He nodded. “See you then.”
She waved and headed back to the elevator as his door shut. She’d have to run back upstairs and tell Isaiah so he could plan the dinner. She should probably give Doc the heads-up too. The elevator chimed. She stepped in and leaned against the wall.
Shopping really didn’t seem like it was going to be that much fun after all.
Chapter Thirteen
Chrysabelle was about to get in her car when Fi’s vehicle approached the gates of the estate. The setting sun glinted off the windshield, causing her to squint, but she could just make out Fi’s driver. “I must have a training session with Fi this evening. Give me a moment, Jerem.”
He nodded. “Take all the time you need, boss.”
The gates swung open and Chrysabelle approached the car.
Fi opened her door and hopped out before her driver reached it. “Hey, how are you? Are you going somewhere? I’ve got a bunch of clothes for you to try on. The trunk is full.” She smiled. “I’ve been shopping all day.”
Chrysabelle shook her head. “And yet you have all this energy left. How do you do that?”
Inside the car, Fi’s bodyguard grunted like he agreed. Fi laughed. “Some people can hang, some can’t.” She jerked her chin at Chrysabelle’s car. “You’re leaving?”
“Yes. I’m headed out to an appointment with Dominic. I must have completely forgotten about our meeting.”
“Oh.” Fi shrugged. “We didn’t have anything set up. I just thought you’d be home.” A new intensity filled her eyes. “What are you going to see Dominic about?”
Chrysabelle hesitated, but then Fi had been the one to push her in this direction in the first place. “I’m actually going to see Mortalis. To ask him if there’s anything—”
“You can do about Mal?” Fi finished hopefully.
“Yes.” She steeled her gaze as the emotions of the previous night threatened to overwhelm her. “I went to see him last night.”
“Did you talk?”
“It wasn’t that kind of visit.” She blew out a breath. “I
Fi’s smile was almost as blinding as the sun off the car. “Can I come with you to see Mortalis? Please? Mal’s kind of my area, you know. I’m sort of an expert on him.”
“True. No one knows him better than you.” Chrysabelle was actually happy for the company. “But you’re going to have to ditch your bodyguard. I don’t want to make a big scene going into Seven. You won’t need him anyway. I can protect you if something happens.”
“Cool with me.” She ducked her head into the car. “You’re staying here.” Without waiting for the bodyguard’s answer, she motioned to her driver. “Pop the trunk? I want to get a few bags out.” Fi rubbed her hands together. “I can show you a few of the things I think you’ll really dig on the way over.”
By the time they got to Seven, Chrysabelle wasn’t sure Fi had left anything in the Paradise City boutiques. She liked most of it more than she thought she would, even sliding a soft beige duster on over her white top and pants.
“This too.” Fi held out a simple gold link chain. “Trust me. It helps break up all that white.”
Chrysabelle obliged, although she was starting to feel overdressed, considering she had her body armor on underneath everything else. Jerem parked the car at the employee entrance and came around to let them out. Chrysabelle glanced at Fi. “Stay close. You know how Seven can be.”
Fi nodded and followed her to the door. This was the only entrance she used these days. Fighting the crowd up front just wasn’t worth it. Chrysabelle punched in the code Dominic had given her, and then they went inside. A few corridors in and the club’s music permeated the walls. When they reached the door into the club, Chrysabelle gave Fi another reminder. “Any trouble, go ghost.”
Fi nodded. “I know, but I’m the pride leader’s wife now. That alone should give me some protection.”
“Or cause more trouble.” Chrysabelle pushed through the door and the heavy beat washed through her, syncopating with her pulse. The place was packed with fringe and varcolai alike. Since Doc had lifted the restriction on pride members working at and patronizing Seven, Dominic’s business had definitely benefited. A young female varcolai in half form, leopard by the spots decorating the expanses of skin visible beneath her tiny black top and boy shorts, danced on a platform nearby, her tail swishing as her hips gyrated.
Fi’s brows shot up.
Chrysabelle shook her head. Now was not the time or place to comment. “Let’s find Mortalis.” She reached back, grabbed Fi’s hand, and started pulling her through the press. Fringe turned as she went by, nostrils flaring as her blood scent announced what she was. Her free hand went to one of the daggers on her waist. If her sacres didn’t draw so much attention, she would have worn them, but she also didn’t want to cause Dominic any trouble. Besides that, if any of the fringe touched her, they’d get a shock once they came in contact with her body armor.
Fi squeezed Chrysabelle’s hand and tugged, causing Chrysabelle to stop. “What is it?”
Fi’s eyes were fixed on something farther into the crowd. Chrysabelle dodged a tall fae and found what Fi was staring at. Katsumi, coming toward them.
She released Fi’s hand. “It’s okay, nothing to worry about.”
Katsumi glided to a stop before them and the crowd opened up a little. “Good evening, Chrysabelle. How is your brother?”
“He’s fine, thank you.” Chrysabelle couldn’t help but wonder what new game Katsumi was playing at. She might have helped bring Damian home, but that was where their relationship ended.
“If he wants a job, we could certainly use a comar with his experience here.”
So that was it. “I don’t think he’s looking for work.” Especially since their mother had left them with a wealth of assets.
“Well, let him know I asked for him, will you?” Katsumi’s smile never faltered as her gaze went to Fi. “I don’t believe we’ve met.”
Chrysabelle spoke up. “This is Fiona. She’s Doc’s wife.”
Katsumi’s head went back a little as she studied Fi. “Ah, yes, Maddoc. From outcast to pride leader.” She arched a brow. “How interesting life is.” She pointed a finger at Fi. “You are also Malkolm’s ghost, yes?”
“Yes,” Fi answered, her whole body rigid with either fear or anger. Chrysabelle couldn’t tell.
Katsumi made a shallow bow. “Tell him we miss him next time you see him.”
“I’ll get right on that,” Fi muttered.
Chrysabelle cleared her throat. “Is Mortalis on the floor or in his office? He’s expecting me.”
“I believe he’s in Dominic’s office.” Katsumi waved a hand to attract a passing server. “Run to Dominic’s office and let Mortalis know that Chrysabelle is here to see him.”
“Yes, ma’am.” The server took off.
“I know where his office is,” Chrysabelle said. “Fiona and I will wait there.”
“Very good.” But Katsumi didn’t move. Her eyes narrowed. “There’s something… different about you. Your scent seems stronger.”
“I’m wearing my body armor. I’m sure the silver is affecting my scent.” And not the fact that she was pregnant.
“No.” Katsumi shook her head. “I don’t think that’s it…”
“You’re probably just used to smelling the fakes that work here.” Fi grabbed Chrysabelle’s hand and started moving. “Nice to meet you. Bye.”
Katsumi might have growled, but Chrysabelle wasn’t sure since Fi kept pulling her away. She redirected them toward Mortalis’s office. “Thanks, but I’m pretty sure it’s just the silver of my body armor, and wearing that in here isn’t a big deal. Unless someone touches it.”
“You really think that’s what she was picking up on?” Fi glanced knowingly at Chrysabelle’s stomach.
