Page 10 of Fae Divided
Grayson removed his arm from James’ shoulders, and clapped his hands together. “I have an assignment for you.”
The Alpha and Cameron flanked him as they walked briskly down Main Street.
James snorted. “That was fast.”
“A situation came up only moments ago. Your arrival seems fortuitous.” Cameron opened the door of a black Mercedes SUV. Grayson waited for him to slide in before following James inside. “Nothing that should stretch your ethics too far.”
“What is it?” James kept the dread out of his voice, out of his scent. Hands on his knees, he leaned against the luxurious leather seat and met Grayson’s eyes without a hint of fear.
Cameron slid behind the wheel, and they quickly pulled from the curb, heading toward Highway 12.
“I need information.”
“What kind of information?”
“I don’t rightly know.” Grayson laughed. “Let’s ask the vampire who wants it, shall we?”
Chapter 5
Sarah had beentrapped in a pit of depression for nearly a month, unable to accept the reality of James’ abandonment. His physical loss, together with the intentional closure of their mating bond, left her numb; her chest achy and hollow. But mostly, she was tired, the dreamless oblivion of sleep beckoned her to stay in bed until her truemate returned. Finding the energy to go to work, shower, brush her hair—her teeth—was exhausting.
“You better have a freaking good excuse, James Reed,” Sarah grumbled, tugging at her white jumpsuit as she entered the foyer of the nightclub, Chess. The single strap kept sliding off her shoulder, her recent weight loss altering the previously snug garment into an ill-fitting sack. She smoothed the excess fabric at the waistline, noticing the way her hands trembled. “And be prepared to grovel.”
“Mrs. Reed?” the female at the security booth in the lobby questioned politely. Despite wearing earplugs—as every hearing-sensitive Fae Touched did during Chess’ peak operating hours—the sharp eyesight of the vampire caught her mumblings.
“Nothing to declare tonight,” Sarah said, forcing a smile. It was mandatory that all weapons be left like jackets at a coat check before entering the popular Mud Island hangout and returned on departure.
The Fae Touched accounted for less than one percent of the world’s population and were not a threat to humans on the whole, despite enhanced physical and magical abilities. But, the Untouched inside the club conveniently chose to ignore those naturally built-in defenses in exchange for the excitement of mingling one on one with the more predatory races.
“But would you mind notifying Commander Walker that I’d like to speak with him and will be waiting in the office when he has a minute?”
“Of course.” Pity softened the Dádhe’s gaze; James’ defection and the consequences of their separation well-known throughout the local, magical community.
Sarah turned away from the uncomfortable sympathy, reaching into her evening bag to retrieve her set of earplugs and conceal the tears threatening to fall.
“Damn you, James.”What are you hiding from me?
She knew it had to be something huge.
Her male loved her—she was sure of it. Sarahfeltit during the infrequent times he’d unblocked their mating bond over the last few weeks, the opening working both ways. James’ worry and regret were the dominate emotions leaking through the link.
“I’m so mad at you,” Sarah said, not bothering to hide the pain in her voice as she stepped into the interior of Chess, the music so loud no one—enhanced senses or not—could hear. Uncertain which hurt more, his desertion or the unwillingness to confide whatever had convinced him to leave without a word.
She pushed the tiny rubber buds into place, muting the blaring tune the DJ played from his loft in the center of the black and white checkered dance floor. Weaving her way through the gyrating throng, Sarah passed underneath the wooden enclosures shaped like Chessboard pieces that were hanging on thick cables from the ceiling. The scantily-clad performers inside rocked the painted cages, swinging them like pendulums to the delight of the screaming horde six feet below.
Sarah kept her head down, avoiding the curious eyes of clanmates tracking her slow progression across the jam-packed club. She breathed a sigh of relief when the double-doors separating her from the crowd snapped shut behind her. The sterile hallway was surprisingly quiet, only the pounding vibration of the music’s beat keeping rhythm with her heavy heart and the clicking of her heels on the polished cement.
The office was empty.
Sarah tossed her purse on the leather loveseat. Her stomach growled, but the thought of food made her sick. She paced the small space, wringing her hands while waiting for her brother’s arrival.
Samuel had to grant her request, but he was furious with James. As was Noah.
Noah.
If possible, her son was more shaken by his father’s incomprehensible actions than Sarah. He’d been in denial for a week after James left the island, and then devastated when he finally accepted that his sire was gone. Disillusioned. So heartbroken, nothing Sarah said could dispel his rage. She hoped when her mate returned, he could repair the relationship with his only child.
Suddenly lightheaded, Sarah braced herself on the edge of the desk. Sweat formed a thin film on her brow, her skin cold and clammy.
