Caressed by Shadows(81)
She quickly recapped her insane week, from being shot all the way to running through the meadows beneath the sun. Gwendolyn had sat in trance, awed by her story.
Sonya felt as if she were going to be sick. Her stomach knotted and she tried to control her erratic breathing. She paced, her steps quickly carrying from her from one side of her room to the other.
“What does this mean?” Gwendolyn asked.
“I don’t really know. Falcon and I have a few things to figure out.”
“Will he be coming to live with us? Is he a Voidukas now? I wonder how our Counsel will handle the news.”
“I dread finding out, but not knowing is equally awful.”
“Do you think King Hadrian will allow him to leave? He is his Second.”
“Falcon said he would speak with Hadrian first then address the Validus Counsel.”
Gwendolyn flinched. “A lot has being going on here since you’ve been gone. King Hadrian has abolished the Counsel.”
“What? Why?”
“They were miss using their power and abusing their influence. I heard they actually wanted to kill Sir Kenwrec for leaving. I fear what they would have done if they knew the two of you−”
“My nerves are fried as it is. Please, Gwen.”
Sonya collapsed on the bed beside her friend. Placing her elbows on her knees, she buried her face in her hand. She nervously bounced there as she thought about their next step. She had hoped Falcon would accompany her back to Estonia and live with her and her Clan. But it may be best if he stayed. At least for a little while. His Clan and his King needed him.
God, why did everything have to be so damn complicated?
A rasping knock sounded on her chamber door. Sonya’s spine snapped straight, her heart began to pound.
“Enter,” she called.
He stepped in. “I hope I’m not interrupting.”
Sonya swallowed a gasp. Damn, he looked sexy in the customary all black uniform.
Gwendolyn jumped to her feet. “Not at all. Please, Sir Kenwec, excuse me.” She hurried past him and shut the door.
Falcon closed his eyes for a moment then crossed the expensive yet ordinary guest room to stand in front of Sonya.
“I spoke with Hadrian.”
Sonya bit her lip. “What did he say?”
He shook his head. “He said…a lot. I think it will take me a day or two to process everything and let it sink in.”
“Is it trouble with your Clan?”
“No. At least, not yet. I haven’t the details, but he dismantled the Counsel.”
“Gwen told me.” Sonya reached out and took his hands. She brushed his knuckles with pads of her thumbs. “If you need to stay and help Hadrian smooth things over that’s fine. I’ll stay with you.”
“But what of your Clan?”
“Gwendolyn can go home and rule in my stead for the time being,” she offered.
His shoulders fell with a heavy sigh as he joined her on the bed. “I don’t know. I don’t want to keep you from your Clan and your work.”
Sonya turned and sat cross-legged on the mattress.
“What would your Counsel say?”
“To hell with them. I think Hadrian might be on to something.”
The tension stiffening her muscles eased when he smiled. “Dimitri doesn’t have a Counsel and Dorian’s consists of his Queen and his Second, Raphael.”
She playfully punched his shoulder. “See, Counsels are overrated.”
Falcon chuckled. Wrapping an arm around her waist, he pulled her close and rolled across the bed. Tucking her against his side, they lay together for long quiet minutes.
“You really don’t mind staying? At least another two weeks.”
“Nope. My Clan has already survived about a month without me. They can handle two more weeks.”
“Thank you.” He kissed her brow. “You are truly wonderful.”
“Besides, I wouldn’t be able to cut and run anyway. Gwendolyn told me Dimitri and Dorian will be arriving tomorrow.”
Falcon took in a deep breath. “Yes. Carter called Dimitri. He would like to discuss peace.”
Sonya blanched. Peace between the Red Order Hunters and vampires. Now that Samuel and Oliver were dead, perhaps there could be a chance. Only time would tell.
Sonya rested her head on Falcon’s chest and frowned. His body was tense, his muscles tight.
“Is something wrong?” she asked.
“Wrong?” he repeated, his voice a whisper. “No.”
“Out with it, knight. I can tell there something banging around in your head and it’s obviously not images of us rolling naked in these sheets.”
He let out a soft curse. She smiled, watching his shaft swell and press against his pants.
“I’m think of us now,” he grated.