Shadow Kissed 03 - Shadowman

Marcie straightened again, her voice rising. “But Zoe takes up the trays and she brings them down again. Sits by Abigail a good part of every day. Sleeps in the same room. She’s got a foul mouth, but she’s a good sister.”
    So Zoe’s bizarre aura a couple days ago might have been real? Layla didn’t know what to think about that.
    Layla swallowed hard. “Are there more ghosts?”
    â€œA few. But they’re the least of your worries. The wraiths, for one, will scare your hair white in a matter of seconds. First time I heard that screech I just about wet myself. And then there’s the fae—” Marcie lifted her gaze. “Well hello, handsome.”
    The what?
    But a man—young, fit—strode around the island counter and gave Marcie a kiss on the cheek. “Make me some, too, will you?”
    â€œAnything for you.” Marcie’s voice was all warmth. “How’s Annabella?”
    â€œHappy. She misses the babies.” The man turned and Layla almost fell off her stool. His coloring was unnatural, veins a dark gray driving through olive skin. He was bulky with muscle, like a trim boxer, and beautiful. His green-eyed gaze felt hot and piercing. If not for the strangeness of his skin, he could have been one of those intensely beautiful watchers from the street in New York. Yes, exactly like them.
    â€œYou’re Layla?”
    She nodded. What weird thing are you?
    â€œWell, you seem okay now. Adam’s call made it sound like I’d killed you.” He took a seat next to her, elbows on the counter, fingers laced, head tilted to keep his gaze on her face.
    â€œKilled me?” She tried for a smile, as if to say, Please don’t.
    â€œThe gate. I had no idea I could hurt anyone by banging on it. I am very sorry that I caused you pain.” The intense concern in his expression proved the truth of his words.
    â€œSo it is real.”
    â€œYou bet. And since I harmed you by trying to dismantle it, I figure you ought to know.”
    Khan had tricked her then. He’d done something with the warehouse, or her head, which bore some thought. Quiet thought. “I think I’m okay. I don’t hurt now.”
    And actually, she didn’t. She only felt hungry—a new batch of pasta hit the pan—and that was about to be taken care of. She would deal with the rest later.
    â€œThe damn gate didn’t take a dent either.” The man gripped his shoulder. “But I’m sore.”
    â€œKhan made it.” Which was to say, he used magic. “So it’s not . . . ordinary,” she finished lamely.
    The man dropped his gaze to the counter and seemed to fight a smile. “‘Khan,’ huh?”
    â€œYeah.” Why was that funny? “And you are?”
    He looked back over. “I’m Custo. It’s interesting to meet you, Ms. Mathews. You pose quite a conundrum.”
    â€œ Me? ” This from the guy with lead in his veins. Who were these people?
    â€œAdam says you were sneaking around the grounds a few days ago. Well, you got what you wanted. You’re within Segue now, God help you. Made it all the way to the kitchen, which means there’s no going back.” He chuckled. “Least not after tasting Marcie’s food.”
    Marcie smiled over her shoulder at him as she plated the pasta and set it before Layla. “Flattery will get you everywhere,” Marcie said with a grin. “What kind of work will you be doing here, Layla?”
    Layla noticed the amused arc of Custo’s brow. “Yes, Ms. Mathews, how will you be earning your keep?”
    He’s putting me on the spot on purpose. He knows why I’m here; he just wants me to admit it out loud so Marcie understands, too. Well, it’s best to be up front about everything. “I’m working on a feature story about Segue and the origins of the wraiths, and frankly, it might make trouble for some here. But I’m happy to pitch in with whatever needs doing.” She gave a game smile and added brightness to her voice. “I call dishes.”
    Layla waited for warm Marcie to turn cold, but instead she winked at her while handing Custo his plate. “She’ll do dishes? I like her already.”
    â€œYes, it’s always best to be up front,” he said. “I’m glad we agree on that point.”
    Layla froze, fork midway to her mouth. Did I say that bit