Page 28 of Crave Me

“She’ll remain with me until I determine the cause of the explosion. And also until I can help her find her missing medallion, as it seems the portals don’t reach her world.” I held Kieran’s gaze. “Perhaps she’s the first of her kind and a new species in our realm. I imagine that would be something you and Sabrina can relate to?”

Not Kieran personally, but his mate.

And the two phantoms seated near him.

They were a new species in this realm that had caused a bit of a stir. But we’d sorted it with the new House, which I’d voted in favor of.

Something Kieran knew and should respect, considering I’d also given them all a place to live.

Although, he was the only known vampire-fae hybrid in existence. So perhaps he could personally relate to Nyx’s situation as well.

He nodded now, obviously reading the words I wasn’t saying aloud.We’re engaged in a game of debt, one where I felt indebted to you, so I voted in your baroness’s favor. Now you’re going to work with me because it’ll likely place me in your debt again, which you now know can be beneficial.

His expression remained unreadable, his political poker face well crafted indeed. I imagined his familial relation to Elias had something to do with that.

“So you’ll be taking over the investigation of the pub?” Kieran asked.

“I believe that’s a given, yes. However, I’m happy to collaborate on the investigation.” It was an offer I wouldn’t usually make, but it seemed prudent to do so in this case. What with our amicable territory agreements and all.

Kieran shrugged as though it made no difference to him. “Sabrina will just want to be kept in the loop.”

“I can continue to convey updates through you,” Kaspian offered. “And if there becomes a need for collaboration on the issue again, we’ll reach out.”

Careful, Kas. Your diplomacy skills are showing again,I taunted him, ensuring he could hear me via my telepathic link to his mind.

He ignored me, used to my random commentary during meetings like this.

I would be receiving an earful from him later, though.

Kieran nodded. “Or perhaps you can take Nox and Bane on board, and they could serve as liaisons back to the House.”

“With allegiance to Death and Diamond or to Gold and Garnet?” I asked.

“Death and Diamond for now,” Kieran said. “Until they prove their worth to join your ranks.” He glanced at them. “Yes?”

The one with darker features nodded. “Yes. I want to join Gold and Garnet, but I’m aware of the trials required.”

Meaning they didn’t just want to join my House for safety reasons, they wanted positions within my House.

I had to fight the urge to smile. Because this was exactly what I’d hoped for. And the slight glint in Kieran’s gaze told me he’d known that, too.

Another way to put me in your debt,I thought, holding his gaze.Clever.

It seemed I’d underestimated this being’s chess strategy. He always came off as flippant and arrogant. But there was a lot more to his persona than met the eye.

Or perhaps this was Sabrina’s influence.

I would have to more carefully evaluate them later.

“Gold and Garnet accepts your candidacy,” I told the dark-haired male. “Kaspian will tell you more about the trials required.”

The phantom bowed his head. “Thank you, King Vesperus.”

I looked at the other male, his features a lighter shade of brown. “And you?”

His piercing blue eyes met mine without wavering. “I, too, would like to join your mercenaries.” His lips curled a little. “Death is a favorite pastime of mine. To make a job of it would literally be doing what I love.”

Well, this one certainly had more personality than the other. “I thought phantoms were supposed to be pacifists.”