“When?”
He straightened to his full height. “When is irrelevant. In fact, my mate is one of the reasons I need your help.”
A smug look replaced the one of shock. The corners of her mouth turned up in a smirk and she took a step back toward him. “Is that so? Trouble in paradise already then?”
Damn. This was such a bad fucking idea. “Never mind. I’ve changed my mind. Leave.” He should have asked Rom, who could sense the spoken truth, but he didn’t want the other Lords to find out about this possible subterfuge just yet.
“Now, Dev, don’t be like that. I can and will help you, of course. For just a small price. It’s nothing, really. And it doesn’t involve getting you into my bed. Although if you were willing, I wouldn’t turn it down either.”
His spidey senses were immediately on high alert. “You haven’t even heard what I’m asking of you.”
“It matters not. My price won’t change, regardless of the ask. But go on. What grave problem causes you to scrape the bottom of the barrel in asking for my help?”
He regarded her carefully. She was playing him, he was sure of it. If his instincts were wrong in asking for her help, all that he cherished could be at risk. But if he didn’t, all of the lives he was responsible for could also be lost. Goddamn it, he was backed into a corner and this may be his only way out. Esmeralda was the most powerful witch he had ever come across and he’d formed a loose alliance with her as he knew he might need her help from time to time. Unfortunately her services hadn’t been useful in uncovering Xavier’s home base and they knew he also must be working with a powerful witch to hide his whereabouts. No, he had to proceed with the plan. Whatever her price, he would have to pay it.
“Confidentiality goes without saying. If I find out you’ve spoken of this to anyone, I will personally tear out your heart and enjoy doing so.”
She laughed, throwing her head back. “Good luck, vamp.” Chuckling, she added, “I promise to keep your deep, dark secret, darling. Spill it. How can I serve his majesty?”
He glanced quickly at Ren. He didn’t know how much Ren knew about Kate and he didn’t want it getting beyond these four walls. He knew her life would be in danger from the other lords, should they find out.
“I recently discovered my mate is a direct descendent of the bloodline belonging to Xavier Illenciam. In fact…blood tests conclude he is her father.”
A collective gasp bounced off his office walls. Obviously Big D hadn’t told Ren.
“And I need you to determine if there was any ploy on the part of my mate. I need to know if she was sent here by Xavier to infiltrate my Regent and if she’s been reporting back to him or anyone under his employ.”
A wicked smirk lit up Esmeralda’s face. She was so easy to read. She clearly hoped this would end badly for Kate and she’d once again have a chance with him. Little did she know that regardless of what she discovered about Kate, his fate was already determined. As per vampiric mating rituals, he would be tied to Kate until either of their deaths. And if she were a traitor that meant that she would be his captive for eternity. He prayed with his whole being that was not the outcome.
“I’d be happy to help you, darling.”
Yes, Dev thought snidely. Of course, she would.
“I’ll need to spend some time with your mate, of course.”
“Not gonna happen. You will not be in physical contact with her.” Having her here was bad enough. There was no way in hell she was getting near Kate.
“I can’t do the ritual without being in her presence, Devon.”
“Bullshit. You’re the most powerful witch I know, Esmeralda. You can, and you will, find another way.”
She was quiet for several moments, finally slightly bowing her head in mock solute toward him. “I will get back to you on the specifics soon, then.”
“You will do it now.”
“Sorry, darling. No can do, not even for the great and powerful Dev. I need to determine what I need and do some cleansing rituals before I can perform the spell. I will get back with you in a few hours with further instructions.”
She turned, walking toward the door. Ren didn’t budge, looking to Dev for instruction. Dev reluctantly nodded his approval for her to leave.
Fucking witch. This was about the most important assignment he would ask for her help with and it would undoubtedly be the last. He needed to find another witch whom he could actually trust. And fast.
Chapter 49
Dev
The lords were all gathered again in the boardroom. The chatter was incessant and he simply wanted to get the update over with. The only thing he could focus on was locked up in a room about fifty yards away from where he presently sat.