Wicked Deal (Shadow Guild: The Rebel 2)

“No one should know you’re this powerful,” Eve added.

They were right. It was a matter of safety now. Powerful supernaturals were feared, and in my long life, I’d never seen anyone do what Carrow had done. “Can you stand?”

“Not sure.”

“I’ve got you.” I stood, carefully picking her up and cradling her to my chest.

All around, the bodies of Ivan’s men lay scattered. Mine were binding those still living and checking the bodies of the rest.

“I’ve got the main bastard,” Quinn said, and looked toward one of my guards—Eloise. She was tall and strong, a black panther when she shifted. “Will you help me?”

She nodded. “Let’s get him.”

“Bring him to my place,” I said.

Mac and Eve hurried alongside me as I carried Carrow from the church. She felt powerful in my arms, but weak still. Physically drained.

I hoped it was exhaustion and nothing more.

We stepped out into the fresh air. The blue dome had vanished. How the hell was I going to resist falling for her?

Carrow

Several days later, after I’d regained my strength, it was time to meet with the Council again. No one understood what had happened to me, but everyone vowed not to speak of it.

Grey had wanted me to stay at his place, but I’d insisted on going back to my own flat with Mac. My strength had finally returned, but I could feel the new magic going haywire inside me.

Now, I stood outside of Black Church with Mac. Guild City had returned to normal. The blue dome was gone, and Ivan had been taken care of. I ha

dn’t asked Grey what he’d done with him. Something terrible, I had a feeling.

“You’ve got this,” Mac said. “Your practice has paid off, and you’re going to convince them you’re in control.”

“But I’m not,” I murmured.

“That doesn’t matter. What matters is what they think. Control your magical signature, and they won’t know that your power is having a party inside you.”

I chuckled, though it did nothing to lessen my nerves.

The door to Black Church opened, and Grey appeared, looking impossibly handsome in his impeccable suit. He’d arrived early to speak with some of the Council members.

Speak with.

That was the phrase he’d used. I had a feeling he planned to use mind manipulation and coercion, but since he’d be doing it on my behalf, I wasn’t going to argue.

“They’re ready for you.” The concern in his eyes made me twitchy.

He’d had that same concern when he’d carried me from the church after I’d absorbed Orion’s Heart.

He cared for me.

We hadn’t talked about it—we’d hardly talked about anything since the bombing. All our time had been spent practicing my magic. And we didn’t exactly have a relationship in which we talked about feelings.

I swallowed hard, uncertain of how to process it.

So I didn’t.

Now wasn’t the time, anyway. I didn’t know if he cared for me, anyway, so no big deal.