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“She’s unpredictable,” Ursula continued, ignoring her. “And her reputation precedes her.”
Pearl’s back stiffened and her voice went soft. “What reputation?”
She knew what: a party animal, a free spirit, a bossy bitch to many. A man-eater, one who didn’t care about anything other than sex and having a good time. It galled that not committing to a relationship wasn’t seen as problematic on others, only on her, and that a fellow female would bring it up here.
“You know what,” Ursula shot back.
“Why don’t you elaborate on it, Mrs. Tiempo?”
Ursula sputtered, looking around for support and seemingly motivated when she spotted a male council member nodding encouragingly.
“The task needs dedication and you’re always in bars and…out.”
“Wait, so is it in or out?”
Ursula blinked. “I meant…”
“Come on now, Mrs. Tiempo. Tell us what you mean.”
Ursula’s nostrils flared while Pearl narrowed her gaze. John looked ready to break up whatever was brewing, but the double doors opened before anyone could make a move. Footsteps clicked and she glimpsed two figures passing her on their way to the Council seats. Her body stilled.
“I’m sorry I’m late. Some matters needed priority and Gunther needed to accompany me.”
The voice was low and smooth. It was also clipped and no-nonsense as if the owner couldn’t be bothered wasting time on pleasantries. She glimpsed Gunther first, dressed in the same attire he had been in earlier and smiling at the Council—obviously eager for those pleasantries. But the man beside him went straight for a chair and frowned at Gunther until Gunther hastily found a seat too. Silence filled the space.
If Gunther was the clan’s prince charming, then this man was the beast. Ironically, Henry Lyra was the eldest of the sons and poised to take over the clan when the time came, starting with his attendance of Council stuff instead of his grandparents. The visible shift in the atmosphere had her biting back a shiver—Henry’s aura at work, one that told everyone who was in charge. Trepidation slithered in her stomach.
John didn’t share the sentiment, relieved to have them there. He gestured.
“Ah, here are the two best suited to discuss the task, Miss Sutton.” Her eyes widened, but John didn’t notice. “If you may, Henry and Gunther?”
Henry didn’t say a word. He didn’t even look in her direction, as if he couldn’t be bothered. Pearl bit back a hiss, then glanced when Gunther cleared his throat. The man sounded as polite as ever when he spoke.
“My family needs to hire a witch or a warlock, one who could investigate a clan issue we have at discretion. You were recommended multiple times. I can’t say I know you enough considering I have never dealt with your lot on a personal level, so I thought a Council proposal would be the best avenue.”
The nerve. Thenerve.Never dealt with them? The man who secretly dated and slept with her sister? The man who offered marriage to Emerald, only to dump her later and pretend she didn’t exist? Rage simmered in her belly, threatening to jump out. The word was out of her mouth before she could mull over it.
“No.”
It was short, firm, and final. Several heads turned to ogle her at her response, but her gaze was fixed on the brothers. Only Gunther watched her, disbelief in his features.
“No?”
“No. I can’t accept the offer.”
There was a hiss, then Ursula was glaring at her as if indignant for the Lyras. “You refuse such an honorable offer?”
“I decline the offer for personal reasons,” Pearl corrected.
“I thought you were ready for anything.”
Oh, this woman. Pearl took a deep, inward breath and channeled calm.
“I am, but I just realized I have some things to do.”
Gunther frowned. “Some things…to do.”
“Yes. Is it an emergency?”
