Page 51 of Code Mages & Empty Pages
We kept things light for the rest of the day, but the topic hovered between us, unspoken. That night, I packed my bag. I didn’t need a lot, just my laptop, some decent clothes, and no punny shirts. Dawn had borrowed my Code Mage shirt a week ago and wore it to sleep.
Fuck.
I didn’t want to leave her. But this was too good an opportunity to turn down.
Chapter 18
Luc
Itook the train from Kirkmuir to Carranbrae, not trusting myself to drive with my brain spinning. Glendarn House was easy to find. It was one of the tallest buildings around. I felt more accomplished when my calves barely burned by the time I had climbed all four flights to reach the top floor.
The gym’s working!
The gorgeous rooftop garden I spotted through the kitchen window reminded me of our garden at the cottage, and I caught myself, again, planning the writing shed I wanted to build for her. It would be a pretty, airy space with lots of natural light, bookshelves, and honey-coloured floors. Roe had no idea of my plans.
Hell, she was supposed to move back to her house soon. I hadn’t wanted to make things even harder for both of us.
I closed my eyes for a moment. I missed her and Ruffles so much my throat hurt. Then I texted her, just to let her know I’d arrived.
Dawn: Show them, Comte
Dawn: Remember, this is just another heistDawn: You can do it! Ruffles and I are rooting for you
Alaric Dunmere picked me up at Glendarn House at two. He greeted me at the gate with a quick handshake.
“Hello, Mr Atkins. Good to see you. I was happy to hear you were joining our team.”
“Hi, Mr Dunmere. It’s an honour.” My voice came out awkward, but he just smiled.
“Please, call me Alaric. We’ll be working closely. First names.”
“Then, call me Luc, please.”
He nodded, all business. “Come on, Luc. We have a meeting with Taran and Maeve in twenty minutes. I hope you’re hungry.”
“Starved,” I admitted, following him out into the sun.
We walked side by side, talking a little about pets. He mentioned his Fire Worm, Roja, and I pretended I didn’t already know all about it from Dawn. They were lizard-like beings, with blood-red skin and ridiculous, squashed faces. Not my thing, but Alaric seemed smitten.
The tea house was beautiful. An older woman with steel grey hair greeted Alaric like an old friend.
“Mrs McRae, it’s my pleasure to see you again,” he rumbled and raised her hand to his lips for a kiss. “Alaric, you old charmer.” She gave a smoky laugh. “Your table’s ready. Your guests are already here.”
Inside, I spotted the hulking Dragon shifter in his usual corset. Taran Atax sat on a low couch, arm around his mate.“Oh, Alaric!” Taran Atax greeted with a deep rumble. “There you are. And you must be Lucien Atkins.”
“Yes. Nice to meet you, sir.”
“Oh, absolutelynot! We prefer to keep things a bit more casual.“ Maeve laughed brightly. Nothing about Taran Atax said “casual”, but okay. She got up and shook my hand. Her bright purple scales shimmered in the soft lights over our heads. “I’m Maeve, this is Taran, my partner. We’re glad to finally meet you.”
“Luc,” I said.
Maeve sat back down and leaned into Taran. The gooey look he gave her made my heart ache for home. I settled on a cushion and ordered a tea blend that promised to calm my nerves. I needed it.
“Bee should be here in a few minutes,” Maeve said. “He’s just grabbing the plans from the owner.” She eyed me. “You’re Hector’s brother, aren’t you?”
I smiled. “Yeah. His twin.” For a fleeting moment I wondered what my father would say if he heard me use this word instead of littermate without missing a beat.
“You two do look alike. Don’t they, baby?” She elbowed Taran, who nodded solemnly.
