Paladin's Kiss by Elizabeth Hunter

Author:Elizabeth Hunter [Hunter, Elizabeth]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781941674963
Publisher: Recurve Press, LLC

Seventeen

Carwyn sat next to Savi as the young woman attempted to do something on her computer for the third time. None of it made sense to Carwyn, so he had no idea how to be helpful, but he wanted to gauge the mood of Nic’s compatriots at the lofts. He also wanted to touch base with the security team.

“I don’t know why he’s not responding.” The girl was near tears. “He keeps sending the same code over and over, the same attacks with random variations. It doesn’t make sense.”

“It this something he could have automated?” Carwyn said. “Do you know that he’s still the one typing?”

“I don’t.” The poor girl’s expression crumpled. “It’s possible this is a program he initiated days ago and it’s still going. He might not even be on the other side.”

“He could be gone.” Bex’s face was a grief-stricken blank. “You guys are going to parties and running around, and Nic could be dead.”

He saw Gaines from the corner of his eye. The man’s brow was furrowed and his lips were pursed. He did not like the implication that he wasn’t taking his duties seriously.

Carwyn knew Bex didn’t understand all the dynamics of what was going on, but she needed some perspective. “I know it may seem like we’re not doing everything we can, but you have to remember that Nic’s disappearance has come at a precarious time for Marie-Hélène and Gavin.”

“How is it precarious for them? Are any of their family members missing?”

Savi whispered, “Bex!”

Kit and Miguel exchanged grim looks.

Carwyn looked past Bex’s anger and saw the heartbreak behind it. “I know how it feels when someone you love is missing.”

The wave of grief rose, crested, and washed over his heart before it settled him. It was always there—would always be there—but it didn’t pull him under anymore. He could remember his son without feeling only grief. “My son was taken by an enemy,” he told Bex. “I know how you’re feeling.”

Bex’s eyes went wide. “I’m sorry.”

“So am I. I wish this had never happened to Nic, but I promise you this: while we are putting on public appearances and presenting an unworried face to the many very dangerous vampires visiting the city right now, I guarantee there is not a moment when Brigid and I are not thinking about how to get Nic back. We have to be very careful what facade we present to greater immortal society because any weakness on Marie-Hélène’s or Gavin’s part would invite attack, and that would create even more danger for all of you.”

“That’s why you’re still having parties and stuff,” Kit said. “Even though Nic is gone. To like, keep up appearances.”

“Marie-Hélène and Gavin need to appear completely in control as they host Gavin’s wedding. There are hundreds of eyes on them, watching Marie-Hélène’s control of the city, watching Gavin’s businesses. Not everyone invited to this wedding is a friend.”

Miguel raised a hand. “So… why were they invited?”

Carwyn smiled. “Vampire weddings are rare and usually political, so they become more theater than friendly get-together.

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