Page 38

“I can’t believe how fast you flew us back.” There was awe in Mia’s voice as Tiber shifted back to his human form in front of her home—for now.

Because soon he’d be insisting she move in with him. He wasn’t certain how things worked with humans, however. He wanted her to move in right now but was worried he’d push her too fast. It went against his very nature to resist the urge to claim her, but humans were different.

He had to be mindful of that.

“I hope the flight wasn’t too rough.” He slid his pants on since there were others sitting outside their homes, watching him and Mia with clear interest.

“No, it was exhilarating.” Laughing lightly, she patted her windblown hair, her braid mostly undone after the flight. “I almost felt like I was the one flying. I still can’t believe we’re here in time for a late lunch. You really did fly slowly for us on the trip up there.”

Ilmari chirped as he threw himself in the grass a bit theatrically and then rolled over onto his back, his wings spread out.

As Mia shook her head at Ilmari, Angel strode out of her place, nodding politely at her. Tiber noticed he kept a decent distance between himself and Mia and his dragon preened slightly under the surface.

That’s right, Angel knows we can take him out if he gets too close to our female.

“Your place is the same as you left it,” Angel said.

“Oh, thank you. I didn’t realize you’d been staying here.”

“I rotated with two others, but yes, we all stayed here in case that vampire tried anything. But none of us ever saw a hint of him or anyone in his coven near your home.”

“Well, thank you and the others then. You’ve all been so kind, and I really appreciate it.”

Angel gave a brief nod. “Tiber deserves most of the thanks. He personally organized the rotation list here and the one at the castle to watch the movements of the coven.”

“Thank you.” She beamed up at him and her smile was like the sun coming out. For a moment he forgot to breathe.

How had he ever lived without her? All he could do was nod, then clear his throat as he looked back at Angel. “Did you see Kirkurte and Cordro?”

“Yes, I’ll discuss that with you later, but Starlena left instructions for them.”

He nodded, understanding that they couldn’t discuss this where anyone might overhear. But at least he knew they’d made it here.

“Also, it is probably nothing, but when the coven crossed over one of the vampires came back in a state about something. Swore she’d left something and demanded the guards allow her access to her rooms.”

Mia frowned as she looked between him and Angel. “What did she forget?”

“A necklace—which was found and returned to her. But I thought I would mention it.”

Tiber frowned now as well. “Did the guards ever leave the portal unguarded during this time?” They had made that mistake once in the past when Princess Stella left for New Orleans and the queen had thoroughly punished the two for their oversight.

“No. They followed protocol, sent a message to the castle, then waited for one of the servants to return. The servants then escorted her back to the castle where her necklace was retrieved. She was then escorted back to the exit. Octavia left before all this to let you know about their departure and… the other thing.” Angel’s frown hadn’t lessened.

“What?”

“The whole thing felt almost like theater. This noble vampire somehow forgot her jewelry? An expensive necklace she claims is an heirloom. I know vampires and dragons are not the same, but I find it hard to believe she accidentally left a priceless piece of jewelry. A dragon would never make that mistake. And I don’t think she did either.

Something of that value would have been the first thing she packed up.

” He lifted a shoulder. “But what do I know?”

“You think it was a ploy of some kind?” Mia said then looked at Tiber, eyebrows raised.

“I have no way of knowing, but you’ll be staying with me until we figure it out.

” It was the perfect excuse to insist she remain at his place.

Perhaps he could simply move all her things to his home a little at a time?

She might not notice, and then once she couldn’t live without him, she wouldn’t care.

Mia blinked up at him. “Is there a question in there?”

He paused, aware of Angel watching him closely. He cleared his throat. “Either you stay with me or I stay with you.”

She closed her eyes for a long moment, then surprised him with her little snort of laughter. “You are consistent, I’ll give you that. Fine, we can stay at your place, but I’m bringing over more stuff this time.”

Did she think that would bother him? “You can either point out everything you want, or make a list and someone will bring your things.”

“You might regret that later,” she said a little haughtily.

Never. She was his mate. Their fates were entwined.