Total pages in book: 194
Estimated words: 187021 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 935(@200wpm)___ 748(@250wpm)___ 623(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 187021 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 935(@200wpm)___ 748(@250wpm)___ 623(@300wpm)
“You didn’t think I’d miss this Monster Conference that you’re hosting.”
“I’m not hosting,” Graves said.
“It’s in your city!” Kingston said, pulling his top hat from his head and tucking it under his arm. He was a penguin of a man, the picture-perfect caricature of a British gentleman. Complete with suit tails, crisp white cravat, and shiny black cane.
“That doesn’t mean…” Graves began.
But Kingston cut him off, turning to face Kierse. “Hello, my dear.”
“You remember my former mentor, Kingston Darby,” Graves said. He gestured to Kierse. “Kingston, my apprentice, Miss McKenna.”
The formality took her by surprise. She had been so used to him using her first name or even her nickname that her last name felt like a barb.
“Kierse,” she said quickly as she held her hand out. “Feel free to call me Kierse.”
Kingston took it and shook vigorously.
“I certainly do remember her,” Kingston said. His smile was wide and sharp as knives. “When my apprentice takes on his own apprentice, it is always of note. Though I believed you a wren.” Kingston glanced at Graves and back. “You managed to keep one alive.”
“Barely,” Kierse joked.
Graves shrugged. “We’ll see for how long.”
“Charming,” Kingston said with a laugh as he clapped Graves on the back. “Well, the pleasure is mine as always, Kierse. Are you attending the conference as well?”
“I’m not,” Kierse said.
“Well, that’s a bloody shame. We could use some more warlocks present.”
“That’s questionable,” Graves said, glancing at Kierse, silently willing her not to contradict the statement.
She wasn’t stupid enough to do so. Graves only trusted Kingston about as far as he could throw him. He might like the man and open up around him, but trust was a different matter. Yet another thing they had in common.
“You never did like the thought of our kind being out amongst the other monsters,” Kingston said.
“Indeed,” Graves agreed. “Bottom feeders.”
“Well, I won’t disagree with that sentiment. Most monsters are self-centered and single-minded.”
“Not so different than yourself,” Graves muttered.
Kingston guffawed. “I have my moments.”
“As does Graves,” Kierse said easily. “How long are you staying?”
“Well, I certainly can’t leave before the festivities,” Kingston argued.
“Go home,” Graves cajoled.
“The convention is only a few days, and you’ll need more voices of reason with this Treaty discussion happening.”
“Which is precisely why you should leave.”
“I am reasonable,” Kingston argued with a laugh.
“You have different rules in England. You should keep them there,” Graves told him.
Kingston waved his cane around. “You could learn a thing or two from us.”
“We learned to get rid of you,” Kierse said cheekily. “Tea in the harbor. Red coats going down with them. All that.”
“Got a backbone on this one,” Kingston noted with a laugh. “Well, it’s only a few days. And I didn’t bring a red coat.” His smile widened.
“I very nearly sent Imani home in a body bag,” Graves growled. The warlock territorial nature rearing its ugly head. “I didn’t ask for visitors in my city.”
Kingston straightened, finally perceiving the threat. “Are you suggesting that I’m not welcome?”
“I’m suggesting that you should give notice,” Graves said.
“Since when have I had to give notice?”
“I’m working.”
“You could use a vacation,” Kingston quipped.
“You were my mentor,” Graves said. “You were there in my formative youth. That is the only reason that I am not demanding you leave my city on the next plane for England. I don’t have the patience for this.”
“You’re always so touchy when the solstice is approaching.”
Graves sighed like he found him insufferable. “Just go.”
Kierse thought Kingston might actually go at Graves’s insistence. It was his city, after all. While he was not at the height of his power by any stretch of the imagination, he was still formidable, especially in his own home.
Then Kingston laughed, slapping Graves on the back again. “I do love your antics. I’ll take my usual room until I can get into the Plaza tomorrow. Make a reservation for me at the Met in the morning. I want to recharge before I go.” He dropped his hat back on his head. “Will Isolde be cooking tonight or should we go out?”
Graves looked like he wanted to bury a sword through his mentor’s back as Kingston headed toward the stairs.
“I’ll have Isolde prepare dinner,” Graves told him.
“Jolly good!” he said, waving his cane.
Kierse watched him go in shock. Kingston was the only person Kierse had ever met who threw Graves completely off guard. He could get away with things no one else could.
“You’re letting him stay,” Kierse said in surprise.
“Did it much look like I had a choice?” Graves growled.
“Without wasting a lot of power…no.”
“It’ll be easier to deal with him quickly and send him on his way. Just another fucking complication.” He pinched the bridge of his nose and released a breath. “Follow me.”
Her stomach dipped in anticipation as she went upstairs with him and entered his personal office. He shut the door behind them, and the buzz of his magic enveloped the room as he made the room soundproof.