Page 41

Draven stared at him with intelligent eyes as he considered his reply. With a slow nod, he said, “You don’t believe Soleil’s goin’ to be affected by Trevor’s magic.”

“I don’t. Should she become ill, I’ll step in,” he promised. “My sister-in-lawwillhave a long and healthy life. Which brings us to the next part of our conversation. I want to know who is trying to kill her.”

“I was with her at the restaurant prior to Trevor and her runnin’ off. I detected no threat inside.”

Unless a magical being of Draven Masters’s caliber was expecting an attack, he wouldn’t be alerted to danger. He’d need to keep his senses open, which would be draining for most.

“Did you purposely scan the room while there?” Damian asked.

“It’s a habit I’ve developed over the years. When you’ve been in hidin’ or taken part in Wild West poker games with temperamental outlaws, you develop eyes in the back of your head.”

“Understandable. But perhaps you should keep better company.”

Another quicksilver grin flashed on the Guardian’s rugged, unshaven face. “Perhaps I should,mon ami. Perhaps I should.”

“Why do I feel like your last comment was directed at me?” Damian mused aloud, causing the other man to chuckle.

“Because it was?”

They shared a laugh before Damian sobered. “So what do you think, Masters? Who could possibly have it in for Soleil? She possesses the loveliest heart of anyone I know.”

The Guardian squinted as he considered the problem. “Whoever’s behind it is certainly incompetent, no?”

“Mm.”

“What about your girl? Can she not tell you who’s responsible?” Draven paused his hand movement and pocketed the chip. “Or Fintan.”

“I’ll ask, but if Beastie knows, she usually volunteers the information well before I’ve had a chance to inquire.”

Draven’s normally disillusioned eyes were lit with affection as he cast a glance Sabrina’s way. “You may act put-upon, but you’re blessed,cher, and you damned well know it.”

“I’ve never denied my good fortune.” Damian observed his daughter’s animated face. With elfin features, she was adorable, but the promise of great beauty was there, if one looked close. The time was fast approaching for him to explain to her the power she wielded. To stress the importance of putting up walls with strangers and maintaining balance in all things.

“I don’t know if I thanked you properly for the coin or for helping us out of a sticky situation with the Authority, but I owe you a debt of gratitude, Masters. You need only tell me what you want, and I’ll see it’s done.”

“I believe your daughter paid your debt.” The Guardian’s gaze lingered on Sabrina, and his expression turned haunted. “Is she always right?”

“She sees multiple outcomes and analyzes the visions to determine the one most likely to happen. But her predictions aren’t foolproof, if that’s what you’re asking.”

Draven met his eyes. “She once told me the soul can come back if it wants to.”

“You must know about reincarnation.”

“Yes, but she insinuated Brooke Ellis was…” He inhaled deeply. “I need to know if Brooke was my wife.”

“Would it matter if she was? She’ll have no memory of her previous life, and it might prove disappointing for you that she doesn’t.” Damian wasn’t trying to be unkind, but expectations led to heartache.

“So I should go it alone until it’s my time?” Sadness, regret, and loneliness were rolled together, creating the sizeable emotion in Draven’s voice. “And what about her? Will she ever find her great love if I leave her to her fate?”

“I’ve always coached Beastie not to reveal what she knows. It could alter the outcome. But if it were me, and Vivian was the one who’d returned, I would want to know.”

The Guardian’s eyes were tormented, as if he’d heard what Damian said but was afraid he’d interpreted the comment wrong. Afraid to believe.

“Ask her, Masters,” he urged. “Tell her I said it’s okay for her to reveal if Brooke Ellis and Jolene are one and the same and if pursuing a relationship will bring you the happiness you seek.”

“Just like that, friend?”

“Just like that.”