and sits up. “Focus forward. Let’s do this.”

We roll out of the vehicle, the canopy of stars twinkling down on us from above a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside me. I push down on those feelings and hold on to Scottie’s encouragement.

I’m not my father, but I can aspire to be like him. My fist rubs at the tightness in my chest.

I want to make him proud.

Huntley opens the door, and I gesture for Scottie to enter first. Together, we step inside, and I’m struck by how welcomingit feels. How did I miss that the last time I was here? Soft couches and a couple of wide upholstered chairs are set around low tables off to the left. Framed art decorates walls, and the air smells faintly sweet—a mix of lavender and something herbal that calms my nerves even further.

There are three warriors in the room with her: her Nephilim warrior husband, Kyrian of Thebes, and two shedim men. The first looks to be in his thirties with long, multicolored hair and the other is her long-in-the-tooth personal guard—Dougal. He is wearing a leather weapons sash kitted out with many blades.

“King Vasari.” Lady Cassiane sets her pen down and straightens behind the raised counter of her reception desk. Her long, cinnamon-colored hair is swept up in an elegant twist, with strategic tendrils falling to sway against the bodice of her tan suit jacket. “We meet again.”

I drop my gaze and give her the respect I should’ve extended during our first encounter. “Lady Cassiane. Thank you for agreeing to speak with me. I am humbled by your grace to forgive my behavior the last time.”

She meets my gaze with a level of warmth that surprises me. “I understand all too well the pain and rage driving you in that moment. My father was slain by an enemy as well.”

“My deepest condolences. Did you find and kill the one responsible?”

“I found him. Instead of killing him as planned, I fell in love and married him.” She chuckles and tosses a teasing glance back toward the dark angel. “Destiny has a cruel sense of humor.”

“Lady Divinity knows best. Everything ends as it is meant.” Kyrian’s mouth quirks up a little at the sides. It’s imperceptible, but with my heightened vision, I catch the private smile.

“That is true.” Cassiane doesn’t try to hide her smile for him.

The Queen of Shedim married the man who killed her father? What to say about that? I can’t imagine that went over well with her people.

Our enemies willdie. There is no other acceptable outcome other than their brutal and tortuous death.

I meet the gaze of the Greek Watcher as my mind spins. His feathered wings flex as he lifts his chin, a cruel smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “Go ahead, vampire. Make a comment and see where that gets you.”

I hold up my hands. “I’m not qualified to weigh in on your private affairs or anything to do with love. I’ve made nothing but mistakes on that front.”

“But that’s a disaster for another night,” Scottie says, opening the flap of her bag and pulling out a bottle of wine. “A gift of apology, in hopes of a new beginning.”

I glance down at the label and am shocked to see one of my father’s most prized vintages in her hands.

“This is a blood-infused red from the Renaissance Era. Zane’s father, Francesco, was an accomplished sommelier, and this was one of his treasured favorites among his collection.”

Scottie hands it to me.Stop gawking and give it to her like it was your idea.

Right. Of course.I accept the weight of the priceless bottle and stride forward to offer it to the Queen of the Shedim. “For you and yours to enjoy with my fondest regards.”

Cassiane accepts the bottle. “Thank you, Majesty. Let us share a taste and discuss a little business. Larkin told me of your warrior’s efforts to save his mates, and action deserves proper recognition.”

Huntley drops his gaze beside me. “I was simply in the right place to help at the wrong moment, but your appreciation is well received.”

Cassiane smiles and holds the bottle out to her man. “Dougal, will you do the honors while we settle in?”

“Aye, Mistress. My pleasure.”

Tucker

I lean against the sleek black Escalade, watching the front of the DonorWatch building and following the site lines of the main entrance back to any points of attack. The night air carries no scents of any concern, but with Scottie’s safety in the mix, I’m willing to be hyper vigilant and have nothing come of it.

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