“Welcome to the sanctuary, and city of mystics.” His voice was low, with a mild accent. Not Romanian though, something closer to … Spanish, maybe? “You’re halfway through your initiation. The second part requires the mark to be visible.”

I didn’t hesitate, I started ripping off my layers of clothes. I could only imagine how insane the Compasses were going outside. I couldn’t hear anything; this side of the mountain was quiet. Soundproof. But I knew they would be losing it.

When I was down to just my bra, I spun around so he could see the black and red symbol which traced along my back and side. Twirling and twisting from my shoulders down to my hip, it was a tribal dragon. I still hadn’t seen the entire image; it was difficult to capture it in one look, and really … I hadn’t had much time to examine it closely.

Only the fey’s eyes moved, running down my bare body. I was getting goose bumps all over – it was warmer on this side but still freaking cold. He needed to move along this skeezebag moment.

My eyes slashed out at him. “You about done?” I swear if laser beams from eyes were possible, mine were fired up enough to shoot them. “I’d appreciate if you stopped wasting my goddamn time. I have friends outside freezing to death, so either let us in or let me go.”

Mild exaggeration, sure.

He was still just staring at me. With a huff I gathered my undershirt, long-sleeved tank and winter jacket, and pulled them back on. It seemed to be the only thing to snap him out of his creepy stare-trance. I turned to walk my ass straight back out of the force field. I’d had enough of this shit. Louis was clearly deranged if he thought this was the place for us.

“Stop!” It was a command, plain and simple. I flipped him off, and was almost at the golden shimmer when he said, “I’ve never seen a mark like yours.”

Despite my shitted off stance, my hesitation before twisting around to face him, was brief. I knew our options were limited, and I was a tad curious about his observation of my mark. One more chance for this weird cloaked dude.

Our gazes clashed. He definitely looked troubled. “You and your friends are welcome here.”

I turned back to the veil just in time for it to fade away.

Shit.

Right in front of me was three hundred pounds of angry, growling, cursing dragon man. Thankfully he hadn’t shifted yet, but that would only be due to his incredible control. Because he was surely pissed enough to have lost it.

Maximus, Jacob, and Tyson were beside him, and they didn’t look much happier. I was guessing all four had been smashing against the barrier.

Mischa and Grace stood a little further back, probably staying out of the firing line.