The next morning,Brandon was finalizing his list of relevant tomes and scrolls for Armand when Tedi’s unique magic swirled in the air around him and announced her presence. Even from across the room, Brandon could see the flecks of gold and green swirling in her hazel eyes, an indication of the multiple planes of possibility operating behind them.
Behind her, Kristoff Avânescu filled the doorway with the casual menace only a vampire master could achieve. With his dark hair, and sculpted features, he had the kind of protective intensity that came with being a mated vampire.
Brandon understood that intensity more now than ever. He wondered if he gave off the same touch-her-and-die vibe when other males were in Muriel’s vicinity..
Kristoff's dark eyes flicked to Brandon's face, lingering for a fraction of a second on his eyes before understanding—and sympathy—played over his features.
“I hope we're not interrupting,” Kristoff said in his smooth, rich voice.
“Not at all.” Brandon closed his notebook and set it down, his empathic senses surging to the surface. Tedi’s emotions perfumed the air, unfiltered, a mix of sympathy, concern, and determination.
“Where’s Muriel?” Tedi asked, looking around.
“Upstairs.”
“Good,” Tedi said. “We need to talk.”
Brandon glanced at Kristoff, who gave a slight nod, which he took as both permission and warning, and sent back a silentmessage receivedin response.
Through the bond, he could sense Muriel walking around in the guest room, preparing for the day. He had perhaps ten minutes before she padded down the steps.
He waved his hand, weaving an auditory shield so anyone nearby would hear only low, indistinct murmuring
“Okay. What’s up?”
Tedi didn't waste time. “I had a vision. About you and Muriel.”
His chest tightened. “What did you see?”
“A mate bond, and a powerful one at that.”
Denying it was pointless. The vamps at the Masterson estate—which included Kristoff— knew. Ana and Ryssa knew. Pretending otherwise would only breed mistrust. Also, old news.
Some of the tension left his shoulders.
Tedi moved to a supple leather chair in the reading nook and sank into it, crossing her legs beneath her while Kristoff stood sentinel behind her. She regarded Brandon then—really looked at him—and tilted her head as if pondering a puzzle. “When did it happen?”
“A little over a week ago, when I attempted a resonance binding.”
“Quite a bonus, huh?” Tedi murmured. “It surprised you.”
“Yes.”
“But not her, because you didn't tell her.” Her voice was soft, more curious than judgmental.
“No. I wanted to, but…”
“But you didn’t want to betray her trust,” Tedi finished, nodding. “Especially since she doesn’t think very highly of mages. Or didn’t. You’re the exception.”
Brandon dragged a hand through his hair. That was the problem. Muriel believed him when he said she could trust him, and he’d turned around and tethered her soul to his. He said as much to Tedi. “She’d run away and never look back.” And he couldn’t let that happen.
Tedi leaned forward, elbows on her knees. “Keeping this from her isn't protecting her. It's setting you both up for something worse.”
“Iamgoing to tell her. Eventually. After the threat passes. After we've dealt with the Collectors and theCodexis secure. When she's safe.”
Tedi's expression shifted. “You don't have that kind of time.”
“The bond is stable?—”