The Siren and the Deep Blue Sea - Kerrelyn Sparks Page 0,81

my sister?”

“There was a mosquito about to bite her.” Nevis bowed his head to Elinor. “I apologize. I hate mosquitos.”

“Me, too.” Elinor smiled at him. “Thank you for protecting me.”

Nevis blushed.

Was there something going on between these two? Brody wasn’t sure whether Nevis was flirting with his sister or trying to change the subject. Maybe both, damn him. “Ellie, you were about to tell me what’s going on?”

She nodded. “Yes.”

“Wait.” Nevis lifted his hands in a calming gesture. “Brody, you might find the news a bit alarming, but don’t let it upset you. You know how important timing is, so we have to remain patient. We mustn’t attack anyone until Leo and the others have arrived.”

Brody narrowed his eyes. Why was Nevis acting as if he might go berserk? “Just tell me,” he growled.

Elinor took a deep breath. “Cahira doesn’t trust Maeve, so she’s making her prove her loyalty. In a week, Maeve has to get married.”

Brody jerked back a step. What? Maeve was being forced to marry? He shook his head. “No. It won’t . . . I won’t let it happen.” A chill skittered down his spine. “Who? Who is she supposed to marry?”

Elinor winced. “The Chameleon.”

* * *

Damn, damn, damn! Brody cursed with each flap of his wings as he sped toward the castle. He was going to kill that damned Chameleon! As soon as that bastard arrived at the castle, he had to die. Nevis could preach patience all he wanted, but . . .

But you know he’s right, Brody admonished himself. He couldn’t screw up everyone’s plans just because he wanted to kill the Chameleon the minute he saw him.

Dammit, Maeve should have told him. Why would she keep something this huge a secret? Because she knows you’ll try to kill the bastard. Was she worried he wouldn’t win the battle? He scoffed. She should have more trust in him than that. Of course he would win.

Wouldn’t he? As far as their shifting powers went, he and the Chameleon were evenly matched. Brody suspected he was better with a sword. But when it came to being ruthless, the Chameleon was the clear winner. The bastard had killed his own father and half-brother. Maeve was right to be worried. Dammit.

He flew through the open window into the Seer’s bedchamber, landed on the floor, and shifted into human form. The light of one candlestick flickered, illuminating the dark room enough that he could see.

“Maeve?” he whispered, but there was no reply. She must have gone to sleep in her own bedchamber. Good. He was too exhausted to have a difficult conversation with her now. And too upset that she’d kept her upcoming wedding a secret. Besides, after talking to his mother and Nevis, he’d used up most of his allotted two hours to be himself. He probably had less than thirty minutes left.

He glanced about the room, noting that the curtains around the bed had been drawn shut. All was quiet. Good. No one had realized that he’d been gone all night.

He wandered over to the sitting area, where a candlestick sat on the round table with a fresh tray of food. That was thoughtful of Maeve. Even though he’d eaten his fill on the Isle of Moon, the long flight back had made him hungry again. He stuffed some ham and cheese into a small loaf of bread, then ate while he headed into the dressing room.

There were two buckets of water next to the tub. Maeve had been considerate again. He set down his sandwich and quickly washed up. After drying off, he wrapped the towel around his waist and resumed eating his sandwich as he headed toward his bed.

He drew back the curtains and nearly choked on the food in his mouth. What the hell? Maeve was in his bed!

Damn. His first instinct was to tear off his towel and climb into bed with her. After all, it was what she wanted, wasn’t it?

No, he argued with himself. He’d already decided to be honest with her. He needed to bare his soul first. Then, if she could accept him, if she could still love him, he would claim her.

For now, she needed to go. He couldn’t risk Cahira or any of the servants seeing her in his bed.

“Maeve?” he whispered.

With a small groan, she snuggled closer to the pile of pillows that was supposed to be him. Damn but that made him ache with longing. She should be snuggling up to him. She should