“The source?”
“Their books.”
I frowned. “I’m not following you.”
He squared his shoulders. “We need to use the library at Rowan Estate.”
It was no longer the wind that made me shudder. “Please tell me you’re joking.”
“You know I’m not.”
“I am not going to Rowan Estate.”
“Why not?”
“I can’t believe you’re even suggesting this!”
He inched toward me. “Listen, Calla. My uncle travels constantly; he’s never home. We won’t get caught, and we need the information that’s in the library. I don’t think The War of All Against All is the only book he didn’t want me to see.”
“Which is exactly why it’s too dangerous for us to snoop around there,” I countered.
“Bosque doesn’t know I can pick the lock to the library,” he said. “I’m always alone. The staff only come to clean on Tuesdays and Sundays. We won’t go on Tuesday, and you patrol on Sunday anyway. No one would know if we did our research there on the other days.”
“I don’t know—”
“Logan said you’re supposed to hang out with me, right?” Shay interjected.
“Yes, but . . .”
“Don’t you think it would seem more suspicious if I never invited you over to my house?”
“Maybe.” I frowned.
He was grinning. “Definitely.”
“You’re not going to drop this, are you?”
“Nope.”
I sighed.
“So what’s the verdict?” he asked.
“I guess I’d better get my list out,” I said. “It looks like I’m about to add another forbidden act.”
“That’s my girl.”
“Alpha.”
“Whatever.”
TWENTY-FOUR
WE GOT THROUGH SHAY’S FIRST DAY AT school since turning without incident, except for one close call in Big Ideas. As soon as Ren walked into class, Shay tensed up, the shadow of his wolf form sliding over his shoulders, making him bristle. I’d anticipated his reaction and glared at him until he settled down. By the end of the school day I almost shared Shay’s confidence that our expedition to Haldis would remain our secret, but my optimism was short-lived.
I knew something was wrong as soon as I walked through the front door. The air stung my nostrils and I coughed out the wraiths’ stench. I considered heading for the back door so I wouldn’t have to pass the kitchen, but the thought came a moment too late.
“That must be our girl now.” Oh God, they know. This is it.
My heart skipped a beat. That voice had never been in my house before. When I walked into the living room, the Keeper was sitting in my father’s leather chair, smiling at me.
“We’ve been waiting for you, Calla,” Efron Bane said. “You’re a busy girl to come home this late. And on a school night. I hope you’re not getting into trouble.”
He wasn’t alone. In addition to the wraiths that swirled behind his shoulders, Logan and Lumine sat on the couch. Why are they all here? I tried to think about anything but turning Shay, not wanting them to sense my fear.
“I’ve been following orders.” I glanced at Logan, who nodded. “Like you asked.”
“Yes, so I’ve heard,” he said. “Our Ren thinks you’ve taken your orders a little too seriously.”
Am I going to have to give up time with Shay because Ren is jealous? “If I misunderstood—” I began.
“No, no. I know you’re the soul of innocence, dear Calla.” Logan laughed. “Ren’s hackles raise at the thought of any other male getting near you. But that’s who he is, nothing more. Keep up the good work with our boy.”
“Yes, Logan,” I murmured.
“Here we are,” my mother chirped, carrying a silver tray loaded with a tea service and miniature scones. “Welcome home, Calla. You’ll notice we have guests. Your father is out on patrol, of course.”
I nodded. My mother poured the tea. Maybe they hadn’t figured out their spider had been killed after all. But if they weren’t here to punish me, what was this visit about?
A car door slammed outside.
“That makes our company,” Lumine said, selecting a porcelain cup. More company?
There was a knock at the door.
“Calla, would you please get that while I serve tea?” I watched my mother’s nervous movements with growing anxiety. Who else could be coming?
I went to the door, letting it swing open to reveal two men. One I knew well, the other I’d only heard talk of. Talk that hadn’t been favorable.
“This must be Calla.” Ren’s father took his time looking me up and down. “Well, at least they aren’t giving you a horse face for a mate, boy. She’s not half bad, is she?”
I couldn’t help it; I snarled at him, showing my teeth.
He laughed, glancing at Ren. “And she’s got spirit. That’s good. Breaking her in will be all the more fun.”
Ren didn’t respond, keeping his eyes on our doormat. Emile Laroche shoved past me into the living room, taking in his surroundings like he was casing our house. It was a good thing my father was on patrol. I was trying so hard not to gape at the elder Bane alpha that I barely noticed when Ren came to my side, kissing my forehead in greeting.