Breaking the Nexus (Mythrian Realm) by Lindsay Avalon Read Free Book Online

because the right hand was believed by some to hold immense power. Granted, before she’d fallen through the Nexus, she had picked up traces of blood magic, so maybe it wasn’t out of the realm of possibility. The idea of a mage in the Human Realm sent a chill down her spine. The odd creature or two finding a crack and passing through the barrier was rare, although it happened. There were supposed to be safeguards in place to prevent anyone possessing power from crossing.
    “And look how well those worked to keep you in Mythria,” she muttered under her breath.
    “I’m sorry?” Connor’s voice shocked a curse from her lips. Dammit, of course he’d have to come back when she was talking to herself.  
    “Oh, ignore me. Hello again, Detective. Did I scare you so much you had to bring backup?” Sha nodded toward the tall man who’d walked in with him. He had bright red hair and a complexion as pale as her own. Although his face was impassive, she got the impression he was a good man. With a little luck, he wasn’t here to cart her off in chains.
    Connor’s lips twitched in response, though he held back the smile. Pity, she’d wanted to see it. No, she wanted to get out of here, not turn into a lovesick fool . Why weren’t her thoughts cooperating? “No, this is my partner, Detective Ian Kendrick.”
    “I’d like to say it’s lovely to meet you, however, that’ll depend on whether I’m going to be locked away soon.”
    The men took their seats on the opposite side of the table and she noted with amusement they both pushed their chairs back a few extra inches. “Gentlemen, I assure you the table isn’t going to spring to life and attack you.”
    Ian cleared his throat, giving the scuffed metal surface a dubious glance. “I watched the show on the TV monitor; it was quite impressive, Ms. Phoenix.”  
    “It was also stupid and careless, I apologize for losing my temper.”
    Connor shifted his weight, leaning forward. “Do you do that often? Lose your temper, I mean.”
    He was baiting her, but she wasn’t going to fall for it. “Yes, I sometimes lose my temper. No, I didn’t fly into a rage and decide it would be a brilliant idea to subdue, mutilate, and kill a man. I don’t know what I can do to prove it to you.”
    Both detectives were silent, their piercing stares making her feel like an insect under observation. She refused to let them see her squirm. What felt like hours passed when the redheaded one, Ian she thought, relaxed and nodded to his partner. What in the seven hells did that mean for her?
    Connor was the first to speak. “Today’s your lucky day.”
    “How so?” Sha asked, suspicious of the drastic change; they’d gone from almost hostile interrogators to amicable and relaxed. This could be a new tactic to make her slip up and reveal more about herself.
    “Do you know what this is?” Connor dropped a file in front of her.
    She shook her head. “No, should I?”
    “It’s the preliminary report. Our techs didn’t find any blood spatter on your clothes.”
    Though she didn’t understand what that meant, it sounded promising. Hope began to blossom, though she tried to be realistic.   “Does this mean you believe I’m not your killer?”  
    “More or less. You could have been working with a partner, but it’s far-fetched,” Connor replied.
    “Am I free to go?”
    Ian spoke up this time. “Actually, we’d like to ask you a few more questions if you don’t mind.”
    Sha rolled her eyes. “I’ve been answering questions all day. What in the Seven Hells could you have left to ask?”
    Connor shifted, capturing her attention. “Start with telling us how you ended up in the alley.”
    By the flame, this was not going to be easy to explain. “You really want to know? I guarantee you won’t believe me.”
    “Considering the day I’ve had, I’m open to just about anything.”
    Sha felt the slow smile spread across her face. “Funny you should say that. How well do you