by Jess Haines
“I’m not a hunter. It’s a long story; I don’t really want to go into it.”
“I’d like to hear that story sometime. How about over coffee next Saturday?”
Well, that was unexpected. Under the circumstances, it was an odd place to be propositioned for a date. Still, it was flattering, and I gave Devon a wry smile, flipping off Bo when he let loose a raucous wolf whistle. “Sorry, Dev, not unless my boyfriend comes with us. He’s the jealous type.”
Bo snickered and threw a minimuffin from his breakfast tray to bounce off the top of Devon’s head. “Ha! Told you she wouldn’t be single. You owe me five bucks!”
Devon sighed and shook his head, shoulders slumped in disappointment obviously feigned to be greater than it was. “Knew you were too good looking to be single.”
I grinned and leaned forward to pick a hunk of banana nut muffin out of his gelled, dark brown spikes. He really was a charmer. Probably a player too, seeing as he wasted little time trying to win me over. “Keep your distance, mister. I’ll let you know if something changes.”
He chuckled and brushed his fingers through his hair. “That’s all I ask. I’d still like to hear that story of yours. Maybe you can tell me the Cliff Notes version in the car.”
“Sure,” I said, accepting his offered hand. Once I stood up, dizziness made me stop for a second to get my balance, but it wasn’t anything like it had been last night. The transfusion and a good night’s sleep, followed by a hearty breakfast with lots of protein, had helped quite a bit. Any lingering feeling of sickness was mild enough that I was no longer worried I might toss my cookies every time I turned my head. The cold from the linoleum tile seeped through my socks, and I hustled as best I could to the stairs.
Bo called out plaintively after us, “Can you at least send Nikki down so I have another pretty lady to talk to? You’re leaving me all by my lonesome.”
Devon held out a supporting arm as we reached the stairs, grinning back at Bo. “Tough it out, you wuss.”
I punched Devon lightly in the arm, smiling. “Don’t worry, Bo, I’ll bring you back some movies and books. We can watch Beaches together when I get back!”
Devon and I cracked up at the horrified look that crossed Bo’s face.
When we got upstairs, most of the other hunters were gone. Nikki, the tall blond who had helped get me downstairs last night, ran into us in the hallway. She looked surprised to see me on my feet. “Hey, good morning. I take it you’re feeling better?”
I smiled, spreading my arms and taking a breath deep enough for my ribs to twinge. “Good as new.”
She returned the smile and followed us to the front door. Judging by his pace, I was guessing Devon wanted to sneak out before either the doc or Jack knew we were leaving. Devon talked to her as we walked.
“Can you let Jack know we’re just going to pick up some of her stuff? Shouldn’t be gone more than a couple hours,” Devon said.
“Sure. Watch your ass, though, you know he won’t like it.”
“Don’t worry, I can handle it,” he said, grabbing his auburn bomber jacket off the coat rack and stepping out into the cool shade of the porch. Jack was sitting on a wooden bench against the wall, casual in jeans and a T-shirt, one leg comfortably thrown over the other. He took a deep drag on a cig, his gaze neutral and tone noncommittal once he addressed us.
“Going somewhere?”
I opened my mouth to speak, but Devon cut me off. “We’re going to get some clothes and shoes and stuff from her apartment. We won’t be long.”
Jack closed his eyes, tilting his head back and blowing a smoke ring. “I wouldn’t go down there if I were you.”
“Why not?” I asked, frowning.
“There are cops and reporters crawling all over it. I’d think you’d want to lay low after last night’s escapades.”
“What? I can understand the cops, but why reporters?”
He didn’t bother to open his eyes. “Don’t you watch the news, Ms. Waynest? The press loves anything to do with the Others. You’ve recently been attacked by a rogue vampire, saved and apparently wooed by Alec Royce. They found your car abandoned in the street. It’s all over the police bands that you were kidnapped by men impersonating plain-clothes officers. You’re a hot story–I’m sure they’re just dying to reach you. Or find your body. Whatever creates the most sensationalism.”
Yikes.
