“Why would we laugh?” Sophie grabbed the platter of oozing cookie sandwiches. “Come on, let’s move this into the living room.”
“Before I start,” Kat said, once they were comfortably settled on the large leather couch. “I want to get one thing straight—what was it that you guys thought Baird and Sylvan knew about Deep before I told you about how he took my pain?”
“We told you—we’ don’t know,” Liv said and she and Sophie gave each other an uneasy look.
“It’s something about Deep’s past,” Sophie said. “Something really bad, I think. Sylvan said you aren’t in any danger from him though, if that’s any consolation.”
“Not much.” Kat’s stomach did a flip. “God, I wonder what it was? And even if Deep won’t tell me, why doesn’t Lock?”
Sophie shrugged. “Who knows? Why didn’t he tell you about how Deep had taken your pain?”
“Baird says there’s a huge stigma among the Kindred in being involved in a tragedy involving a potential mate,” Olivia said.
“A potential mate? And tragedy? That’s the word he used?” Kat raised an eyebrow.
“Yup.” Liv nodded. “It’s like a blot on their character—a shame they can never live down. Maybe Lock is ashamed to tell you about whatever it is.”
“Maybe,” Kat said thoughtfully. “Or maybe Deep won’t let him.” She sighed. “He never has wanted to let me in—not even a little bit. He blocks me constantly.”
“Well, you won’t have to put up with it for much longer,” Sophie said comfortingly. “But…do you really think it’s safe, going to the Scourge home world?”
“Baird says it’s completely deserted,” Liv said. “There was this big battle there about fifty years ago and the Kindred annihilated almost everyone living there—which were all men, by the way, since the Scourge have no females. The few that were left packed up and flew off in the Fathership. They’ve been growing more warriors in these huge, disgusting vats ever since but they can’t have any babies naturally because they have no women.”
“I wonder if that has anything to do with that weird prophesy they’re always talking about?” Sophie said in a low voice. “And with cousin Lauren. You don’t think she’s…they took her to…to…uh, replenish their race, do you? I mean, because when they had me in that ship they were talking about…about breeding and—” She broke off, clearly too upset to finish.
Olivia shivered and gave her sister a comforting hug. “I know it was awful, Sophie but it’s over now. And as for what they want with Lauren, maybe Kat can find out. That’s the excuse Baird used to the Council,” she explained turning to Kat. “You guys are going to hunt for traces of Lauren and also see if you can get any more information on the Scourge prophesy.”
“So we’re on a fact finding mission that just happens to double as a psychic soul-divorce,” Kat said dryly. “Lovely.”
“It’s better than being tied to a man who doesn’t love you,” Sophie said, straightening up. “You know that, Kat.”
“Yes, I know.” Kat sighed and ran a hand through her hair. “I thought about that a lot while we were on Twin Moons. Mostly because of, you know, my mom and dad.”
“They…weren’t very happy together, were they?” Sophie asked tactfully.
“Our house was a war zone,” Kat said flatly. “They were always screaming insults at each other, throwing things…hitting each other. That’s why I was always over at your house.” She shook her head. “I swore to myself that I would never be with a man I didn’t love with my whole heart, who loved me the same way. I can’t be with someone I’m constantly fighting with—someone who doesn’t want me.”
“Of course you can’t,” Sophie exclaimed. “Just wait until they cut you lose, Kat, and find some other nice Kindred. Try a Blood Kindred like Sylvan—they’re wonderful.”
“I would have to put in a vote for a Beast Kindred,” Olivia said, grinning. “Not only are they the best lovers, they’re the best cooks too. Baird has been making me something new every night.”
“Better than his first attempt at pizza, I hope?” Kat said, trying to smile.
Liv grinned. “Much better. Baird’s come a long way from the days when he thought fruit cocktail was a good topping option.”
Kat sighed. “They sound great and both of your husbands are wonderful men…”