Page 117 of The Seeker
“Fine.” She reached up to a shelf where she grabbed three bowls. “Then we’re all in agreement. We must kill this angel.”
Rhys saw the look of triumph in Vasu’s eyes, but Meera’s back was turned.
What are you about, troublemaker?
Not that he objected to killing Bozidar. Rhys had been telling the truth. Killing the angel would free thousands of Grigori andkareshta.That was purely good.
But there was nothing pure about the expression on Vasu’s face in that moment.
“Vasu,” Meera asked, “are you staying for dinner?”
Rhys glared at the Fallen and shook his head.
Vasu turned to him and smiled. “I would be delighted, Meera Bai.”
Damien and Sariwere standing on the edge of the sidewalk at the airport in the morning, two tall and lethal sentinels in a river of unsuspecting humans. Damien’s long hair was twisted at the back of his head, and Sari’s blond hair flowed around her shoulders. They were both wearing sunglasses and had a foot on their luggage, watching the cars that drove past.
Rhys pulled up in Meera’s compact and crawled out of the driver’s seat. “You two look like European rock musicians.”
Damien frowned. “I don’t know what that’s supposed to mean.” He put his hand on the small of Sari’s back. “We tried to pack light, but it is a formal mating celebration, so we brought more than usual.”
Sari hooked an arm around Rhys’s neck. “Congratulations, brother. I’m so pleased for you. Meera is an incredible woman.”
He opened the trunk of the car and loaded Sari’s suitcase. “Slight change of plans for your visit. Still doing a mating ceremony with all the formalities and rather epic food, but we’re also hunting and killing an archangel while you’re here.”
Damien looked up from his phone. Sari visibly perked up.
“Interesting,” she said. “That’s much better than formal dinners.”
“Oh, I’m quite certain we’re not getting out of the formal dinners,” Rhys said. “We’ll just be wearing weapons while we eat.”
“Bozidar?” Damien threw his suitcase in the trunk and climbed in the back seat. “Malachi mentioned growing activity in your reports, but there wasn’t any mention of the angel himself.”
Rhys got in the driver’s seat while Sari sat across from him. They quickly merged into the exiting traffic from the airport. “Meera and I were followed last night. The Grigori who attacked us said Bozidar was already in the city.”
“Anything more than that?” Sari asked.
“I think Vasu has orchestrated all this, but I’m not sure why.”
“Him again?” Damien muttered. “That angel needs a hobby.”
“He’s oddly attached to my mate,” Rhys grumbled. “Future mate. And she doesn’t hate him, so I’m making an effort not to throw daggers at him when he shows up.”
Sari smiled sweetly. “Rhys, I never thought I’d see the day you were mated. I was quite certain you were too cranky for any woman, but I can see Meera has softened you.”
“Do be quiet, or I’ll sic Meera’s annoying angel on you.”
“Yes,” Damien said. “I see the glow of love around him. An almost Zen-like peace. It’s extraordinary.”
“Listen,” Rhys said. “You both just came off a plane, so I know you’re not armed. I’ve been itching to stab something since last night. Please,pleasegive me an excuse.”
Sari looked over her shoulder. “He’s really got that diplomatic mindset now, doesn’t he? He’s going to do so well in Udaipur.”
“Almost as well as you do in Rekaves, my dove.”
Rhys smiled. “And how is your mother-in-law, Sari?”
“Probably as well-armed as yours.” She scratched his cheek. “You should keep the beard. I hear they’re all the rage in Udaipur.”
