“Yes, perhaps even a week. Gabriel does not sleep often.”

“Gabriel,” he repeated. “I don’t suppose he’ll be all that thrilled to meet me.”

She grinned, amused at the thought. “No. He’ll very likely try to kill you.” And she’d enjoy the show.

“Then I look forward to meeting him.” Sethios winked at her and stood with their plates in his hands. “In the interim, we’ll remain here and see if you’re right about your blood. Should Ezekiel appear, however, you’ll need to mist us elsewhere immediately.”

She wasn’t worried but nodded her agreement. “Any particular place, or will it be of my choosing?” Because she’d love to drop Sethios off in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and watch him swim for a bit.

“Given the devious glint in your gaze, you will not be deciding. Take us to Billings, Montana. I have allies there that we will need.” He gave her a specific address that she committed to memory.

“Noted,” she murmured. After you go for a swim.

He disappeared into the kitchen and returned with two glasses of water. He set one in front of her but remained standing with his own. “What shall we do to pass the time, angel?”

She considered their options. There was so much he didn’t know that she could teach him. She probably shouldn’t, especially since she doubted he would live long enough to use the information, but it was the least she could do since his father had clearly failed him.

“Would you like to learn more about the Seraphim family lines and their unique skills?” she asked, thinking that was a decent starting place.

He appeared surprised as he dropped into his seat across from her. “I had another activity in mind, but I find your suggestion temporarily intrigues me more.” He folded his fingers on the table and stared intently at her. “Please. Continue.”

“Okay. We’ll start with the High Council, as they are the eldest of the Seraphim lines, and go from there.”

9

Protective Progeny

Caro stared at herself in the mirror. She appeared paler than normal. Even her hair had tinted on the white side. Very odd. She thought it might be related to her time on Earth, which had now reached nearly two weeks thanks to her son’s lack of a response.

She’d sent him two additional notes of urgency with images of their location. Words didn’t always convey through the bond unless spoken with intensity. It was a fickle science, one she truly needed to study more.

Her blue eyes appeared lighter, almost azure in color. She frowned and wandered into the living area, where Sethios sat in what she deemed to be his favorite chair. He appeared the picture of ease with his coffee in one hand, newspaper in the other.

And very human.

His green gaze lifted to hers. “Morning, angel.”

“Is it?” She peered out the windows. Days were starting to escape her notice. They’d purposely not ventured outside for long periods due to Gabriel’s expected arrival. She suspected Sethios hadn’t tried to seduce her at all for the same reason.