Page 46 of Blood Bonds

“And you wish me to help you reach her.”

“Yes.”

Ezekiel’s gaze moved over Gabriel in a way that spoke of strategy and planning.

He’s deciding if I can be useful to him.

Gabriel returned the favor in kind before focusing on the CRF headquarters again. “What are Osiris and Jonathan working on together?”

“Atrocities,” Ezekiel replied as he followed his stare. “Osiris wants a mate for breeding purposes, and a potential candidate was birthed just last week. Apparently, I am to be her guard dog.”

“In exchange for continued access to your seer.”

“Indeed.” Ezekiel refocused on Gabriel. “Why can’t I sense you?”

“Genetics.” He pushed off the wall to straighten to his full height, only an inch or so above the Ichorian. “It’s a family trait.”

“Intriguing. I’m guessing that is related to why I can’t find Sethios. Don’t confirm; just tell him to keep doing what he’s doing. Osiris is positively furious.” Ezekiel sounded delighted and even grinned. “I think you might be useful to me, Seraphim.”

“I don’t work for anyone.”

“A partnership, then.”

“I don’t work with anyone either.”

“I see.” The light dimmed in Ezekiel’s gaze, darkening his irises to a near black. “In that case, you don’t need me, do you?”

Well played, Ichorian. Well played.

“What are you requesting in return for your assistance?” Gabriel didn’t want to beat around the bush or continue this posturing game. He wanted to arrive at the point and be done with all the prophecy business.

Then he might return to take a second look at the CRF.

“I’m not sure yet. It depends on how good you are, Stark.”

Gabriel frowned. “Stark?”

“Consider it a nickname. Keeps me from knowing your real identity and it suits you.” The Ichorian winked. “I assume you’ve already tried to enter Osiris’s estate and failed?”

“Entering was not my issue so much as locating my target.”

“And what do you intend to do with your ‘target’?”

“Request a prophecy. Nothing more. Nothing less.”

Ezekiel eyed him in a considering manner. “I will require to be there, and if you try anything, you’ll regret it.”

“Threats are unnecessary,” Gabriel replied flatly. “I’m only interested in her vision and conveying the details to an interested party.” He purposely withheld Sethios’s and Caro’s names but knew the Ichorian understood when his lips curled.

“Brilliant. I’ll need some time to work out the details.” He tucked his hands into his leather jacket and cocked his head curiously to the side. “I don’t suppose you fancy a drink? There’s a place down the street with great scotch. You might even find it… compelling.”

A hint of some kind, or perhaps a warning.

Gabriel’s mission was to find the seer. Ezekiel intended to either aid him in that or lead him on an errand. Only one way to find out. “I’ve nothing better to do.”

The Ichorian grinned. “Excellent. Perhaps chat with me as if that was our expected plan all along?”

Ah, we’re being watched. “Of course.”