Page 79 of Claim Me

“No, I was going to give you permission to take my room.” He holds out the key. “Although, I suspect you were going to use it anyway.”

“I was,” I admit, accepting the key. “And we both know you didn’t drive all the way here to give us access to your suite.” I fold my arms over my chest. “What’s really going on? Did Nolan find something?”

Kaspian shakes his head. “Not yet. But he’s on his way to New York City to check out a lead.”

“What lead?” I ask, my brow creasing. New York City is home to a myriad of Supernatural Syndicates. Surely Fallon isn’t related to those.

“Fallon mentioned patriarchs a few times this morning while suffering from her ‘episode.’?” Kaspian’s expression clouds over. “I’ve only ever heard that term referenced as a rumor, specifically in regard to the Outcast Coven.”

My eyebrows lift. “Why didn’t you say something earlier?”

“Because it’s just a hunch,” he replies. “One I really hope I’m wrong about.”

Well, that only confuses me more. I can understand being uneasy about a link to a Supernatural Syndicate—they’re essentially mafia organizations that deal in dangerous magic and other sinister bullshit—but an association doesn’t imply immediate guilt.

“What does it matter if you’re right?” I ask him. “We can’t help where we’re from, Kas. Being born in No Man’s Land isn’t a crime; it’s just an unfortunate fate.”

Kaspian’s expression darkens even more. “It’s a Supernatural Syndicate full of illegal activity. If she’s from the Outcast Coven, there may be nefarious activities at play.”

“And so you came here to warn us now? Hours later?” I wonder aloud. “You could have saved us all a trip by expressing your concerns earlier, you know,afterFallon mentioned the patriarchs.” Not that I was complaining about being able to take Fallon out, but this whole conversation just destroyed my evening plans.

Assuming Kaspian is here to make us return, anyway.

But then why offer his room?

“No, I’m not here for that. You asked about Nolan, and I just…” Kaspian trails off and blows out a breath. “Look, I’m just here because I felt like I needed to be closer. I can’t really explain why because I don’t understand it myself.” He winces with the admission, almost as though he feels it makes him appear weak.

“Oh.” I grin.Thisis a feeling I very much understand. “You mean you’re here because you couldn’t stay away from Fallon.”Thatwas a good reason to interrupt our little date. Much better than casting doubts about Fallon’s origin and implying she may be harboring evil intentions associated with her criminal coven back home.

I’ve spent over a year with Fallon. The female doesn’t have a wicked bone in her body.

Just a very naughty tongue,I decide.One she sharpens whenever Kaspian is around.

He neither confirms nor denies it, instead saying, “I assume you plan to spend the night here now?”

“If you’ll allow it,” I hedge.

His dark irises roam over my robe, a calculating gleam entering his eyes. “Are you going to make it worth my while?”

“Are you craving a show?” I counter. “Because Bane and I are about to create a masterpiece, and I know how much you like to watch.”

“I do,” he murmurs. “What are the chances Fallon will allow me the pleasure of observing?”

“We can ask her.” Although, I’m not sure that’ll go along with Bane’s slow introduction plan.

“Hmm, no,” Kaspian says, either noting my uncertainty or realizing the hesitation on his own. “She’s not ready for the three of us. More specifically,me. But I may need you to stop by after you’re done, just to give me a taste of her.”

“Stop by where?” I ask.

“I’ll take over the room beside my usual suite. It’s technically mine as well, just designed for guests.”

“Do you prefer we take that one instead?”

“No, my suite is nicer.” He smirks as he adds, “And the bed is bigger, too.”

“I’m familiar.”

“I know.”