I stared at Lena, hating what I was hearing. I’d tried not to get my expectations up, but I couldn’t help but be hopeful. Lena hadn’t been spending as much time at the office lately since she’d recently been out of town, so I’d asked her if she would mind dropping by. I didn’t know whom else to talk to about Zoey.
“But, could it be done at all, if one had the right kind of power?” I knew I sounded desperate, but since the recent events with Zoey two nights ago, my mind had been constantly turning the situation over.
Lena gave her head a shake, her long braid moving like a snake against her back.
“My dear, there is nothing that can’t be done if one has the right power. Of course, that doesn’t always mean it should be done. You have to use careful judgment and discretion.”
I sipped from the steaming mug of coffee sitting on the table before me. Rather than talk in my office, I’d opted to sit in the kitchen. The topic of conversation wasn’t exactly top secret, and just the act of walking into my office made my face flush.
“And control,” I murmured, more to myself than to Lena. “I think I can do it.”
Lena frowned and pressed her lips together into a tight, thin line. “I don’t have to tell you to be careful. You’ve heard it from me more than enough times. But … be careful.”
I smiled at the older lady. Both a witch and a genuine soul, Lena was special in many ways. I always took what she said to heart, though I didn’t always follow her advice. It was much too late for regrets. I was sick of the questions and confusion. Now, I needed to focus on moving forward and taking charge.
“Well,” Lena rose from her seat, rinsing her tea mug in the sink. “If you have any more questions, don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll do my best to help you. I do have some resources I can look into.”
“That would be great. Thanks. I always appreciate your help.”
The sound of the front door opening drew my attention. Jez gave us a quick wave as she passed by the kitchen, chattering away on her cell phone. I considered going to her office to chat with her but decided against it. I wanted to get to The Wicked Kiss by midnight. When Lena was ready to leave, I gathered my things and walked her out to her car. One could never be too safe around our office building.
I gave Lena a friendly hug before watching her little car disappear down the street. I really should have coffee with her more often. We hadn’t been keeping in touch as much as usual lately. I hated that.
No sooner had Lena’s tail lights vanished from sight than oncoming headlights replaced them. Kale’s Camaro was like a loud black shadow against the white, snowy night. Hmm, shit. I hit the unlock button on my car keys but knew I’d never manage to avoid him without looking like a total ass.
Crossing my arms, I leaned against the door of my car, ignoring the way the cold metal cut through the warmth of my long skirt and jacket. I was a little apprehensive but shrugged it off when Kale parked next to me.
“Hey.” I tried my best for casual, hoping I didn’t sound like an actor reading cue cards. “How’s it going? No Wicked Kiss tonight?”
A toss of his head moved a short brown lock of hair out of his eyes, those eerily beautiful eyes. Kale could really enthrall a lot of people with his eyes; he could work them to his advantage, if he wanted to. I couldn’t help but wonder what he’d been like in the beginning, back in his brutal, killer without a care days. Of course, I had no desire to know firsthand.
“No. Not tonight. I have something else to take care of. Something for Veryl. He’s been rather weird and ‘hush hush’ about it. I don’t even have all of the details yet.”
My mind instantly went to Lilah, and the day she’d come storming out of Veryl’s office, refusing to do his dirty work for him. It smacked of something dark and nasty. If a demon as high in rank as she evidently was didn’t want any part in whatever Veryl was up to, I sure as hell hoped Kale wouldn’t either.
“Well…be careful. Maybe it’s none of my business, but Veryl seems to have some shady dealings going on. Don’t let him suck you into anything.”
Kale pocketed his car keys, a frown creasing his brow. “Oh yeah? Like what?”
“I don’t know. You’d have to ask Lilah.”
“Interesting.”
I could see that he was mulling that over in his head so I reached for the door handle of my car. “I should get going. I actually am going to the Kiss tonight. Gotta hold up my end of a bargain.”
“What was that?” Kale cocked his head to the side and raised an eyebrow.
“What?” I didn’t have to pretend not to know what he meant.
“That look in your eyes when you said that. Hold up your end of a bargain. What are you up to, Alexa?”