Page 31 of Enchanted Hero (The Secret Enchanters #1)

“Have you seen the news coverage?” Andrews drawled.

“Most of the time, these things die down, but the tornado is still the top story on every news channel. The government is discreet, but we can’t completely ignore the public.

We have to respond, or they’ll believe we’re keeping secrets.

” He focused his gaze. “We’re not the only ones who think the incidents involve a single man. ”

No, they were the only ones who suspected him.

“You should come to the conference,” Agent Andrews said affably. “The officials wanted to extend an invitation, since you’re a leader in this town.”

Or they wanted to see if he’d give himself away. Every move would be watched, and if he slipped, the damage would be catastrophic and irreversible. “I’m afraid I have other plans.”

“I’ll be there,” Everleigh spoke suddenly. “It sounds enlightening.”

Damn. If they spoke to her alone… “On second thought, maybe I can make it.”

“Perfect.” Andrews lips curled up. “Three o'clock in front of city hall.” With a curt nod, he turned and entered his car.

Dr. Garrison paused. “I meant what I said before. We don’t want to hurt him. If he hadn’t been there yesterday, the night would’ve ended in tragedy. He rescued the family.”

Yes, he had. No matter the consequences, it had been worth it.

Dr Garrison put a hand on his shoulder, and Alexander fought not to back up. He must appear strong, impassive, normal . If they uncovered his true identity, their actions would be far more invasive. “If people discover the truth, he might need someone looking out for him. That’s all we want to do.”

He was clearly genuine, and Alexander softened. Still, he had to safeguard his people. “Whoever helped those people last night wants to remain anonymous. The best thank you is to let him be.”

“I’m afraid we can’t do that.” Dr. Garrison said quietly.

He hesitated, as if deciding what to reveal.

“There are other people at the Institute with different methods, including a man named Frederick Dane. He was involved in an incident with a caught elevator, interrogating some people we suspected were… more. Perhaps you heard?”

Alexander stiffened. Dane had almost discovered the truth about his people. He was as relentless as a guard dog, and just as vehement.

“He was put on leave after the incident, however he will be back soon. His methods are different than mine.” The scientist looked at him earnestly. “It would be better if the right people discover the truth, don’t you think?”

It would be better if no one discovered the truth, yet that grew less likely with every interrogation.

He said nothing as Dr. Garrison gave him one last long look, before entering the car.

A second later, the vehicle revved to life, and the men drove off, leaving no question of whether they would return.

He exhaled slowly. His work was far from over. The two men suspected him, and they would use Everleigh to prove it. He was going to have to keep her near – very near. Of course, he’d been looking for an excuse to do exactly that.

There was something between them, a connection both indescribable and inescapable.

The members of the Incantare were different than humans.

They mated for life, and divorce was unheard of in his people.

Once a bond formed, it was stronger than any magic out there.

He was beginning to suspect what his feelings for Everleigh meant.

Yet now the object of his scrutiny was looking at him with unhidden suspicion. “What just happened?”

How could he explain the impossible without revealing the truth? “Those were two witch hunters looking for monsters under the bed.”

She frowned. “I appreciate the analogy, but those are not witch hunters. One is a high-ranking government official, and the other a well-respected scientist at the Scientific Institute of Research and Investigation.”

Taut muscles tightened. The intelligent woman had already accused him of being involved, albeit through a wine-induced haze. Now she was fully sober, and no alcohol was needed to validate her suspicions. “Regardless of their pedigree, their witch hunt is just that. I told them everything I know.”

“Did you?” She wrapped her arms around herself. “I lied when I said I was with you the entire evening. What did you do when you locked me in your bedroom?”

“I already told you. I called for help.”

“Which would’ve taken all of sixty seconds,” She stepped around him. “I was locked in that room long enough to fall asleep. Why would you lock me away if all you planned on doing was calling for help?”

Why indeed? “You were inebriated and upset. I was afraid you might do something dangerous, like jump into the water and swim to the boat. I thought you could use a couple of minutes to cool down.”

“It was more than a couple of minutes,” she countered. “It took a long time to plot my revenge.”

He gave a humorless smile. “Again, you weren’t sober. Time passes differently when you’re tipsy, and you’re probably remembering wrong.”

