Chapter 543: Doubts
I stayed in my seat, Quaid next to me, fuming while Venner shook hands with the board of governors and the Council. I noted Mom was the only exception, as she carefully dodged his outstretched hand with a diplomatic smile, moving another witch forward to take her place in a smooth but obvious snub.
There were times Mom and I didn't get along, and times I wished I was more like her.
Guess which this was.
I was less surprised than I should have been to spot Sonja standing just inside the now-open door, small next to the hulking Enforcers in their black robes. Liam spotted her about the same time I did and left Tippy to hurry through the departing crowd to hug his mother. I left my row more slowly, doing my best to keep an eye on Venner, Spaft and Sonja all at once while Quaid stayed close behind me, his scent and the heat of his body where he brushed against me a sizzling distraction.
Hormones? Really? At a time like this.
Classy.
I paused at the edge of the seats while Quaid passed me. Stopped. Bent and kissed me with such deliberation I didn't really enjoy it, knowing he had motive.
Okay, I enjoyed it. But I still wasn't happy about it when he pulled away.
"I have a trainee meeting," he said, hovering over my lips, rumbling voice cutting through me despite the raised level of noise as the student body trundled off. "But I'll see you later?" His voice caught at the end. As if he wasn't sure he was welcome.
Well, Syd? Was he?
If my demon had her way, that would be a hell, yeah. But I had other things to consider. Like my immortality. And his uncanny knack for abandoning me. And yet, it was Quaid, and my heart, my traitor of a heart, refused to let him go.
"Okay," I said, squeezing his hand, my lips smiling even as I fought to stay calm and level and not freak out over the attention he offered.
Lost.
Quaid's answering grin warmed me before he kissed me ever so gently one more time and spun, marching off.
I barely had time to sigh out the breath we'd shared when Liam appeared at my side, towering over me, a scowling, strawberry blonde cloud of doom.
"What did he want?" Liam jerked one thumb in Quaid's departing direction. Like Liam hadn't just spent the last day or so flirting with Tippy. And hadn't given me the brush-off.
Sizzling desire for Quaid turned to snapping temper in a flash. "Nothing," I snapped. Lied. Knowing Quaid wanted a whole lot of something I wasn't sure I was willing to give anymore.
Liam's jealousy raised bright pink points on his cheeks, showing like blows on his pale face. His freckles stood out so much they almost seemed to float over his transparent flesh. He opened his mouth to argue with me only to catch himself with a coughing fit. My temper cooled immediately, worry for him pushing me forward to pat his back while he grasped my shoulder for balance, his other fist over his mouth.
Sonja appeared, looking as worried as I was, taking his free arm when he dropped his hand.
"We need to get you to bed," she said, Mom authority undeniable. There was no sign of the nervousness she showed me yesterday, all smooth and under control again. "You've caught a terrible bug, sweetie."
I reached for him with my magic, to offer healing, but this time it was Sonja's power holding me off. Her eyes met mine, a frown bending her mouth.
"I can take care of him," she said, as if I'd insulted her. Sonja then smiled kindly up at her tall son as he sighed and rubbed his forehead with one hand. "Come on, baby," she said. "Some of Mom's soup and some sleep will fix you up."
Soup? Was she kidding? The boy needed healing magic. Then again, it was just the flu. Stupid flu.
"Thank you for your concern, Syd," Sonja said over her shoulder, "but taking care of Liam is my responsibility now."
I watched the pair of them go, knowing I could probably help, but not sure I wanted to ease his suffering after all.
Petty, Syd. So petty.
Promising myself I'd check in later to sneak him some healing after all, I instead turned to catch Mom's eye. She looked up as my magic touched her and nodded just a bit.
We need to talk, I sent even as I dreaded it. Venner is up to something.
Her brows pulled together.
Syd, she sent, an edge of anger in her mental voice, I watched him the entire time. And I felt nothing. Her blue eyes narrowed. Nothing.
I know, I shot back, temper returning. You're not Sidhe.
What does that have to do with anything? Mom's exasperation actually pissed me off. I was doing my due diligence, wasn't I? And keeping my nose clean, passing off the information instead of tearing the slimy slime lord apart with my bare hands.
It means, Gram's voice cut in so suddenly I almost cried out, one hand pressed to my chest as Charlotte released a yip of surprise at my reaction, you're being a fool again, Miriam. And it doesn't look good on you.
Mom flinched, only enough I caught it. Stay out of this, Mother.
My grandmother, still back in Wilding Springs but tied to me for so many reasons I could hardly count, cackled in my head. Things are quiet here, she sent. No big explosions or apocalypses to keep me company. I have to outsource for my entertainment. Her mind hugged me. Now, the whip came out again, listen to your daughter or I'll come to Harvard and kick your ass myself.
Very well. I could tell Mom's irritation level was reaching critical, but with Gram on my side, at least I had backup. What do you mean, Syd?
He was looking for those with Sidhe ties. I waited for the gasp of surprise, didn't hear it from either of them. Okay then. Quaid couldn't see it either, Mom. Because he isn't Sidhe. And if your Enforcers aren't descendants, they wouldn't see it either.
Nor would anyone not looking for trouble, my vampire added her thoughts to the mix. It was only because we were all watching we sensed it at all. I doubt very much the ones Venner examined have any idea they even have Sidhe blood.
Mom fell quiet a moment before answering as she faked a smile and nodded to one of the board of governors who spoke to her. So, she sent, you're telling me you could see it, but no one else could?
I could do without the heavy sarcasm, thanks.
Listen up, Ethpeal sent. If he's searching out witches who carry Sidhe, he's definitely planning something. And Syd is correct in assuming only those with the heritage would be able to sense something like that. I was pretty sure Gram was smudging the truth just to have my back, but I loved her for it. So unless you have an Enforcer you can call on who has Sidhe blood, you're going to have to rely on Syd to watch this critter.
Mom paused again, but when she spoke up this time, her anger was gone, replaced with weariness. You're right, of course. She sighed in my head, a heavy sound making me worry about her. But with no evidence of wrongdoing outside Syd's word, there's nothing I can do. And Syd needs to keep her nose clean, Mother. You know that.
They'd been talking about me behind my back, had they?
I know. Even Gram sounded subdued. But there's no way any of us will stand by and watch this Unseelie lordling act if we can stop him.
Agreed. Mom's magic hugged me, sliding around Gram's until the three of us were locked together. I'll find out if any of my people have Sidhe blood, Mom sent.
There's more. There was always more. He's working with Ameline.
Mom grunted her surprise. You're sure?
Did she just ask me that question for real?
Sorry, she sent. Reflex. This changes things. But I take it you don't have proof or I would have heard by now.
I hated it when she was right.
I told her about the note anyway, Charlotte's nose troubles. Won me a sigh and a mental headshake.
If Ameline is involved. Mom sounded like she didn't believe me. Imagine. And I say if, Syd, she's not your responsibility. And until I can find someone to corroborate your findings, you'll just have to watch Venner. But be careful. And do not, under any circumstances, take action without telling me first. All right?
I grumbled my agreement as Gram whispered support in my ear. If you get a chance, take that bastard down.
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