Cam stared at Krysta. “Damn. Lucky you.”
Much to Étienne’s relief, Krysta sent his protective Second a wry smile. “Not when the thoughts he can read are the inappropriate ones.”
Cam laughed. “I’m guessing you’re the reason he’s been so distracted these last few weeks.”
Krysta smiled as she met Étienne’s gaze.
He sighed. Was everyone he knew going to say that when they met her? “This is getting embarrassing.”
She laughed.
“You could have told me it was a woman,” Cam continued. “I’ve given you an earful about Laura.”
“Do we really have to talk about this now? In front of Krysta?”
“Yes. I’m pissed about you keeping me out of the fight. And, instead of pouting, I’ve decided to irritate you.”
Étienne shook his head. “You’ve been spending too much time with Sheldon.”
“Not by choice. Do you two want something to eat before you turn in?”
“No, thank you,” Krysta said.
Étienne agreed. “Seth has called for a meeting at David’s tonight, an hour after sunset. I want to get some rest before I face the inquisition.”
Cam nodded. “I’ll keep a sharp eye out in case any of the mercenaries show up on our doorstep.”
Krysta raised her eyebrows. “I don’t see how they could. Richart teleported us.” Her face scrunched up. “It feels so weird to say that.”
Cam laughed. “Like in a B-movie, right?”
She grinned. “Yes. But he did. So I don’t see how anyone could track us here.”
Cam held up a finger. “I’ll be back in a minute.”
Étienne watched him head up the hallway to the room they affectionately called the armory.
A moment later he returned, carrying a handheld metal detector. “Disarm.”
Étienne removed his weapons one by one and set them on the scarred coffee table nearby. That’s new, he spoke in Cam’s mind. A metal detector?
Yes. Chris sent it over when we were dealing with Emrys.
Krysta examined the blades piling up on the table.
Cam crossed to stand in front of Étienne. “Now. Let’s see if you’ve got any shrapnel I need to dig out.”
Shrapnel, my ass, Étienne drawled.
If you’ve got shrapnel in your ass, it’s going to stay there, Cam responded with twitching lips. I’m looking for tracking devices the mercenaries may have tagged you with and didn’t want your girlfriend to know.
She isn’t my girlfriend.
Yet.
“Is that a metal detector?” she asked, abandoning the weapons to watch Cam and Étienne.
“Yes,” Cam said, sweeping it up and down Étienne’s limbs. “Usually, the bullets will be pushed out during the healing process, but little pieces that break off can take longer. He’ll heal faster if I dig them out.”
Her brow furrowed with concern. “Oh.”
You could have told her the truth, Étienne said, uncomfortable with the lie.
No, I couldn’t. Not until we’re one hundred percent sure she’s on our side. I assumed you wouldn’t want to lie to her yourself, so I did it for you.
Thank you, Étienne said grudgingly.
Cam shook his head. You really have it bad for her, don’t you?
Yes, damn it. But keep that to yourself.
Will do. “All clear,” Cam announced.
Krysta sighed with relief.
“Can I do anything for the two of you before you turn in?”
“No, thank you,” Krysta said again.
“Reordon is going to have some men escort Krysta’s brother Sean here when he gets off work,” Étienne informed him. “They’re well trained and shouldn’t be followed, but that’s when it will happen if it does.”
Cam nodded. “Is the brother on our side?”
Étienne glanced at Krysta. “That’s yet to be decided.”
“He will be,” Krysta said, uncertainty in her voice. “Once he understands that Étienne isn’t a vampire, I’m sure Sean will come around.”
Cam frowned. “He thinks you’re a vampire?”
“Yes.”
“Then why is he being brought here?”
“To be with Krysta. He’ll be won over faster if he sees firsthand that I’ve no wish to harm her. Don’t worry, though. Chris is sending a contingent of guards to watch the house and grounds. Seth’s orders.”
The rumble of approaching vehicles swelled outside, accompanied by the muffled conversations of network guards.
“That’s them now.”
Cam nodded. “I’ll take care of everything. You say the meeting is scheduled for an hour after sunset?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll be ready. You two see if you can’t get some sleep.” Cam placed the metal detector on the coffee table beside Étienne’s weapons and strode over to the front door. Opening it, he called a greeting and stepped outside to deal with their new security detail.