"I need to stretch my legs, and I need to eat." I hesitated. "How did the meeting with Hunter go?"
"She was well aware of your victory. Apparently, the Cazador witnessed your fight with Rakshasa."
And that rankled him. Massively. "My getting snatched is not your fault, Azriel. I should have been more aware of what was going on."
"As should I." He practically spat the words. "If I had been, I would have stopped the Rakshasa before she dove underground, and you would not be in this state."
"Which is a point we could argue endlessly, and one that really doesn't matter anymore."
I grabbed my dressing gown from the bathroom hook and put it on as I walked across the room. He didn't react when I stopped in front of him, but the connection between us was stronger than ever before. His emotions were a tidal wave that crashed through every fiber of my being, a tumultuous mix of desire, caring, and anger. If I'd had the energy, I would have danced. He might be determined to hold what lay between us at arm's length, but at least he couldn't deny the strength of it. Not when it hummed so fiercely.
"In the end, the only thing that matters is that I did what the council wanted and survived." I paused, then grimaced. "My only regret is that with the Rakshasa gone, the ghosts have no outlet for their fury, and the club has no reason to stop that room from being used."
"The grief of the ghosts is powerful enough that it will attract other dark forces. This will not be the last we hear of that room."
"Unfortunately." I rubbed my arms against the chill of premonition. "We can only hope that next time, the council do their own fucking dirty work."
"I doubt they will now that they have your services to call on in such matters."
I raised my eyebrows. "So the vote has gone in my favor?"
"Hunter seems confident it will. The Cazador's report was apparently impressive."
He wrapped an arm around my waist and pulled me close. I sighed contentedly and rested my cheek against his shoulder.
"There is nothing you can do about the club or the council's use of the whores," he continued softly. "Not without endangering yourself or anyone you told."
"I know, and that's what's so frustrating."