Page 48

Frequently, he looks to Rev for reassurance.

The way she glances at the kitchen chairs and he immediately takes a seat tells me he’s used to taking orders from her, and that he likes it.

Each to their own, I guess.

I like it when Nova goads me, pisses me off, gets fiery and brattish.

Not sure I’d like her telling me what to do.

Still, maybe we should try it some time.

“Luther? Are you listening?” Annalise meets my eyes, temper flaring, but not in a sexy way. More like a disgruntled second grade teacher.

“Yep.” I flop down into a seat beside Nico while Sam moves to stand beside his brother, resting a hand briefly on his shoulder.

“You all know the trouble we’ve been having with the AMA.”

“Really? I’d missed that,” I quip, unable to stop myself being sarcastic because, frankly, I’m pissed that the Bureau is doing sweet fuck all to help us get those rednecks away from the barrier.

Annalise shoots me a withering stare.

“We’ve believed for a while that Tobias and his gang out there are little more than a distraction technique. All theatrics and noise. Diverting the world’s attention while the big guns concoct something else behind the scenes.”

“Something else?” Nico leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees. He looks tired. How many hours has he been working for the Bureau these past weeks? Does he ever get a break? Perhaps he thinks if he slays enough demons, he’ll be able to atone for his past. For what he is.

Annalise leans back against Rev’s countertop, catches Rev raising an unimpressed eyebrow at her, then stands up straight and rests her hands on her hips instead. “A weapon has become available on the dark magick circuit.”

Weapon? Now I’m paying attention.

“We believe there is going to be a bidding war. An auction. The Anti Magick Alliance will be doing their best to get their hands on it.”

“What kind of weapon?” Sam asks, folding his arms.

Annalise tucks her hair behind her ear and sighs. She looks tired too. “Have any of you heard of the Scepter of Dissolution?”

25

NOVA

My pulse is still thudding with adrenaline when I return to the hotel.

I wanted to say yes.

When the geeky British guy with the hot glasses and the weird knowledge of demons asked me for coffee, I wanted to say yes.

But I didn’t because all I could think about was finding Kole.

Except, I didn’t find him.

Now, it’s nearly three a.m., I’m exhausted, and he is still missing.

I take the stairs up to our floor, and round the corner, key in hand. Ready to flop down on my bed and sleep the worry away.

“You locked me out, Little Star.” His voice sends a shockwave of relief through my body. He’s leaning against the doorframe, tall and brooding and perfect.

I run to him and tuck myself into his arms. “Where did you go?”

“Where did you go?”