Therian Promise(46)
“All right. I couldn’t help wondering why you hadn’t used the drugs on Osric before now.”
“We discussed it, several times in fact. But the memory loss isn’t complete. If we’d strapped him to a chair and interrogated him, he would have known we didn’t trust him. This way he’ll wake up in bed with jumbled flashes of a night spent with his lover.”
She nodded, fervently hoping that was all he remembered.
“What did you learn?”
She’d learned that Milliner was more of a bastard than she’d thought—if that were possible. And the project had been going on far longer than she realized. “Most of what he told me was not new. Osric likes to brag. But I asked him if he had plans to betray the backers and he told me he couldn’t betray someone unless he’d sworn allegiance to them first.”
“Did he tell you who held his allegiance?”
“He said he served someone named Zophiel.”
“Zophiel?” His dark brows drew together over his aquiline nose. “Surely that isn’t a real name.”
“According to Osric she is God’s spy and the angel of Divine Justice.”
“A female angel?” He chuckled and ran a hand through his hair. “This gets better and better.”
“I pushed for more details and he went into some sort of trance. He rocked back and forth and chanted in a language I’d never heard before.”
“We all sensed that he was up to something. We never dreamed it was this creative.”
“She’s likely a figment of his imagination. He was abandoned by his mate and ostracized by his people. Then he was captured by Milliner and treated like a guinea pig. That’s enough to make anyone create a loving mistress who values and adores him.”
“If that’s all she is.” He was quiet for a moment, his dark eyes narrowed and intent. Then his expression reset and he smiled at her. “As usual, you’ve performed extremely well.”
“Then will I be able to leave the complex?” Her heart thudded and her belly clenched. The promise of freedom is what kept her going, allowed her to survive Osric’s cruel treatment.
“We need to determine if this Zophiel is a legitimate threat or simply an imagined companion.” His eyes turned cold and unapproachable. “We haven’t forgotten our promise, nor do we intend to renege. We just need more time.”
Suspicion dropped into the pit of her stomach, but she managed to nod. “If he tells me any more, I’ll let you know.”
Roberto nodded and the screen went blank.
* * * * *
Carissa flew across the living room and wrapped her arms around Ava. Both women cried out with happy enthusiasm and Kyle couldn’t help but smile. He glanced at Quinn and found a similar smile softened the perpetually somber expression of his best friend. It had been a very long time since Kyle had seen Quinn so relaxed.
“I know it’s only been a week,” Carissa said, “but this has been the longest week of my life!” She gave Ava another hug before stepping back and inspecting her sister from head to foot. “You’re really all right?”
“I’m fine.” Ava laughed. “You’re the one who managed to rearrange your entire life while we were separated.” She blinked back tears and motioned toward Quinn. “Introduce us.”
“Quinn, this is my sister Ava.” She made a sweeping motion toward her sister then reversed direction and said, “Ava, meet Quinn.”
Ava crossed to Quinn and shook his hand. “You make her unhappy for any reason and I’ll come after you.”
Quinn chuckled and his smile widened. “You have nothing to worry about.”
“Why don’t we give them a few minutes to catch up?” Erin suggested. She stood next to Ian, not far from the front door. The imposing raptor-shifter observed the scene in silence, his gold-veined blue eyes ever watchful.
Ava and Carissa sat on the sofa and immediately began a lively conversation. Kyle led his mother, Ian and Quinn through the sunny kitchen and out onto the wide, multi-level deck. Jake’s house was large and orderly, but the expensive furnishings and stylish décor reveled nothing about the sole inhabitant. Jake might sleep beneath this roof, but he lived at Toulouse Tavern.
“Where’s Jake?” Ian asked as Kyle slide the glass door shut behind them. Afternoon sunlight bathed the backyard, yet the breeze was surprisingly cool. Jagged peaks surrounded them, the Aspen Mountain visible in the distance. It was easy to understand why so many flocked to this area. The setting had just the right balance of grandeur and tranquility.
Dragging his gaze away from his surroundings, Kyle answered Ian’s question. “Cheyenne and Liz’s daughters were taken from Cheyenne’s apartment sometime last night. There were signs of a struggle, but Liz has no idea who would take them or why.”