Page 22 of Seas the Reckoning

One side of her father’s lip rises.

Starla moves over to a burgundy chaise and lowers herself gracefully, gathering her skirts so they won’t poof out underneath her.

He regards his daughter.

“You look well, at least. I’m glad those lessons in etiquette I paid for weren’t entirely a waste. But your accent is atrocious. No doubt your grandmother’s doing.”

I just manage to keep my own mouth shut tight, hoping to the seas that Starla will manage.

“Councilman Taylor. Lovely to see you again,” Jackal greets with a small bow of his head.

The councilman inclines his own head in response, but I catch the way his jaw tenses.

“Jackal.” He doesn’t quite manage to say the name politely. “Still working as a watcher for the other hyenas?”

“Among other things,” Jackal responds vaguely.

During their exchange, I watch my best friend. Her blues eyes flare following the insult to Grammy Pearl, but she’s able to get them under control.

“Councilman Taylor, may I introduce Ji-hwan, former enforcer and current consultant for the Magikai,” Starla says.

Again, Councilman Taylor largely keeps his expression cordial, and I can’t decide if I imagine more flickering in his eyes when Starla mentions Ji-hwan’s work with the government, or if it’s just a reflection of the fire.

“An honor to be in attendance, Councilman,” Ji-hwan says, voice smoother than velvet as he inclines his chin to the warlock.

“You’re not a warlock. I can see that. You’re not a shifter, are you? You don’t have the look of one.”

I hear a sharp intake of breath, and realize it’s my own. The question is not polite. But Ji-hwan just chuckles, throwing his head back in a way that sends a strand of silken-black hair flipping over his eyes.

“A Were, Councilman. I would offer to transform right here and prove it, but I would hate to waste such a nice suit.”

Councilman Taylor examines him for a moment, then gives the smallest excuse for a half-smile I’ve ever seen.

“Some of my guests will be interested to speak to you, I’m sure. A few of them have a particular interest in dying breeds.”

The comment would stun me, but Ji-hwan continues to grin as if he’s not being reminded that Weres are rarer than most supernaturals and said by some to be on an irreversible decline.

“And I am Exos, sir. Formerly a portal guardian in Fae, and here primarily as security for the young ladies.”

“Oh, and what danger could they face here, pray tell?”

“You do have enemies, Father.” Starla lets the comment hang.

The councilman tilts his head.

“A gargoyle. I don’t have the occasion to meet many of your kind, although I believe there used to be quite a few of you around Europe?”

“There still are some, but many have relocated to Fae over the generations,” Exos answers, without elaborating on the reasons for such a move. Although I’d wager having the freedom to roam around with his wings out might be one large benefit.

“And you’ve made the move back. Curious. Coven Leader Pearl already sent me a list, so this is all formalities, of course. Are you qualified as a bodyguard? Do you have a strong work history in that area?”

“He helped me avoid a kidnapping when we first arrived. That welcoming committee you sent didn’t feel particularly safe.” Starla stares up at her father, holding her eyes and her expression in check.

Councilman Taylor’s nostrils flare.

“I was eager to see my child, who has absented herself not only from my company, but from the country at large for years. Perhaps I was overzealous. I can acknowledge that Dennis is not always the most delicate in his approach.”

“Delicate? That man has a touch heavier than a hippo in lead boots,” Starla fires off, Southern accent dripping from her words.