Marked By Lies: A Reverse Harem Series (The Marked Series Book 1) by Paige Orr (the red fox clan TXT) 📗

“That’s fair enough, Grey do you think you could gather some of the ghosts who seem the readiest to move on and bring them here, please.”

“Sure thing, boss lady. There are quite a few locals, they could probably use some help. They keep saying something about being blocked every time they try to move on.”

“Thanks Grey, I’ll let you know why I need them when you get back.”

As soon as I finish speaking, Grey blinks out of existence and I take my seat on the coffee table, leaning forward on my knees and making sure I have everyone's attention.

“Alright, I’m going to get the ghosts to watch over who we think is the most likely to be the next target. That means if they are taken, then the ghost can follow them and find out where they’re being kept before letting us know. I know it’s not the most fool-proof plan, but it’s the best I’ve got while I keep investigating.”

As I finish speaking, there’s a knock at the door and I get up to go and answer it. When I open the door, I’m staring at a pile of boxes with meaty arms supporting them. I clear my throat, trying to catch whoever is at the door's attention. A masculine face pokes itself around the edges of the box with a toothy smile before addressing me.

“Hey there, I’m looking for my Prince. He requested this shit to be brought over.”

I nod at the man before looking over my shoulder and shouting on Cailean. While we wait for him to join us, we stand there in awkward silence. Thankfully, my apartment is tiny, so it doesn’t take long for Cailean to join me at the door. I know that I don’t exactly have to stand here and watch their interaction, but call me curious.

“Thanks, Eric. Is that everything that I asked for?”

“There are a couple more boxes still in my truck, Your Highness.”

“Drop the Highness bullshit just now dude, we’re among friends.”

Eric lets out a deep chuckle that has the pile in his arms wobbling precariously, making me take a step back so I don’t get crushed when it inevitably falls. I didn’t have anything to worry about though as Eric drops the boxes onto the floor.

“You know, Cail. You’re definitely the most laid back Royal we’ve had in a long time. So are you going to introduce me to the Siren beside you?”

I furrow my brows in confusion at his strange remark, which only causes the two of them to have a good laugh at my expense. I cross my arms across my chest, letting out an annoyed huff as I roll my eyes at them. This shit is why I avoid men, I’d rather not have their stupid rub off on me.

“Eric, this is Melissa Greene, she’s helping us with our investigation.”

“Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Melissa. It’s about time these idiots stopped being so hard-headed, it doesn’t make us weak to ask for help.”

Okay, so maybe Eric isn’t so bad. A smile tips up the corner of my lips as I reach out taking the hand offered to me. I’m expecting a professional handshake, but instead, Eric bows at the waist, placing a chaste kiss on the back of my hand. When he straightens back up, there’s no humor shining in his eyes, and the shift in his mood has me startled.

“One of the missing is my little sister, so I thank you for risking yourself to help us out. You’re obviously doing a better job than I did.”

I give him a sympathetic smile, nodding my head in understanding. This is why I’m so willing to endanger myself because people are waiting at home in pain for their loved ones to be returned to them. For those people, I’m more than happy to face off against the Devil himself if need be.

“I’ll do everything I can to bring your sister home to you, Eric. I might not have any special abilities, but I’m fucking determined t[4]to make these bastards pay.”

He clears his throat, emotions choking him, and gives me a final nod before turning on his heel and heading back to his car. My heart breaks a little, seeing such a strong and happy person being torn in half. I close my eyes, taking a cleansing breath before turning to grab the top box that Eric left behind.

Just as I’m leaning down to pick up the box, a hand grabs my wrist, gently pulling me back up and turning me until my back is against the door. Shocked, I look up into Cailean’s eyes that have darkened to a violet instead of their usual lavender. He reaches up, cradling my cheek in his large hands, and whispering to me.

“Thank you. I haven’t said that to you yet, and with everything you’re doing for us it’s the least you deserve.”

“There’s nothing to thank me for yet, I haven’t cracked the case just yet that we’re on the right track.”

His thumb strokes along my bottom lip as he moves closer to me, causing my breath to hitch as the full force of just how breathtaking this man is hits me. His eyes stare deep into mine, seemingly searching for something, and just as he moves his head closer to mine, a figure pops up out of nowhere behind him, causing me to jump in fright.

Cailean leaps away from me like we’ve just been caught doing something we shouldn’t have, before scanning around us for what frightened me. After a moment, he lets out a defeated groan, turning back to me.

“Let me guess, the ghost is back.”

I give him a sharp nod as I make eye contact with a bashful Grey who gives me a