Light Dragons 03 - Sparks Fly

because then he’ll want us to stay with him, and if we do that, he’ll tag along when Drake goes to the L’au-dela vault you mentioned, and that would just be all shades of awkward.”
    I shuddered at the thought. “It would indeed. But ... um ... I guess we can find room for you, although it may mean doubling up if Drake’s guards are with you.”
    “Oh, we’re not moving in!” Aisling gave a little laugh. “Drake takes security very seriously when it concerns the babies, so he rented us a house in the suburbs of Moscow. We just flew into Riga-it takes only two hours, which means we won’t have to leave the babies overnight-so that we could meet with you and get this shindig under way.”
    “Oh dear.” I panicked just a little bit.
    “We should be there in about half an hour. Drake insists that we take back roads so Kostya won’t see us.”
    “All right. How did you know he was here?”
    She giggled. “Drake is having him followed. For his own good, of course.”
    “Of course.” She hung up with another giggle, leaving me struck mute with mingled horror and worry.
    Pavel, who was on his way through the hall to one of the back rooms, paused as he strolled past me. “Are you all right? You look upset.”
    Slowly, I put my phone back into my pocket. “Drake and Aisling are on their way out to get some information from me, and I don’t have it.”
    “Information about what?”
    I hesitated, torn with conflicting emotions. I trusted Pavel completely, but his devotion and dedication to Baltic were absolute. It just wouldn’t be fair for me to tell him something he knew Baltic would be desirous of knowing but wouldn’t be able to impart. “If I said I couldn’t tell you, would you be annoyed?”
    “No.” He smiled suddenly. “Is it something that will enrage Baltic?”
    I couldn’t help but sigh. “I’m sure it will, although that’s not anyone’s intention. I’m just trying to fix things.”
    He inclined his head in a little bow. “Then I will wish you Godspeed. Is there anything I can do to help you?”
    “Other than spread dinner for another”-I counted mentally-“four people and one hungry demon, no. Plus Cyrene. And possibly Kostya, if he’s here for Constantine’s challenge.”
    Pavel’s mouth worked a couple of times before he said, “Constantine has challenged Kostya for the black dragon sept?”
    “Yes. Kostya named Baltic as his second.” I nibbled on my lower lip for a few moments. “Maybe I should make a few snacks for the prechallenge part of the evening-”
    “Ysolde!” An indignant Constantine appeared behind me, in the doorway. “You said you wish to have a tête-à-tête with me!”
    “My apologies,” I said, soothingly. “I was caught up in the thought of canapés. Pavel, can you-”
    “Holland will help me put together something, and do not worry about the dinner-it will be enough for everyone.”
    “Bless you,” I said, and meant it.

Chapter Thirteen
    “W ell, isn’t this ... nice.”
    “Man, what a hole. And I thought Aisling used to stay in some crappy places.”
    “Jim!” Aisling stopped looking around the entryway of the house and whapped the demon on its head, giving me an apologetic smile in the process. “I’m sorry, Ysolde. Jim swore it was going to be on its best behavior, because it knows what will happen to it if it’s not. ”
    The emphasis on the last few words was not lost on Jim, who winked at me. “Soldy knows I’m just teasing. It’s a great house if you like the Addams family. I especially like that tarantula over there in those cobwebs. Very atmospheric. Hey.” The demon sniffed the air a couple of times. “Is that dinner I smell?”
    “We are not staying for dinner,” Aisling said quickly, giving Jim a stern look before preceding me into the sitting room when I gestured toward it. “We just came to ... er ... you know.”
    “Of course you’re staying for dinner. Pavel’s cooking, and there’s plenty for everyone.”
    “Now, that’s what I’m talking about,” Jim said, plopping itself down on a couch before Aisling shoved its butt off and pointed to the floor.
    “Is Baltic here?” Drake asked as he followed us into the room, trailed by his two redheaded bodyguards.
    “He’s at Dauva, although”-I glanced at my watch-“he should be back in the next hour or so. Dragon’s blood, anyone?”
    I handed out the fiery drink at the polite murmurs of assent, pouring a bit of Perrier into a bowl for