Yet after being with him for just two short nights, she couldn’t imagine her life without him.
As she shut the hair-dryer off, she stared at herself in the mirror, her green eyes wide. A sheen of tears blurred her vision. Was it possible she was actually falling in love for the very first time?
CHAPTER FIVE
Zane loved to fly, just as much as Olivia enjoyed shifting and taking off on long runs.
With Olivia in his arms, he flew south, though remaining close to t
he Arundel Mountains. She wore a fresh pair of jeans and a light green, long-sleeved sweater.
The shifter lodge, near Donegal Springs, was located in the north of the range, while the Guild anchored the southern portion. He liked that two of his most powerful allies took up different parts of the Arundels.
As they reached the outskirts of the Guild land, Olivia said, “They’ve got an extensive farm and greenhouse up here. I’m impressed.”
“Our Guild is a bit different from most other realms because it resembles more of an artist’s retreat than anything else. A couple hundred women live here year round, studying and serving in the community. It’s a well-oiled machine.
“The Ruby Fae – Regan – lives on a separate property a few hundred yards distant, surrounded by brick walls and enclosed formal gardens. She has several guest cottages on her estate as well. Fae females come from all over the Nine Realms to serve her during an intensive mentorship. When I called earlier to arrange the meeting, she expressed a desire to see you.”
“Really? I wonder why? I mean, I’m not exactly a notable.”
“Apparently, she had a vision about you. But that’s all she said and no amount of coaxing on my part prompted her to elaborate.”
He set her down near the formal walkway that led to the front door. The path was lined on either side by carefully pruned rose trees.
Olivia turned in a slow circle, frowning slightly.
“What is it?”
“I’m feeling a vibration all around here,” she said.
Zane checked the skies again. “Regan keeps a spell in place to prevent the Invictus from locating the Guild. The charms are specifically oriented to the wraith-pairs otherwise we’d never have found this place.”
“Makes sense. I’m guessing Margetta considers Regan an enemy.”
“I’m sure she does.” He drew his cell from his pocket, but before making the call, he said, “I have to contact Mastyr Ian of Camberlaune. I’m going to need him as back-up.”
Olivia nodded, taking in the garden.
Zane made his call and the brother’s voice hit him like a punch. “What’s doin’, Zane?” Ian always had an edge.
Zane gave him a quick rundown and before he even asked, Ian said, “Where do you want me and when?”
Some of the tension eased from Zane’s body. He could count on Ian just as he could count on any of the mastyrs of the Nine Realms. “Can you meet me at the Fae Guild in the Arundels, sooner the better?”
There was a long, strange pause. “Sure.”
“You know where it is, right?”
“Of course. I was there a few centuries ago. I wouldn’t forget it.”
Zane sensed some history, but it was hardly the time to walk down memory lane. He settled on seeing Ian within the hour, then returned his cell to his pocket.
He took Olivia’s hand, intending to lead her up the path to the arched portico, when the door opened and Regan appeared. She paused on the threshold for a moment, then headed down the path toward them. She wore a short, black leather jacket, snug jeans, and black leather, ankle boots. Smoky, violet eye-shadow fanned toward arched brows and her lips were a soft mauve color. She looked like a U.S. runway model.
Well, Olivia pathed. Not what I would have expected.
What were you expecting? Zane asked.