“Or you’re purposely remembering wrong.” She peered at him. “Did you save that family?”

He set his jaw. He hated to deceive her, but it was necessary for her safety. “As I said, my involvement ended with calling for help. The other option is I’m some sort of super being with magical powers. Which seems more likely?”

She hesitated.

“Exactly.” Time to change the subject. “What would you like to do until the press conference?”

“I’m going home.” She gave him a wide berth as she strode back to the car, opened the door and plopped into the seat.

He quickly entered beside her, yet made no move to start the engine.

The two men were probably already staked out at her place, just waiting to question her.

Who knew if she would mention their separation on the boat, his absence during the magic show or his presence at the tornado? He had to somehow convince her to stay.

He forked his hair off his forehead, glanced at the limo they used last night. In an instant, the perfect plan formed. He pressed the start button. “That’s fine. I’ll drop you off on my way to the antique store.”

“Thank yo– the antique store?”

“That’s right.” He guided the car smoothly onto the road. “I’m searching for products for New Age Treasures.”

“But that’s my job,” she sputtered. “I’m very particular about what I choose. It’s important to offer items of actual value and not just replicas.”

“I’m sure I’ll do fine.” He tapped his fingers along the steering wheel. “Of course, I’ve never actually done this sort of thing before, but it can’t be that difficult. I’ll just look for sparkly whatchamacallits.”

Her gaze darkened. “It’s more complicated than simply selecting shiny objects. I do research, check sources.”

“Then you’ll get a break.” He maneuvered past a slow car and revved the engine. “Since you have plans for today, I’ll go on my own.”

She narrowed his eyes.

He smiled.

When it came to getting what he wanted, he was an expert.

* * * *

How did the infuriating man always get what he wanted?

She’d known he was manipulating her even as she succumbed, an unwilling passenger helpless to resist. He hadn’t developed a sudden interest in antiques. No, he’d wanted her with him, and he knew exactly how to convince her.

The real question was why. Was it because of the men’s questions, ones she also wanted answered? Was it because he was afraid she’d share too much? Or did he want her near for some other reason?

Everleigh followed Alexander into the familiar scent of books and nostalgia, the cluttered shelves of knick-knacks, period clothing and vintage jewelry of her favorite antique shop.

Normally, the eclectic space calmed her, but Alexander made her anything but relaxed as he strode so close their sides brushed.

He possessed far more secrets than lined these shelves.

“Do you shop here a lot?” Alexander picked up an old rotary telephone and turned it in his hands, before placing it down carefully. He traced his fingers along the hilt of a gleaming sword.

She nodded. “We sell a lot of antiques, although I’ll consider a newer item if there’s something special about it. I look for items that have meaning, regardless of age.”

“Can I help you?” Everleigh and Alexander turned to a pretty, college-age brunette.

Usually, the clerk sat at the counter with her cell phone, a fast food bag and a grimace, yet today she gazed at Alexander like he was a Big Mac with supersized fries.

Everleigh smothered the urge to tell her to get her own Happy Meal.

“No, thank you,” Alexander replied with his billion-dollar smile. “We’re just browsing.”

“Okay then.” The clerk giggled. “If you need anything, I’ll be right over there.” She sauntered away, swaying her hips and pretty much everything else.

Everleigh grimaced. “In all the years I’ve been shopping here, that woman hasn’t said a word to me. Is there anyone you can’t charm?”

Hand on his chin, he pretended to think. “No, I don’t believe so.”

“Actually, that’s not true.” She notched up her chin. “I don’t find you the least bit charming.”

“That can’t possibly be true.” His voice was a deep baritone as it charmed her. “You find me extraordinarily charming.”

“Nope. Not even a little bit.”

“I’m growing on you, aren’t I?”

“Perhaps just a little.”

“I knew it.”

They both grinned, and the mood lightened as they browsed the antiques.

Alexander seemed genuinely interested in her opinions, listening as she talked about past finds and asking thoughtful questions.

After an hour in the store, she was far more relaxed, enough even to tease him.

“This must be some sort of record for you. It’s been a whole hour, and you haven’t blackmailed or kidnapped me. ”

He feigned a deep frown. “Clearly, I need something with which to blackmail you. Have you been involved in any illegal activities besides breaking into my home?”