Page 40 of Shattered Veil
Callen clears his throat, drawing my attention. He stares into my eyes, and I feel that familiar pull, deep inside. Damn him.
“Brigid,” he starts,“we decided we should feign a certain interest in Laria.”
My eyebrows shoot up.“Youwhatnow?”
His voice is barely above a whisper as he leans closer.“By appearing to align ourselves with Laria, we avoid attention—from being with you. It gives us the freedom to investigate without being stalked by the Council.”
It makes a twisted sort of sense, but...“Is that why you’ve all been acting so weird?”
Tiernan nods, a hint of relief in his eyes.“That’s the essence of it, yes.”
I sit back, processing.“Why wouldn’t you just tell me?”I can’t believe they came up with a plan like that but didn’t want to let me know about it. I shake my head.
“We thought it would be more convincing if you were truly angry with us.” Callen sighs and rubs his hand across his jaw.“So we distanced ourselves. From you.”
“Wow. Good job,” I say, arching an eyebrow at Tiernan.“Distancing yourselves,” I say pointedly. He has the good grace to blush, and I just manage to stop myself from rolling my eyes into the back of my head.
“Feckin’eejits, aren’t they?” Rory points his fork across the table before using it to spear a roasted potato.
“Yep,” I agree, before finally taking a bite of the delicious dark chocolate cake with idleberry creme that I was looking forward to trying, but that I haven’t been able to touch since the three stooges walked in.
I’m glad I know now why they’ve been acting that way, but it still makes me feel shitty that it was all planned behind my back. I’m still on the outside, after everything we’ve been through.
Lochan I get, but Callen—he promised me—and I really thought Tiernan and I were closer. He’d certainly seen me up close and personal the other day. This makes me even more grateful that Rory is back.
I take a long breath, trying to balance my hurt and anger and with understanding, not that they deserve it right now.“I get why you did it, but next time, let me in on the plan. I’m not some damsel who needs protecting. I can handle myself.”
Lochan scoffs.“Can you?”
The words sting, but I’m not surprised. I meet his gaze head-on.“At least I’m honest about my feelings, Lochan.” Yes, I know Lochan hates shadow magic, and by extension me. But I also know he feels more than that. I see the way he looks at me when he thinks I don’t see him. If it’s all because of a mate bond, then so be it. I never asked him for anything, and I didn’t ask to be bonded to him. We’re both stuck with each other.
He stares at me, a muscle ticking in his cheek. For a moment, I think he might argue, but he just looks away, his silence more telling than any retort.
I turn back to the group.“Look, you’re not wrong. The Council’s probably watching my every move. Fiona is for sure. I think you should keep your distance from me to throw them off.” None of them can’t keep the look of surprise off their faces.“But no Laria. She might be an asshole but no one deserves to be deceived like that.”Does Laria deserve my good graces, no. But here I am giving them, anyhow, despite having wanted to choke the life out of her earlier.
Tiernan lets out a breath.“Thank the Gods.”
“From now on, we’re in this together. No more secrets.” I hold Lochan’s gaze evenly.“And we need to trust each other.”
Callen nods, relief evident in his expression.“Agreed. We’re stronger as a unit.”
“And sexier,” Rory adds, his mouth full of embernut pie topped with whipped cream.“Since I’m back, anyhow.”
I can’t help but smile.Idiot.
Rory grins, puffing out his chest.“You’re all welcome, by the way. I’ve single-handedly saved this group from certain doom and eternal misery.”
I snort.“Oh really? And how did you do that, oh great savior?”
“With my brains and brawn,” he says, flexing an arm.
Tiernan rolls his eyes, but there’s a hint of a smile on his lips.“Your modesty is truly something else, Rory.”
“I know, right?” Rory beams, completely missing the sarcasm.“Now, who’s up for another group hug?”
Lochan groans.“Absolutely not.”
But Rory’s already on his feet, arms spread wide.“Come on, you grumpy bastard. You know you want to.”
