Cursed Mate (Shadow Guild: The Rebel 5)

I followed her toward the back. She led me into a small kitchen that appeared to be stuck inside a massive bookshelf. I walked between rows of books, and suddenly I stood in a little space that looked like it was from the 1940s.

“They had to carve this spot out with magic,” Seraphia said. “One of the former librarians insisted on her tea breaks.”

“I don’t blame her.”

Seraphia walked to the old AGA cooker. The metal was painted a pale pink, matching the rest of the strange old kitchen. A kettle shaped like a very ugly cat sat on the hob, and she waved a hand over it. A second later, steam billowed from the top, and the cat yowled.

“That’s handy,” I said.

She grinned at me. “Another request of the former librarian. The spell isn’t complicated, but it’s expensive. Milk and sugar?”

“Just milk, thanks.”

She prepared the tea and handed me a cup. She took a sip, then sighed, her eyes suddenly looking brighter. “Now, what can I help you with?”

I handed her the book. “That lock.”

She frowned at it, lips pursed. “It’s a strong one. If we try to break it, I think the pages will incinerate. Do you know who owned it?”

“No. A woman, I think. Maybe from the time of Rasla.”

“That old bastard?”

“The very same. We found it in the Shadow Guild tower. Mac is looking for the key, but we’re not hopeful.”

“Yeah, she’d have hidden it well.” Seraphia flipped the book over, inspecting the back. “And I don’t think it will be a normal key. But I can work on this. Might take me a little while, but I’ll see what I can do.”

“Thanks.” I hesitated. “Not to rush you, but…I’m pretty sure that book has answers about Grey and me.”

Her eyebrows shot up. “Really?”

“I don’t know how, and I don’t know what. But my power is telling me there’s information in there.”

“You’re never wrong, so I’ll get to work on it.” Her head tilted, and her eyes brightened. “Someone is here.” She strode around me and exited the kitchen.

I followed, clutching my tea. When I spotted Grey standing near the door, I nearly dropped the cup.

A shaft of sunlight streamed over his face, highlighting the curves and angles that made him look like Lucifer himself. The shadows under his eyes only accentuated his otherworldly beauty, and though he hadn’t started losing weight like he had before, there was something sharper about him.

His gaze moved to me, something indecipherable flickering in the depths.

My soul felt like it fluttered inside my chest, reaching out for him. I sucked in a quiet breath and resisting pressing a hand to my chest to force it back in.

“Grey.”

“Carrow.”

“I don’t suppose you’re here to check out a book?” Seraphia asked.

“No, I’m here for Carrow.”

I’m here for Carrow. I liked the sound of that, even though everything had gone to hell.

Seraphia looked between the two of us, then gestured off to the right. “There’s a small room, if you want privacy.”

“Thanks.” I smiled at her, then headed that way. I had no idea why he was here, but privacy sounded like the way to go.

Grey followed me, and I could feel his stare on my back. It warmed me through, and I wanted to turn and throw my arms around him. I knew it was crazy, given everything, but I still wanted it.