CHAPTER 32

She hadn't seen the Familiar since she hissed at her in Rune's study. He told her she'd taken rooms here but when Faye hadn't seen her, she hoped Sadi decided to just leave.

The male looked up at her as she descended the stairs. His silver eyes were bright, gleaming as though honed from metal. "Rune's dove does look like you, kitten," he said, interlacing his fingers and resting them over his waist as he gazed up at them.

His clothing was as strange as Sadi's. He wore a black leather trench without a shirt, but a bright blue scarf coiled around his neck. Partially hidden by the colorful material was a thick chain that looked more like an animal collar. His dark shard embedded in the bottom link, glowing against his bare chest.

"Who are you stripes?" Sparrow remarked on the blood red streaks coloring the man's long dark hair.

He held out one arm and bowed his head in a flourish, answering, "Damian. And what are your names, my lovelies?"

"Sparrow, and this is Faye."

"Rune's mortal death and her sister," Sadi added, twirling the knife she used to eat with.

Sparrow leaned over the railing to hiss at Sadi, and she braced both of her hands on the table to hiss back.

"Easy," Damian crooned, glancing between Sadi and her sister. "No need to be rude."

Sparrow linked arms with Faye and continued down the stairs. "Faye will be sure to tell Rune you said hi while they are on their date."

"Don't antagonize her," Faye grated as they turned the corner and headed down the hall.

Her sister snorted as they made their way to her room. "She started it."

Faye watched her sister flip through the clothing in her closet. She folded her arms already regretting whatever her sister was planning. Rune wasn't going to kiss her. How was leaning forward and staring at his mouth supposed to do anything?

Sparrow held out a pink shirt as she flipped through more hangers.

"I don't trust you with light colors," Faye said, hanging the shirt back up.

"I promise I'm not planning to throw water on you," Sparrow replied, handing her another top. A lace halter with billowing sleeves.

Faye curled her lip, positive she saw Sadi wear something similar. "No," she said, stuffing it with the rest of the clothes.

Sparrow shook a soft cotton sweater in front of her. Faye took it, eyeing her sister. "This neckline is too high."

Her sister fluttered her hand at her. "It's fine for what we're planning." She handed her a dark set of pants and exited Faye's closet, closing the door behind her.

Faye studied the clothes she would have selected herself. Her nerves were already frayed, she wouldn't be able to function if sparrow tried to strap her into a corset. She changed and stepped back into her room. Her sister beamed as Faye went to the full-length mirror, assessing her reflection.

"We don't want him staring at your neck this time so leave your hair down. Here, cover it up for good measure." Sparrow said, holding out an ornate black and silver lace choker.

Faye took the bit of lace and clipped it around her neck. She adjusted its edges, admiring it in the mirror. The baroque lace covered her entire throat. "This is pretty, when did you get this?"

"Vash bought it for me. I haven't gotten to wear it yet, make sure fang boy doesn't ruin it."

Faye giggled and smoothed her hands over her sweater. Faye bit the inside of her lip before turning to her sister. "How do I get him on the settee?"

"Just sit there, he'll follow you." Faye didn't reply, worrying about her lip. "Stop being so scared. That man is your belonging."

Faye exhaled through her nose. She wasn't brave with men the way Sparrow was. Her sister was a dark-blood, their equal. And Faye wasn't. She never let them close, knowing she would be invisible the moment they found her index finger bare. Faye chose to go without rather than suffer their dismissal.

Now she tried to convince herself to reach for the Shadow Prince because they shared a handful of dreams.

"This is a mistake," Faye muttered as she reached beneath her hair to unlatch the choker.

Her sister took her hands. "No, it's not. He won't shut up about court etiquette, right? Ask him to explain what a romantic touch is." Sparrow squeezed her hands. "He belongs to you. I'll help you bag him." When Faye remained silent her sister added, "What's the worst that can happen. He doesn't kiss you. It'll be fine."

He was already trying to break the bond between them. Their situation couldn't get any worse. Faye nodded and her sister hugged her, rubbing her palms over her back.

