Page 23 of Third Offense

But I could admit his gift had certainly felt otherworldly.

And dangerous.

“The more you learn about him, the more you’ll understand how we know the truth about Ketos’s origins. His royal status was bestowed upon him for good reason,” she murmured, her blue eyes glittering with pride.

Novak stepped up to Layla’s opposite side, his hand grabbing hers as though to say,Mine. You can talk highly of her compatible mate all you like, but that will not change the men standing by your daughter’s side.

Queen Gaia must have noticed the possessive aura around us because she took a step back. “Well, I think it’s time to freshen up a bit. You all have had a long flight here. And I imagine you’d like a quick rest before dinner.”

“Arestwould be good,” I said.

Although we wouldn’t be resting at all. We would be talking.

About Ketos and his telekinetic-like ability.

Layla glanced at me, her lips pursed.

All right. We may be talking about more than just that.Because I could practically taste her displeasure.

But she didn’t release my hand. She kept a hold of me and Novak as we followed her mom toward a massive staircase that led into the palace.

It was almost as though Layla was afraid to let us go. However, I suspected her reason had nothing to do with support and everything to do with making sure we didn’t attack anyone.

“Ketos’s gift for wealth actually extends to financial management,” her mother said conversationally. “While your father and I did well on our own, it’s Ketos who helped us afford this property. Something about investments. I don’t quite understand it all, but I’m sure he would be happy to explain it.”

I’m sure he would, I thought darkly.

Novak growled, expressing his distaste for the subject matter and subsequent notion that had followed.

“I would be interested in learning more,” Layla said, her focus having gone to a now-scowling Novak.

“Good,” her mother replied. “I think you could learn a lot from him, especially about Noir history. Perhaps your mates will join you for the discussions.”

Queen Gaia’s blue eyes met mine over her shoulder, the smile in her features kind yet calculating.

I simply stared back at her, not willing to reply.

“We’d love to learn more from Ketos,” Layla said, earning a grunt from Novak.

I narrowed my gaze at her.What are you thinking, Lay? Why would I want anything to do with that Noir?

“He must know a lot about this human world as well since he grew up in it, and I’d like to hear more about that,” she added, her eyes conveying the meaning behind her words.

Knowledge is power.

And while we’d traveled quite far to reach this place, she didn’t fully trust it.

She was trying to be prepared, while appearing polite.

All right,I thought.We can play this game together.

“I would like to know more as well,” I agreed. Not just about this place, but Ketos himself. Particularly, his weaknesses.

“Maybe you can mention it over dinner,” her mother suggested as she led us through the interior of the palace and up a set of stairs.

We didn’t say much else on our way to our destination, giving me freedom to evaluate the interior and the guards stationed throughout the palace.

Why are they needed inside? Shouldn’t they be focused on protecting the perimeter, not guarding the inhabitants?