“I wouldn’t worry about it too much,” Devon was quick to reassure me. “I doubt there are many reporters hanging around with no story to report. They’re probably down at the local station bugging the cops or listening in on the radio bands for any hints. As for the police, well, you’re okay. They can stop looking for you.”
Jack opened his eyes, a single platinum brow perking up as those cold blue eyes regarded the other hunter. “They’ll want her statement. Probably want to take her into protective custody.”
“I think I can handle the cops. I’ve dealt with them plenty of times before.”
“Are you sure?” Devon asked, looking a trifle uncertain. “I mean, I don’t want to end up getting you in even deeper trouble by taking you back there.”
“I couldn’t possibly be in any deeper trouble than I’m in now. Don’t worry about it, let’s just go.”
“Don’t tell the police anything about us,” Jack warned as Devon and I started toward the car. “Tell them you escaped when Royce showed up, and stayed with a friend last night.”
Rolling my eyes, I gave him a sarcastic salute. “Aye, aye, Cap’n.”
Devon coughed into his fist to hide his laughter, but the bemused curve of his lips gave him away. Jack just looked annoyed.
“I’m not joking. If you tell them anything that even hints at the involvement of White Hats in this mess, Alec Royce and Max Carlyle will be the least of your worries.”
Devon shook his head, his smile fading. “Stop scaring the poor girl. She’s had a rough night, and I’m sure she knows what she’s doing. Right?”
“I’m a PI, of course, I know how to deal with the police.”
Without any more delays, we continued to his jeep. While Devon was settling himself in, I fastened my belt and took a look around.
It was absolutely gorgeous out, only a few puffball clouds in the sky and the crisp salt breeze carrying seagulls out over the bay. The water shone a lovely deep blue, spotted here and there with sailboats and yachts. The house was even prettier during the day. The white trim and dark brown paint made it look like a rustic, homey shack overlooking the beach, though its size would probably qualify the place as a mansion.
Most of the other houses on the street were the same–large, comfortable, picturesque Victorians. Definitely not a neighborhood I would have pegged as a White Hat haven.
This would be a great place for a vacation, but I couldn’t afford to linger. I had to get in touch with Chaz, Sara, Arnold, and as much as I dreaded it, the police. Jack did say they found my car, so I’d have to get it out of impound. Thank goodness it hadn’t been stolen.
The thing I dreaded most of all was calling Royce. After all, he did come to save me last night. I didn’t want to alienate him, so I needed to express some gratitude. Chances were high that, until Max was out of the picture, I’d need his help again.
As Devon started the car, I considered how to handle the situation with Max. If he was still alive after last night, I would need to lie low for a good long while. If I went to Royce, he’d probably start that crazy talk about turning me again. Hiding with the White Hats might work for a while, but I had a business to run. Max obviously wasn’t beyond playing dirty and might go after my family or friends next. After the story he’d told me about Helen of Volos, it was clear he wouldn’t stop until Royce and I were dead. Max had the patience of an immortal, and intelligence enough to wait until I was off my guard to make my death work to his advantage. Unless I found some way to prevent it, he could strike at any time.
Since I couldn’t hide forever and wasn’t interested in
crawling to Royce for safety, there was only one answer to (almost) all of my current problems.
I had to kill Max Carlyle.
Chapter 15
Once we hit the road, Devon started prying about how I met Royce and how I came to be a hunter. He didn’t appear to notice my newfound resolve to become a murderer. Maybe I could ask him for tips later, hunter to hunter.
“What did you do after you signed the contract?”
“I promised Royce I’d save his ass. Which I did. That’s probably the only reason he even talks to me.”
“Jeez. No wonder Jack’s been trying to get you to work with us. What changed your mind?”
I shrugged uncomfortably, staring at the road ahead. We were a couple blocks away from my apartment building, and I was grateful I wouldn’t have to keep talking much longer. Though Devon was easy to get along with, I was uncomfortable discussing that crazy period of my life. Arnold and Sara knew better than to bring it up, Chaz liked to pretend it didn’t happen, and Royce wasn’t around enough to act as a painful reminder. I may have irrevocably involved myself with the hidden, darker underside of the Others, but that didn’t mean I couldn’t make a healthy attempt at wallowing in denial. Until they butted their way into my life and I had no choice but to deal with them, that is.
