“Because she told me she’s attracted to the four of us, and this isn’t something we can let develop without at least discussing it first,” I reveal to them all. “I’m not thrilled that she likes all of you, but I won’t deny what I feel or step to the side.”
Hawthorne nods. “I agree. I’m in.” He swivels toward Mathias.
Mathias’ voice is terse as he comes to a decision. “I don’t want anyone to tell her about the mate thing. It should be her choice to be with me and not because the fates have decreed it.”
We all agree, then turn toward Gatlin, who shakes his head. “I don’t know.” He stands. “I won’t get in anyone’s way, and if something changes on my end, I’ll let you know.” He gathers the rest of the dishes and heads toward the kitchen.
“He’s already falling and doesn’t even know it,” Hawthorne softly states. “When was the last time he let someone in the kitchen with him?”
We all chuckle.
I nod. “It was important to note everyone’s interest, but for now, we’ll continue the way we are and let things progress or not. Agreed?”
They nod right before Gatlin and Phaedra return to the dining table.
“We need to figure out how we’re going to get in and out of London without being seen,” I tell them. “Obviously we can portal, but to where? There are cameras everywhere.”
“Not in the Harlequin,” Phaedra says, sitting down beside me. “Well, except for their own. No CCTV, though. Nothing the council can tap into.”
“They have weapons and ammo,” Gatlin adds, picking up a pad and paper. “I’ll get started on a list.”
Phaedra picks up her phone. “I’ll text Mercer. Let her know we have an order along with a special request. It will go over smoother if we purchase something and portal into a designated area instead of asking to use their underground network as a way station.”
“How do we get to the airport locker? We have allies, but none I would trust with that weapon,” I ask, mentally walking through everyone I trust. It’s a fucking short list.
“I’ll get it,” Phaedra volunteers. When we all begin to shake our heads, she holds up a hand. “Hear me out. I’m the most logical person. The magic doesn’t work on me, and by the time our enemy realizes I’m back in London, I’ll already be on my way out.”
Logic be damned. “No. How will you protect yourself? You can’t carry a gun in the airport without setting off a million alarms.”
She flashes me an amused smile. “If I don’t get a gun, neither does the enemy. I can safeguard the knife with a curse. We will drive up, get our package, and drive off. Simple.”
“Who’s driving?” I ask her and watch her lift a nonchalant shoulder. Knowing there is no way in hell I’m going to let her go alone, I clench my jaw and give in. “I’ll drive.”
Gatlin glares at me. “You know I don’t like it when we split up.”
He’s damn good at strategy. I wait for him to sift through all the options and come to the same conclusion. “Damn it.” He rests his hands on the chair in front of him. “I have to meet my contact and get Mathias’ blood. We need Hawthorne and Mathias to pick up the supplies from Mercer. That leaves you and Phaedra to pick up the knife.”
This was a hell of a lot easier when we weren’t worried about Phaedra. We probably took too many chances, but somehow, we always made it through. Four soldiers dedicated to the job. Now, we’re being hounded on all sides, and the enemy is circling, getting closer and closer.
“All the usual contingencies,” I order Mathias. “But I want to take burners into the field and toss them after the mission.” I tap my watch. “It’s midnight in London. If we move now, there’s less of a chance we’ll be spotted. Plain street clothes. Handguns only.”
In five-inch heelsand a fitted suit, Mercer eyes the five of us when we emerge from the portal. I shake her hand, surprised to see she’s a Fae. Her straight pink hair and turquoise eyes suggest a fun side, but it’s window dressing, likely fools peopleinto underestimating her. The hard expression on her face is the true indication of her nature. It’s odd, though. Fae typically don’t sell weapons and supplies. Most of them choose to be a healer or work in a safe profession like business.
Uneasy with the number of mages in her guards, I keep my hand on the few potions in my pocket. Deadly in nature, I often carry them when using magic isn’t an option. Phaedra warned me that our portal would open in a room that nullifies all magic. Dread crawls around the base of my spine. With no access to my magic, I itch to palm a gun or knife.
Mercer waves a hand toward the crates along the wall. “Everything is there. Feel free to check.” Hawthorne and Mathias walk over with list in hand.
She turns to me. “A car is waiting for you outside.” She chucks the keys at me, and I snatch them out of the air. “It’s been spelled to evade the cameras.”
Interesting.They’ve somehow been able to permanently apply the spell to the vehicle. “Thank you.”
She raises a single eyebrow. “It’s a pleasure doing business with you, de Vere.”
I pause. There’s a tone to her voice that I don’t like. Phaedra explained Harlequin’s aversion to the council, but this feels more personal. I walk over to Mathias. “Leave before the last crate is loaded.”
His black eyes carefully slide past me to Mercer. “Will do.” He takes a deep breath, straightening his shoulders. “Be safe.”
He doesn’t turn in Phaedra’s direction, but I know he’s dying to. “Text when you’re done.” I turn on my heel and stride toward Phaedra and Gatlin. We’ll drop him off along the way. He’ll rendezvous with Mathias and Hawthorne later.
