Deception. A.S. Fenichel

mission you choose will always be for the cause of good. If you need our help, you have only to ask and we are at your service. I would be dead now, or worse, living in the hell of the demon realm if you had not risked your life to help save me.”

      Lillian took her hands. “I appreciate the thought very much, Belinda, but you might not feel that way if you knew.”

      Gabriel said, “You underestimate our powers of deduction if you think we cannot recognize Shafton has something to do with whatever you intend.”

      “He’s your family. I do not want to put more strain on your relationship with your father, Belinda. You have just become reacquainted.” Even though they were not her blood, they were the only family she knew. She didn’t want to lose them, but some things were more important than what she wanted.

      A deep frown marred Belinda’s pretty face. “My father overreacted in the dining room. Everyone at the table saw it. I hope my father is not so foolish as to harm the hunters or England, but my relationship with him is tentative at best. We shall stand behind you no matter the outcome.”

      Tears spilled and she dashed them away. “It means the world to me to hear you say that. Still, you should stay clear of this. It will be better for everyone.”

      “Are you certain you will be all right working alone? Belinda is not up to a mission, but I could accompany you.” Gabriel’s training as a soldier made his offer tempting. He struck an imposing figure and could get into places she would have trouble.

      If her instincts were off, the fallout could be catastrophic. She wouldn’t risk her friends. “I honestly believe it better if you were not involved. The family connection will only complicate things. I am not going after demons, only information. I will be fine.”

      * * * *

      Dorian Lambert stretched his legs in front of him in the guise of relaxation while Drake Cullum, his employer, circled the large desk and sat behind it.

      “I’m curious, Dorian, what did you think of the little gathering in the dining room?” Drake leaned his elbows on Shafton’s desk and peered over his steepled fingers. There was never any doubt within the demon hunters company about who was in charge. If anyone doubted Cullum’s authority, he had no problem setting the issue straight. A hardness ingrained in Cullum brooked no argument.

      Dorian had been Drake’s right hand man for over two years, and Dorian remained wary of the man. “Is there a particular aspect of the meeting you would care for me to analyze?”

      Drake’s eyes narrowed before he leaned back in the chair. “I was speaking of the confrontation between our host and Miss Dellacourt. Did you note anything in particular about the exchange?”

      Luckily, she worked in London and he in Edinburgh, so their paths rarely crossed and Dorian could keep his wits about him. “The earl seemed a bit overzealous with his reprimands regarding the ascension of the master. Anyone who has read the report knows the hunters did all they could under the circumstances. He had a good fight coming. He’s lucky every hunter did not draw a weapon right there in the dining room.”

      Drake chuckled, and then, as if he had never laughed, his expression intense but unreadable. “I believe his lordship was closer than you might think to finding himself on the receiving end of a very interesting set of blades.”

      “Indeed?”

      “And what do you think of Miss Lillian Dellacourt?”

      Besides his heart pounding harder, tightness in his groin caused Dorian to adjust his seat. He fought the urge to fidget and crossed his arms over his chest. Never show weakness. “She is magnificent.” Damn. Why had he said that? “The name is likely a fake as she looks completely English to me. Her temper is something to keep an eye on. Was there some other aspect of her personality you wanted evaluated, sir?”

      “She is magnificent.”

      Dorian kept his expression stoic and neutral. Was the head of The Company also pining away for Lillian? He struggled to keep his seat and not draw a weapon or jump across the desk and strangle Cullum. “Sir?”

      “If you had ever seen her fight, she is something to behold.”

      “Are you planning to pursue Miss Dellacourt in a romantic fashion, sir?” Why had he asked his boss such a forward question? He was done for.

      “No. Of course not. My interest is strictly business.” Another fleeting grin replaced his stoic expression.

      The tightness in Dorian’s chest eased. “And is there some reason we are discussing the notably splendid lady?”

      “The thing I have always admired about you, Lambert, is in spite of your title and upbringing among those who patter around an issue, you always get directly to the point.”

      “I shall take that as a compliment, sir.”

      “As it was intended.” Cullum, on the other hand, liked to play games. He enjoyed making the people under his command figure things out for themselves.

      Dorian had still not decided if this was an effective tool or some kind of sick torture.

      “The lady is going to venture out on her own.”

      “Is she?” His gut clenched. Was she leaving The Company and where would she go?

      “She won’t be able to leave the matter of Shafton’s overreaction alone. She’ll want answers.”

      “She’s going to disobey your order to stay here until you find her a suitable partner?”

      “I would bet my life on it.” Cullum casually inspected his fingernails. Curious that a hunter’s disobedience should not cause him distress.

      “You want me to stop her.”

      He loosed a short burst of amusement. “I’m not sure you could, though I should like to see that match.”

      Dorian didn’t know whether to be amused or offended. “I’m not without skills, sir.”

      “True, but we shall not test them against another hunter. Those skills are better served fighting the enemy. There will be plenty of demons to destroy before this is over, and perhaps your skills are wasted in The Company office.”

      “Are you displeased with my work?”

      “No. You are an excellent strategist and assistant. I have no complaints.”

      Curiosity wiggled inside Dorian. “My orders, sir?”

      “Follow her. If she discovers something of interest, bring the information to me. Perhaps keep her out of trouble, though I may be asking too tall an order, even for you.”

      He had never seen Lillian in battle, but he had read the reports. Subduing her was not likely within his capabilities and following her—“She’s a hunter. She’ll know within a few miles that she’s being tracked.”

      “Then you had better introduce yourself before one of those interesting blades of hers finds its way to your throat.”

      “Why not just order her to accept me as her partner and assign her to a fact finding mission?”

      “I could do that, but I do not wish to push her away from her instincts. They are flawless. Also, I’m not ready to completely release you from your duties as my assistant.”

      “You are worried about my loyalties, sir?”

      “Not to the cause. Never that. It will be for the best at this time if you continue to work for me directly as opposed to becoming Lillian Dellacourt’s hunting partner.”

      “As you wish. Will that be all, sir?” Dorian stood.

      “Yes. You likely have some packing to do. I imagine she will be leaving before first light.”

      “Is there anything else I should know?”

      “No. I trust you