"I'm saying my goodbyes, to my actual friends," I growled finding strength in my anger as the shock dropped away.
"They're coming in, Alden has agreed that since the killer is now stepping up the killings, it's best if we keep your small group here to go out as needed with a speed we can only achieve if everyone drives out together," his eyes hadn't left mine yet.
I fisted my hand remembering the warning that he'd been in trouble before my other senses had kicked in to warn me of my own coven's immediate danger. If he was close and in trouble when the coven was around—they'd be safe. As much as it sucked, it was ideal and plus I'd get to keep them close.
"Fine, but they'll need to go back to town and pack a bag or two," I mumbled waiting for him to move away from blocking my escape from the van.
"Zahruk will accompany them into town, first we need to get the details down while they are fresh," he challenged. His eyes probing mine as if I'd argue to go with them. I'd argue anything with him—after I had a freaking nap.
"You intend to hold the meeting here in the van?" I looked down and instantly regretted it as I took in his muscular form, I brought my eyes back up level with his, "Or you gonna move so we can get to it?"
He stepped back but just barely. I hopped out feeling every muscle scream in protest as I did so. Stupid bomb. Stupid Fae. Stupid killer. And oh, what a stupid day! I swallowed the cry that threatened to push past my lips and slid the vans door open to grab my bags, gritting my teeth as I hefted them onto my shoulder.
"Syn, I'll get them," Adam said stepping from the van and reaching for the bags. Ryder was closer and faster.
"I have them. They need to be searched for weapons before I will allow them inside the mansion."
The property was huge. In the center of the drive in front of the mansion, a giant fountain merrily cascaded water out down the pile of round black rocks it was built from. Runes. The ancient lettering on the flat smooth surface were runes, written in what I assumed was Fae. It had been just light enough outside to see what the mansion was a light color and a few stories tall but other than that it had been impossible to make out the details.
"Protection runes from Faery." Zahruk said coming up to stand in front of the group walking to the house. Ryder handed off the bags to Zahruk, holding them for a moment as they met and locked eyes briefly. I knew something silent had passed between them.
I watched his back as he took off towards the large entryway that was well-lit considering without the lights of the city it was darker than it would normally be at this time of night. I scanned the threshold as we approached.
To the naked eye it would look welcoming, but with my second sight still up, I could see the highlighted glowing marks of the wards the Fae had placed around the property that kept anyone wishing to harm them out. Similar to the ones inside my bedroom, but these ones were a lot stronger. These ones wouldn’t just hurt you, they'd kill you.
"Drop the wards," I growled feeling fear for my coven.
"They stay up," Ryder said guarding his expressions closely.
I turned, looking at the faces behind me and shook my head. I was so sick of this day that I just wanted it over already. "You two okay?" I asked quietly knowing it would be heard by everyone around me.
"It's okay Syn, don’t plan on killing anyone today," Adam said with a smile and an impish wink.
I yawned waiting for Larissa to answer and when she finally nodded I turned and stepped through the door. I felt the slight sizzle as the spell tested my mind to check for hidden threats. I don’t know who was more disappointed that it let me through, Ryder, or me.
I turned, shaking my head, waiting for Adam and Larissa to follow. When both had been approved by the warding spells, I turned and took in the mass of stairways that led through the upper floors.
The entryway in which we stood was lighted on a major scale that made my pockets hurt just considering the electric bill this place must have cost every month. Funny how growing up can change your opinion of being afraid or the dark and afraid of the bills.
The place looked sterile even though it was beautiful. Rich cream colors covered the walls, a wide staircase sat about thirty or so feet in that led to the upper levels. A settee sat in the middle of the room made of deep chocolate brown suede, with standing lights on either side of it, probably so you could sit while waiting for the prince to get off his arse and make an appearance.
As we moved closer to the stairs I looked up, taking in the magnificent wrap around balconies that circled the third floor. The layout was open, so you could see everything from the landing. This place was huge and I felt for the maid whoever she was.