Salvation's Kiss (Tales Of Mython Book 1) by Kathryn Jayne (old books to read .TXT) 📗

deal with the blood-lust, or were you planning to go missing?” His eyes bore into her accusingly, reading something in her expression. “That’s it, isn’t it?”

Closing her eyes, Ashley promised herself that as soon as she could, she would have to work on guarding her expression, as Conrad read her too easily.

“What I don’t get is why I can’t smell their affliction on you. You’d been wronged, but why didn’t I know?”

Ashley brought her hand to her nose, giving herself a tentative sniff. “I do shower, you know.” She blushed, feeling strangely defensive.

“Yeah, but…”

“Haven’t you noticed, Con?” His dad quirked an eyebrow, taking over the cooking. He wafted the rising steam towards him before reaching to the wooden spice rack to add something from one of the many tiny glass jars. “She doesn’t carry a scent at all. Just laundry powder and soap.”

“Scent? Wait, are you—”

“Shifters,” Conrad interrupted, before his father could respond or offer a correction to whatever she may have been about to say. The realisation caused her mouth to hang slightly agape as she finally placed the feeling she had within his presence, although a second later she felt her brows furrow. That couldn’t be right. What she felt when near him wasn’t the same as she had felt in the presence of other shifters. There was something pure, earthy and natural about the sensation she normally had from them, but being near Conrad caused her temperature to spike and a pressure build within her chest. Being near him somehow seemed akin to a warm drink on a bitter day. Warm and comforting—safe—her mind added. Every preternatural species seemed to possess their own different sensation. The only time it seemed wrong, something other than natural, was when someone had been forced into a change against their will. That was when her saliva worked, or had. It didn’t reverse preternatural alignment, it merely gave those who had been forced into the life a chance to be born anew.

“So you can’t tell specifics then. How did you know when you’re needed?” Conrad questioned, something akin to relief in his voice.

“It’s hard to explain. Natural preternaturals have a certain feeling about them. I knew you weren’t human, but I couldn’t place you into any group I’ve encountered. I guess different shifters must have different presences, it’s not something I’ve noticed, but then again, it’s not like I go around asking people what they are. My talent wouldn’t undo the natural or willing, only those exploited or forced into something they don’t want. It’s like their essence calls to me, telling me of the violation. Those in desperate need will seek me with their eyes, their souls calling to mine. The further into their transition, the more taxing it was to reverse.”

“That’s why you collapsed the other night. He was a vampire.” Ashley saw something akin to relief flicker briefly across his stunning features, before his eyes rested on her with such intensity, she couldn’t help but shiver.

“He was, but it looks like those days are behind me now.” The sound of a plate being placed down caused her to startle.

“Just in time.” Selene smiled as she saw the table being laid. “After we’ve eaten, we have something important to discuss. Ashley, I’m going to have to ask you to trust us. Do you think you can do that?”

Ashley raised her gaze to meet Conrad’s and she knew the answer without any hesitation.

Ashley’s cheeks burned from the easy smiles that had crept over her during the meal. It had been a long time since she had last sat around a table with a family. She had almost forgotten how it felt. Reuben had dominated the conversation, telling her about the area where they had lived before coming here. It wasn’t until he started recounting some of his more grisly investigations that she realised who he was, but his tales were soon cut short by Selene warning him that the meal table was no place for such graphic stories. When Selene excused herself from the table at the end of the meal, Ashley stood, collecting the plates and taking them towards the large double-sink.

“Please sit,” Conrad instructed. “Mum would not approve of a guest helping out.”

“But you cooked, so surely I should clean?” she protested, clutching the plates close.

“Our house, our rules,” he teased, echoing a phrase she had used during their movie night, when he had attempted to help her clean up the following morning.

Clicking her tongue, she placed the crockery down and returned to her place, sitting awkwardly as Reuben scrutinised her. After a few moments of silence, the sound of running water and dishes being loaded into the dishwasher gave him the perfect cover to ask the question that had clearly been preying on his mind.

“Did you file a report?” His intense gaze was overbearing, the weight of his stare causing her to shift uncomfortably in her seat. It was no wonder he was so renowned for his investigation work. Just being trapped in his gaze made her want to confess her every indiscretion.

“Pardon?” she questioned, adjusting her cardigan slightly. Her fingernail snagged in her hair, making her feel even more flustered than before.

“Sorry, I couldn’t help noticing the bruise, and Con mentioned you’d been—”

“Dad!” The dishwasher door slammed closed, causing the crockery within to rattle. “You’re not at work. Ashley’s our guest.”

“A good detective is never off duty,” Reuben proclaimed, before passing a hand through his hair. “But he’s right. Sorry, Ashley, I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable.”

“’Interrogated’ is the word you’re after, dear.” Selene placed her hand on Ashley’s shoulder, causing her to flinch. “Honestly, this is why our son never brings anyone home.” She shook her head slowly, her gaze fixed on her husband until he seemed to wilt before her unimpressed expression. “Speaking of privacy, I’d like to discuss what your blood has revealed but, given what I’ve learnt, I’d like for Reuben to be present. What I’ve uncovered is complicated,