Page 22 of Love, Rekindled

Chiron stepped forward, attempting to use his powers to peek into her thoughts. There was nothing. She was too powerful.

“You tell me,” he said, forced to determine if she was telling the truth by using his other senses.

Emile clicked her tongue. “The height of the tourist season is not the best time to play games, Chiron. Perhaps you could return…” She lifted her arm to look at the Rolex strapped around her slender wrist. “Never.”

Chiron wasn’t amused. “If you believe this is a game, Emile, you’re going to be very, very sorry.”

The scent of black dahlias swirled through the air, the only indication the female was at the end of her patience.

“Tell me why you’re here.”

Chiron allowed her to see his exasperation. He should be in Vegas in the arms of his mate, not engaged in a stare-down with this female.

“I told you. Jayla is missing.”

“You’re serious?”

“Always.”

“Why would you assume that I have any idea where she might be?”

Chiron frowned. Either this female was really oblivious to Jayla’s disappearance, or she was the best actress he’d ever encountered. It annoyed the hell out of him that he couldn’t be sure which one.

“Since you were the one who demanded a meeting with her, you’re the obvious choice.”

“Demanded a meeting?” Genuine surprise flared through the midnight eyes. “Why would I want to meet with Jayla? We aren’t exactly BFFs. In fact, the last time we crossed paths, she threatened to carve out my heart and eat it for dinner.”

Chiron hissed. He’d charged into the hotel, fully expecting the female to lie to him. But he hadn’t expected to believe her. Now, he felt as if someone were trying to yank a rug from beneath his feet. He didn’t like it.

“Your emissary passed along your accusations.”

“Emissary. What emissary?”

“The one who accused Dreamscape of sabotaging your hotel. He also warned that you intended to take your complaints to the clan chief if Jayla didn’t agree to come to your office and discuss the crimes immediately.”

Puzzlement visibly changed to anger as Emile lowered her arms, her hands clutched into tight fists. At last. An emotion.

“This is bullshit,” she snapped. “If you believe you can make up nasty lies to ruin my reputation, you are sadly mistaken.”

A thick, icy mist formed in the room, revealing the female’s hidden talent. She could no doubt create a blinding fog if she needed.

“Why would I want to ruin your reputation?”

“To convince the clan chief to shut down my business.” She waved a hand around her elegant office. “It’s obviously thriving.”

“As is Dreamscape.”

She extended her fangs, her fury vibrating through the air. “I don’t have to cheat to win.”

Shit. Chiron got a quick peek into her mind as she struggled to control her temper. She had no idea where Jayla was or who had taken his clanswoman.

“You didn’t send an emissary.” It was a statement, not a question.

“No.”

“You didn’t make accusations of sabotage.”

She pursed her lips. “If I thought Jayla was attempting to destroy my hotel, I wouldn’t have sent an emissary to confront her. I would have come myself.”

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