"No one knows her identity, and no one else sees her," Kris said firmly. "She's an unwitting participant."
"You know me well enough, brother."
"I'll send for you."
"What are you not telling me, Kris?" Andre pressed with brotherly concern in his voice.
Kris looked away.
"There's something else to this human, isn't there?"
"She's an immortal mate."
"Not uncommon," Andre replied. "What else?"
Kris chuckled, aware his older brother could wait him out.
"She's an Ancient's mate."
"Ah," Andre said softly. "Then you're in a bind, if you intend to claim her."
"Can't leave this one to fate," he said in the same quiet tone. "Do you…"
"You and I have always put the Council and our mission first," Andre reminded him. "Now is not the time to doubt yourself. Of all our brothers, you are the only one who can lead us to victory. If this woman gives you the power to do so…"
Kris said nothing, feeling at once foolish and like he was the child Andre used to chastise for failing to focus on his duties. Andre clasped his shoulder, bowed his head, and disappeared.
Kris willed himself to the shadow world and walked back to his underground refuge, heart heavy. Jade awaited him, as he expected. Kris accepted the glass of whiskey but avoided Jade's extended hand.
His lover of many years sensed his unease and waited for him to speak.
"The woman we found is an immortal's mate," he started.
"I know," Jade said, seating himself. "You have someone in mind for her?"
"I do."
Jade waited, and Kris held his gaze in silence. He watched the expectant look turn to one of disbelief. Jade's jaw grew lax before he managed to speak.
"You're serious?"
"I'm bound by my duty," Kris replied.
"But this? You'd leave me for her?"
"Not by choice, Jade. Her talent can --"
"You can mate her to one of our friends! There's no --"
"She's an Ancient's mate, not just any immortal's mate," he explained.
"Give her to Andre."
"Jade."
His gut twisted as raw emotion crossed Jade's face. His friend and lover searched his face hard, then rose and stalked out.
Kris let him go despite his desire to follow him. There was nothing he could say that would take away the pain he'd just caused.