Eve of Warefare by Sylvia Day Read Free Book Online Page A

Alec, if you want to head outside, that’s where the men are.”
    Eve followed Pam through the living room to the kitchen, while Alec headed out the sliding glass door that led to the back patio.
    “I was hoping I could come by tomorrow,” Pam said, eyeing her avidly. “I have a new catalogue and some great samples.”
    Remembering that Pam sold cosmetics, Eve smiled. Certainly Pam would be familiar with many of the Arcadia residents. Perhaps Pam was using her consultant business as a cover for a darker purpose. If not, Eve could use their acquaintance to do so. “Sure. I’d love to have you over. You’ll have to forgive the boxes.”
    “I can help with that while Jesse’s in school.”
    “Thank you. I’d like that.”
    They entered the kitchen where Terri stood tossing a salad at a large granite-covered island. “Enjoying the new house so far?” she asked Eve.
    “We’re thrilled.”
    Jesse looked up from her task of slicing strawberries and smiled, then glanced out the backdoor longingly, as if she’d much rather be outside.
    “Can I borrow a corkscrew?” Eve asked. “I need to let this Merlot breathe a bit.”
    Terri gestured with a jerk of her chin. “There’s a wine bar in the family room. You’ll find all the accessories – glasses, wine charms, corkscrew – in there.”
    Heading into the family room, which was easy to find since the floor plans were so similar, Eve made a point of checking out the house. She had no idea what she was looking for, but knew she’d recognize something off if she found it.
    She’d just located the corkscrew in a drawer when Tim came into the room.
    “Hey,” he greeted her.
    “Hi.” She noted that he looked different, then figured out what it was. His eyes weren’t blue so much as a muted grey, similar to how dull Zaphiel’s irises became after she lost the Mark.
    “I was hoping to catch you alone.”
    Something about the way he approached her set her on edge. There was a sharp focus to the way he watched her and the balance of his footfalls – light and on the balls of his sandalled feet – was inherently predatory.
    Although he was dressed innocuously in navy board shorts and a loose-fitting white tee, she altered her stance and her grip on the corkscrew. She may not have the speed and power of the Mark, but she still knew how to fight.
    He smiled. “We have a mutual acquaintance.”
    Eve absorbed that. “Oh?”
    “Adrian.”
    Her head tilted to one side. “Wings or fur?”
    “Definitely not furry.” He wagged his finger at her. “Be careful who you call a lycan. Those who aren’t one, don’t take it well.”
    “Point taken. How are you with corkscrews? I’ve been known to get cork in the wine.”
    He moved to the other side of the bar and took over. As he deftly uncorked the bottle, Eve looked around the room, noting the same lack of wall adornment she’d picked up on in the living room. Almost as if the Andersons hadn’t quite moved in yet . . . or were ready for a quick move out.
    “How long has Terri lived here?” she asked.
    “I have no idea. I haven’t been here long myself.”
    Eve looked at him. “Is this home permanent for you? Or just for now?”
    “Nothing’s permanent.” He tossed the cork in the trash and rinsed off the corkscrew before tossing it back in the drawer. “I get in, get what I came for, and get out.”
    “I know what that’s like.”
    “I’m surprised Cain is getting involved in Adrian’s business.”
    “That’s my fault. I got suckered into this and I’m flying blind. I didn’t even know the Watchers . . . the Fallen . . . vampires – whatever were still around until last night and I’ve been scrambling to catch up. Since he’s my mentor, he has to tag along, too.”
    “He looks a bit more invested than that.”
    “Yeah . . .” She smiled, but kept her personal life to herself. “It’s complicated.”
    “Which is why I work alone.” He poured a half-glass and set it in front of her.
    Eve