His brother cleared his throat and forced a smile. “No, I wouldn’t.”
“No, you wouldn’t.”
“You need to get her out of the city.”
“Has Maxim called?”
“No, but I know he keeps an extra car not far from here. With unknown Fallen activity and so many Grigori in the city, that’s probably the safest route. If you can just get her out of the city, you’ll buy yourself some time.”
“Vienna?”
Rhys shrugged. “For now? Yes. But she needs to find someone to train her. After her safety, that’s the first priority. Even untrained, her magic is powerful. She’s like a loaded gun. She’s been good about not speaking in the Old Language, but with your magic running through her veins now, the temptation to use it is going to be stronger. She might not even be able to control it.”
“Irina, then.”
“Irina. You need to find a group of them. Sari’s faction would be the best, if Damien would tell you where they are.”
“She’s forbidden it. You know how she feels about males now.”
Rhys nodded toward the stairs. “But you’re not a lone male looking for a woman. You’re bringing your mate with you for help. She won’t leave an Irina unable to use her magic. It goes against everything she stands for.”
Malachi nodded, thinking about their options. “She’s rumored to be in Scandinavia somewhere.”
“Somewhere. It’s a big region.”
“And Brage is on the hunt. He’s Volund’s offspring. If Volund is behind this aggression, Scandinavia may be the last place I want to take her.”
“Or it may be the last place he’d look.” Rhys leaned over and wiped at Leo’s brow, which was still dotted with perspiration. “If you get her out of the city, you two will have time to think. You’ll have to find documents for her, anyway. Though if you can find Maxim, it’s possible he already has them prepared.”
“He’s cautious like that.”
“He is.”
As if called by the gods, Ava’s phone rang. Rhys smiled and handed it to Malachi. “Speak of the devil.”
Malachi took the phone and saw Maxim’s number on the screen. “Hello?”
“Finding unlisted mobile numbers is a pain in the ass, Malachi. Add her to the contact list, will you?”
He let out a sigh of relief and walked upstairs. “As if you already haven’t.”
“You are correct, old man. How’s my cousin?” A slight hitch in his throat was the only clue how worried Maxim was.
“He’ll be fine. Do you know about the house?”
“Yes. Did anyone retrieve the fire for him?”
“Rhys managed, but his hair’s a bit shorter.”
“We both owe him a debt.”
“Which I’m sure he’ll collect. How badly damaged was the house?”
“Not as much as we thought. The firefighters did an excellent job. I’m guessing whoever set it was trying to scatter us.”
“So they succeeded.”
“To an extent. Damien and I got hit with tear gas of all things after we got away last night. He’s mad as hell this morning, but not damaged.”
“We’re lucky.”
“You need a way out of the city. Damien has already called Vienna about the house, so they know some of what is happening. He was very closemouthed about your mate, though.”
For some reason, Malachi was relieved. He didn’t know why, but he felt like the less people knew about Ava, the better. “I’m not sure where we should go. Rhys said Scandinavia, but I need to speak to Damien about that.”
“You’re looking for Sari?”
“If she’ll allow us sanctuary.”
Maxim’s low whistle was all the response Malachi expected.
“I’d tread carefully there. Luckily, I have obtained new documents for both of you. British passports, so you’ll have no trouble traveling, but you’ll have to be quick about it. Tonight. The row of hotels by the Theodosius Cistern. Go there. I have a spare vehicle at the Antea Hotel, right across from the entrance. The cistern is closed for renovation, so that area is quiet. Your keys and documents should be waiting at the front desk by seven o’clock.”
“And if they’re not?”
“Find a room. I’m sure you two will be able to keep yourselves occupied.”
Malachi smiled when he saw Ava’s eyes flicker open. “You’d be correct.”
“You’re not nice when you gloat, brother. I have to go.”
“Wait, Maxim. Is Brage still in the city?”
“As far as I know.”
Malachi sat on the edge of the bed, and Ava leaned over his shoulder, her ear to the phone.
Maxim said, “Damien wounded him, but not seriously. He’ll be healed by tonight, if not sooner.”
“Does he still have the blade?”
“He does,” Maxim said. “Damn thing nearly hit one of my arms. I really have to go. Keep this phone with you. Tell Rhys to keep the fire burning. We’ll find him and Leo later.”
“I will.”
He hit the End Call button and tossed the phone on the bedside table, turning so that Ava was pressed against his chest. Then he lay back, taking her with him.
“You’ve got to stop wandering off after we have mind-blowing sex,” she said, snuggling into his chest.
“So… every morning then?”
She pinched his arm. “Cocky.”
“Yes.” Malachi pressed a kiss to her hair. “Did you hear Max?”
“Yes.” Her eyes widened. “Every word, actually. My hearing is super strong right now.”
“It’s super strong forever,
“And my eyes…” She looked around the dark room and frowned. “What did you do?”
He shrugged. “It’s part of the mating ritual. I gave you some of my magic. And you’ll give me yours. Eventually.”
“But until then?” Ava sat up, eyes racing over his chest. “What do you mean, you gave me your magic? Does that mean you’re not as strong?”
He reached for her cheek, but she pushed his hand away. “Ava—”
“No! Is that what it means?”
“I’m still very, very strong. We’ll be fine. Do you really doubt me?”
Her face fell, and her eyes took on a faraway look. “I can’t lose you, Mal.”
“You won’t.”
“Trusting you—trusting
“Nothing will happen to me. I’m too greedy. I’ll never leave you.” He sat up and pulled her into his arms. “We’re almost there. Max has a car for us. Documents. We’ll leave the city tonight. Sleep today and leave tonight. We’ll be away before they can find us, and then we’ll be safe.” He brushed a hand over her curls, soothing her as she trembled in his arms. “Trust me, Ava. You’ll be safe.”
Chapter Twenty
The Antea Hotel sat on the corner of the Piyerloti Caddesi, just at the end of a quiet string of hotels. A few
