“Yeah, come in. We’ve cleared everything up.”
Caden squeezed my arm as I entered the library. He may be convinced there was nothing to worry about, but I felt the lingering tension in the air. Oscar wouldn’t meet my gaze. He fidgeted with his bow tie before smoothing a hand down his vest.
“Have a seat, young lady.” Oscar pointed toward a wingback chair in front of his desk. Caden strolled to an adjacent chair and, looking as if he didn’t have a care in the world, sank into the seat.
A fire crackled in the hearth, warming the drafty room. Loki was curled up in front of it with his chin on his paws. He watched the proceedings with about as much apprehension as Oscar. I couldn’t shake the feeling I was somehow missing a piece to a puzzle I hadn’t even realized I was putting together.
I took my seat, and Loki floated over, nestling in front of my shoes. He growled in the back of his throat at Caden, and I snapped my fingers.
“Loki, stop.”
The dog chuffed and grew quiet.
“All right. Now that we’re all here, we can get started,” Oscar said, squaring his shoulders. “After much research, I have discovered information regarding the item the demon mentioned during Elle’s attack. As I suspected, the Soulbinder is an ancient tome.”
“Wait.” I meekly held up my hand, interrupting Oscar’s monologue.
“Yes, Elle—do you have something to say to the group?”
A flush crept across my cheeks, and I felt a little like a misbehaving schoolgirl. “Um, I wasn’t sure if you were going to address . . .” I glanced at Caden, who gave me a firm shake of his head.Okay, message received. Don’t bring up the kiss.I cleared my throat and started again. “What I mean is, I wasn’t sure if you were going to address the origin of the book.”
Oscar flattened his lips until they disappeared beneath his mustache. “I will, my dear, if you’ll let me finish.”
“Right. Please continue.” I slumped in my seat and chewed on my thumbnail. It was nice to know Oscar seemed willing to gloss over what he’d witnessed in the back yard, but somehow, it still made me nervous. Like waiting for the other shoe to drop. Or, in my case, waiting for the crypt door to slam closed.
Although, if ever there were a reason to risk punishment, making out with Caden Bishop was right at the top of the list. Hell, hewasthe list, and I wouldn’t mind checking off a few more items.
“Elle, do you need a glass of water?” Oscar asked, forcing my mind out of the gutter.
“What?” I choked, pulling at the collar of my shirt.It is so freaking hot in here. Save some firewood for the winter, guys.
“It’s just your face is red and you look flushed.”
“No, I’m fine. He’s not a thirst trap—I mean, I’m not thirsty!”Liar, liar, yoga pants on fire.“I’m very comfortable. This chair is nice.” I ran my hands over the upholstery. “Is it an antique? It’s probably worth a fortune. We should get an appraiser.”
Oscar’s eyebrows squished together as I rambled. “Are you sure you’re all right? What’s a thirst trap?”
Caden tipped his head back and laughed. “Graves gets chatty when she’s flustered. I’ll explain it to you some other time, Oscar.”
“I do not get chatty,” I growled under my breath.
“Tell that to your pajamas.”
My molars ground together. “Yeah, well, keep it up, and you’ll never see them again.”
“Oh, my word.” Oscar pressed a hand to his temple, looking scandalized. “This century is indecent.” He pounded his fist against the desk, but it just sank through the wood. “Get it together, you two. We have serious supernatural business to attend to, and I’m not interested in your brothel talk.”
I swallowed a giggle and nodded solemnly. “Sorry, Oscar. We’re listening. Please, tell us more about the book.”
Oscar narrowed his gaze on each of us then clasped his hands together as he started to pace.
“As I was saying, the Soulbinder is an ancient, very powerful book. It was buried centuries ago to keep it out of the hands of anyone who would use it for evil. Inside lies the key to unlock the souls of the dead, bind them with the living, and allow them to wreak havoc in this realm.”
“And the demon activity in Thornbridge is because the book has been found?” I asked.
“Yes, I believe the book was among the artifacts discovered at the dig site. Which means it’s likely responsible for Professor Roberts’ murder.”
Caden leaned forward in his chair. “You’re probably right, but the book’s missing, and if the demon who attacked Elle was looking for it, then they don’t have it either. So where is it?”
