Page 34

“And yet he couldn’t find me in Siberia?”

Evie snorted. “As much as I don’t want to give him an ounce of credit, your mother’s spell smothered all magic for at least a mile around. He couldn’t sense you. None of us could.”

I picked at my chicken. “Did he say what he wanted?”

She shook her head. “No. But the dead bitch isn’t with him.”

I laughed out loud even though none of this was funny. “How does he look?”

Evie shrugged. “Like shit.” She sighed and rubbed her hand over her face. “I’m sorry.”

Her shoulders slumped. “When you first disappeared, we took him. Kidnapped him, basically, and forced him to help us, but he was a useless lump of clay, and it was easier for us to give him back than try to get him to help us in a productive way.” She grimaced. “There’s something in that spell forcing loyalty to Sarah. It was almost like he wasn’t allowed to focus on you.”

I frowned. “Then why is he here?”

Evie’s smile held a savage edge. “I believe the bond is overriding the spell just enough to allow Ethan some free will.” She snorted. “He and I have had our differences, but for a while I thought we’d be alright. Now all I want to do is strangle him.”

I took a bite of my rice. “I’ll see him,” I said after a moment.

Evie’s mouth tightened.

I reached over and touched her arm. “He can’t help it.”

“Doesn’t make it right,” she grumbled.

“I know, but I’m not as head over heels as I was before I went into that cage. Even with the bond.”

Evie’s eyes hardened. “One day we’ll find your mother, and when we do, she’s going to wish she stayed a virgin.”

I grinned. “You already took out her lover, so she’s alone and injured. I don’t think she fully recovered the first time, even with my magic. Here’s hoping she makes a mistake. Soon.”

We made an imaginary toast, and Evie stood. She bent and kissed me atop my head. “I’ll send him in. Call out if he’s bothering you so I can sic my dad on him.”

I waved my hand at her. “Make me a martini?”

Evie frowned. “You’re not supposed to have anything but blood and water for the first week.”

I gaped. “Says who?”

She turned her head to hide her smile. “Dad.”

“Your father is not a physician, and he’s not the boss of me!”

Rowan poked his head in and grinned. “I’ll make you a martini. Anything to piss Evie’s old man off.”

“My man.” The Lord and I gave each other a grave nod.

“Rowan!”

Evie’s mate winked at me and ducked out the door.

“Heathens the both of you,” Evie muttered, but her eyes were sparkling. She stood and put her hands on her hips. “Are you sure about this?”

“He’s still Ethan,” I said quietly. “The man I know he can be is still inside him.”

“Alright. I’ll show him in.” She shook her head. “Do not get out of bed,” she growled. “You’re still healing.”

I gave her a little two-fingered salute. “Yes, Sergeant.”