When Maya broke away, Harper was panting, and it was only in part because of a lack of oxygen.
“Hi,” Maya said, eyes glinting and her smile wide. Harper returned it with no hesitation.
“Hi.”
She wanted to say more. So much more. To put words to the strange feelings coursing through her body. But before she could even attempt it, Maya’s eyes drifted to the side. She carefully set Harper down and twirled a lock of pink hair between her fingers.
“When did you do this?”
Heat rose in Harper’s face. She’d completely forgotten about that. Had been too preoccupied by Maya’s presence, and now she looked so surprised that it was impossible to glean any other emotion from her expression.
“A few hours ago. I like dyeing my hair, so…” It took a ridiculous amount of effort not to lower her eyes. “Do you like it?”
Maya kept staring for another long moment. Then her smile returned, even brighter than before.
“I love it. You look amazing.”
That didn’t exactly help the heat gathering in her face. In fact, it did the opposite. Her flustered silence was saved from being awkward when someone cleared their throat.
Angela was standing a few feet away, arms crossed and brow raised.
“Hey, Angela,” Maya chuckled. She put her arm around Harper’s waist. “Thank you for showing Harper the way. Much appreciated.”
“Uh-huh.” Angela glanced towards Harper, lips pursed. “It was actually to my benefit. She’s sharp, so you better be careful. Otherwise, I’ll steal her for my gaggle ofapprentices.”
“Oh, you don’t want that,” Harper said quickly. “I caught a glimpse of what you were doing before. That’s really not my thing.”
“Shame. You’d be good at it, I think.” Angela smirked at Maya. “When you’re done being publicly gross, you should show her around. There’s plenty to see. Such as that cabin you stayed at when you were in St. Louis.”
Maya looked up at the graying sky. “That’s kind of out of the way.”
“Yes, it is. And if you leave now, you can show her that cabin for a couple of hours before Aleksander wakes up.” Angela shrugged and inspected her nails. “Just a thought. That’s all.”
She turned on her heel and walked back down the forest path. Only seconds later, after exchanging glances, Maya and Harper hurried past her. As they ran back towards the heart of the outpost, light laughter could be heard behind them.
Chapter 28
The problem with causing trouble was that it had consequences.
They had wasted no time at all getting to the hunting cabin, hurrying back to Harper’s car, and driving the few minutes it took to get to the place. A small, secluded residence a couple of miles from the outpost.
It was one of several safe houses the Chains had established near the border. Though tiny, the place had all the necessary amenities. Bedroom, bathroom, electric heater in case working the fireplace was beyond your skill set.
Maya had explained how the safe houses worked on the short drive. Other than the high-rise and a few other buildings, all Chains property was owned by human members of the Court. Most supernatural creatures needed an invitation to enter a human residence, and since all members of the Chains were allowed access while outsiders were not, it effectively turned these safe houses into minor fortresses, fit with everything a supernatural creature might need. Emergency field kits, a basement for vampires to wait out the day, and stores of various types of food—including bags of blood.
Maya hadn’t dwelled on those particular details, and Harper hadn’t pried. She hadn’twantedto pry. She had been far too distracted by the allure a private, isolated cabin like this represented.
But then they’d stepped inside. And she was promptly faced with the consequences of her own actions.
“This issonot fair.” Harper had been kneeling on the floor,naked, for several minutes at that point. “I spent hours driving out here, andthisis your grand plan? You could at least tell me how long this will last.”
“Getting bored already?”
Maya’s amused voice came from the corner of the room. Harper couldn’t see her, since the first thing Maya had done after stripping Harper out of her clothes was tie a blindfold over her eyes, but going by the chuckling and rummaging noises, Maya was busy going through the things Harper had brought.
“Yes, I’mbored.” Harper crossed her arms with a huff. “How long is this going to take?”
“I’m not telling you that. But I will tell you not to move. Otherwise, there will be consequences.”
