Page 38 of A Shade Too Far
“That’s not possible,” Naveen said.
“There are no absolutes when it comes to magic,” Laurent retorted, pushing Naveen a few steps back with a finger to the chest. “You’re not stupid, mate. What exactly did you tell yourself was happening?”
“So that’s why you’ve allied yourself with her.” The air charged with an electric bite as Naveen laughed bitterly and the wrench in his hand crackled with little rivulets of power. “No wonder you—”
“Watch yourself,” Laurent growled.
Naveen strode to the other side of the kitchen and punched the wall. “Did you know?” he said to his sister.
“Yes.” Daya examined Laurent, but he edged away, stopping her with a wan smile. Sighing, she gathered up some of the cups and put them in the sink. “Laurent told me after Rishi was killed. I didn’t care then, and I don’t now. Pull your head out of your ass, Nav.” She draped an arm over my shoulder. “Come on, love. Let’s get a breath of fresh air and if anyone is so inclined afterward, we can bury my brother’s body.”
Rishi. How horrific had his death been? Chagrined, I wrestled my powers under control as Daya led me down to a swinging bench under a tree.
Was there any hope for true acceptance in the Ohrist community when these old prejudices still existed? On the other hand, Laurent knew Naveen would react badly, so why not deflect his suspicions? And why had he looked like the wronged party?
Daya rocked the bench slowly with one foot. “I take it this wasn’t news to you?”
“No, I found out recently.” I’d learned of it thanks to the Lonestar who’d tried to frame us for murder. And that cop had known the score because his family were hunters, dedicated to eradicating Banim Shovavim from the world.
I glanced at the kitchen window, but I couldn’t see the men, and even though the door was open, I didn’t hear arguing. I rested my head back against one of the chains attaching the bench to the tree. My tailbone was bruised but I was unable to muster up any anger toward Naveen. All I felt was a smothering sorrow. For all of us. “Will their friendship survive?”
“I’d like to think my brother isn’t so thick that he’d throw away his best friend, but much as I love the little wanker, he’s never been the most open-minded when it comes to Banim Shovavim.” She paused like she was going to add more, then shook her head. “It got worse after Rishi.”
“Sorry for all the emotional carnage.” I watched a sparrow flit between branches above us. “I’m so happy to see you again, but our reunion sucked.”
“I don’t know. I thought it was very enlightening.” She elbowed me playfully. “So, how did you and Laurent meet?”
“Nope. Not up to the third degree now.”
“I’ll let you off today, but it will happen.”
Laurent stepped out of the house, his determined stride faltering into more of a resigned trudge once he’d come down the back stairs and out of sight of the kitchen. He caught his bottom lip between his teeth with a look of utter heartbreak, which he exchanged for a bland expression when he saw us.
Maybe my sigh was a bit too loud, or my relaxed pose a bit too feigned, because next to me, Daya suggested that I console the poor boy, accompanied by a lascivious waggle of her eyebrows.
“I hate you,” I muttered.
“Is he alive?” Daya called out cheerfully.
“Unfortunately,” Laurent said. “Ready to go?”
“Yeah.” I stood up. “I’m going to pay Zev a visit. Harry is arranging it.”
“Will you be accompanying our lovely Miriam?” The woman quickly losing all friend points leaned forward, her hands clasped together and a secret smile on her lips.
I expected Laurent to say that of course he was and braced myself for arguing that I’d be better off going alone since the vampire couldn’t compel me. It was better than the argument that I required space to get my head together before I did something stupid like take Laurent in my arms.
The shifter shook his head. “Mitzi can handle him. I’m more of a hindrance.”
“I’m sure Mitzi can,” Daya said sweetly.
I gave her the finger behind my back. “I’m an expert in not offending Zev. My request shall be conducted with the utmost tact.”
Laurent snorted.
Given that the alternative was an emotional sixteen-year-old, I’d take my chances with the vamp. That reminder was as good as a cold shower for all my feelings.
After I bid Daya farewell with promises to get together soon, Laurent drove me back to Tatiana’s to retrieve my car.
