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“Arcon trained most of the members of our tribe, me and Neloff included,” Kyrex told her. “He was accepted by the Citadel, but he didn’t get along with Zevon’s predecessor so he left. And Zevon asked if we could simply renew our acquaintance with Arcon. I suggested hiring him to work with you. It’s a more believable reason for contacting him than anything Zevon suggested.”
“It still seems a bit suspicious,” Neloff argued, setting his empty mug aside. “What can Arcon offer that the trainers at the Citadel can’t?”
Kyrex shot him an impatient look. “Arcon has trained and been trained by half the empowered people in this star system. He spent two years with the Wraiths on Pyron and his father is one of the most powerful psychics on Houkdi. He completed the training at the Citadel before setting out on his own. He has blood ties to people on all four planets and his abilities encompass characteristics of all four elements. Arcon is unique, to say the least.”
If all of that was true, why was Neloff so hesitant? Eden looked at him more closely as she asked, “Weren’t you impressed with him as a mentor?”
“He was a wonderful mentor. I just don’t want to compromise your training to please Zevon.”
“But you think I would do that?” Kyrex objected, clearly insulted by the implication.
“I don’t think that’s what he meant,” Eden tried to soothe. Everyone was spoiling for a fight this morning. “He was just being protective.”
Kyrex turned to Eden and reiterated, “I wouldn’t even consider this unless I honestly thought Arcon would be a good choice for you.”
“I know that. And Zevon didn’t hesitate when I asked for his help,” Eden reminded. “If he hadn’t immediately offered his full support, you might not be alive today. I think this is the least we can do.”
“Our mate has spoken,” Kyrex said with mock formality. Turning back to Neloff, he concluded, “Unless you have other objections, I’ll tell Zevon yes.”
“Are we going to do this here or at the Citadel?” Neloff asked, gaze narrowed.
Kyrex thought for a moment then said, “Arcon resents the board of governors even more than I do. I think it has to be here.” He looked at Eden. “This will postpone the reunion with your friends. Are you okay with that?”
“Can I comm them to catch up?”
Kyrex pressed his lips together and released a deep sigh. “I don’t want to risk conventional comms until you’ve been claimed. Jevara has kidnapped conduits before and he’ll likely do so again.”
“You risked it to speak with Zevon.” Challenge arched her brows.
Neloff grinned at his cousin. “It’s hard to argue with that.”
“Fine. I will set up a group comm with your friends, but it can’t be a regular thing.”
“I understand.”
“All right,” Kyrex concluded as he pushed to his feet. “I will contact Arcon and see how soon he can accommodate us.”
* * *
Three days later Eden met her new mentor for the first time. She wasn’t sure what she’d expected, but Arcon was not it. He was too young, too muscular, and too good looking. His sun-streaked blond hair was short on the sides and longer on top, which allowed the thick strands to curl. His eyes weren’t just blue; they were an electric shade of blue that pierced a person’s soul. His features were boldly masculine, yet arranged with such symmetry that he didn’t look real. He was part angel, part Viking, part cover model. How the hell was she supposed to concentrate on mental control while looking at someone like him?
“It’s nice to meet you,” she managed to say, hoping she didn’t sound as dazed as she felt.
“I wouldn’t do this for just anyone,” Arcon told her with a blinding smile. “I don’t generally train conduits, but your mate and I go way back.” He slapped Kyrex on the back and said, “It has been much too long, old friend.”
“I agree. We will have to catch up tonight. I don’t want to distract you from your new apprentice. How long are you able to stay?”
“I’ve planned for two weeks, but we’ll see how fast she progresses. You have not yet claimed her?”
“He has not.” Eden hated being talked about as if she weren’t standing right there. “We’re courting, but I’ve yet to make my final decision.”
Arcon looked at her and nodded. “I apologize for my rudeness.” He motioned toward the sitting area on his right. “Why don’t we take a few minutes and get better acquainted. I need to know your basic background and what, if any, training you’ve received already.”
She sat on the sofa near the bank of floor-to-ceiling windows and Arcon chose one of the chairs facing her. His pose was relaxed, expression nonconfrontational, but she felt defensive. Kyrex printed a pitcher of something light blue and bubbly. He placed it on the low table between Arcon and Eden then left without a word.
Arcon asked her the expected questions. Where had she been raised? What was the makeup of her family? How long had she been at the Citadel? Despite his easygoing mannerisms, tension rapidly mounted. He was one of the best-looking males she’d ever seen, but she wasn’t attracted to him. She was intimidated by him.
They lapsed into silence after the initial barrage of questions had been answered. Then Kyrex walked back into the room. “What’s going on?” he asked, looking concerned.
