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Racing up her steps and busting my way in, I looked around furiously, trying to figure out where I was going to start my search first when this place was so big. My note and clue could be any-fucking-where!
Before I could tear this place apart, I heard a voice call out, “Rayla. Come with me.”
I turned to see Veshta in all her glory. Her dark hair was up in an immaculate classy bun, looking both loose and graceful when I knew that she had her own hair and make-up person. Hermakeup was light and effortless, highlighting her natural beauty. There were only a handful of fairies that didn't use illusion magic to do their makeup and faces daily. She was just stunning all on her own.
Avery told me that she was of a noble fairy bloodline, one that dated back to the beginning. A family who had given their life in service to the fairy royal line, but since the awakening, Syris had excused her from that role and told her to instead be his friend. With the way they squabbled, you would think they were old enemies, but I guess that was how they showed their appreciation to each other. Go figure.
I looked back at the room with a quizzical glance as she said, “Is that how the next generation is going to treat old friends? How disappointing.”
Her tone made me realize that this was not an optional appointment, and I turned and followed her. “Of course not, Veshta. You’ve always been an integral part of the Syndicate and deserve our utmost respect. Please, let's go to your office to visit first.”
I tried to phrase it how I knew fairies liked. They always wanted to be schmoozed, wined & dined, be fed compliments before ever getting to the meat and potatoes of a conversion. It was exhausting and made me think of Avery. How he would be great at doing this part while I waited for mine, which was usually the threatening or laying out all the options part. We all played to our strengths.
Her wide smile made me confident that I picked the right way to go about this, and I followed her to her office.
“Did you know that those boys just cut up that corner of my curtain fabric without my permission?”
Her accusing tone had me grimace. Yikes, guys! Let's not make the scary fairy lady pissed at us.
“Im so sor-”
She lifted her hand. “Don't worry about it. I got them all to promise to put on a show one night. Just one with all of them in the act.”
I bristled at the thought of all of my mates up on stage, taking their clothes off for other men and women. I mean, it would be sexy as fuck because my mates were ripped, but that ugly seed of jealousy started to take root again as I tried desperately to shove it down.
I responded with clenched teeth, “If that’s their punishment, then so be it.”
She sharply turned around, the pashmina she had draped along both arms flew around in a half circle, almost whipping me with her speed. “Really, Rayla? You will let me do that?” She smiled before putting her hand to her lips as she exaggerated her next words. “I guess you're not one of those possessive mates. Wanting to make sure that no other woman got her filthy, greedy, fingers all over her man. I understand.”
This was a test, and I knew it.
“You know as well as I do, they are their own men, they can and will face each reward and consequence that comes with their actions.” She nodded, her lips twitching as she kept her eyes forward, and I continued. “So, yes. They would be doing whatever you saw fit for the infraction, but know this. If it's a ticketed event, I will buy all of them, making this show a personal one for myself, or I’ll be in the front row, keeping an eye on those thirsty bitches.”
Anger rose to the forefront as I envisioned some of the women feasting their greedy little eyes on what was mine. They can fucking look all they wanted, but if they thought they could touch them, stick dollars on them, I would slice off any hand that tried. I fucking dare them to do it.
She sniffed the air, smiling as she turned back around. “Well, then that settles it. I didn't think I would even get that far with someone newly mated, but you proved me wrong. You should pat yourself on the back, not a lot of people can say they’d have reacted the same.”
She opened the door to her office, directing me in, and I sat in the chair across from her. She moved around her desk lithely, and I kept my smile up. She laughed as she sat down and folded her hands on the desk.
“It would most definitely be a money maker. I could see it now.” Her hands widened like she could see the sign. “The Syndicate brothers all in flashing red lights! It would be a hit, and I couldgive you a cut?” Her question sparked my rage, and she must’ve seen something in my eyes as she back tracked.
“But, alas, I don't want to make an enemy of the one who runs the Syndicate, so I will come up with another sort of punishment.”
I tried to keep my feelings locked up, soothing the mate bond that was vibrating on my side, before I responded honestly. “If they offended you, there should be some repercussions, but,” I winced at my careful admission, “my territorial mate side is having issues picturing it all.”
Her face crafted this beautiful and full smile, lighting up her eyes as she flew out of her seat in a flash, and the next thing I knew, her arms snatched out, grabbed me into a huge hug. “I'm so glad Avery has you. You’re just the type of girl he needs.”
I mumbled into her luscious hair that smelled like sexy dreams and sweet nights. “Um . . . thank you.”
She pushed my shoulders back, looking me in the face. “Such a beautiful and fierce woman should be showered daily by her mates. I'm glad that they chose to do something special for you.”
“And do you know what that something special is?” She was my last hope at finding out some answers, but she shook her head.
“No. They didn't tell me anything. Came barging in here looking around for a while before I caught them in the act of cutting up my curtains.” She looked away as her face furrowed and shewhispered, “Damn boys thought they could do it without me knowing.”
She turned to me again, face immediately going back to smiley, light, and beautiful. Her eyes softened as she cupped my cheek. “You look just like your mother. So beautiful and strong. The only one who could put Ternin and Syris in their places.” She giggled, getting a far off look like she was remembering something, but my mind snagged on one piece of her sentence.
“I know she did that to my dad, but . . . Syris?” My question had her backing up a step as her eyes shifted away from me.
