Page 18 of Wounded Soul
“You’ve not had sex in ten years?”
Jesse rolled his eyes. “Don’t be ridiculous. I’ve had sex, just not anything that meant—” He cut himself off, but too late.
With a gleam in her eyes, she shuffled onto her knees and faced him. “Oh? So are you saying that Ian means—”
“No. Of course not. I don’t know why I said that.” But there was something about Ian. Something different that set him apart from the others Jesse had been with since Alexander.
“Are you going to see him again?” She whispered the words, aware that it’d probably be frowned upon by the rest of the coven.
“I don’t know.”Yes.“Maybe.”I’m going to text him as soon as I’m alone.
Lys studied him for far too long; then she put a hand on his arm. “Just be careful, okay?”
“Of course.” He spared a glance at his phone, noting the time. “We should head to the meeting. I don’t want to be late.”
“Ugh, I’m so not looking forward to this. Lys stood, long dark hair tumbling down her back, and looked down at him.
“Me neither.”
Walking over to the door, she pulled it open with a flourish. “After you.”
ON THE GROUND floor of their house, the living and dining area had been knocked into one room as soon as they’d moved in. It formed a room large enough to comfortably seat all twenty coven members and any visitors they might have. A fifty-five-inch TV hung on the far wall, but all the chairs faced the window today, where Raph stood. Liam, Raph’s best friend and unofficial second-in-command stood off to one side. Both of them waiting.
Jesse and Lys weren’t late, but they hurried to take their seats.
At six on the dot, Raph cleared his throat and the room fell quiet. “As you’re all no doubt aware, we’re due a visit from the VLCD.” A few grumbles sounded around the room, and Raph waited for them to settle before continuing. Their visits were a necessary evil, but no one was a fan. “They were due to come on Tuesday evening, but they’ve had a new addition to their ranks and want to bring him along for the experience. Since he’s currently going through two weeks training—”
“Training to do what exactly?” Someone asked. “Hunt us? Track us?”
Raph shrugged. “Whatever it is they think he needs to know.”
They probably did it for the same reason that the coven still practised how to evade capture, should the need arise. Raph took no part in it and would deny all knowledge if asked, but he knew. And Liam had joined in on more than one occasion.
Having an agreement with the VLCD was one thing. Didn’t mean they couldn’t have contingency plans.
“Anyway,” Raph continued patiently, “they’re now due here two weeks on Wednesday, after dark for our convenience.”
“How thoughtful,” Lys murmured in his ear.
“How many are they bringing this time?” Peter asked, barely keeping the distaste out of his tone. It was a valid question though, and Jesse sat forward a bit more.
“Twelve.”
Fuck.
A collective groan went around the room.
Usually they just brought eight and did a basic sweep of the house. Twelve meant they’d be a lot more thorough.
“I know.” Raph’s expression darkened. “I’m not happy about it either, but it’s what we agreed to. It’s been six months since their last full inspection, so...” He held his hands out.
“We could cancel the agreement or at least revisit it.” Peter’s statement left a deafening silence behind it.Fucking hell, Peter, we went over this last night.What was he thinking? Taking advantage of being the centre of attention, Peter stood. “I’m not trying to cause trouble or usurp your authority.” Jesse noted the twitch of Raph’s lips. “But when our coven made this agreement, you said we’d review it in a few years.” He paused, for dramatic effect no doubt. “It’s been fifteen. I’m not sure how long you had in mind, but I, for one, would like the opportunity to discuss how it’s working out for us.”
Jesse saw a few others nodding their heads. Obviously this wasn’t the first they’d heard of it. Peter had been busy. Jesse glanced at Raph, trying to read his expression, but he gave nothing away. Peter had put him in a tough position—his tone might’ve been accusatory, but everything he’d said was true.
“You know the agreement was reached with all participating covens, right?”
“I do.”
