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“Which hybrids,” Jardan asked in a cool tone.
“All the ones who have come to your ranch to be considered for the opportunities you offer,” Keran replied matter-of-factly. “As far as I know, it has only been a first contact through personal messaging, planting the seed, and promising further detail in the not-too-distant future. We had wondered if one of your clients was trying to sway them their way. But your reaction tells me it’s not the case.”
“First off, my clients know better than to contact the candidates directly. All communications go through me,” Jardan said in a clipped tone. “Second, none of my clients would benefit from bringing the hybrids back to Braxia. What else did you hear?”
“Nothing else,” I answered in Keran’s stead. “We had hoped you could shed some light on the matter,” I added, deliberately omitting to mention that Jaek believed the meeting would take place next week.
“Very well. I appreciate you sharing that information. I will do some thorough investigating of my own and keep you updated, if anything turns up,” Jardan said.
“Thank you for that, and for taking the time to speak with us and show us around,” Keran replied in a friendly tone.
“Yes, thank you,” I echoed with a genuine smile. As far as I was concerned—and Keran seemed to share the sentiment—this conversation with the Guldan headhunter had eliminated him as the potential killer.
“My pleasure,” Jardan said, his charming and jovial demeanor coming back to the fore with the ease of years of experience. “Feel free to come back any time, no appointment required. I am almost always here. And if I’m absent, it’s never for long.”
As he escorted us back to our shuttle under the discreetly watchful eye of the hybrids, Vintor walked out of the gauntlet, which he had completed. My stomach dropped as he made a beeline for us with a belligerent expression. Keran stopped to wait for him, his face unreadable.
“The Braxian Prince graces us with his presence. How flattering,” Vintor said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
“Don’t be a dick, Vintor,” I said in a stern voice. “He came all the way here to help us.”
Vintor snorted with disdain. “Seems like too little, too late.”
“You’re still alive, aren’t you? It will be too late when we’re all belly up,” I snapped back. “At least he’s doing something. Do you see anyone else rushing to our rescue? He doesn’t owe us anything.”
“Doesn’t he?” Vintor countered.
“It’s okay, Dawn,” Keran interjected in a soft voice. “He’s right. We haven’t done enough for hybrids. And that needs to be rectified.”
Vintor stiffened, taken aback by this response. He’d undoubtedly expected Keran to aggressively put him back in his place. With all the men having stopped their training to see what was happening, I suspected he had wanted to show that purebloods were still bullies who had no respect or consideration for us.
“I understand you have regular meetings in Genxia,” Keran continued. “I would love to take advantage of the next one to meet with all of you. It would not only allow us to discuss these murders, but also to discuss the status of every hybrid and what we can do for you.”
Jardan’s face closed upon hearing those words. The last thing he needed was for Keran to snag the hybrids from under him when another unknown rival was already trying the same in the shadows.
Vintor hesitated, further taken aback by that unexpected offer. “We’ll think on it,” he finally said in a haughty tone before glancing at me with something akin to betrayal mixed with something else I couldn’t define.
It took every last shred of my willpower not to roll my eyes at this pathetic attempt at a display of power. Keran could chew him up and spit him out without breaking a sweat while simultaneously combing his lustrous hair.
Probably feeling like he’d had the last word, Vintor spun on his heel and sauntered off, bunching his muscles to make himself appear bigger than he was. This time, I didn’t resist the urge to roll my eyes. While Keran maintained a neutral expression, I was starting to know him well enough to recognize the sliver of amusement in his eyes. It reminded me of the way a massive dog would look at a tiny one yapping away like it thought it could scare anyone.
After a last nod to Jardan, Keran headed for our shuttle. I followed quietly, a million thoughts rushing through my mind.
Even though this meeting had not yielded the new lead I had hoped for, it at least helped clarify a few things. But tomorrow would make nine days since the last body was found, which meant a new victim would be discovered.
Chapter 11
Dawn
Tagar got us airborne as soon as we’d taken our seats. The way Keran observed me immediately made me want to squirm. Aside from his usual intensity, the speculative glimmer in his eyes had me wondering what the heck was going through his mind.
“I’m sorry about Vintor,” I said at last to break the silence. “Even though it may not show right now, the hybridswantyour help. They’ve just suffered so much at the hand of purebloods that they are lashing out, especially Vintor. He’s always been loud.”
“There’s no need for you to apologize. I know his type,” Keran said calmly. “They make the most noise and complain endlessly but contribute the least to finding a solution.”
“I couldn’t have described him more accurately,” I said with a nervous laugh.
“He also wants you,” Keran said in a factual manner.
