Ruffle My Feathers (The Seven - Book 2) by Ciana Stone Read Free Book Online Page A

into the house in one smooth move.
    Nevaeh wished she'd chosen something besides heels. She was having a hard time keeping up with his stride. When they reached the ballroom, the first thing she saw was Augustus, kneeling beside Layla's chair and Layla sitting there with a stunned expression and blood all over the front of her dress.
    "Ok, slow down." Gabriel slowed his pace to a leisurely stroll, looking for all the world like someone who'd just stepped out for a breath of air.
    Augustus looked up as they reached him. "Well?"
    Nevaeh took the vacant seat beside him. "I saw a security man. He was by the server entrance. He spoke into his wrist and there was a woman sitting in the back who had her finger to her ear. She lowered it when the man finished speaking and then looked at a man in the press gallery who was watching her.
    "I saw the security man do the same thing right before the attack."
    "Security? Perhaps he was simply checking in with the other stations."
    "You didn't use that type of communicator." Gabriel pointed out. "Remember? You opted for the earpiece model we upgraded for the military."
    Augustus looked at Nevaeh. "Please take no offense, but I must see what you saw. Just think about it. It will take but a moment."
    It was a bit disconcerting. She could feel Augustus' laser beam attention in her head as she recalled what had happened. Abruptly, he was gone. "I will see whoever is responsible brought to justice."
    "In a legal way, Augustus." Gabriel put his hand on Augustus' shoulder."This isn't the time for vigilantism."
    "I know." He stood and gestured to Nevaeh and Gabriel. "Walk with me."
    He leaned down, whispered something to Layla, and then kissed her. Nevaeh fell into step with him when he left Layla's side and Gabriel walked on the opposite side. "Tell me when you spot these people."
    "But you have my memories."
    "For confirmation. Please."
    Layla scanned the faces of all the attackers who'd been restrained and forced to sit on the floor in the center of the room. They made two passes around the group and she stopped. "That guy. The one in the blue shirt with brown hair and a black eye. He's one."
    "Yes. And the others?"
    "They're not here."
    "Perhaps they are. You did say one was posing as security."
    "Yes."
    Augustus looked at Gabriel. "Find Connor. Fill him in. I want that man found."
    "On it. What're you going to do?"
    "Nevaeh and I will continue to look for the woman."
    "She already told you that she didn't see her."
    "She didn't see her among those we know to be with the attack. Perhaps she did took no active part."
    "You mean maybe she's one of ours?"
    "It is not outside the realm of possibility. There are those of our kind who oppose this treaty."
    Gabriel nodded and headed off. Augustus took Nevaeh's arm. "I am going to assure our people that this matter will be resolved. If you see this woman, I want you to make some comment to her."
    "What kind of comment."
    "Something about how horrible this is."
    "Got it."
    They started making their way around the room. Nevaeh took a good look at every woman. By the time they'd made their way back to Layla, she was frustrated. "She's not here."
    "Or is camouflaged."
    "Camouflaged."
    "There are Changelings capable of altering their appearance, and the strongest of the Fae can project a façade of sorts."
    "So you think one of your people is responsible?"
    "I know it. Asha had to have help to make this happen. Only she or I could have accomplished this."
    "But why would she do something this horrible?"
    Augustus looked at Layla and she reached up to take his hand. Augustus hesitated before answering. "Because she does not want peace."
    "But I thought she'd been the one working so hard for it."
    "Or she made us think she was." Layla stood.
    "Layla, you shouldn't—"
    "Augustus, please. You can see for yourself that I'm healed. You know I'm right. Asha could have been working against us all along. You've told me how things were stalled repeatedly. It had to be