No sooner do I hang up, my phone rings. I pounce on it. Caller ID says ‘Gregor’. Since when did I have his number in my phone? I warily answer it.
“Hello?” I say casually.
“Liv? It’s Gregor. Are you well?”
“Err, yes, I’m fine, thank you. Are you?” I ask. I’m at a total loss at the phone politeness coming from t
he man that has not only plotted my destruction for a thousand years but also killed my husband in cold blood.
“Have you spoken to Constantine yet?” he asks, concerned.
“No, I’m expecting a return phone call. Why?” I ask suspiciously.
“We have had an incident. It’s nothing for you to worry about, but it may be wise for you to join us in New York as soon as you can, my dear.”
“New York? Why, what has happened? Is Constantine okay?” I ask, panicking now.
“Yes, he is fine,” he says as if he wishes he weren’t. “But we have a Council issue that requires your presence,” he says with mock casualness.
So, it went from 'may be wise' to 'requires.' This does not sound good.
“Gregor, dear," I say in a smarmy voice. “What is going on?”
“Just come to New York, the suite at the Four Seasons, and we shall discuss it further,” he says then hangs up. Christ, is that an I.V. thing? It really pisses me off.
“I have to go to New York,” I state as my two boys look at me in query. “Well, no, let me rephrase, we are going to New York. Whatever the Hell this is, Eloise and Gregor are there, and I will end them as soon as I get the chance.”
At shocked expressions from Cole and Devon, I try CK’s cell again. Again, it’s Nico.
“Liv?”
“Christ, Nico. I need to speak to him, please.”
“I will get him to call you as soon as he is able.”
“Tell him I am not okay,” I say and hang up, feeling somewhat guilty at the lie.
But as sure as I take my next breath, he calls back. I smile.
“Aefre. What is it?” he asks, overly concerned.
“Why is Gregor calling me to tell me to come to New York?”
“Because I asked him to. I thought you said you weren’t okay?” he asks suspiciously.
“I am not okay. I’m confused and tired and why is Gregor calling me instead of you?” I sulk.
“Oh really, Aefre,” he sighs. “Just be here tomorrow. I will explain then.” And he hangs up. In a right temper, I throw my phone at the wall, but fortunately for me, Devon catches it before it smashes into little pieces. I smile gratefully.
He shrugs. “What is going on?”
“I don’t know. Something Council related. We must go. Dev ask Jim to get the jet fired up… again. For fuck's sake! My brain is so mashed at the minute. I don’t need a new drama to add to the pile,” I complain loudly, very loudly, and Cole pulls me to him.
“Don’t stress, Liv. We will deal.”
“I know. I’m just really tired of being blindsided. Every time I turn around, a new revelation comes out and smacks me in the head. I am so tired. I am exhausted. Just hold me,” I finish up and they do, no questions asked.
CHAPTER SEVENTY-ONE