“Yes, this,” he finally murmurs, eyes cautious. “A Kingsmage and a king who needs protecting.”

My throat works, swallowing around every other answer he could have given. “Right.”

“Right.”

I back away toward the house. “I need… to go find Alice.”

He shoves his hands into his pocket. “You do that.”

“R-right,” I stammer.

His mouth twitches in the beginnings of a smile. “You said that already.”

I pivot on my heel before he can say anything further. Even though I leave with the air lighter between us, I know that things aren’t the same.

I don’t have to turn back to know that he watches me all the way to the house. His attention is hot and steady on my skin.

A Kingsmage’s gaze is unwavering.

44

THE NEXT MORNING, Miss Hazel heads out to see about the next group of “passengers” coming through. More aether users who need protection moving around. She gives me a kiss on the cheek and the last bit of pecan pie before she goes.

While I gather our things, Valec knocks on the door to the room Alice and I shared.

He strides in wearing a change of clothes from somewhere. “I’ll be leaving in a few.” He eases the door closed, dark eyes taking in the room in a single sweep.

I make a guess. “Alice is outside on the porch talking to Mariah, if you’re wondering if I’m alone.”

“Less worried about Alice than Kane.” He pauses. “Although, maybe I shouldn’t be. Your friend’s mind is wicked sharp.”

“You have no idea.”

Valec’s voice is wily once more. “I wanted to send you off with something, if you don’t mind.”

I give him a skeptical look. “What kinda something? And if I take it, will I be in your debt?”

He laughs. “This gift is free. No deal, no contract.”

I nod and hold out my hand, but he shakes his head, curling my fingers back into themselves. “I told you I had a direct way to find out more about your abilities.”

“Yes.”

He steps nearer, until that leather-and-star-anise smell swirls thick in the air, and my cheeks prickle. Valec’s gaze had never felt like anything on my skin, I realize. I look up at him, and his eyes have shifted to their full crimson. I gasp, but don’t step away. Instead, I feel a pull closer, to see exactly how his irises look in the light. How much his smooth brown skin needs to be touched. And I could, I could touch it—he chuckles, catching fingers I didn’t know I’d raised. When he speaks, his canines are longer than I remember. I’m up on my toes, and his mouth is a whisper’s width from mine. “And now you understand why it’s unethical to let the demon out when working with clients.”