“I heard the prodigal son is returning and he won’t be alone.”
Tracey Kemraha shivered, the Grimba Forest not the most appealing place to meet. Yet the darkness and lateness of the hour, combined with the remote location made this the ideal and safest place to gather, even if she’d rather be any place other than there, and with him. Yet there they both were, surrounded by towering trees, muggy air, and long-awaited anticipation. No one could see them together, which made tonight’s outing, so close to the eve of their plan, both dangerous and important.
They had too much to lose, especially her. The tall, arrogant man, dark eyes devoid of any emotion, except contempt, stared at her, his green-and-black military fatigues blending into the forest in a way her royal blue outfit did not. And how she despised him, her means to an end, just as much as he loathed her, their alliance temporary and mutually beneficial.
“I see you still know far too much that takes place within the presidential compound. I would guess a spy if I didn’t believe you were capable of finding out all you needed to know by yourself.”
His sneer and slight baring of teeth reminded her, intentionally, she knew, of his power and standing. Out there, and all alone, there would be little Tracey could do if he decided to wrap his hand around her neck, breaking it as easily as he did the trust of those who dared to love the pampered prince.
If given enough time and physical space, she could defeat the were-cat in a one-on-one battle. But shifters like him understood the weaknesses of witches, preyed on them, counted on them, and took advantage of those weaknesses. She didn’t bother stepping away from the predator. He would only follow, guaranteeing she’d have only a second to begin a spell. Then he would be on her, ripping her throat out with fangs or claws and leaving her bloody, dead body to the scavengers.
“I have my means, but I know nothing of the woman who’ll be accompanying the second son of the Sudan. What can you tell me about her?”
She didn’t like it, hadn’t seen Assefa in years. Not that he hadn’t been home since he’d departed for the States. He had. But he’d come and gone, never once seeking her out, angering Tracey with his continued stubbornness. He was hers. And it was high time he stopped running and returned home—for good and to be with her, his mate. Yet, if the rumors were true, Assefa wanted his family to meet some woman he’d met in America—a totally unacceptable turn of events.
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