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I realised now that we were in his basement. It was warm, the brick walls painted white and our friends slept on their backs on thick rugs. A large wooden bookcase filled one wall from floor to ceiling, whilst tables scattered around the side filled with ampules, phials, various metallic mixing bowls and jars of herbs. I gasped as something thin and string-like suddenly moved within its jar, twisting and writhing. I wasn’t sure I wanted to know what it was.
Luke strode over to a staircase and headed up, Lycaon followed.
Glancing over my shoulder, two more archways led to other rooms down here. I guessed this was where he performed his magic.
A dragon shifter who practises magic. Hot indeed. Let alone his adventures in the bedroom with the vampire.
As for the weird stuff in the jars, yeah, maybe not so hot.
No. Concentrate…
I guessed feeling safe had unleashed a slew of emotions. And their scent, and the looks of these two, well, I had to force my mind on the matter at hand. And ignore the rushing heat that swelled through my core.
As if reading my mind, Lycaon turned slightly at the bottom of the stairs, his eyes locked with mine as he smiled. Then he stood back on the step and held out his hand, gently ushering me before him.
My heart skittered and heat pooled through me as he watched, his eyes drinking me up as I edged past him, his hand brushing mine.
I followed Luke through a bright hallway and through to his kitchen. Take away containers filled the sink drainer; two empty bottles of red wine and his clothes were strewn over the backs of dining chairs that lined a kitchen breakfast bar.
Luke grabbed the kettle and filled it up. Turning quickly he said, “It’s early. Why don’t you two grab a wash, you especially, Lycaon, smell like you haven’t showered in a century. And catch a rest. I’ll grab a drink, do the same then start the clearing on our friends. This council, if it’s witchcraft, I doubt they’ll hold it in the day.”
My shoulders sank, tiredness now pulling me down. “Oh, you have no idea how much that appeals to me, but no. There’s no time like the present. In fact, if this council doesn’t sit until tonight, getting there early could be our advantage. But I’d like to wash my hands. And drink coffee, the stronger the better.”
Lycaon piped in, “I had a shower at Marrock’s earlier. Before the attack. So thanks for the comment. Some jeans wouldn’t go amiss though.”
Luke shrugged. “Sure. You’ll find some in my drawers in the bedroom. Elsa, there’s take-out in the fridge, I highly recommend it. Can’t fight on an empty stomach.”
Lycaon nodded to me, “I’ve eaten, thanks. Elsa?”
I tried to hide my frown. What had he eaten, a human? As a wolf?
“No. I’m hungry but I can’t face it.”
Luke stepped over, put his hands on mine as I leaned against his messy breakfast bar. “Look, have some soup or rice. You need something in your stomach.”
Pushing past him, Lycaon pulled himself up, then stood in his place. His shoulders tense. “He’s right. I feel better after the steak Marrock cooked for me. You should eat.”
Phew!
“Rice then, thanks. With soy sauce?”
Grinning, Luke nodded. “I have some in the fridge. Go clean up, lovey.”
I noticed that last word, Lycaon tensed again and glared atLuke, but Luke had turned around making the coffee.
“Where’s the bathroom?”
Luke spun back around. “Up the stairs, last on the right. You can’t miss it, it’s the room with the bath in it.”
I rolled my eyes, nodded and headed up, leaving Lycaon still burning a hole with his eyes at Luke as Luke busied himself making coffee and getting rice out from the fridge.
On the next floor I had to pass by several rooms. His home was quite large, a Victorian terrace and the bay windows spilled in light. A heady scent of wood and sweet frankincense filled the landing. Passing by Luke’s bedroom had me stop in my tracks.
The door was thrown wide open, bed clothes a mess, but gleaming above the bed, the ceiling had a mirror.Really? He liked to watch himself…
I spluttered a laugh, imagining. How vain. Or kinky.
On the bed posts hung silver chains with handcuffs and as I carefully peered forward, though careful not to step inside the dragon's lair, there were blobs of dried candle wax on the pillows.
