Page 77 of The Second Sight
“Will be saved.” I assured her. “But not through your sacrifice. We will pretend to surrender you but never truly letyou go to them.” I turned to address the entire room. “We have until tonight to prepare.”
I’d waited for this opportunity. Desmond had taken Basirah from me, had burned away the only light in my endless darkness until Kasi appeared. I would not lose another mate to his cruelty. This time, I would be the hunter, and Desmond Moreau would be the prey.
I excused myself from the library, motioning for Lily to follow me. The weight of the coming confrontation settled on my shoulders like a cloak, like the capes movies like Dracula claimed vampires wore. My private office beckoned.
I pushed the door open and swept inside, Lily following close behind. The door closed with a heavy thud that echoed in the silent room.
“Call Gideon,” I instructed Lily, settling into my leather chair. “Put him on speaker.”
Lily moved to the desk. Her fingers tapped across her phone screen. She placed the device in the center of the desk as it rang. I leaned back, with my fingers beneath my chin.
“Humility?” Gideon’s voice filled the room, tinny through the speaker yet still carrying that arrogant tone that made my fangs itch to descend.
“Gideon,” I replied, my voice level despite my contempt. “This is Severin Crackstone.”
A pause, then, “Crackstone. I was expecting to hear from Humility.”
“You’ve been upgraded.” I said dryly. “I’m handling this matter personally now as it pertains to a mate of one of my vampires.”
“I see.” His voice carried a note of caution. Smart man.
“We’ve found this Kasinda,” I stated plainly, watching Lily’s face for any reaction. She remained impassive, a perfect reflection of the control I was maintaining. “She was hiding inan abandoned home near Bronzeville. We tracked her through hacked security cameras from the area where you last spotted her.”
“Impressive work in such a short time.” Gideon replied. “And the other yumboe? The two women and the man?”
My jaw clenched at the mention of Romeca, Kei’Mani, and Kyren. Lily’s eyes met mine across the desk.
“They flew into the air and off camera.” I lied smoothly. “We were only able to track the half-fae girl because she remained on foot. She doesn’t appear to have wings.”
“Interesting,” Gideon murmured. “And you’re certain it’s Theia’s daughter?”
“I don’t know Theia,” I confirmed, the lie bitter on my tongue. “But this girl has golden eyes. She even went into a trance of some sort while in our custody.” I leaned closer to the phone. “She’s definitely what Desmond is looking for.”
“Desmond will be pleased.” Gideon replied.
“We’re holding her in a secure location,” I continued. “When do you want to make the exchange?”
The line went silent for a moment. I could hear breathing, a murmured conversation just beyond the phone’s range. Then, a distinct voice emerged from the speaker. The voice was deeper, with a faint West African accent.
“Severin Crackstone,” said Desmond Moreau. “It’s been too long.”
My entire body tensed, muscles coiling like springs ready to snap. Lily’s hand shot out, resting atop mine in a silent command to control myself. I forced my fingers to relax, and my face to remain neutral despite the speaker’s inability to see me.
“Desmond,” I replied, my voice a perfect mask of civility. “I didn’t realize you were in Chicago. What a pleasant surprise.”
“Is it?” His chuckle was like stones grinding together. “I wonder if your late wife would agree. Oh, wait...” He let the taunthang between us. It was bait designed to make me reveal my true feelings.
I refused to bite. Immortality taught me patience if nothing else. “Ancient history,” I replied coolly. “We have business to discuss in the present. I believe you have someone that belongs to us, and we have something that belongs to you.”
“The human girl,” Desmond confirmed. “Unharmed, as promised to your sweet sister. She’s quite spirited.”
Lily’s eyes narrowed at the mention of Brooklyn. Her hand moved to the desk surface, nails tapping out a pattern only I would recognize, a signal. Caution. Deception. Trap.
“Let’s dispense with the pleasantries,” I said. “When and where do you want to make the exchange?”
“So direct,” Desmond replied, a smile loud and clear in his voice. “I’ve always appreciated that about you, Severin.”
My true vampire nature I kept carefully controlled clawed at the surface, demanding release, demanding vengeance. I swallowed it back, forcing myself to focus on Kasi and Brooklyn’s safety rather than revenge.
