Page 16 of To Crave Madly
I followed Rae’s instructions and delved into everything that had happened since I last saw her. I told her about my conversation with Lucifer, Jasper’s revelation in the meeting room and Cassian’s attack this morning. It felt amazing to get everything off my chest and Rae was the best listener. She let me get it all out before jumping in with questions and comments.
“How has your head not exploded? I mean, seriously, that all sounds stupidly intense.”
“I know,” I replied. “I can’t even get my head around it. I’m just going to take it day by day and hope for the best. But enough about me, did you get anywhere with the witches?”
I wanted to know if she’d managed to find anything. Alec had asked her to reach out to her Coven contacts to see if she could dig up any information on who might be responsible for nulling Fenris’ powers and some demon possessions. Apparently, it requires a lot of power to null a mage and Rae should be able to at least narrow down the list of suspects for us.
Her delicately shaped brows furrowed with concern. “I’ll be honest, I’m struggling to get hold of anyone who would be willing to talk to me. I’ve reached out to a few people but not heard anything back. I’m worried.”
“Is it normal for there to be so little chatter among the witches?”
“No, and I can’t shake the feeling that something isn’t right. I’m going to try and see one of my old friends from my Coven days and I’m hoping she will talk to me in person.”
“Do you need any backup?” I didn’t want Rae going there on her own if she thought she might walk into something dangerous.
“No, I don’t want to go to Sukie looking like a threat. I want her to talk to me, so I think I’d be better going on my own.”
That seemed sensible but I was still worried she might run into trouble. “Promise me you’ll call Alec if you get into trouble.”
“I promise,” she said sincerely before gracing me with a mischievous look. “But I bet he’d like to get into trouble with you.”
“Eww, no. He’s a dick and seriously overestimating his sexual prowess.”
“Come on, Lori. That boy is hot. Have you seen his abs?”
“He walks around shirtless. Of course I’ve seen them,” I scoffed.
“And you’ve been looking, haven’t you?”
I felt the blush creep up my neck. “No!”
Rae laughed back at me. “Oh, Lori. You can’t lie to me. I know how you think, and I know Alec ticksallthe boxes for you.”
Urgh. She was right but I refused to admit it to her, so I just sat back in my seat and scowled at her instead.
I was saved from having to comment on my non-attraction to Alec by an incessant beep from my new tracking device.
Jasper
Meet me at the Med Bay in 10 minutes. Levi has some questions.
“Why is Jasper always so demanding?” I muttered to myself.
“Because he’s the boss and he likes to crack the whip.”
I rolled my eyes at her innuendo, but I smiled at her anyway. “I have to go. Levi has requested my presence. Please don’t do anything stupid when going to find your friend.”
I embraced her in a hug, and she promised to call if she had any inkling of walking into danger. I said bye to Indie and Torsten reluctantly left the coffee shop to accompany me on the short walk to the Med Bay. My mind became preoccupied with thoughts of what Levi could possibly want with me this time. He never seemed to impart good news when I visited, and I doubted this visit would be any different.
Chapter 4
LORI
Jasper was already with Levi when I entered the Med Bay with Torsten. I could tell they were having a frantic discussion over something. Jasper had his back to me, and he was looming over Levi who sat cowering slightly in his chair. There were some hushed whispers and sharp hand gestures that immediately ceased when Levi’s eyes found mine.
Ah, crap. They were clearly discussing me.
Jasper’s head snapped around at Levi’s pause in their conversation.