"He'll be groveling at your feet in no time, trust me."

Our queen wants us.The Ra'Voshnik rose through his mind, impatiently awaiting the object of its affection.Do not offend her.

Offend her? He would be doing nothing with her.Be silent,he warned. Rune heard their conversations in the great room and Faye's bedroom. The minx could not possibly view their meetings as dates. The harpy only encouraged her to obtain a kiss. From him.

You desire her as I do.

Be silent,Rune grated as the harpy in question left Faye's room. Skipping by the sound of her steps. She stilled in the doorway of his study to wave at him before continuing on her way.

Rune shook his head, returning to his documents and tomes.Go to her. Our queen awaits us, the Ra'Voshnik insisted.

Calm yourself, she will arrive shortly,Rune growled through his mind as he set aside another time that shed no light on what his night breeze was.

His gaze rose as her shy steps reached his ears.She wanted us to sit before the fire.

Faye sat at the opposite side of his desk during each of their sessions. He would remain here.

The minx entered his study, sliding her hand across the door frame as she entered. "I'm a little early."

Rune nodded in greeting, and she didn't come to his desk. The minx went to the settee instead.Join her!The Ra'Voshnik prowled his mind, growing more agitated by the second. Rune pulled it away from the surface, silencing the creature as he stood.

Faye walked around the settee and took a seat. Glancing back at him, she said, "This is a little more comfortable than the chair."

The Ra'Voshnik thrashed under his hold as he approached her. The minx was mistaken if she thought to seduce him. He recognized her for the danger she was in even as the Ra'Voshnik clung to the illusion of fate with a heated desperation.

Rune sat beside her. "There are many other rooms available if you are seeking a change in scenery."

"You spend a lot of time here." She leaned forward, positioning herself toward him.

"I do."

"What are all the papers and books on your desk?"

"I am researching your race."

She looked surprised by his answer and scooted closer to him. "Have you found anything?"

Rune glanced down as her fingertips brushed the side of his hand. He hesitated before answering, "Nothing with your wings or claws yet."

She glanced at their hands, seemingly realizing she touched him. Rune waited for her to pull away. To his surprise she didn't. She ran the pad of her finger over his nail. "How do you control it?"

Rune remained still. His body betrayed him at her simple touch. His fangs lengthened as his muscles went taut. "Control what?"

Faye lifted her other hand and flexed her fingers. "I can't get my claws to come out. Or my wings. I always wanted to fly."

"My shift is unlike yours. Pure Bloods have a Ra'Voshnik living within us. The changes you see are when the urges are close to the surface."

She peered at him and Rune felt like an animal in a zoo. "So, you struggle to keep it down and it shows when you slip. While mine is sleeping and won't come to the surface at all."

He supposed that was an accurate description. She touched his hand again and Rune glanced between them, returning her touch with a feather light stroke over her nail.

She didn't react as he expected. With her eyes downcast she slid two fingers along his index at an agonizing pace.Darkness saved him.It was all he could do to hold still.

She stroked his shard, and Rune realized he'd moved in error, underestimating her hold over him. She glanced up at him then, but her gold-streaked gaze didn't meet him. She looked at his mouth.

Lost, Rune leaned forward, wanting the soft brush of her lips that would serve as an invitation for his touch. His eyes slid closed the same moment the minx gasped, pulling away from him. Rune's eyes snapped open, and the sight of her had the Ra'Voshnik surfacing in an instant.

Take what is offered,it growled as black flooded his eyes. The shadows stretched to sway beneath his dark gaze as his fangs sharpened, aching for her throat.

She wore the same choker but was now dressed in a negligee made of the same material. Ribbon and lace covered her body, hugging and accentuating her curves, enticing him and the Ra'Voshnik.

Rune shook himself, by her shriek and the way she drew her legs up to cover herself, Rune could see this was her sister's schemes and not Faye's doing.

She is not offering anything, you fool.Rune stood and removed his suit jacket. He held it out to her, staring through his window over his realm.