“Belle will be extremely happy to hear that.”
“And why would that be so?”
“Remember the favor I’m owed? I’m calling it in.”
“Indeed? I shall hand you over to her.” There was a pause, and then Maelle said, “And what is it you wish of me?”
“You know that man I mentioned?”
“Indeed.”
“Well, he’s either in the reservation or on his way.”
“And you wish me to hunt him down? Because I cannot take life in this place unless personally threatened—it would jeopardize my position here.”
“No, I’d actually like you to keep Belle safe at Émigré.”
“Is that all?”
“It’s not a simple task, Maelle. The man we’re talking about is a blueblood witch of high power—and he’ll go after Belle in order to get to me.”
“He wouldn’t dare attack my lair.”
“If he was in his right mind, I’d agree. He’s not. You’ll need full defenses.”
“Full defense might well alert the other witches in this reservation. I prefer to avoid that if necessary.”
A statement that was yet another confirmation she was capable of darker magic.
Sometime in the future, we’d be confronted by it.
Fear knifed through me, even if it was pretty pointless worrying about a future battle when I still had to survive the current one.
“As long as you keep her safe, I really don’t care what you do or don’t use.”
“And when am I to expect her?”
“Is tonight too soon?”
“Yes, it fucking is,” Belle muttered, her expression a mix of resignation and trepidation.
“That will be fine. Roger is preparing a room as we speak.” She paused, and then continued with evident amusement, “Please assure her that it will be a private bedchamber. No sharing of any kind required.”
“She’s positively ecstatic to hear that.”
“As she should be—there are not many who stay here who can claim that.”
People stay there? Belle said. Why on earth would anyone want to do that?
Perhaps she’s referring to her feeders.
None of the feeders who were killed lived within Émigré’s walls. If they had, there’s every chance they’d still be alive.
I sipped the whiskey. I don’t think she’s referring to her regular feeders.
Then who? Belle s
aid, even as Maelle added, “What time shall I expect her?”