a closed fist against his forehead. “It’s happening again. I see the demon now. He’s found a new host.”
With a jerky movement, he whips his head back, staring at us wide-eyed. “It’s Niko.”
“No,” my mother mutters.
My stomach bottoms out while my body turns into stone. I’m caught between wanting to cry and scream.
“Are you sure, Rik?” Miranda pulls on his sleeve, forcing him to look at her.
“Yeah.”
Saxon squeezes my shoulder, his silent way to say he’s got me. “We’ll find him and save Niko.”
“You’re no match for a demon,” Declan snorts. “This is warlock business now.”
“Hell to the fucking no,” I shout. “My sister is in danger and you’re not going to keep me, or my mate, from getting her back.”
“Aurora is right,” my mother says, surprising me. “You’re not doing this alone. Niko’s life is on the line, and I know very well you don’t care one ounce about killing a child in order to collect your big prize.”
“You’ll only be a hindrance,” Ryker argues.
“Oh shut up, you pompous dickwads,” Solomon butts in. “You’ve done nothing but sit on your asses and let Aurora fend for herself. Now quit bitching and use your magic for something useful like getting us to Conservatorium Hotel right the fucking now.”
Miranda stares at me, mouth agape and eyes a little rounder. She has never had the full Solomon experience. Our shared moment only lasts a few seconds. Declan and Ryker immediately get to work. No one escapes unscathed from the headmaster’s tongue-lashing, not even uber powerful and immortal warlocks.
40
Saxon
I land in the middle of the luxurious hotel lobby alone. Aurora was right next to me before we left, but now, she’s gone. My head is buzzing like there are hundreds of bees inside my skull. I’m beginning to hate warlock magic.
“Saxon?” she calls from somewhere down the lobby.
I run toward her, mindful to keep my speed down to human level. She turns the corner, almost crashing into me. Things in the clearing happened so fast, I didn’t have the chance to properly look at her. There’s a cut on her left forearm that stopped bleeding a while ago, but it fills my chest with anger aimed at those responsible and at myself. I should have sensed she was in danger sooner.
My protective instinct dials up to the max. I pull her into my arms, squeezing her tight. “Where were you?”
“Near the elevators.” She steps back, gazing up. “We can’t let the warlocks harm Niko, Sax.”
“They won’t. I promise.”
“There you two are.” Miranda walks over with Rikkon by her side.
Aurora and I pull apart, but while her gaze is trained on her sister, I’m scrutinizing Vivienne’s brother. He seems different. It takes me a moment to realize what’s wrong. He no longer feels like a vampire.
“Dude, your disguise is gone.”
“Shit. You’re right,” Aurora murmurs.
His forehead crinkles. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize it. I’ve been having one vision after another. It’s been hard to keep track of my surroundings.”
Miranda presses a hand to his back, a move that feels intimate. Ah, fucking hell. I knew I shouldn’t have trusted him to stay away from Aurora’s sister.
“It’s okay, Rik. I didn’t notice either,” she says, looking positively infatuated with Mr. Pretty Face.
“And I forgot my potion.” Guilt makes him look like a lost puppy in need of rescue.
Squinting, Aurora points at the duo. “I don’t know what’s going on here, but you’d better get Rikkon off the streets. I don’t have time to worry about his cover getting blown.”
“What about Niko?” Miranda asks.
“We’ll bring her back, Mir. I promise.”
Looking dejected, Miranda hooks her arm with Rikkon’s and steers him toward the hotel’s exit.
“Don’t worry about them, Rora. When this is all over, I’ll set Rikkon straight.”
She shakes her head. “No, it isn’t fair. If there’s something going on between them, who says they can’t be together?”
“Uh … the law. Is your sister even legal?”
Yeah, I’m being protective. I can’t help it. I failed Kari; I won’t fail Aurora’s sisters. They’re my family now.
A deep V marks her forehead while she watches me with narrowed eyes. But I don’t get to ask what she’s thinking. The asshole warlocks join us and get our full attention.
“Where the hell were you? And why didn’t you take us all the way to Elena’s apartment?” Aurora yells at them.
“There are strong wards that prevented us from entering,” Ryker retorts.
“Where are Solomon and the High Witch?” I peer over their shoulders, but aside from us and the curious hotel night staff, the