“Good for her.” She nodded approvingly. “If you want information about what you are—why you’re special—then that’s where you need to look.”

“Do I have family still alive on her side?” I knew I didn’t even as I asked. My mother had told me so. She wouldn’t lie about that, at least.

Dierdre shook her head. “Poor thing didn’t. She was an orphan, taken in by an old man and woman who died long ago. I think that’s why she sent you to me when you wanted answers.”

She sent you to me.

My mother really had. It had taken time and the right kind of questions, but I’d found my way here because of the locket she’d given Liora.

“Go to the little house near the forest on the east side of town, near the sea. You’ll find what you’re seeking there.”

“Thank you so much.”

“I’d give you a hug if I could, but alas….” She raised her ghostly arms.

“It’s enough just to see you.” I looked down at the grave. “You’re…happy here?”

She laughed. “Of course. I don’t spend all my time in the dirt, you know.”

“Good.” I stood, and Mac joined me.

Great-Aunt Dierdre waved me off, then disappeared. I took the locket back and put it around my neck, then turned to Mac. Before I could ask if she wanted to head over to my mother’s old home, my mobile vibrated again.

I pulled it out and read the text from Lachlan:

 

* * *

 

Found one of their men. Planning to question him. Do you have any truth serum?

 

* * *

 

I looked at the leather cuff around my wrist. The slender vial of potions sparkled in the late afternoon light. There was just one truth potion left.

“What is it?” Mac asked.

I showed her the message, then typed out a response saying that we’d be there soon. I looked up at Mac. “Slight change in plans?”

She nodded. “Definitely. I’ve got a transport charm.”

“Excellent.” As Mac pulled the charm from her pocket, I felt the heat of someone’s gaze upon me. It prickled the back of my neck, like a prey instinct going into overdrive.

Heart pounding, I looked toward the forest.

There, a shadowy figure stood.

The Maker.

He was watching me.

A chill raced down my spine.

“Mac,” I whispered. “In the forest.”

She looked up. “I don’t see anything.”

“It’s the Maker.”

“Fates, let’s get the hell out of here.” She chucked the transport charm to the ground. As we stepped into the silvery smoke, I felt the burn of the Maker’s gaze.

He’s orchestrating this.

13

Lachlan

 

* * *

 

“What is he planning?” I demanded.

The man blinked up at me. We’d stashed him in the dungeon, and Eve had brought a truth potion ten minutes ago. She’d looked shaken when she’d arrived, but she’d refused to answer my questions, stating that it was more important to interview the man I’d caught.

I disagreed, but there was no convincing her.

She stood to my right now, staring down at the man we’d tied to the chair.

“You might as well spit it out,” she said. “The truth potion will force you to speak eventually.”

His face twisted in a grimace, and he snapped, “You bitch—”

“Watch yourself,” I barked.

Eve put a hand on my arm and smiled sweetly at the man. “It’s fine. I am a bitch. And bitches get shit done. Like making you talk.” She leaned close and growled, “What is he planning?”

Finally, the man answered. “He’s seeking three Moon Stones for a ritual.”

“Three?” Eve straightened. “How many does he have?”

“Two.”

So we hadn’t missed one. Thank fates. “Why does he want them?” she pressed.

“A ritual.”

“What kind of ritual?” I asked.

“I don’t know.”

I looked at Eve for confirmation, and she said, “Truth. One more question, maybe.”

“Where has he hidden them?” I asked. “Specifically.”

“His headquarters,” said the man, “which I don’t know the location of.”

“I doubt that.”

“You nabbed a guy low on the totem pole, gov. I don’t know where he keeps them.”

Eve nodded, confirming the truth of his statement.

Damn it.

“Why is he so interested in me?” she asked the man.

“Not saying nothin’.” He gave her a mulish look, his jaw set.

“Truth potion has worn off.” Eve spun away from him and left the cell. I followed her, locking the door behind me before turning to her. She looked up at me and said, “I have more truth potion brewing, but it will take time.”

“We’ve got some information, at least. He’s not there yet.” I watched her, noting how drawn she looked, her face pale and her eyes shadowed. “What’s wrong, Eve?”

“I’m fine.”

“You’re really not.” It wasn’t wise to care or to seek more information, but I couldn’t help it. Mate bond or no mate bond, I cared about her. Worried about her.

She drew in a slow breath and looked to the side. “My father is dead.”

“I’m sorry.”

“He died when I was ten.”

My heart ached for her, an unfamiliar feeling that made me want to rub my chest. I resisted. “You’re hurt because that means he could have visited you.”

“Wouldn’t it have been better if he’d been dead all along?” She grimaced. “For me, obviously, not for him.”

“Yes. From that perspective, yes.” I wanted to take her into my arms. Comfort her.

I shouldn’t.

But I also couldn’t help myself. The pain in her eyes made something break inside me.

I hugged her close, trying to absorb her pain with my body. It was a worthless attempt—impossible, of course—but it didn’t stop me.

Briefly, she stiffened, but only for a moment. Within seconds, she had melted against me, burying her face against my chest.

Holding her felt as natural as breathing, as right as waking in the morning. How was I supposed to resist this thing between us?

I had to, and I knew it. The Dark Moon curse was proof enough of that.

“Eve.” Her voice was torn from my throat. “What am I going to do about you?”

She gave a ragged sigh and pulled back, stepping away so that we were no longer touching. The loss burned like fire streaking down to my soul.

“Nothing.” She dragged her palm across her cheeks, wiping away the dampness. “There’s nothing you can do except ignore me. As I need to ignore you.”

“But—”

“No buts. We both have our reasons. Compelling ones. You, the Dark Moon curse. And me—” She broke off, looking away.

“You what?”

“Nothing. Nothing at all.” She smiled at me, but it was hollow. “Suffice it to say this is dangerous for us. Mates or not, there are reasons we can’t be together. Reasons we can’t afford to ignore.”