A Job From Hell (Ancient Legends #1)

my gaze. “Since when do you
care?”
    “Hey, don’t be like that. I really like
her. We’re two pals who share secrets, like sisters,” Cass said.
    “I’m sure Thrain filled you in.”
    Her voice rose a notch. “Nope. He was too
busy.” She regarded me, all wide-eyed innocence. “You never thanked me. Without
my help you wouldn’t have Amber back. Though, she doesn’t seem too happy about
it.”
    “If I thank you, will you be on your merry
way?”
    She held up her palms, eyes glinting. “Can’t
make any promises, mate.”
    I laughed. Getting rid of her was harder
than breaking into a military base. “Thank you, Cass. I truly appreciate
everything you did for us. You should trade your horns for angel wings.”
    She snorted. “And you thought you couldn’t
trust me.”
    The door opened again. “We’ll be talking
later. Don’t think I’ll forget,” I whispered.
    Cass shrugged, but I could see the relief
in her face as she jumped up and grabbed Amber in a hug. Cass’s gaze locked on
Dallas who stood in the open door, hands in his pockets, unsure what to do. “Who’s
the hottie ?” Cass whispered. “He’s such a hunk.”
    “More like a chap in tacky bottoms.” Amber motioned
Dallas to step nearer. “This is my brother, Dallas. Dallas, this is Cass.”
    Dallas cleared his throat, eyes sparkling
almost as bright as Cass’s, but Cass spoke first. “I’m fuming you kept him from
me. What a waste.”
    “Are you on your way to a Halloween party?”
Dallas grinned and pointed at her tiny horns peeking from beneath her hair.
    “Oh, this little number.” Cass laughed and
grabbed his arm, pulling him down on the sofa. “I’m on my way to a charity
event run by the Devils in Danger Foundation. It’s all about saving the
Tasmanian Devil. If we don’t act, they’ll go extinct.”
    “Sounds like a worthy cause,” Dallas said,
seemingly impressed.
    Looking away, I rubbed my neck. Whatever
Cass was doing in my house, it probably wouldn’t help my quest with Amber one
bit. Clare walked in, and I leaned back, switching off the drivel as I went
through my plan one more time. I wasn’t keen on meeting the Shadows, not after
the stunt they pulled on me. But to return my mate safely from her imminent
trip, I had to use all the help I could get.
    Nodding, I joined the laughing concoction
that seemed to evolve around a glowing Cass, a staring Dallas and
Kieran—the center of attention, as usual—telling a story everyone
seemed to enjoy. Everyone apart from Amber, who shot me a glare. I breathed in
and focused on our bond to feel her emotional undercurrents. She was mad, but
not because of me. She didn’t like the way Cass and Dallas looked at each
other. I couldn’t help but feel a wee smug. At least she wasn’t having a good
time either.
    Without paying the others any attention, I signaled
Kieran to follow me. My brother pulled a face that had the others hooting again
and joined me outside.
    “You’re not helping your case if you come
across as a cold fish,” Kieran said, closing the door behind him.
    “You realize we have more pressing issues
than entertaining the ladies.”
    Kieran sighed and leaned against the wall
mouthing, “Salmon.”
    “Whatever.” I shook my head. Most of the
time, I had no idea why I put up with him. “Call Devon and tell him Amber’s
trip is scheduled for tomorrow night. If they’re still in, he should get the
preparations going.”
    Kieran’s jaw dropped. “You’re kidding! Why
do you think they’re going to play fair this time?”
    “I don’t have a choice. Just do it.”
    Kieran regarded me for a minute, then shrugged
and pulled out his phone. I returned to the living room. If everything went
according to plan, the book would be found soon, and I could finally focus on
earning Amber’s love. If not—I clicked my tongue. Failing wasn’t an
option.
    Amber didn’t get up from her seat, but I
noticed her questioning gaze, heart racing again. I sat down next to Dallas,
opposite from her, ignoring the devastating call of the forbidden blood. From
the corner of my eye, I noticed Amber lean forward, a frown perched between her
brows, as she tried to eavesdrop on the conversation.
    “Kieran filled me in on your little
courtship,” Dallas said. “Hey, sis, is it really such a good idea to mix
business with pleasure? It’s a great way to lose your job.”
    “Or your life,” Amber muttered under her
breath.
    “What?” Dallas asked.
    Amber smiled,