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There was so much more to it, and Celeste knew it. However, his voice—deep and masculine, and familiar—stirred her deeply, as it always had.
“You have a tendency to meddle,” she replied, “like an old crone who can’t resist dabbling in the affairs of others.”
He laughed softly, easily pushing aside her insult. “Someone has to keep an eye on you, Celeste. Your wayward craft is led by feminine fancies, as if matchmaking can heal the world.”
Bite your lip, she told herself, but it was impossible. “Healing the world was always an alien concept to you. All you want to do is trample it, for the sake of power.”
Tension emanated from the place where he stood. He was letting her feel his will, and his desire.
The age-old attraction hadn’t gone. A ragged sensation ran up her spine as something shifted between them, some balance of power. The magnetic draw was always there, impossible to ignore fully. She just had to control it and not let things go too far. It wasn’t easy. He was an attractive man, and she wanted him. It was easier to ignore in the busy cafe with her brethren around her. Not here in the dark in the place where they had been close—where they’d once been lovers. Ever since their first encounter, many years before, desire wrapped itself around her and melted into her, making her more vital and alive whenever he was around.
No other lover made her feel this way, and that was her burden.
“You look well, Celeste. The years are treating you kindly.”
“A bit of positive energy goes a long way.”
“I agree.” He stepped closer still, insinuating himself into her personal space, claiming some part of her just by being close. Lifting her chin with one finger, he looked deep into her eyes. “What an enigma you are.”
She swallowed. His touch triggered chaos, his very proximity undermining her plans. His eyes flashed silver. She braved herself not to turn away, shielding her innermost thoughts while she met his gaze. He’d sold his soul for those eyes and could see so much more than she could. “Stay out of my business,” she warned.
“It would be foolhardy, when I think you’re acting beyond your reach.”
“You disrespect my efforts, you’ve made no secret of that. It doesn’t bother me. I don’t seek your approval, Fox, not anymore.”
He laughed. “And there was me worrying about you and offering guidance, and you’re still as wild and wary as a feral cat.”
“You bring nothing but conflict to this magical place. That’s why I’m wary.”
He gave an exaggerated sigh. “Can’t we relive old times without you reminding me of my ancient wrongdoings?”
Her back was well and truly up. “We are strong now, without you. We don’t need the viscount to guide us. Why not head off on your travels again and leave us be?”
“The ‘goings on’ caught my attention as I was passing by.”
A likely story. There was more to it.
“Your matchmaking, it irritates me. It’s beneath you.”
“Because you cannot appreciate the quality of affection, of mercy, the humanity I find in people. Is it so alien it makes you scrutinize and ridicule?”
“Occasionally, yes.”
He lowered his eyelids, which gave her cause enough to suspect his motives. Could she trick him into saying more? “Why now? You haven’t been here in years.”
“This girl you toy with, the one I saw you with, she has the gift.”
Celeste faked a laugh. “Afraid of a young woman with potential?”
“Perhaps I need a new apprentice.” He narrowed his eyes and a smile lingered around his mouth.
Celeste’s senses keened. “She is Hanna’s granddaughter. She may have the blood, we don’t know.” It was pointless denying it. He’d already figured it out.
“Hanna was a powerful one. Even an ounce of her blood would give cause for interest.”
“On that we agree, but why do you care? Others have come and gone, or settled within our coven. Why her?”
“I am in search of a young apprentice. My last...failed.”
