Page 82 of Deceiver

“What’s that?” I ask, carding my fingers through his hair.

He mumbles again, so I lean closer, listening intently.

“Wilder,” Keagan says, clearly this time. “Wilder.”

“I’m here.” I kiss his cheek. “I’m not going anywhere.”

I climb into bed beside him and pull him close, wrapping my arms around him. He nestles in against me, his face pressed against my chest. This is nice. It’s been way too long since I’ve felt this comfortable with someone.

I guess I have to admit that what Talon told me is true. Keagan was sent for me.

Chapter 23

Keagan

“Do you hear that?”

Wilder stirs but stays pressed against me, his strong arm wrapped around my chest.

“Wilder? Someone’s at the door.”

He sits up abruptly, suddenly alert. “Stay here.”

I nod, watching him slide out of bed and throw on his robe. Straining to listen, I lean against the bedroom door. The voices are muffled, but I’m pretty sure I heard my name. Wilder comes up the stairs, his face a mask of concern.

“Put some clothes on. Talon is here.”

“Talon? I thought she was hurt.”

“She’ll explain.” He kisses my forehead. “It’s important.”

“I assumed it would be.”

I find my discarded clothes on the floor, and tug my jeans on before pulling my T-shirt over my head. Wilder chooses a pair of sweatpants, like the sexy beast he is, but keeps his robe on. The two of us walk downstairs to find Talon sitting on the couch, her hands clenched together on her lap.

When our eyes meet, her shoulders drop. “Hi, Keagan.”

“Are you okay?”

She nods, but I can tell from how she’s holding herself that she must be in pain.

“The healing potion is working. It just takes time. Please sit.”

Nodding, I sit in the armchair across from her while Wilder remains standing beside me.

“Can I get you water, Talon?” Wilder asks.

She shakes her head. “No, but thank you. I need to deliver this message.”

“Did I…” I clear my throat. “Did I do this to you?”

Talon’s expression turns even more somber. “Not by choice.”

I sit back in my seat, absolutely stunned. “I would never… I’m so sorry… I don’t?—”

Talon holds up a hand to stop me. “It wasn’t you, not really. I didn’t know until I received a message.” She closes her eyes for a moment, nodding and moving her lips like she’s speaking to someone we can’t see. “As you know, the spirit has gained considerable strength and knowledge in a short time by stealing it from others.”

Wilder nods, his arms crossed over his chest. “We have backup chasers for the others that escaped.”