“What happened?”
“Fear exercise. She broke down, I comforted her, and the next thing I knew, she was in my arms and looking up at me like—” He cut himself off. “I had to walk away before I did something stupid.”
“Like tell her the truth?”
“Like kiss her,” Brandon corrected. “Which would have led to other things, including telling her the truth.”
Jason studied him over the rim of his glass. “The longer you wait?—”
“Iknow.” Brandon set down his glass before heshattered it, then surged to his feet and began to pace. “Just as I know the clock is ticking. The blue sparks in her eyes are getting more pronounced. Anyone who knows what to look for will figure it out.”
Jason listened with genuine sympathy but he didn’t waste time or effort telling Brandon things he already knew.
Brandon exhaled heavily and sank back into his chair. “So what were you doing in town?”
Jason took the change of subject in stride. “Checking on a few things,” he answered vaguely. “When do you want to meet with Armand?”
“As soon as possible. Hopefully it will give us some answers or at least confirm our theory. If that book really is theCodexAnimarum, we need to know.”
“All right. I'll speak to Armand tonight.” Jason stood, then paused and tapped the side of his eye. “Brandon... you do realize that Armand doesn’t leave the estate, right? To meet him, you’ll have to bring her to him.”
Brandon's stomach sank. He'd been so focused on getting answers about theCodexthat he hadn't fully considered the implications. “Ana and Ryssa.”
Jason nodded.
Neither Ana nor Ryssa were witches, as far as Brandon knew. He’d heard rumors that Ryssa was a fallen angel, but exactly what Ana was, was a well-kept secret. “Do you think they’ll recognize the mate bond?”
“Perhaps,” Jason said carefully. “The vamps definitely will.”
“Will they say anything?”
“To Muriel? Probably not. But the ladies will have questions for you, I’m sure. They’ve already taken Muriel under their collective wings.” Jason rose and headed for the door. “I’ll let you know what Armand says.”
“Thanks.”
After Jason left, Brandon sat alone in the darkening shop, listening to Muriel moving quietly above him. He wanted to go to her. Comfort her. Tell her the truth and explain everything.
And he would.
Soon.
He just hoped she'd forgive him when he did.
9
INTO THE VAMPIRE’S DEN
MURIEL
Muriel changedher outfit three times before settling on a simple brown shift dress. How was she supposed to know what was considered appropriate attire for meeting a thousand-year-old vampire scholar? She was an earth witch who’d spent most of her life secluded in the Shenandoah mountains wearing comfortable clothes and going barefoot.
Her hands shook slightly as she fastened the thin leather cord around her neck, the one her mother had given her years ago. The polished amber warmed against her skin, lending her courage.
Stepping back, she gave herself a once-over in the mirror and sighed. She wouldn’t win any fashion awards, but it was what it was. As long as she didn’t embarrass herself or Brandon, she’d call it a win.
Muriel was both nervous and excited about venturing out. After days cooped up in the bookstore, watching Brandon grow increasingly distant, it would be good for both of them. She suspected the constant proximity was starting to wear on him. He avoided touching her now, even during exercises, and his smiles had become forced.
Meanwhile, she was doing exactly the opposite.