I drop the glamor spell, the magic dissipating to reveal my true self standing before him.
“Josh,” he growls. “What the hell are you doing?”
Not flinching at his harsh tone, I stare him down. “You’re going to talk to me or I’m marching right into the Iron Pack and demanding a formal audience with you.”
“You’ll end up in the dungeons.” He says it as a warning, but it looks like he’s seriously considering the idea the longer I stand there blocking him.
“Then I’ll tell every single person who interrogates me that I’m not leaving until I talk to my true mate Bane Blackwood.”
His eyes widen. “You’re insane.”
“How else can I get you to talk to me?”
“Haven’t we already said everything we need to?” His fingers tighten around his coffee cup until the lid pops off. “Spare me your excuses.”
“I have none.”
Bane scoffs. “Oh, you don’t feel bad about what you did?”
“That’s the thing,” I say, swallowing hard. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“What? What the hell do you mean?” he grinds out.
“Exactly what I said. I don’t know what’s going on or what you’re talking about. When did I ever break your heart?”
He barks out a laugh, staring at me in disbelief. “This is your plan, playing dumb? Seriously?”
“I’m not playing—wait, that came out wrong. I’m totally in the dark here.” I hold up my hands, pleading. “Explain. Please.”
Bane narrows his eyes. “I don’t believe you.”
“Humor me for a second.”
Who knows how long we stand there blocking the door as he scrutinizes me, hunting for any hint of deception. Long enough that three people need to squeeze past us, so I shift aside and let them through each time.
Bane doesn’t attempt to escape again. The longer I hold my ground without wavering, the more hesitant he becomes.
Finally, he drags a hand through his dark hair and sighs. He takes a long drag from his cup, cooled down enough to avoid scalding his tongue, and dumps the rest.
We walk out together.
This is it. Time to get some answers and find out what the heck is going on with my confusing mate.
~
Josh
“Why are we here?” I ask.
A spacious outdoor courtyard on the edge of Concordia, closer to the Iron territory. Nothing particularly special stands out about the commercial area surrounding the neat courtyard.
“It doesn’t look special now,” he admits. “This is the space the supernatural carnival uses whenever they come into town.”
Oh, he’s right. Without the transformation that takes place during the carnival, I barely recognize the place. Lanterns hang from every stall during the festivities. Prizes for the carnival games float in the air, always hovering just out of reach unless you win.
“I’ve been to the carnival a few times,” I say casually, downplaying my interest.
“You mean you’re here every year,” he corrects instantly. “Probably every night whenever they’re in town.”
