“I’d appreciate it if you stayed out of my head.”
“I wasn’t reading your mind. I don’t have to. Your face shows everything you’re thinking.”
“Well, it still stands. Do not pry into my head. I don’t care who you are to Ian, no one reads my mind.”
Seth let out a surprised laugh, but my uncle was not amused.
“Qadira, that was rude. Apologize.”
“Bryce, I am not a child. I meant what I said, though I am sorry if my behavior has embarrassed you.”
“You’re just as Ian described. We will get along swimmingly, darlin’.”
“Well, darlin’, Ian’s never mentioned you, so I don’t trust you just yet.”
“Understood. For what it’s worth, you have my word that I will do anything and everything in my power to find Ian. If something has happened to him, I will destroy whoever did it.”
“It seems we may get along just fine. Have you heard from him?”
“Yes, he asked to borrow my beach house to use as a temporary base. He was to come get the keys this morning. He never arrived.”
“And you didn’t think to look for him?”
“No, Ian is a big boy. He can take care of himself. If it helps any, when Seth contacted me, I reached out to more of the clan and they will search for him. We will find him.” He sounded so sure that it helped ease my mind a little.
Not all clan members lived together on Fey lands as they did in the old days. So, our clanmates lived throughout the state. So, we had an extensive search party.
“Ok, so what’s the plan?”
“We go to the Keys,” Peder answered.
“Um—”
“Don’t worry. If he returns and finds you are gone, Ian will head to my house in the Keys.”
“You’re sure?”
“Yes.”
I didn’t want to leave HQ, but with Gabriel’s henchmen searching for me, we needed to get somewhere safe and plan our next move. Seth, Bryce, and Sheryl went to load the vehicle with our weapons and other supplies. I readied some snacks and drinks for those of us who needed, or wanted, to eat.
“So, where exactly is this house of yours?”
“Oh, it’s not on any mortal-known key. It is Sidhe, Fey-land. My private island. It has been in my family for millennia. Though, it is close to Key West.”
That meant it was an over three-hour drive. There was the possibility of a boat ride, too.
Peder leaned in close to me and I stepped away.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?”
He chuckled. “Don’t you worry your pretty little head, darlin’. You are not my type.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes, I was only trying to comfort you. I am sorry if I crossed a line. I am an affectionate sort.”
“Okay, well, I can be affectionate, but only after I know and trust someone. I just met you.”
He replied with a slight nod.
“I’m not your type. Well, what is? You prefer busty blonds, right?”
“Honestly, I don’t much like blonds and I definitely don’t prefer busty.”
“Got it. Is there a special someone back at the beach house?”
He stayed silent for a few moments.
“I’d rather not discuss this.”
“Okay…”
“We ready?” Seth asked as he entered, saving Peder and I from the awkward moment.
“Yes.”
Bryce entered dragging his trunk behind him. I knew that trunk well, and I knew it was full of his encyclopedias, along with his Fey cookbooks that contained their ancient recipes for just about anything from that nasty tea to dark Fey potions. They were also the size of encyclopedias, so that trunk had to weigh a ton.
“What’s the hold up in here?” Bryce asked.
“Nothing, let’s go,” Seth replied. Groaning, he grabbed the other end of the trunk.
They secured the trunk to the roof, with an added touch of security from Bryce and we piled in the car. I sat in the back between Seth and Sheryl. Bryce rode shotgun while Peder drove.
********
Seth nudged me awake when we arrived at the house. It was gorgeous. The sun was setting so the purples, pinks, and oranges of the sky reflected off the many windows of the house, so it resembled an opal. They had tinting so you couldn’t see through them from the outside, no curtains necessary. The front doors were stained glass portraying a forest under a full moon. A huge wolf in the center of the clearing, head lifted in mid-howl. The doors opened to reveal a spacious living room with a huge fireplace on the back wall. To the left was a wall made up of sliding glass doors leading to a large wooden deck before the beach.
The decor was modern, not my style, but it suited the space. White furniture filled the room. Splashes of color - lime green, bright orange, sunny yellow - came from throw pillows, area rugs, and contemporary art pieces on the shelves and walls. The kitchen was on the right with a huge breakfast bar of white marble and brushed chrome stools with cushions in the same accent colors. The appliances were stainless steel and bright green plates and stemware peeked through frosted glass cabinet doors.
“Peder, this place is amazing!”
“Come, I’ll show you around while they unload the car.” He held his arm out and I linked mine with his. “You’ll find a hot tub out on the deck. I will ask your uncle to extend his ward to cover the entire deck to allow you to enjoy the view and sounds of the ocean. As powerful as he is, I do not think he can extend them further than the deck.”
I was disappointed hearing I couldn’t go on the beach, but he squeezed my hand.
“No worries, darlin’, once this is over, you may borrow this place any time you want.”
I gave him a smile, but the mention of Ian killed my enthusiasm. I fell silent as he showed me a half bath, the master bedroom, and the enormous den he’d turned into a home theater. We headed upstairs to see the rest of the house.
We entered a single door on the right. “I put you in here, the second master. I figured you’d want your privacy.”
When I just stared blankly at the room and didn’t respond he led me to a couch in front of a fireplace.
“I know you’re worried about Ian, but he’ll be fine. He has to be.”
“You’re in love with him, aren’t you?”
“Well, that’s difficult to answer.”
“Try.”
“I have known Ian for a long time. We have been through unspeakable situations together and I care for him. I know there has never been a chance at being more than friends and clan-mates, but a part of me always hoped for more. The aura wants what it wants.”
I hugged him. He returned the hug for a moment before stepping out of the embrace.
“Come, I’ve saved the best for last.”
He led me to a room across the hall. Inside was an impressive home gym, with everything anyone could ever need.
“You may not be able to go outside, but you can at least enjoy the view while you work out.” The back wall of windows overlooked the beach.
I wrapped my arms around him and rose onto my toes to kiss his cheek. “Thanks for thinking of me, before you even knew me.”
“Of course, darlin’, any friend of Ian’s is a friend of mine.”