Page 74 of Grave Beginnings

“This is it,” Angel said as he navigated us into the parking lotof a building that looked like it had been a community center before being overtaken by the Veil. “There’s a workout room, a track, a pool, and a snack bar. All supernatural friendly. A few of the old party rooms have been converted to video rooms or nap spaces. Xavier will give you a tour once you’re inside.”

He parked in the nearly empty lot, and Ivan jumped out before I could get unbuckled. I scrambled to follow as Ivan headed for the main door. Would he meet other shifters? What sort of things would Xavier expect from him?

The main door opened and Sylas stood in the doorway, his gaze darting from Ivan, to Angel, then me—the last of whom drew a frown from him. “No death magic allowed,” he said.

I froze, and so did Ivan. He glanced back at me. Did he not know I was a necromancer? I guess we hadn’t really sat down and talked about it. Would he be afraid of me now and demand to stay with Xavier? What would be better for Ivan? Fuck, I was bad at this.

Angel wrapped his arm around my waist, drawing me close as he tugged me toward the door despite Sylas’s glare. “It’s all right, Ivan,” Angel said. “Jude and I will walk you to Xavier, and anytime you need Jude, he’ll be here for you.”

Ivan followed behind Angel as Angel grabbed the door to hold it open for me. I stepped inside, fearing I’d be hit by magic or physically punched by the redheaded shifter who didn’t seem to like me much.

The inside of the community center had been renovated. Earth tones and actual murals of the outdoors stretched across the long walls, with painted signs pointing directions to locker rooms, the pool, food, and more. The smell of chlorine permeated the air, likely from the pool, but otherwise it felt mundane.

Xavier appeared at the top of the stairs, making his way down, his size and that incredible aura preceding him in such a way that I had to fight not to take a step back. Angel pressed himself to my back as if he feared I’d run. I had half a second to swallow downthe fear of being caged, wondering if they’d tricked me to come here where they would hurt me because I wasn’t a shifter, and was, in fact, something they all hated. But Angel’s magic swirled around me, warming the chill and melting away the fear. His arm, wrapped lightly around my waist, then loosened—not sliding away, but giving me room in case I needed to escape.

“Hello, Ivan,” Xavier said as he stopped at the bottom of the steps, leaving a half dozen feet between himself and my little brother. His gaze flicked to me. “I can give you both a tour if it would make you feel better about leaving Ivan in my care.”

He said that as if I’d never get Ivan back, which made me bristle.

“Jude’s going to call me later,” Ivan spoke up. He looked back at me, eyes pleading something I didn’t understand yet. “And pick me up after work.”

He wanted to return home with me. I’d been worried the entire time he’d been with me that he’d feel abandoned, but it was me who feared being abandoned. Maybe I needed more therapy.

“Call me anytime you need me,” I told Ivan.

“I will,” Ivan said.

Xavier held up his hand to motion for Ivan to follow him. “Let’s start with the tour. Have you had breakfast yet?”

I started to respond for Ivan, but Angel nudged me. “Let’s go. He’ll be fine. We can check on him after our interview.”

Right, creepy kid. I nodded and followed Angel out, grateful that Sylas had made himself scarce when Xavier appeared. “What time is the interview scheduled?” I asked, trying to focus on my job.

“Eight thirty,” Angel said. “I thought we could head over there and spend a few minutes making notes before we approach them.” He guided us back up to the highway to cross over the Veil to the mortal side again. “This is less about the questions and more about what you sense.”

“And if I sense nothing?” My power seemed erratic at best.

“Then we keep digging.” A smile tugged at his lips.

“What?” I asked.

“Nothing.”

“Why don’t I believe you?”

“I’m afraid, if I say something, you’ll stop.”

I blinked at him. “Stop what?” Had I been fidgeting?

“I like the eyeliner.”

Oh. I’d done it without even thinking about it. “Should I take it off before the interview?” How did I explain that it was part of my mental armor and I’d done everything I could at the beginning of the week before I started the new job to blend in. Including removing nail polish and all makeup or over-the-top clothing choices. Joe had never complained, though I knew it caused him trouble with other officers making fun of us both. But when it came to talking to people, the fact that I looked less like a cop had always worked in my favor.

“I don’t think the SED has any rules about makeup. I suspect they’d run interference from the fae and a dispute that glamourismakeup.”

“All I usually wear is eyeliner and nail polish, unless I’m going out for a party or something.”

Angel guided us back to the human side of the Veil and a section of high-end high-rises. “What would you have worn for our date?”