“Valentino feels the things happening in his territory are similar to what’s happening in mine,” I continued. “And he’s not wrong. So we’ve agreed to a temporary truce between us that involves fluid information exchange.”
Zane took a moment to process everything I’d said before saying, “He said the culprit has no aura. Angel or Nephilim?”
“I’m leaning toward a Nephilim, considering Ashemdai’s audit request specifically included them.”
Zane raised a brow. “That is odd. You think he knows more than he’s letting on?”
Guinevere yawned. “Yep.”
I trailed my palm up her bare arm, smiling. Even while blissed out on sex, she still listened and processed details. So much for my thought that she was asleep.
“What makes you say that, little one?” I asked her, curious about what she’d add to the conversation.
“The whole Kay situation,” she mumbled. “And his tick tock comment.”
“His what?” I glanced at Zane questioningly. “What did he say?”
“Tick tock, succubus,” Guinevere singsonged. “Me. I’m the succubus.”
I chuckled. “Yes, very aware of that, darling.” I kissed her temple, then met Zane’s gaze again. “I agree that he knows more than he’s letting on. And it’s becoming clear that something nefarious is happening with these power shifts.”
Zane propped his head up on his hand, allowing him to see me more easily over Guinevere. “His audit, as well as the lack of auras involved, do lend credence to the theory that Nephilim are involved.”
“Yes. However, Valentino thinks it’s an angel in his realm toying with demons. He said there are likely those in heaven who disagree with our kind having taken over Earth. While I agree, I struggle to accept that Heaven would involve itself in such tedious affairs. Which leads me to wonder about the Nephilim who are neglected by their angelic parents.”
Zane nodded. “And with Guinevere being closely tied to the Dark Provenance, there are definitely Nephilim aware of her relationship with you.”
“Relationship?” she repeated, frowning. “No relationship.”
“We absolutely havea relationship,” I countered. “And we have for years. It’s what made you a target. Because those with Dark Provenance are aware of my favor toward you.” I hadn’t thought about that connection before as I hadn’t truly considered the possibility of Nephilim causing these issues, but putting it all together now, it made sense that one of them might be involved. Especially with the revelation of what was happening in Lord Valentino’s territory.
Someone had compelled his demons to act.
And then wiped their memories of it afterward.
Fascinating, in a dark, dangerous way.
“Which Nephilim do you know?” I asked Guinevere, my thumb drawing along her chin to capture and hold her focus.
She blinked. “Nephilim? I mean, Gleason.”
I exchanged looks with Zane.
“Oh no,” she said, some of her blissful fog fading. Her warmth vanished from my skin as she sat up, and I fought the immediate urge to yank her back into place beside me, where she belonged. She gathered the sheets around her chest and turned to face us, her expression hard. “Absolutely not. Don’t bring Gleason into this.”
Ah, there’s my feisty succubus.I rather liked this developing side of her. When she’d hit me earlier, I’d nearly stripped her and fucked her against the wall. But Valentino had ruined my fun.
“He’s a Nephilim,” Zane pointed out, though his tone lacked accusation with it.
“He’s also had access to your life for years,” I added. “He knows your habits, and he knows your weaknesses.”
Guinevere shook her head. “Gleason has nothing to do with this. Not with my predicament, and not with whatever craziness is happening with the power shifts. I trust him, and so does Eve. So if you don’t believe me, at least believe her.”
I reached for her, cupping her cheek. “I trust your judgment,” I said sternly, needing her to hear that. Evangeline agreeing with Gleason’s innocence would only further bolster my faith in the assessment, but Guinevere’s opinion mattered just as much, if not more.
“He isn’t behind this,” she whispered as I sat up to face her. “Gleason wouldn’t hurt me like this. I know him, my lord. He wouldn’t—”
“Shh,” I hushed her, my thumb tracing her lower lip. “I believe you.”
