Page 104 of The Immortal’s Mark

I sigh and push myself back up and meet Alex’s stare. “Is there another reason you’re here?”

Or can you leave me in peace to mope?

“Yes.”

I wait, then scowl.

“Are you planning to tell me?”

“That depends.” He crosses his arms. “Are you finished acting like a petulant child?”

“That depends,” I mimic. “Are you finished being a bossy know-it-all?”

Alex laughs, and the sound pulls a genuine smile from my lips.

To my left, Gregory chuckles too.

“We are relocating this evening,” Alex reveals.

I straighten. “We’re leaving. Already?”

He nods. “We have searched the surrounding area thoroughly and have found no signs of Adir or rebel activity. We will be moving north to a new safehouse to continue our search.”

“Well, that was fast,” I murmur, looking around at the cozy room, lamenting the fact that I unpacked. I should have kept everything in the duffel bags.

Gregory seems to read my mind. “There is no need to pack. All of your personal belongings will be moved to the new location before you arrive.”

I turn to him, eyes wide. “How?”

“Witches.”

“Ah.” I frown. “Right.”

“While we take care of relocating,” Alex says, pulling my attention back. “I thought you might want to explore the city. Perhaps Paige would want to join you.”

I open my mouth to say no, but snap it shut the next second, and purse my lips.

I’m tired, but maybe time away from the villa, from my mother, will be the break I need.

“Sure.” I swing my legs over the mattress, take a deep breath, and stand. “I’ll go ask her right now.”

Before I step out of the room, I plant my hands on the doorframe and turn back to Gregory. “I assume you’re going to join us?”

“I assume so.” His gaze shifts to his boss.

Alex remains where he stands, but his expression has changed from amused to serious. He observes Gregory carefully. The intensity of his gaze makes my forehead furrow.

Then, without blinking, he clips out, “Yes, you will accompany Darcie and Paige as protection.”

My foot crosses the threshold, but freezes at his next words.

“But take care not to forget your place, Gregory.” The chilling words send a shiver down my spine.

My head whips back around.

A grim line replaces Gregory’s smile as he drops his head into a deferential bow. “Understood.”

The air feels heavier, thick with something unspoken. Something dangerous.