Shadow Marked: an Urban Fantasy Novel (Shadows of Salem Book 2) by Jasmine Walt & Rebecca Hamilton

Author:Jasmine Walt & Rebecca Hamilton [Walt, Jasmine]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Blue Bolt Publishing
Published: 2016-10-28T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

Before I could say a word, Maddock grabbed me and teleported us out of the room. In the next second, I found us back in the ballroom. I clutched Maddock’s arm to steady myself so I wouldn’t sway in front of the guests, but I barely had time to collect myself before he practically dragged me across the room over to where the Navalny’s were holding court.

“Mrs. Navalny,” Maddock purred, placing a hand on our hostess’s shoulder and cutting her off mid-sentence. His voice was slightly deeper than usual, and the tingles skipping up my arms told me he was using magic. “Would ye mind having a quick word with me? I’m afraid I’ve run into some trouble that only ye can help me with.”

The flash of irritation in Mrs. Navalny’s eyes instantly melted away. “Of course,” she cooed, rising fluidly from her seat. The other guests stared at us, and the expression on Mr. Navalny’s face was nothing short of thunderous. Why the hell was Maddock being so reckless? Wasn’t he the one telling us not to draw attention?

“Excuse me, Mr. Anderson,” Mr. Navalny started to say, but Maddock cut him off.

“Ye have nothing to worry about, Mr. Navalny,” he said smoothly, the magic still in his voice. “I will return yer wife safe and sound in just a moment.”

“Very well.” Appeased, Mr. Navalny sat down and began to engage the crowd around him. The others gave Maddock one last glance, then settled back into conversation.

Meanwhile, Maddock drew Mrs. Navalny over to a shadowy corner behind a pillar, and I followed.

“Mrs. Navalny,” he said, “I’m afraid I wasn’t completely honest with my reasons for coming here tonight. I didna come here just for the pleasure of yer fine company, or to see the Moirtéal Dealbh. I came because I had planned to meet up with an old acquaintance of mine and discuss business.”

“Oh.” Mrs. Navalny pouted. “Well, that is your concern, of course. What does this have to do with me?”

“Well, it is simply that these friends of mine have not made an appearance, and I am growing worried.” Maddock’s expression grew pinched. Indeed, he did look worried, but I suspected that was because of the artifact rather than his imaginary friends. “Have you seen them? A tall man with thick, silver hair, and his companion a beautiful redheaded woman.”

“Oh! Thomas and Celia Madison,” she said, her eyes lighting with recognition. “Yes, they were here earlier, but I haven’t seen them for some time. Shall I check with my head of security?”

“No, that’s quite all right,” Maddock soothed. “Please, go and rejoin your husband before he worries. Thank you for your assistance.”

“Oh, but I would much rather stay here with you,” she purred, sliding her hands up Maddock’s shoulder. Her lips curved into a wicked smile, and I wanted to slap her. Did she seriously not realize I was standing right here? Maybe whatever spell Maddock was using had addled her senses.

“Go,” Maddock said sternly, all pretense of manners disappearing.

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