She looked at Patricio. “Both of you have struggled with violent pasts. Patricio, you’ve only just admitted your hunger, begun to own it. I can see you struggle still. Who’s to say what could happen to strain your control?”
Patricio looked uncomfortable, like he wanted to argue, but wasn’t ready for the retaliatory arguments that might be made. Marcela patted his arm, leaned back against him.
Irina turned her gaze toward the fireplace and Saamal. “You’re a death god, and though I understand you come from a different culture, the fact remains you oversaw human sacrifice in your kingdom for a long time. And we all saw what transpired between you and the pirate. You struggled, however briefly. Perhaps having your full power again has changed you in ways even you aren’t aware of.”
Saamal returned to his seat, retrieving his glass from the table and swirling the contents. “I am not the least offended by Kirill’s precautions. If anything I find them very…interesting.”
Irina nodded. “Even Adonis, sweetheart that he is, could be a nightmare under the right circumstances. I don’t need to tell you what happens to an incubus who finds his true love and loses her.”
Ivy squeaked and it was only then that Adonis realized he’d tightened his arms, wrapped his wings and tail around her. Too hard, it seemed, because she was batting at his arm, trying to make him loosen his grip.
“I notice you didn’t paint a grim picture of the women,” Patricio said stiffly, though the way he cuddled Marcela to him suggested he hadn’t included her in the statement.
Irina rolled her eyes. “We don’t need it spelled out for us. We’re well aware of our own destructive potential.”
“So, what, Kirill is the master that holds the key to all our deaths? If this is really about being secure, then shouldn’t all of us have a plan to kill all of us?” Etienne demanded.
“You don’t have a plan to kill me?” Kirill asked, a real note of interest in his voice.
Etienne sneered. “A stake through the heart has a nice, classic feel to it.”
“Where?” Kirill inquired, his voice the epitome of academic interest.
Etienne frowned. “In the heart.”
Kirill pursed his lips. “Yes, I understand that, but where would you do it? Location? How would you get me there, how would you take me by surprise?”
Etienne remained silent and Adonis almost winced in sympathy.
Kirill sighed. “Someone else will have to kill me, I’m afraid. Such planning is beyond the wolf.”
Irina stepped forward and clapped her hands, neatly cutting off the scathing retort sizzling on Etienne’s lips. “If that’s all the business we have here, I have a contract negotiation to get back to.”
“And I have a painting that will be ruined if my colors dry out,” Ivy added. She looked wistfully into space. “Though I suspect it’s already too late for that.”
“I’ll help you make more,” Adonis promised, kissing her gently on top of her head.
“I’m done here,” Marcela muttered. She tilted her head back to look at her husband. “I want to fly home, if you’re up to it? The portal makes me nauseated.”
Patricio nodded and they both started for the door.
Aiyana took Saamal’s hand. “Will you be returning with me now?”
“I will.” Saamal looked around. “Unless there is something else that requires my attention here?”
“No,” Etienne said. Suddenly his posture relaxed. “I’ll be bringing a new candidate shortly.” He looked at Kirill. “It would be nice if you didn’t come up with a plan to kill him right away.”#p#分页标题#e#
Kirill smiled.
THE END