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Blaine and Erin left the temple, the tension from their confrontation with Maria lingering between them. As they stepped outside, Jake pulled up in Blaine’s sleek black car, the rumble of its engine purring like a satisfied cat. Erin glanced at her arm, where Enigma had settled as a snake tattoo. The intricate pattern seemed to writhe with a life of its own, making her shiver.
Blaine opened the door to his car and held it open for Erin. She climbed in, and he followed suit, shutting the door softly after him. In the quiet darkness of the interior, he turned to her, his voice low and serious. “Erin, we have to talk about what happened back there. What do you think Althea meant bythe return of what’s rightfully ours?”
Erin shook her head in disbelief. “I can’t even guess. I’ve read enough of the old fairy tales and fantastical novels about the fae to have the basic idea that the fae are vengeful, but they rarely explain why. How much of those stories are based on reality?”
Blaine pushed his hand through his hair. “I’m not sure. It’s been generations since their kind walked this plane. I’m sure the city archives have something, which would be where we could start. Luckily for us, the archives just happen to be next door to where we’re headed.”
Erin shifted her position on the seat and looked up into his eyes. “I could also ask Meri about it,” she replied. “She and her daemon friends might have access to fae lore that we don’t.”
“She might indeed. How do you know the summoner?”
“Oh, I ran into Meri right after Dionysos did, well, whatever he did to me. She’s famous in certain circles, and I’d thought she might help me out. She explained that god-touched individuals are outside of her expertise, but she offered her aid if I needed it. Despite her reputation for having a swarm of daemons at her disposal, she’s proved to have a compassionate heart.”
Blaine nodded and then looked out the car window at the darkened streets of the city, pondering their next move as they drove through the early pre-dawn toward their destination. Blaine had recognized Meri’s name when they met; by her reputation, she was feared and respected in equal measures. He’d never used a summoner’s daemons to reach his goals, but he knew plenty who had and knew the high costs that came with it. Blaine made a mental note to dig into the daemon summoner’s past a little.
“I’m glad Meri came to your aid, but I wish Maria hadn’t been there to see the daemons. Or the fae, to be honest.”
Erin nodded and sighed, her brow furrowing. “It must be my temple,” she muttered, looking out the window.
Blaine’s expression darkened as he considered this new information. “Do you think that’s why the fae have returned?” he asked.
Erin nodded sadly. “I don’t know for sure, but something drew them back and I think it might be because of me,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “They want something from me, and whatever it is, it must be important enough for them to make the journey here from their realm.”
Blaine reached over and gave Erin’s hand a reassuring squeeze. He was determined to figure out what the fae were after and protect Erin from whatever danger they posed.
“We’ll get answers in the archives,” Blaine said decisively. “We can start there and see what else we can find out about your temple regarding the fae. Maybe then we’ll have some idea of why they’re coming back and what they’re after.”
Erin smiled gratefully at him before turning her gaze back onto the passing scenery outside their car window.
Blaine sighed, and took another long, appraising look at the wild woman in the seat beside him. “You’re proving yourself a force to be reckoned with, Erin.”
“I’m aware I have a lot to prove,” she replied. “But I’m doing the best I can with the situation, and I want the council to know that my goal is to make things better for everyone.”
“The council has its own agenda,” Blaine said, his voice heavy with disappointment. “I used to think they were working for the greater good, but seeing your dedication to improving the lives of ordinary people has made me rethink their motivations.”
Erin looked at him, clearly surprised by his change of heart. “So, what do we do now? What happens if the council passes this no-confidence vote?”
Blaine took a deep breath, steeling himself. “Then I’ll no longer be Mayor. I’d still be on the council. I’m too powerful for them to oust me there, but they’d call for new candidates for the position. If that happens, you need to nominate yourself.”
“Are you really suggesting I...”
“I am,” Blaine said, feeling a surge of conviction in his words. “If I can’t be in charge, I’d rather have you leading than any of the other council members.”
Erin’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Me? Blaine, I don’t want to be mayor. I’m just trying to help the people, not rule the city.”
He met her gaze steadily, his expression unyielding. “But that’s precisely why you should take up the mantle. If the council ousts me in the no-confidence vote, you’re powerful enough to claim the title. If you don’t prove your strength, they’ll keep coming for you until they force you out.”
Erin’s cheeks flushed with a combination of embarrassment and admiration. “But it’s not just about power. You really think I could do it?”
“Yes,” he replied without hesitation, his eyes never leaving hers as he savored the moment between them. He felt himself leaning in toward her and his gaze traced hungrily over her lips. His heart beat faster and he could sense her breath quicken as she leaned closer, and suddenly their lips were locked in an impassioned embrace that seemed to last for eternity.
The taste of Erin’s lips was like ambrosia, intoxicating and addictive, and Blaine wanted nothing more than to stay there forever. He ran his hands along her curves and savored the feel of her body against him, as their mouths moved together with a fiery intensity that sent sparks through his veins. He fought against the urge to give himself over to the bliss that was overwhelming him as he struggled to contain his desire for her. He knew they were in a car being driven by Jake, and it was only his awareness of their chauffeur that prevented him from giving into temptation entirely.
Before they knew it, the vehicle had stopped, and the council meeting was upon them. They pulled away from one another, neither of them eager to depart. Erin’s eyes smoldered with unspoken desire as she whispered throatily, “We should continue this later.” To which Blaine could only nod fervently in agreement before they stepped out of the car and made their way toward the council chambers, hand in hand. With every step he took, he felt his determination grow stronger, because he knew that when this was all over, he would have Erin by his side. Come what may. Even if it meant fighting for her every step of the way.
He couldn’t bear to let go of her hand as they walked together and couldn’t help but feel aroused by her proximity once more; wanting nothing more than to sweep her off her feet right then and there, but knowing he had to wait until later when they were alone again before he could satisfy all his desires fully. Blaine resolved himself to savor every moment with Erin until that time came.
CHAPTER52
