The Evolution of Fae and Gods (Chronicles of the Stone Veil 3)

“Correct,” Veda affirmed. “The prophecy has started, and it will play out without the gods’ interference changing Finley’s fate.”

Carrick nodded in relief because he was worried about Rune and his affinity for trying to cause Carrick as much pain as possible. This was more important than ever, especially since Carrick had agreed—without any pleasure at all—to let Finley have more freedom. He had to trust—outside of Rune—that she was destined to play a big part down the line and would survive to make it there. Once they could piece the puzzle together, though, and figure out exactly what Kymaris was hoping to accomplish and how, he knew things would progress rather quickly. As such, when that time came, he intended to remain glued to Finley’s side, and he didn’t care if that upset her or not.

Regardless, he had the information he wanted regarding Rune and could put that worry out of his head for a bit.

“I thank you for your help,” Carrick said, inclining his head in gratitude before standing from the table.

“Won’t you join me for lunch?” Veda asked with a smile. “It’s such a nice day out.”

It generally was not good to deny such a request, but Carrick was pressed for time. “While I’d love to, I’m hunting down someone who has some information on someone else I’m also hunting.”

She nodded in understanding. “Otto Von Schmidt. He knows quite a bit about changelings.”

Carrick wasn’t even the slightest bit surprised. Veda knew everything that was going on.

“That’s right,” Carrick replied. “So, enjoy your lunch.”

“Sit,” Veda commanded with a sharp nod at the chair he’d just vacated. “Eat with me, and I’ll tell you where to locate Otto Von Schmidt. It will save you a trip to go hunt this other person down.”

That was actually too good of an opportunity to pass up, so Carrick sat. If Veda was going to offer help, he was never going to turn it down.

CHAPTER 15

Finley

I feel weird… being in Carrick’s room.

When we got back from our stakeout with Kymaris, Maddox walked me to the elevator, where he bid me goodnight and good luck. Inside the condo, I went to my room.

I took a shower because I still had the heebie-jeebies from what I’d witnessed and felt the need to scour myself clean—as if Kymaris’ abominations had somehow seeped into my skin.

Freshly scrubbed and in my pajamas—loose pants and a tank top—I meandered into the kitchen for a snack. An apple sufficed, and when I finished that, I couldn’t decide what to do. The condo was quiet, and I assumed Zaid had gone to wherever his home was. I checked everywhere—including the library—and Carrick wasn’t to be found. I knew he had gone off to hunt the someone that knew where we might find Otto Von Schmidt.

Being all alone in the condo, I had to assume Maddox was down in the lobby guarding the only way up to me, and there he’d stay until Carrick returned. For a moment, I thought about just inviting him up so we could watch a movie. It was nearing almost one AM, but I wasn’t tired. I nixed that idea quickly, though, because I didn’t think either one of us would be able to focus on the movie after what we’d seen tonight. I knew we’d probably be compelled to analyze it and come up with hypotheses, and I just wanted to forget it for a bit.

I considered going back to my bedroom, crawling under the covers, and going to sleep. I had no clue when Carrick would come back, but on the off chance it would be sooner rather than later, I had the overwhelming need just to see him.

Nothing more than to just look upon his beauty and assure myself that he isn’t a dream.

So, now I’m in his room, sitting cross-legged on the bed while surfing the web on my phone. Occasionally, I’ll lift my head and gaze around at Carrick’s most personal space—his sanctuary, which he had invited me into just the day before yesterday.

To continue getting lost in each other until time no longer mattered.

And now here I sit, alone and disturbed by what I’d seen tonight, and I have a million and one doubts that what happened between Carrick and me was real. I’m also here for his comfort because the perversion and gore I’d witnessed was not something I was prepared to accept as part of this prophecy. I’m more scared than I have ever been in my life and part of me feels weak that I need Carrick to help me deal with it.

But the thing that bothers me most is the gnawing sensation I don’t belong in his room. That I’m stepping across some vague boundaries that have somehow been established, but which I cannot see or understand.

Simply put… I just don’t know where I stand anymore—not with Carrick and not with my role in the prophecy.