Mathieu (White Flame Trilogy) - By Paula Flumerfelt Page 0,44

Avian’s hand, eyes piercing. The Korinthian looked past Avian to Venee, as if daring her to object.

Mathieu watched with the eyes of a hawk as Elise talked to Avian. Something wasn’t sitting right with him. It could have been Mina, however, for she was giving the two her complete attention. Totally riveted. His hand landed on Avian’s shoulder and slid to her lower back in a reassuring manner.

Avian smiled softly over her shoulder at him. “Thank you.” Her voice was barely a whisper.

Mina made a sound of surprise as her gaze flicked to him. “Who are you?” Mathieu met her gaze, his energy reacting to the pair. Now that their attention was on him, he could sense that they were like him, Users.

Elise’s eyes followed to Mathieu after Mina’s remark, coming to rest heavily on the lightly tanned face. “Ah, Avian, you brought someone with you. And here I was told you would be alone.”

Avian gave a false giggle, reminiscence of a small bird. “This is Mathieu. He’s wonderful.”

Elise finally let go of Avian’s hand and raised a slender eyebrow at him. “Mathieu. Quite…exotic, aren’t you?”

“Er…” Mathieu tried to meet Elise’s gaze, but it held a knowing glint that made him want to fidget. “I suppose. I look just as I always have.” His fingers curled into the fabric of Avian’s dress, his instincts screaming at him.

Mathieu… Nikola moved in his pocket. He had forgotten that she was there until now.

Mathieu managed to hold a straight face through his surprise. Shh, Nikola. Where is Tesla?

The Shadowrider shifted more. He’s tucked into Avian’s dress. He’s

fast asleep. I was too, but you’re getting really warm.

“Well, you’re very…interesting looking. I enjoy your appearance.” Elise said with a bat of her lashes.

What’s wrong, Mathieu? Nikola continued to pry in his head.

Shh. Later. Mathieu wrapped his arm securely around Avian’s waist. “That’s very polite of you to say.”

Mina whispered into Elise’s ear, who nodded. “Yes. We should take our leave. Until dinner then, Princess. Mathieu.” Her gaze lingered for a moment on his face before she turned away. With that, the people moved aside.

Avian sat back beside Venee, who began to speak immediately. “That was intense! Did you see the way she was staring down your man? I’d keep a closer watch on him.” Venee nodded to herself, folding her arms over her chest. “That was too crazy.”

As they continued chatting, Mathieu slid a hand into his pocket, petting Nikola lightly. Sorry I was short with you. What were you asking?

I wanted to know why you were so warm just now.

He looked across the room at Elise, who was locked in conversation with the King, and Mina, who was shooting glances his direction. Hard to explain. Some people here are just… He shook his head to himself.

Nikola rubbed against his palm in a soothing way. Is it dinner time?

Almost. I’ll make sure that I tell you. He thought fondly to her.

She started to slink up his arm. I wanna seeee. And with that, she popped out of his pocket and floated to hover just over his shoulder. Oh, this is pretty. I like it. Bobbing over to Avian, she rubbed against her cheek.

“Uh, Avian, what’s that?” Venee said with a note of uncertainty.

Avian looked confused for a moment before laughing. “Oh, Nikola!” Cupping her hands, she took the small ball of light and held it in her lap. “This is Nikola. She’s a Shadowrider and belongs to Mathieu. Tesla, her brother, is around here somewhere.”

Nikola pulsed once before smoothly changing forms, much to the awe of Venee.

“Ohmygosh, how cute is that?! Can I pet it?” The blonde’s fingers were already sinking into Nikola’s fur, massaging the feline’s back. The reddish Shadowrider purred and arched into the fingers, desiring more attention.

Avian laughed. “Nikola is the affectionate one. She’s so sweet.”

Mathieu watched rather unhappily as the girls loved on his companion. Are you alright, Nikola? Her purring got louder and she opened her mouth, letting out a soundless meow.

“Dinner is served.” The King had turned to address the whole room. “Please accompany me to the dining area.” Everyone gravitated towards the small tables, taking seats that seemed to be pre-determined, even if Mathieu didn’t know how.

Mathieu trailed behind Avian to a table for four where Elise was already seated, as was Mina. He pulled out Avian’s seat and sat beside her. Nikola, who had transformed back to her light form, nestled down in his lap. The servants had just laid the food on the table and it