Frozen Desires (Asylums for Magical Threats 2)

The name sparked a memory from his training during his teen years. A Concealer could blend in with the surroundings, and if the person was powerful enough, could even blur the surroundings enough to make a person go in circles and lose their way.

Marco nodded his head. “Concealers can be useful, but how do we know that you won’t just flee and leave us here?”

“You don’t, but I’m curious enough about your little ice dome trick to not leave you behind.”

At least the man was honest. “All right, go. If you’re not back in half an hour, we’ll make our own way.”

Diego nodded, then scooted a few feet away before he started to blur. Within seconds, Marco felt compelled to look away.

Cam touched his arm and leaned in to whisper, “Do you think he’ll be b

ack?”

He’d forgotten about her supersensitive hearing. Undoubtedly, she’d heard every word. “For the sake of our mission, I hope so.”

As they waited, Marco made sure that he had one finger pointing to the west, and because there was no one else around, he sidled closer to Cam until they were touching.

She glanced at him, pressed closer to his side, and then looked back in the direction that Diego had gone.

He loved how she didn’t hesitate with him anymore, and actually sought out his touch. If she’d have him, Marco wanted to continue working with her. Combining his elemental powers with her considerable strength and brain, they could become a phenomenal team.

He couldn’t wait for this mission to be over so he could show her around his hometown. He’d never wanted to do that before, but he wanted Cam to know everything about him. Cartagena would be the perfect place to explain about the other Elemental Masters.

A rustle came from the east, and Marco looked over, but didn’t see anything. He nudged Cam, and she whispered, “Every time I try to focus, I can’t see anything. It’s almost as if I’m forced to look away.”

Marco whispered, “Diego.”

As soon as Marco said, “Diego,” Cam forced herself to look over to where she’d heard the sound. Something kept trying to force her to look away, but her keen vision did more than see in the dark. Apparently, she could also pick out the blurry form of Diego the Concealer.

She didn’t have to keep fighting to focus on his location because a few seconds later, Diego appeared plainly in front of them and said, “They left a few minutes ago. One of their cars broke down, but otherwise, I didn’t see any sort of trap or signs of hidden lackeys.”

Cam stood up. “Did you check the vehicle for suspicious activity?”

Diego frowned. “No. By the time I got to the car, the men were just leaving. I thought it more important to follow them and make sure they’d gone.”

She touched Marco on the arm. “Unless you’ve had some sort of bomb squad training I’m unaware of, I’ll take a look and make sure the vehicle isn’t a threat. I had some training in my old life.”

The last thing she needed was for Diego to learn about her past.

Marco touched her cheek. “No, I don’t know anything but generalizations when it comes to bombs or trip wires. But I can stay close, in case I need to try and protect you if things go wrong.”

Not caring if Diego saw, she kissed Marco and said, “Thanks for having my back.”

Marco grinned at her. “Anytime.”

Diego cleared his throat. “Wouldn’t it be better to just leave the car in the jungle? The lackeys might’ve left, but they’ll probably be back. We shouldn’t linger longer than necessary.”

Cam shook her head. “Just in case it’s armed, I can’t leave it for an innocent bystander to find. Now, take me to it.”

Diego shrugged, and starting walking. She followed, with Marco right behind her. She kept an ear out for the cartel lackeys. Even if Diego had been telling the truth—that they’d gone—she wasn’t about to let her guard down. In the middle of an operation, that was the easiest way to get yourself killed.

After walking for five minutes, they came to a bare patch of the jungle where an old jeep-like vehicle sat with its doors open. Cam motioned to Marco. “Stay back here, and duck behind the trees if things go wrong.”

Marco nodded and she approached the car. She looked inside, then under it, and finally under the hood. The car was clean.

She let out a sigh and turned around. “There’s nothing there, so let’s get out of here.”

Diego came forward to stand next to her. “We need to hurry. Follow me.”