Chapter 19
Chapter
Nineteen
THE MEDDLER
“What were you thinking?” the male hissed.
Rachel rolled her eyes. “She’s unbearable. Did you honestly think I’d be able to befriend that awful woman?”
“I knew I should have used someone else for this.”
Rachel pouted. “Please.” She fanned herself with a delicate hand, hiding her wince.
That bitch throwing her had resulted in some lingering injuries.
She’d be fine tomorrow but tonight was proving unpleasant.
“I’m the only one who has so much history with the Lord.
Things might have gotten off on the wrong foot, but he’ll visit me tonight. He can’t help himself.”
His eyes narrowed. “I suppose you’re right. Few shifters can resist their urge to nurture wounded females.”
“Exactly. Caelan’s healer wrote up a full report.” She fluttered her eyelashes. “I might have embellished my injuries a tad.”
He smirked. “I suppose we’ll see what happens.”
“He’s always been resistant in matters of the heart.” She lowered her voice and leaned in. “Though I heard he and that bitch had a fight tonight. He’ll be vulnerable, and I am not without my charms.”
The male didn’t seem as convinced of her charms as she was, but he nodded and pulled something glowing from the breast pocket of his suit. He’d started visiting her a few months ago, under the guise of business with her father, but Rachel noticed he’d always try to catch her alone.
At first, she’d been flattered by his attention until she realized he wasn’t there for romance. He’d come for something far more sinister.
Rachel was happy to oblige him, considering how Caelan ended things between them. The massive paycheck she was slated to receive at the end didn’t hurt her willingness either.
“What is that?” Rachel leaned forward and sniffed, recoiling at the scent. There was something wrong about the liquid, something she didn’t like.
“If you expect failure, you will use this. Put it in his food or drink. But do not use it if things are going to plan—only as a last resort.”
“What is it?” she asked again.
“Harmless,” the male said, but there was a gleam in his eyes Rachel didn’t like. “It will make him more susceptible to suggestion, that’s all.”
“Temporarily?”
He shrugged. “It will wear off. Eventually. But I fully expect you to charm him without using the bottle. I’ve been slowly softening him up for you.”
At her look of alarm, he chuckled. “Nothing obvious. Caelan won’t notice. It’s just enough for him to drop his guard a little.”
He dropped the bottle into her outstretched palm, and Rachel recoiled. “It smells. Caelan is too smart not to notice.”
“Once it’s mixed, it’s tasteless and odorless.”
Rachel rolled the bottle in her fingers, holding it up to the light. The color was pretty, reminiscent of that bitch’s eyes, a clear azure blue. Silver sparkles danced inside the bottle, flecks that seemed to move of their own volition.
She set it on her nightstand and wiped her hands on her pajama pants. “I doubt I’ll need to use it, but it’s there if I need a boost.”
He stepped up to her, power rolling from his muscular frame.
Rachel swallowed hard and resisted the urge to lean away.
If she wasn’t so set on Caelan, she might have tested the waters to see if he was interested in something more.
Few males as powerful as this one ever came to Europe.
Her father didn’t allow powers like him entrance into his country.
Standing before him, Rachel finally realized why. Despite her reservations, Rachel leaned forward and tugged the man’s tie. “If things don’t work out between Caelan and I, perhaps—”
He knocked her hand away, his eyes narrowing. A spark of power rolled over his irises. “Do not test me on this. I do not sample the merchandise before the deal is done.”
Rachel smirked. That wasn’t a no. “I’ve only been here for a little while.
Caelan has always had a strong will. His unique relationship to Evie might prove to be his downfall.
She is difficult and angry, and from his scent I can tell Caelan is irritated more often than not.
” She clicked her tongue. “I’ll win your Lord away from her. Mark my words.”
“See that you do,” he growled. Without another word, he turned and exited her room.
She waited until the sounds of his footsteps faded before she let out a long breath. Dangerous waters she was treading in. But the payoff for herself and for the other Lords would be worth it.
All she had to do was get under Caelan’s guard. Once she did, the path to his heart was wide open.
She should know. She’d traveled it once before.