Page 11 of Love, Rekindled

Chiron reluctantly nodded. “Yes, she was going to meet with a rival resort owner who claimed she was sabotaging her business. Emile demanded they meet immediately.”

“A trap?”

Chiron paused as if trying to sort through his inner thoughts. “That’s the most obvious explanation,” he conceded, his jaw tightening as his fangs peeked between his lips. A visible display of his frustration. “But I’d like to keep my options open. That’s why you’re here.”

“Not for a Brazilian wax?”

“I want you to follow her trail.”

Levet wrinkled his snout. “I’m a gargoyle, not a blood dog.”

“Bloodhound,” Chiron snapped.

Levet sniffed. “Agree to disagree.”

Prepared for another snarky response, Levet was caught by surprise when Chiron turned to glance down at him, his expression unnaturally grim.

“Before I was banished, I attempted to convince Tarek that the Anasso was unstable,” he told Levet, clearly referring to his days before becoming the leader of the Rebels. “I wasn’t as discreet as I should have been, and one of the Anasso’s loyal guards decided to keep my mouth shut. Permanently. Jayla saved me from a nasty sneak attack.”

“What did she do?” Levet asked, genuinely curious.

“She knocked aside the silver dagger that was thrown at my back and killed the coward.” He shook his head as if disgusted with the idea of putting Jayla in such a dangerous situation. “I don’t doubt that’s why she was banished and forced to become one of the Rebels.” His attention returned to Levet. “I owe her.”

Levet’s wings drooped. He was such a fuc…Non,non. Wait. Sucker.Oui. That was it. He was such a sucker for a female in danger. Especially one who had proven to possess a kind heart.

He would search for Jayla, but he wouldn’t be happy about it.

“And what about what you owe me?” he asked in tart tones.

Chiron shrugged. “Put it on my tab.”

“Fah. If you ever pay that tab, I shall be a very rich gargoyle.”

“Go do your thing.” The vampire waved his hand toward the side door.

“What are you going to do?”

A cold smile touched the vampire’s lips. “I want a word with Emile.”

CHAPTER 3

Azrael watchedas Jayla’s emotions leached from her face as if she were withdrawing deep into herself.

“You’re mistaken,” she said in cold tones.

Confused by her reaction, Azrael lifted a hand to touch the center of his chest. “I have a scar to prove I’m not mistaken.”

“You think I had to cheat to defeat you?”

He swept his gaze over her stoic expression. Why was she trying to deny her amazing ability? Did she fear that he intended for her to use it for some nefarious purpose? He got that. It was the reason he kept his secrets.

“It wasn’t cheating,” he assured her, wishing he had the right to reach out and touch her. The desire was like a physical ache gnawing at him. “It was a smart tactical decision to win the battle. Why wouldn’t you use such a formidable weapon?”

She stubbornly jutted her jaw. “It’s not a power I use.” Azrael arched his brow, and she made a sound of impatience. “Fine, it’s not a power I use anymore.”

“Why not?”

“None of your business.”

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