“Turn right here.”
He glanced at me briefly, though I had the feeling he’d have tried to hold my gaze if he didn’t have to keep his attention on the road. “Really, what was it?”
His voice was gentle, understanding, and that was my undoing. Only Chaz and Royce had any insight into exactly how much vampires scared me. This was the first time someone human, like me, seemed to have any idea what I was going through. I had to swallow back the lump that formed in my throat.
“I’ve never felt as helpless in my life as I did last night. I don’t ever want to feel that way again.”
As we turned the corner and pulled into a convenient parking space a block down from my building, the flickering of red and blue lights caught my eye. I squinted against the glare of the sun to see what was going on. There was a crowd gathered on the sidewalk, blocking any view of what was happening.
Devon turned in the seat to look at me, really look at me, and I couldn’t hold his gaze. “You don’t have to feel that way again. You’ve got us at your back now.”
I nodded as I opened the door, quickly stepping out on the sidewalk to avoid answering him. I started walking, not waiting for him to catch up, focusing on the lights flashing up ahead. What was going on?
Zipping up his jacket to hide his shoulder holster and guns, he jogged to my side just before I reached the fringe of the gathering in front of my building. I was very surprised to see a bunch of cops pushing the crowd back from the front door, shouting for everyone to move back and keep clear. A few reporters strained to get closer. The civvies were more conservative, watching from across the street or back a little ways from the yellow caution tape, hands in pockets. Two uniforms had their guns out, covering the front door. Another one was leaning against the wall, clutching his chest, taking deep, gasping breaths while two others hovered over him. Someone else was shouting orders into a walkie-talkie, screaming for backup and an ambulance. What the hell was going on?
One of the officers looked in our direction, glancing at me and Devon briefly before doing a double take. A grin lit his face and he waved, ducking under the tape and ushering the reporters back.
“Ms. Waynest!” the rookie kid, Officer O’Donnell, shouted in relief. “You’re alive!”
The reporters jumped on his statement like a pack of Rottweilers on a fresh T-bone.
Both Devon and I abruptly backpedaled, seeking escape from the stampede of reporters hurling questions like javelins. Someone made a crack about Royce that brought a blush to my cheeks. Horror struck when I spotted cameras and video recorders aimed at me–and there I was, in my borrowed, oversized shirt, walking around in socks with telltale bandages on my throat. Let us not forget that I had a strange guy, who was decidedly not a vampire or my boyfriend, escorting me back to my apartment. This was not something I wanted splashed across the ten o’clock news.
“Ms. Waynest! Ms. Waynest, there were reports you were kidnapped yesterday, are those true?”
“Were you really pulled out of your car by a vampire?”
“Is Alec Royce the vampire who bit you? Are you going to be turned into one?”
I couldn’t hide from the cameras, but I did shoot one of the more brazen of the bunch a dirty look when she asked if I wanted to comment on Royce’s skills in the bedroom. The other reporters quieted, waiting eagerly for my answer.
What the hell did they take me for?
Devon was practically cowering behind me, looking as alarmed as I felt. Officer O’Donnell elbowed his way past the crowd, taking my arm and hurrying me to a black-and-white. He threw an apologetic glance my way, realizing the extent of his error as he tripped over one of the trailing cables from a reporter’s mic being shoved in my face.
It wasn’t much of an improvement in the car. I scrambled into the front passenger seat while O’Donnell shoved the White Hat in the back. Maybe since I wasn’t obliging them with details about my kidnapping or love life, a bunch of the paparazzi were now asking who Devon was and what his connection was to me. The three of us tried to pretend that there wasn’t a flock of rabid reporters knocking on the windows and pressing mics and recorders at us, and slumped low in our seats. O’Donnell broke first, rubbing the back of his neck.
“Sorry about that.”
