Allegiance of Honor (Psy-Changeling #15) - Nalini Singh Page 0,55

overwhelmed.

“The young woman who touched the bottle, she handled this paper on a boat.” His breathing grew ragged as his body swayed from side to side, as if he were on a boat himself. “The boat rocked . . . but not for long. She was frantic to get the paper away before it was too late and they reached land again. Home, she was thinking of home the last time she touched this.” Releasing the paper so it floated down to lie inside the box, he opened his eyes.

Faith went to say thank-you, but Tanique wasn’t done.

“I have fragments of what she saw,” he said. “A glimpse of what might be part of a wall, an image of her toes, what looks like a chain attached to a wrist.” Another deep breath, his expression difficult to read but his body vibrating with tension. “An old sign, chipped white paint on graying wood: Edward’s Pier. Apostrophe before the s in Edward’s. Worn wooden boards under her feet, water below . . . and that’s it.”

“I’ve got it,” Vaughn murmured, his phone already in hand as he messaged BlackSea the details Tanique had given them.

Faith reached out a hand toward her brother. “Thank you.”

Only a small hesitation before Tanique put his hand in hers. “I’m sorry I couldn’t be of more assistance. She’s in trouble, isn’t she?”

“Yes, and you helped.” The sign he’d picked up was a highly specific detail. “I didn’t really understand until I watched you work, but our abilities are on the same continuum. I don’t know why they’re not listed together in the Designation charts.” She frowned in an effort to find the words to say what she meant. “We both see what isn’t there. In my case, I see what will be, while you see what has been.”

Tanique blinked . . . and his fingers, they seemed to curl further around hers. “Perhaps we should write a paper arguing the case.”

“I think we should.” Faith smiled at the excuse to spend more time getting to know her brother. “Do you have to go yet? We could head outside for a while, talk.”

But Tanique shook his head. “Since I’m officially part of NightStar, it’s not safe for you to be connected to me in a non-business context.”

Disappointment was lead in her gut. “Oh, of course.”

Vaughn prowled over. “How about you two meet in DarkRiver’s home territory? No prying eyes there.”

Faith didn’t bother to hide her delight when Tanique agreed at once.

“Tanique,” Anthony said after Faith and Vaughn finished giving Tanique their direct contact details so he could get in touch when he had a day off. “Your transport is here.” A piercing look. “Be very careful. Your ability is rare enough that no one has truly worked out your vulnerabilities, but you’re a NightStar. Don’t let down your guard.”

“Yes, sir.” Tawny brown eyes met Faith’s. “I hope to see you again soon.”

Faith just did it. She hugged him. He froze, didn’t respond. But neither did he push her away, and that was enough for today. “I can’t wait.”

Anthony waited until Tanique was gone to speak. “I’ll have the chair delivered to DarkRiver’s HQ.”

“Thank you, Father.” Then, prodded by the silent mischief in the eyes of the jaguar who was her mate, she said, “Is Councilor Duncan well?”

Anthony’s response was icy. “You should get going, or you won’t arrive home until the early hours of the morning.” The faintest touch of his hand to her hair before he was gone.

Vaughn held it together until they were in the car and on their way to a casual restaurant for a late-night snack. “Your father and Nikita. Man likes to live dangerously.”

Faith shot virtual daggers at the highly amused cat next to her. “He was so mad.”

“No, he was just telling his daughter to mind her own business.”

“I would have if you hadn’t been egging me on.” She fiddled with the edge of the simple white top she wore with jeans and ankle boots. “Do you think they really are? In a relationship?” Faith could imagine her father loving a woman, but Nikita? “Sascha’s mom is . . .”

“A cold, heartless bitch?” Vaughn supplied before adding, “They do have one thing in common.”

“What?”

“Both would kill for their kids.”

Faith nodded slowly, though she continued to find it difficult to imagine how a relationship between two such icily controlled people could work. And which one of them would bend in any particular situation when both were used to ruling their domains with