“Yes, he’s told me this version of events, and he’s also droned on and on about how the source was stolen from our family.” Shade lifted his hand, palm up, in a version of an odd shrug, then let it fall back to his lap. “He wants it back for all the wrong reasons. As do all the members of the Council. Which brings me back to the need for change.”
Zeph chose that moment to enter with a tray of food. He set it down on the coffee table and fixed his gaze on Shade. “You have my attention, Shade. Elaborate on your suggestions for change.”
Of course Zeph would want to entertain this nonsense.
This time Aflora allowed me to lift her off my lap and into the space beside me. Zeph took the spot on her opposite side, his forearms going to his sprawled thighs as he leaned forward to focus on Shade.
“Well?” my Guardian prompted.
Shade studied him for a long moment. “Did you enjoy being demoted to headmaster as a result of your sexual shenanigans?”
Zeph merely smirked. “Nice try at evasion. Tell me your ideas for change.”
“It’s not my ideas that will matter,” he replied cryptically. “It’s our mate’s.”
Aflora had been staring intently at the tray of food, but Shade’s words pulled her gaze sideways. I stretched my arm out across the back of the couch so my fingertips could lightly brush her shoulder. It was a natural move, similar to Zeph widening his legs to ensure his thigh touched hers.
Shade noticed but didn’t comment. Nor did he seem bothered by it. Actually, he appeared almost content with the possessive display, as if it satisfied some part of him.
“I will never understand you,” I decided out loud.
Mischief danced in his features. “You will. One day. Just not today.” He looked at Aflora. “I’ll see you in your dreams later, little rose.” And then he disappeared into smoke once more.
“I hate when he does that,” I said, irritated as hell.
“Which part?” Zeph asked. “Accusing your family of hoarding magic, or the vanishing act?”
“Both,” I admitted on a huff. “He’s infur—”
“Is that dragon steak?” Aflora’s attention was on the tray again, her blue eyes wide.
I followed her gaze to the dark gray meat surrounded by leaves. The other two plates just had sandwiches. I assumed one of those was meant for me, the other for Zeph. Shade was definitely not on our guest list, despite being able to get past my gargoyle. Which was a discussion I’d need to have with Sir Kristoff later because I hadn’t given approval for the Death Blood to enter at will.
“Yeah, with salad patty,” Zeph replied, palming the back of his neck. “Kols asked Sol for some meal suggestions since you’re not fond of our meals. This was what he recommended.”
“He also told us to get you some scurbuttle snacks,” I added. “After he left, Cyrus informed me that would be a bad idea and suggested I stick to dragon steak. He also recommended I not give you bacon.”
“Bacon?” she repeated.
“Yeah. I guess it’s like troll fat?”
Her eyes rounded in horror. “Why would you eat troll fat?”
“I wouldn’t.”
“Then wh
y eat bacon?”
I shook my head. “It’s not the same, it’s just… Never mind. He recommended dragon steak. So.” I waved to the plate as if to say, There it is.
“I hope I cooked it right,” Zeph mused. “Reminded me of beef, so I grilled it the same way.”
That explained why it took him so long to prepare the food. “What kind of sandwiches did you make us?”
“Turkey and cheese,” he replied. “I added mayo to yours since you like it.” He grimaced with the comment, causing me to grin.
I covered my heart with my hand, my other arm still draped over Aflora’s shoulder. “You do love me, Z.”