Chapter Nine #2
Viktor pulled Ant forward into a tight embrace, burying his face in Ant’s hair. “I fucking hate this. I hate that you have to see that shit, especially when it’s inflicted by my own kind. I hate that I can’t take it from you.”
“I know.” Ant wrapped his arms around Viktor’s broad torso, feeling the slight tremor in his mate’s muscles. “But this is what I do. This is how I serve.”
“By collecting nightmares.”
“By speaking for the dead.” Ant pulled back enough to meet Viktor’s eyes.
“Ronald Finch can’t testify. He can’t point at his killer or explain what he discovered about Claudius’s illegal activities.
But I can. I can show everyone exactly what happened in that room, and then the Justiciary can act on that evidence. ”
Viktor stroked over his cheekbones so gently as he shook his head. “Promise me something.”
“What?”
“If it gets too bad - if the vision/magic combo gets too much - promise you’ll pull out. You won’t push yourself past your limits just to prove you can handle it.”
Ant considered lying, but he knew Viktor would feel it through their bond, and Ant hated lying of any form. “I promise I’ll rely on Able’s judgment. If he determines I need to stop, I’ll stop.”
“That’s not the same thing.”
“It’s the best I can offer.” Ant leaned into Viktor’s touch. “Because if I start second-guessing myself in the middle of a reading, I’ll compromise the evidence. The vision needs to play through completely, or vital details might be lost.”
Viktor closed his eyes, his lips pressed tight together. Finally, he nodded. “Okay. But I want to be in the room. I won’t touch you, but I need to be within touching distance.”
“That’s acceptable.”
“And we’re doing this early. Before Claudius expects it.”
“Yes.” Ant had already planned that. “I told him nine in the morning, but I’ll begin at dawn. Six-thirty at the latest. By the time he’s alerted and arrives, the reading will be complete, and I’ll have secured the evidence, at least in my head if nothing else.”
“That works for me.” Viktor kissed him gently. When he pulled back, his eyes held that predatory gleam that meant his vampire was very close to the surface. “And when you prove Claudius killed Finch?”
“That hasn’t been proven yet, but if that’s what my findings show, then the Justiciary will arrest him and process him through the legal system.”
“And if he tries to stop us from leaving?”
Ant thought about the fountain in the garden - the focal point of all those layered spells.
About how, technically, as a high-ranking mage, he could dismantle the wards that took centuries to build.
About how satisfying it would be to watch Claudius’s arrogant face when his supposedly impenetrable defenses collapsed like tissue paper.
“Then I’ll do everything I can to destroy his wards, and we’ll walk out anyway,” Ant said.
“But I don’t think he’ll risk that. Not with the Justiciary and the Mage Academy both watching this investigation.
You’ve got to remember, Bridget is probably already building a case against him, as we speak, even if he wasn’t directly responsible for the murder.
It’s her that Claudius should be worried about, and he doesn’t even know she exists. ”
Viktor grinned and flashed his fangs. “That’s a good point, my clever mate. A very good point.”
They didn’t sit for much longer. They both knew Ant would need his rest. In a lot of ways, it was like being back at home, with Ant brushing his teeth while Viktor checked the door and window locks.
Able settled on the floor between the bed and the door, although his ears remained pricked and alert.
When Ant slid under the covers, Viktor immediately pulled him close, arranging them so Ant’s back pressed against Viktor’s chest, their legs tangled together.
One of Viktor’s arms wrapped around Ant’s waist, his hand splayed possessively over his stomach.
Ant loved how protective his mate was, Viktor’s solid presence surrounding him like a shield.
“Try to sleep,” Viktor murmured against Ant’s hair. “You’ll need your strength tomorrow.”
Ant closed his eyes, but sleep felt impossibly distant. His mind kept circling back to that connecting door, and to what waited beyond it. Ronald Finch’s last moments.
I’ll bear witness, Ant thought. I’ll see what happened to you, and I’ll make sure your killer is held accountable.
Viktor’s hand tightened slightly on his stomach.
Focusing on his breathing exercises again, Ant tried to relax.
Inhaling for four counts, feeling Viktor’s chest rise and fall against his back.
Hold for four, aware of Able’s steady breathing across the room.
Exhale for four, releasing tension he hadn’t realized he was carrying.
The estate’s ambient magic pressed against the windows like a living thing, but Ant focused on the temporary sanctuary with his mate and furry companion.
For now, at least, he could pretend they were safe.
Could pretend tomorrow wouldn’t be as difficult as he knew it would be.
He trusted his gut feelings for a reason, and they were screaming at him.
“I can feel you thinking,” Viktor whispered.
“Sorry.”
“Don’t be. Just...I’ve got you. No matter what happens tomorrow, I’ve got you.”
“I know.” And Ant did know. That was the only certainty he could cling to. He knew that when the vision ended, and he returned to the present, Viktor would be there. Solid, protective, and absolutely lethal to anyone who threatened them.
Perhaps it’s just as well Claudius doesn’t understand the mating bond, Ant thought as he drifted off to sleep. He will have no idea what hits him if Viktor gets the idea I’m being attacked.