Page 76 of Claim Me

Alas, no one has cared enough to really investigate those claims. Hell, I’m not even sure many have heard about it. I’m only familiar with the rumors because it’s my job to know these things.

However, there have been too many other threats to be concerned about, ones that exist within legally formed Houses, not criminally formed sects. Hence the reason no one has bothered to look into the situation.

But we may have cause to do so now,I muse.

“We know Fallon’s from No Man’s Land, which technically includes that infamous area of New York City,” I say, pondering aloud. “Of course, there could be a whole slew of supernatural networks we don’t know much about in other areas, ones that use a similar term. But we should research what we know exists first.”

“I agree.” He glances left and then right as his blinker sounds through the speaker. “And while Fallon claims her sister is dead, I know she’s lying. Which means her sister is in some kind of trouble. That also makes me think it’s syndicate related.”

“So you want me to head to New York City to check it out.” It’s a logical next step. “I like that plan a hell of a lot more than hanging out here. These neighbors are useless. They didn’t even recognize the signs of Fallon’s abuse, just assumed she was a recluse.”

“A lot of times people turn a blind eye to uncomfortable situations and justify it by saying they’re just minding their own business.”

I snort. “Yeah, well, if even one of them noticed, Fallon could have been saved years ago.”

“She’s safe now,” Kaspian says. “And she’ll be safe going forward, too.”

I study his stern features for a beat before musing, “Not worried about that kiss at all, hmm?” Because it seems to me that he’s already showing signs of possession.

Actually, I suppose it’s been that way from the beginning. Why else would he have insisted on housing her in his personal guest suite? It wasn’t just to keep a closer eye on her or because he feared her powers—a part of him wanted her nearby.

A part that’s now recognized her as his mate.

“I’m just hoping this theory about the Outcast Coven is wrong,” he mutters. “But Klas’s report on how he met Fallon is vague at best. And no one thought to really question him since he said they met during one of his missions, so the background isn’t noted. Which, in hindsight, seems to have been purposeful.”

I nod, agreeing with everything he’s saying.

“And being from one of the Supernatural Syndicates would have made her acceptance into Gold and Garnet that much harder,” he adds. “Thus mandating Klas’s vagueness and making it even more likely that I’m right about her ties to the syndicate world.”

“Meaning there’s likely a lot more to this story,” I say, thinking about all the hazy details surrounding Klas. “His own origin is sketchy, considering every member of his family is supposedly dead. His collaborators last year weren’t so much relatives as they were friends, leaving his background just as ambiguous as Fallon’s.”

None of this is new information to Kaspian, as Klas’s records were bare from the beginning. But we originally attributed it to his lack of familial connections. Now it seemed there might be more at play here.

More Fallon isn’t saying.

“I’ll see what I can find in New York,” I conclude. “Do some digging around the Supernatural Syndicates, ask if anyone knows aFallon Doyle.”

“I could also ask the new Earth and Emerald Chancellor,” Kaspian adds, his tone holding a hint of unease. “Maybe she knows of Fallon?”

“Can you trust her?” I wonder aloud.

“I can’t trust anyone in a position of power,” he replies. “However, I don’t see how she could use this information against me. Maybe she can offer you some assistance while there, too. It may put me slightly in her debt, but it’ll be a good way to test her merit for future alliances.”

I snort. “I don’t need assistance, Kas. I blend in naturally.” It’s one of my talents—the art of camouflage. My wings retract. My hair and eyes shift colors depending on my surroundings. And my features are generally forgettable. All a win-win as far as espionage is concerned. “I’ll check in once I’m in New York.”

Kaspian nods. “All right. I should have had a chance to speak with Chancellor Nikki by then, so I’ll give you an update as to what she knows, too.”

I dip my chin in understanding, not that the Gold and Garnet King can see it. “Brilliant,” I tell him. “In the meantime, have fun playing with Fallon. Maybe a few more kisses from you and some orgasms from the phantoms will make our little canary sing, hmm?”

I end the call before he can reply, my suggestion rhetorical and not requiring a response. But it is a fun image to fantasize about—Fallon screaming with pleasure.

Of course, I would deny her the climax several times first. Make her beg a little.

I’m not reverent like the phantoms. Nor do I play sensual games like Kaspian.

I’m direct.

I’m demanding.