Page 39 of Shifting Winds
Rage sparked in Ethan’s eyes. He leaned forward a hair, hands pressed on either side of him. “Do not threaten me, witch.”
Ethan had control issues. He liked walking in a room and being the most important thing inside. This man liked power and servitude. Too bad I had no intention of allowing him any over me. “I am no witch. The only one threatening here is you. Do not presume you can control me. Ask your questions and leave me be.”
If Moira were here, I’d get a double high five for my haughtiness.
Rowan’s slight nod told me I was doing well. Or that I was about to get my ass kicked off by pissed off shifters. Couldn’t tell you. But no one had attacked me yet, so I planned to roll with it.
Ethan opened his mouth to speak, but Thorvin spoke before he could.
“Of course, Miss Quinn.” His voice was deep with a slight European edge. “Please,” he gestured with a large hand. “Have a seat. We won’t take up too much of your time.”
“A gentleman,” I said. “Finally.” Choosing a chair at the very back of the room, I sat and crossed my legs.
Ethan let out an annoyed sigh.
Thorvin’s eyes sparkled. “Can you hear us all the way back there?”
“Of course I can. This seat is expedient. I have another appointment to go to after this.”
“Your disrespect will be your downfall one day,” Ethan growled.
“Maybe,” I agreed. “But it won’t happen today.”
“Perhaps not,” Ethan said, a vicious smile lighting his lips. “But I look forward to the future.”
I pretended to yawn.
“Miss Quinn,” Rowan said with an amused drawl, “thank you for agreeing to see us today.”
“I didn’t have much of a choice, did I?”
“We apologize if our missive sounded demanding.” Rowan shuffled some papers in front of him. “All we’re trying to do is get to the bottom of what happened to Donovan.”
“Donovan was a traitor and an all-around asshat.”
Ethan blinked in surprise. “A traitor? Explain.”
“You’re awfully demanding for someone who needs something from me.”
The Lord’s nostrils flared. A flash of gold streaked through his eyes. “Miss Quinn,” he said through clenched teeth. “I’d appreciate it if you elaborated on your statement.”
“Which one?” I asked sweetly.
Rowan choked and tried to cover it up with a cough.
Ethan rose, his face flame red with rage. I kept my seat, readying my magic for a strike if he came toward me. “I could kill you right now and no one would be the wiser.”
We stared at each other, gold flaring in his slightly crazed eyes. “You could try. But I promise you won’t find it as easy as you assume it might be.” Vines crawled from my skin and slid across the floor, a new aspect of my power I’d been messing around with when I had time.
These vines were not normal. Poison dripped and hissed when it hit the ground, destroying the carpet as they slid ever closer to the Lords. Rowan was the only one who wasn’t watching the vines. A curious expression had taken over his face,and I knew the man well enough to know he was wondering if he could do the same thing.
The soft shhhh of the vines was the only sound in the room. I stopped them an inch from his foot. “I am not yours to command, Lord. Treat me like an equal or I will walk out of here.”
“We are in command of all the paranormals in this country!” Ethan shouted. “You have been nothing but a—” Thorvin reached over and put his hand on Ethan’s arm, silencing him.
I stood. “A pain in the ass? A menace?” I shrugged. “Had you ever heard of me before this year? Had I ever done anything to stand out or gain power? I’d been in Caelan’s territory for seven years before you started poking your nose into my business. This is your final warning. Leave me be or you will have me as an enemy.”
Ethan’s eyes flicked to the dripping vines. When he lifted his gaze, a chill walked down my spine. I’d always thought his eyes looked lifeless, but right now they held the chill of the grave. “You wish to make an enemy out of all of us?”
