Total pages in book: 134
Estimated words: 126030 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 630(@200wpm)___ 504(@250wpm)___ 420(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 126030 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 630(@200wpm)___ 504(@250wpm)___ 420(@300wpm)
“I was just admiring your yard and wishing our vampire gardener would take some notes.”
“He’s welcome to come through here any time.”
“If you knew him better, you wouldn’t extend that invite. Besides, it doesn’t really matter. We have this terrible gnome infestation. They’d ruin all the beauty by chasing us with whatever sharp objects they happened to grab.”
He glanced back again, this time a smile stretching across his face. His slate gray eyes danced with humor. “I didn’t know gnomes were sentient beings.”
“Ignorance is bliss, trust me. I wish I didn’t know. Don’t even ask about the army of dolls. You’ll never sleep again.”
He laughed as we reached a strip of green grass lined on either side with chest-high plants. Fragrant flowers bloomed in different colors. The path led to a garden conservatory with a black metal frame and panes of glass. Plants and bushes and flowers pressed in on the right and left of the structure, and as we got closer I spied a collection of couches and chairs within, positioned in a circle over a patterned beige rug.
“The refreshments will be brought out shortly.” Drex reached the door and slid it open before stepping to the side and glancing at Austin. Something passed between the two of them before Drex focused on me. “Ladies first.”
I inclined my head in thanks. If there were any surprises, it would be easy to blast my way out of this place or blast someone on the other side of the glass.
At the back of the structure were vibrant flowers and another grassy path, this one shorter and opening onto a lovely lawn set for croquet. Beyond that was a large pool featuring a rock wall and a slide winding down to the water.
“Oh, man.” I threaded through the couches to survey the amazing yard. “This is fantastic. Why can’t Edgar do something like this with the backyard?”
“I think Mimi is working on a plan to revamp Ivy House’s grounds,” Austin said. Fabric and springs softly groaned as he took a seat. “You should take a picture or two to show her what you like about this. I’m sure she’d take it into consideration.”
I reached for my phone and belatedly remembered I didn’t have it. “Rats,” I murmured.
“I host a lot of parties.” Drex stood by a chair, waiting for me. Austin had taken one of the loveseats. “In the summer, at least. The winter up here isn’t as nice.”
I sank down at Austin’s side, leaning in when he put his arm around me.
“So.” Drex took his seat and crossed an ankle over his knee. “If it’s acceptable, I’ll be expressive in this meeting so that Jessie can understand any body language I might use.”
Austin inclined his head.
“Before we start, I’d like to humbly apologize for yesterday. Mir—“ He caught himself. “Tilda was told that mages were coming. She hadn’t expressed any concern. I didn’t anticipate her reaction. I’m sorry.”
“The basajaunak showed up without invitation and charged you,” I said. “We have that to answer for, and the others showed up uninvited, too. Let’s just call it even.”
His smile was faint. “I’m grateful your people showed up, unasked. Indigo, especially. She put in a lot of effort. It is well appreciated. I didn’t expect to be so thoroughly dominated.”
“There’s a reason I’m considered feral,” Austin said. “I made my brother’s territory nervous. Always have, as a matter of fact. I’d thought that was partially my activities in my youth, but it’s just my nature.”
Drex shook his head. “Wild is one thing. I have that in spades. Power is another, and I have plenty. No, you are an experienced and adept fighter. You’re not the best because you were born with a lot of power, you’re the best because you’ve earned it through your trials and your motivation to improve.”
“You’re very free with your compliments,” Austin said guardedly, though I felt the pride worming through the bonds.
Drex laughed. “The compliments are not political, I assure you. I’m not trying to kiss ass. It’s simply credit where credit is due. I’ve heard the same rumors everyone else has, and once again, the most important facets of you weren’t mentioned. It’s easy to chalk up someone’s prowess to things they were born with. Even your wildness is a more comfortable explanation for your talent and skill to those who don’t possess either, like some of the higher standing generational alphas. But I’m not jealous of it, I’m inspired. I plan to tell others what I’ve seen, so I thought I’d start with you. Besides…” He shrugged with a devilish grin. “Ladies always like to hear their mates complimented for being big strong men.”
Austin huffed, smiling. “Thank you, then. I do have a lot of experience. Some of it from my youth is not pleasant. Some of it is a badge of honor.”