On a Razor's Edge (Darkness #3)(39)

“By the Boss,ˮ I elaborated. “Humans can’t smell it. Or sense it, or whatever. It’s a chemical thing.” “Well, then, I guess it doesn’t apply outside of Stefan’s kind,” Tim smiled this time, a predatory gleam in his eyes, mocking Jonas. I rolled my eyes.

“What about Ann? Is she okay?” I held my breath.

Tim smiled. “Just fine. A few scratches is all.”

I let my breath out. I’d only talked to her a few times, but I liked her, and I badly needed a friend that was a girl.

“Anyway,” Tim said, his warm hand clasping mine. “I’ll check back in with you later. Let me know if you want me to find you a room a little less…occupied.”

“Yes, do find her a room less occupied,” Jonas piped up immediately. “Her incessant talking does my head in.”

“Sweet, ain’t he?” I asked with a grin.

*****

I stood in front of a congregation of Stefan’s clan, wearing a sheer black gown, denoting my magic level. Stefan stood next to me, wearing a sheer suit in burnished gold. In front of him stood Dominicous, Toa by his side, both showing off their magical levels. Also sheer.

I had never seen so many people basically na**d in all my life. Unfortunately, I couldn’t be stressed out by that fact. It was unfortunate because what did have me stressed out was a lot more important.

“I stand before you, as your Regional, to proclaim Sasha your mage. Linked with your leader, Stefan, with at least two Watch Commanders sworn to throw down their lives to protect her, Charles and Jonas, she fulfills the requirements for this post. Take notice.”

Everyone in the room, whether they liked me or not, bowed their heads. I saw more than one hostile stare as faces turned back up—more than one person that wanted to fit me for cement shoes and take me to the lake—but they could not deny my power level. They had no one else for the role.

“Sasha comes to us with the highest power level ever recorded,” Dominicous continued, his voice rising above those gathered. “She has thrice battled our mortal enemy, and come out on top. Take notice.”

Again with the near na**d bowing; something slightly gross and weird, both at the same time.

“In addition, she has tied herself with the Mata, a lost connection we hoped to re-forge. A connection already shown to yield positive results. Through her, they are tied with us. Take notice.”

Stefan gave the barest of flinches, his hands balling for a fraction of a second. He controlled himself easily, his eyes still trained on Dominicous.

“Welcome her within our fold. We expect great things from her.” Dominicous winked at me, intending for me to bow. Which I did, trying my hardest not to cover my lady bits in mortification.

The gathered crowd bowed back. And that was that. I now had a job I was only qualified for when in the middle of a war, battle, or any life and death situation. It could be worse, I guess. I could’ve been kicked out of the territory. At least I still had a home.

After Dominicous nodded, and Toa nodded, and Stefan nodded—too many chiefs—the congregation broke up. Dominicous stepped up to me immediately, offering me his arm. Stefan stepped back, and then turned to see to other matters while Dominicous led me toward a banquet in my honor.

“You did exceedingly well, Sasha,” he said quietly. “I am exceptionally proud of you.

He hesitated, stopping in an isolated corner. “Stefan told you of how we first met?”

Shivers raked my body.

“Do you remember?” he asked, his sharp gaze focused on me.

I shook my head. “But I’ve always been able to see your kind. My foster parents thought something was wrong with me until I stopped mentioning it.”

Dominicous titled his head thoughtfully. “It is an interesting topic. One I might like to explore. If we expose human children to us, maybe even share our blood, will they grow to be able to access their magical gifts? It bears thinking about.”

I guess. “What parents are going to give you access to their kids?”

“Kids without parents need a proper home. You were lucky to find one. Many don’t. I wonder if I can do good, while also conducting a large scale experiment. It bears thinking about.”

Obviously, he would think about it. I just nodded distractedly. I wasn’t in the mood to think. I was in the mood to cover up, lie down, and share a quiet evening alone with Stefan.

And yet here I was, the guest of honor at a party while wearing a see-through gown. Sweet Jesus, how did I get myself into these things?

Seeing my discomfort, Dominicous smiled. “We’ll speak more thoroughly at a later date. I can see now is not the time.” He directed me toward my prince, standing at the head of the room in unshakable confidence, just as na**d as me, but caring not at all. My heart surged and my body filled with warmth. His gaze swiveled to me immediately.

“I approve of your choice, by the way,” Dominicous said as we slowly walked closer, my hand lightly holding his arm. “He is young for his post, but more than deserving. You have found a worthy mate.”

My face heated and my body shivered, responding to the implications of that word. “I love him.”

“Yes. And he you. It is a good match. We’ll make sure it’s a lasting one.”

I smiled at Dominicous in thanks as he handed me off to Stefan.

“How are you now, love?” Stefan asked quietly. Charles had made himself scarce.