“You found it!”
Cara nodded. “The clue was that Sebastian gave it to someone. Horn dust is valuable, and sometimes used as currency. When I made inquiries, Tyrez told me he’d given it to Jacques.”
The Satyr sat at the table. His arms were crossed, and his expression unusually sullen. His chin jutted as he growled, “He gave it to me as payment for services rendered.” His dark eyes flashed as he glared at Cara.
“This is Sebastian’s only hope, Jacques,” Cara stated, rearranging the crystals.
The Satyr squirmed. “Yes. Well, I just wish someone would appreciate that the services have already been rendered. So I am substantially out of pocket.”
“We’re talking about a life, mate,” Matt growled.
I can smooth this out,I said.
By doing what?His glare transferred to me.
Just concentrate on creative scale dynamics for a moment, okay?
Mental muttering along the link, asI shot him a look before sitting down beside Jacques. The Satyr eyed me, but the lines around his mouth softened.
“If there was another way, we’d take it,” I said, leaning closer to him.
The Satyr’s brows twitched, and the eyes that regarded me had regained a familiar sparkle. “I have a way for you to make it up to me,Mademoiselle.”
Matt growled.
“You know you are irresistible, Jacques. But if I even so much as touch you, I am afraid that Matt would be forced to shred you. So you see, it is wiser for us to remain just friends.” I smiled at him. “And friends help each other. I really, really need your help.”
Jacques sighed. “Very well. For you,Ma Chérie.” His gaze rose to Cara’s. “I can tell she has Satyr genes. She’s just had her way with me. I am like putty in her hands.”
Cara snorted. “Well, I for one am glad. I was getting tired of the whining.”
I stared at the horn, and my heart sank. It looked so dull, no longer shining with power. “Is it—” I swallowed. “Will it work?”
“It is close to dissolution,” Bess said with a shake of her head. “Cara and I will pump life essence into it, and the crystals should hold it for now. Another day, and we would have been too late.”
Jacques pushed himself to his feet. “Believe it or not, I do wish you success,” he said, “But if you don’t gate me back to my vehicle—there will be two Dragons rather upset with me. This has delayed me for two hours, as it is.”
Bess snorted. “I will take him back.”
“Is Talakai on to something?” Cara asked.
Jacques shrugged. “Who knows. But considering his skill set, I would rather not test his patience.”
He was helping Talakai? “Is he okay?”
Did I catch a glimmer of sympathy in his dark eyes? “Okay enough that I don’t want him mad at me,” he said with a smile. “He is good,mademoiselle.”
I stared after them as he and Bess left, and Matt turned to Cara. “It has to be his horn? We can’t use another?” he asked.
Cara nodded. “It is linked to him.” Her mouth pulled straight. “To be honest, even his own horn may not work.”
My stomach twisted, and I suddenly couldn’t breathe.
Cara grabbed my hands. “The fact he has you two is a major point in his favor. The energy linking fated mates is powerful. If we get this horn to him in time, I have every reason to believe we can save him.”
Matt had his arm around me, and our link vibrated with his own worry on top of mine.They don’t come any tougher than Sebastian,he reminded me.We have to stay positive for him.
“We are all fighting for him, Anna,” Cara said with a smile. “You are not alone.”
