Rise of the Seven (The Frey Saga, #3)(25)

We stood motionless, dreading the “he” who was coming.

No sound accompanied his arrival, but as his form appeared in the opening, the sun broke over the horizon, silhouetting the figure of a winged god in the golden light of dawn.

If I hadn’t been so angry, I might have rolled my eyes.





Chapter Thirteen


Veil





Veil hovered there for a moment, allowing all to glory in the display. Anvil spat, Grey shook his head, and Rhys struggled to keep his staff from the pale, wiry fingers of the frost monsters.

Finally, Veil spread his arms and drifted into the great hall.

“Nearly through with your presentation?” I asked, not bothering to hide the bitterness in my tone.

He smiled as if I’d applauded instead of insulted him. He tilted his head to the side, perusing my attire. He took his time and when his gaze finally came back to meet my glare, I could practically feel the anger radiating off Chevelle from his position behind me.

“You look well, my Freya,” Veil purred.

Something similar to a growl escaped my second, who was, at least for the time being, faithfully guarding my back.

“You look ridiculous,” I shot back. “And your damned insects are swarming the castle.”

His smile turned sexy and I tried not to notice that he was indeed worthy of the hero status he had among the fey. “They are not like your little birdies, are they?”

I glared at him. At the moment, there wasn’t much else I could really do.

Fey had a knack for knowing absolutely everything. They held secrets that were impossible to learn. It didn’t do much good to anyone else, because you could never get the information from them and any sort of trade ended with you being in worse shape than when you started, besides not having received your end of the bargain. But they knew. And Veil had a special talent for it, so I wasn’t surprised that he’d hit me with a very personal endearment and a reference to my ability within the first minute of conversation. But there were only two reasons he would be here now: because I knew something he didn’t or because he knew something I didn’t.

“Why are you here?” I asked, slowly enunciating each word.

He flew closer, stilling his wings as his soft-soled boots touched the floor. “My dear,” he said as he stepped nearer, “you are the talk of the realm. Where else would I be?”

I tightened the grip on my sword.

His gaze flowed over me before he turned his palms up and glanced the room. “And your Seven. My, my, what a glorious mob.” His eyes met Ruby’s and she held his stare defiantly. I glanced at Grey, but he seemed to be controlling himself... unless you counted the murderous glare.

Veil continued to survey the room, pacing a narrow circle in front of me. He was like a preening peacock, displaying his wares. I wanted to look away, but I didn’t trust him that much. So, instead, I watched his effort to impress me with as much disgusted indifference as I could manage.

It was difficult, given that he was shirtless and wore low-slung pants. But I hated fairies. He paraded his lean, muscled torso, gorgeous amber wings dappled with a mesmerizing pattern of swirls and circles, somehow reminiscent of eyes. His eyes. Striking amber gems that complemented his long bronzed body, set in a handsome face, adorned with a charismatic smile... He was no less than captivating. But I hated fairies.

I realized he’d stopped moving; he was simply standing there with a satisfied smile, watching me take him in. “Are you quite done?” I snapped.

He remained as he was before replying in a low, seductive voice, “May we speak alone?”

“No.” I answered too quickly, and nearly flushed before I caught it. On the other hand, it might not have been quick enough, because I felt Chevelle go completely still behind me. “Anything you have to say can be spoken in front of my guard.”

Veil’s eyes were roaming my body again. “I understand you’ve chosen a second.”

Shit. Shit, shit, shit. There were a thousand implications in his statement, chiefly that I would not be getting bound to Chevelle.

A crash sounded in the corridor, followed by a high-pitched, “Oopsie,” and a giggle.

“Get on with it, Veil, before I slaughter your minions.”

He appeared oblivious to not only my comment, but all of the destruction surrounding us. “An unexpected choice, your blue-eyed guardian.”

I stepped forward. “Spit it out or I’ll remove your tongue.”

He laughed and glanced at Anvil. Damn, I hated fairies.

“And especially soon. You seem concerned for your safety,” he said, his eyes falling back to mine.

How he knew within a matter of hours, not only that I had chosen a second, but why, was a problem.

“It seems you are concerned with my affairs as well,” I said.

His face became serious, but retained the sexy. “I am very interested.”

I leaned back.

Veil leaned forward. “Perhaps we can make an arrangement.”

I was momentarily speechless, and not entirely certain what he was offering.

“I can protect you,” he murmured.

My mouth dropped open at his word choice, and then a few choice words emerged.

“You are very appealing when you’re angry, beautiful Freya.”

I was tempted to hurt him, but I couldn’t afford a war. Not yet.