I quelled my urge to growl out some epithets at Officer O’Donnell, covered my eyes, and leaned back against the door, banging my head lightly against the window. He was a kid. A rookie kid in uniform. He didn’t know any better. Telling myself that did not make it any easier to get a handle on my temper. Deep breaths, Shiarra. Breathe.
“What the hell is going on here? Why are there police and reporters crawling all over my apartment building?”
He looked sheepish, glancing to where the other cops were gathering. The ones who weren’t attending to the guy hyperventilating at the side of the building were watching us. From what I could see around the crowd of reporters, none of them looked happy.
“A Were let himself into your apartment shortly before you got here. There were a couple of techs in there doing another sweep, trying to pick up fingerprints or something to figure out who took you. When he asked what was going on and they told him they were investigating your disappearance, he went crazy. Shifted right there in the room, chased the techs out. He drove off the first unit who got here. The rest of us have just been waiting for S.W.A.T. to arrive and keeping the civvies out of harm’s way.”
Damn. Chaz was here? I’d texted him what happened. How could he not have known I was missing? How could he shift outside of a full moon, right in front of the cops?
“I’ve got to go in there.”
“What?! No!”
“No way!” Devon said, putting a hand on my shoulder. “Are you kidding? You’re in no shape to fight a Were. Shit, even I wouldn’t go up against one without some backup.”
I scowled at them, pushing Devon’s hand away. O’Donnell eyed Devon suspiciously until my next words. “He’s my boyfriend–it’s not my fault he’s freaked out. Somebody handled it pretty badly if he went so far as to shift outside of the moon cycle.”
The two men couldn’t have looked more shocked if I’d slapped them. I reached across the seats to shut O’Donnell’s gaping mouth, not bothering to hide my irritation. “Stop staring at me like that.”
Devon slumped back in the seat, his hazel eyes wide and confused. “You–you’re dating a Were?”
“Yes, not that it’s any of your business,” I snapped before turning to O’Donnell. “Can I go now? I can keep him from trying to tear the place apart. You can call off the rest of the cops.”
The young cop didn’t seem to know what to do. He didn’t move for a long moment, looking at me like I�
��d grown a second head, his mouth silently working as he tried and failed to find words to answer me. Annoyed, I shoved open the door, stepping out into the media frenzy. They didn’t touch me, but they followed me closely, and with so many shouted questions, they were drowning each other out. It was unnerving. Devon was trying to figure out how to open his door, but he was in the back of a police car–someone would have to let him out. I wasn’t worried about leaving him behind. I didn’t want anyone, least of all a trigger-happy White Hat or some rookie cop, following me upstairs to face a panicked Were.
When I ducked under the caution tape, the nearest cop snagged my arm. “Stay back! This is police business.”
I paused in my tracks, glaring at the guy. I knew he wasn’t responsible for the mess going on in my life, least of all for Chaz having a panic attack, but I was too pissed off to keep my temper in check. The world was out to make my life miserable, what with Max attacking me and Royce trying to turn me. Ugh, and was that gum stuck to the bottom of my sock?
I let the cop have it.
“Let me the fuck go, right the fuck now! You call this mess ‘police business'? I’m going to sue you assholes for gross negligence, unlawful entry, and deliberately aggravating my boyfriend into shifting outside the full moon! It’s your fault he’s shifted, not his! I’m going in there to clean up the mess you idiots made, so get your fucking hands off me!”
He didn’t seem to know what to say. The moment I said “sue,” he withdrew, letting go of my arm. A girl’s got to know what buttons to push to get her way, I always say.
One of the cops tending to the guy having a panic attack looked at me, surprise mixed with disgust. “Are you shitting me? You’re dating that furball?”
“He’s not a furball, he’s a man. It’s not his fault he grows fur during the full moon, so leave him the hell alone. Let me pass so I can calm him down.”
“Lady, you’ve got to be kidding. He’ll kill you. Tear you to shreds.”
I shook my head, raising my hand up to cover my eyes again. A headache started pulsing right between my eyes. It didn’t help when I noticed how quiet it had gotten. The people gathered at the edge of the caution tape were hanging on our every word, microphones and cameras pointed at us, catching it all on film. Perfect.
