The Leopard King by Ann Aguirre

Author:Ann Aguirre
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Paranormal
Publisher: Ann Aguirre
Published: 2016-09-15T04:00:00+00:00

16.

Gavriel was the last person Pru expected to find at her door so late at night.

It had taken hours to conclude the preliminary murder investigation, and as the closest thing to a witness, she had repeated her story multiple times to a plethora of questioners. Now it was nearly midnight, and Dom was still dealing with the damage. Ignoring her shock, the Noxblade slipped past her and closed the door.

He carried a small black box, and he used it to check every inch of the flat. Apparently satisfied with his inspection, he sat on the sofa without waiting for an invitation. “How long before your mate returns?”

“I’m not sure,” she answered. “It would’ve been better if you’d made an appointment.”

“Try not to be stupider than you can help.”

“Pardon me?”

“If I have business that requires I ensure that we’re not overheard, do you think I can put it on a schedule?” His voice contained enough blistering scorn to strip the paint from the walls.

I’m too tired for this shit. Only the fact that she’d killed his brother kept her from kicking him out. With effort, she held on to her composure. For once, I hope Dad comes back late, if at all. He’ll be safer that way.

“That’s true enough. Do you want something to drink?”

“You’d probably poison me.”

“Only on Tuesdays.”

In the end, she made tea, which he pretended to drink and so did she. They stared at one another for an awkward half hour before Dom keyed the pin and shambled in, seeming truly wrecked. The dark circles were back, along with fresh lines, and his hair was badly rumpled by endless rakes of restless fingers. He drew up short just inside the door and stared at Gavriel.

“This must be important.” Dom dropped into an armchair and offered an expectant look.

“First, a confession. But it won’t help you. I need you to promise to hear everything before you react. Can you do that?” Gavriel glanced between them, evidently seeking agreement.

Pru nodded as Dom said, “I’m listening.”

“I killed Iolas.”

At first Pru thought she must’ve imagined that, but based on Dom’s expression, he’d heard it too. So she had to ask, “Why?”

“I was searching Talfayen’s quarters… and Iolas returned unexpectedly.” From his expression, Gavriel bitterly regretted that failure. “It was him or me.”

“We’ve seen no proof, none whatsoever, that Talfayen is in league with the Golgoth. I’m half-inclined to turn you over as the traitor.” Dom sounded dead serious too.

“That would be extremely ill-advised. I didn’t find what I was looking for, but what I did carry away will suffice. I’ll warn you, this won’t be easy to hear.” Serious red eyes studied her mate’s face, and ice formed in Pru’s stomach.

Dom rapped his knuckles against the side table as a sign of readiness. “Let’s have it.”

“I pulled this audio file from Iolas’s phone. You’ll probably understand why he was keeping it once you listen to it.”

“Stop talking and hit play,” Pru said.

But how bad is this that a trained assassin feels so uncomfortable revealing it?

An unknown male spoke as soon as Gavriel tapped his screen.

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