Allegiance(10)

At least someone appreciates me, Max grumbled, misreading my dismayed expression. I instantly felt guilty. I was happy to see my guardian. But I was dying to see Caden …

“Get some rest. You’re safe here,” Sofie said.

“Are you sure?”

She nodded. “People have been living here for years now, so it’s not like the old abandoned chateau on the hill has suspiciously come to life,” Sofie explained, walking over to the wall near one of the windows. “I have security on the perimeter and magical tripwires set. Everything we need for fair warning. And then, if someone does put two and two together and gets through …” Sofie’s hand coasted up to the wall beside her to touch a piece of molding. She pushed and I heard a click. A piece of wall swung into darkness. “If you ever need to escape, do what I just did. No one knows about it but you and me. And Max, now. Not even the staff knows.” Sofie pulled the door shut. “Mind you, you probably won’t want to venture in there unless you need to. It’s probably home to an army of eight-legged critters.”

I shuddered at the thought, earning a soft chuckle from Sofie.

“The duke who owned this home, before Nathan appropriated it, was a suspicious old bird. He had all these secret passages and tunnels built.” A giggle escaped her perfect lips. A sardonic little giggle. “Funny—that’s exactly where Nathan found him. Not much of a secret.” A far-off look skittered across her face and then she was back.

Realization slapped me hard across the face. This had been Nathan’s home! Of course! I’m such an idiot! I can’t believe I hadn’t realized it before. No wonder Sofie was reluctant to come here. Stepping through these halls must tear open too many old wounds for her, namely the never-healed one she acquired when she accidently killed him.

“Why did we come here, Sofie?” I asked softly. “I mean, I’m sure there was somewhere else we could’ve gone.”

Sofie smiled sadly. “It’s as good a home base as any. We need to get help, Eve, and our help is in Europe, so it made sense.”

Help? That elusive her they were discussing on the jet, no doubt. Who was she? And why did I sense this connection was volatile at best? So deep in thought, I didn’t hear anyone else enter.

“Can I come in?” A familiar deep voice called out, sending a thrill through my entire body like an electric shock. I turned around, that same giant grin instantly on my face again.

Caden’s hands were in his pockets, something akin to a shy look on his face.

“Come, Max,” Sofie said, smacking the giant dog on the rump.

I just got here, he grumbled in my head, not budging.

“I hear deer live in the woods behind us,” she added, figuring he would be reluctant to leave. Like a homeless dog after a soup bone, Max bolted. A tiny smile touched her lips as she continued walking out. When she passed Caden, she reminded him, “Don’t forget … my angel needs her rest.”

He responded with a slight nod and a tight smile. I surely burned like a bonfire in the night, the heat in my cheeks so intense. With that, Sofie abruptly disappeared, closing the door softly behind her.

Finally … alone with Caden.

Completely alone, on solid ground, on my home planet. In a bedroom. I felt heat creep up my neck as I recalled memories of the last night we spent together on Ratheus. With my fingertips trembling, I pushed a strand of hair back behind my ear. Why am I so nervous? I had suctioned myself to him on the plane ride here. And now we stood facing each other like two strangers. I opened my mouth to speak, and realized I had no idea what to say. Thankfully, Caden broke into the silence.

“How’s your neck?”

“Fine,” I croaked, instinctively turning to look into the mirror on the wall, my hand reaching for the wounds again. “A little sore but—” Before my fingers could graze the stitches again, Caden appeared behind me, his strong hand folding over mine and pulling it against my chest. His other hand swept the locks of hair away from my neck, pulling them back until they rested over my opposite shoulder. Without a word, he leaned in until his mouth was an inch from the wound. I watched in the mirror as his lips parted slightly. A cool breeze tickled my skin.

“Does it hurt?” he whispered.

“Not right now,” I forced out, my voice caught in a gasp.

“How about now?” He leaned in that last inch to skim my neck with his bottom lip, hardly touching and yet sending shock waves through me, deep into my belly. My knees buckled. I fell back against his chest. Pressing his body against my back, he buried his face in my hair and inhaled deeply. “I missed you so much.”