by Raven Steele
“Hello, Samira,” Eddie said. “I’m sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine what losing a child feels like.”
I flinched a little, shocked he knew about Faithe, but I shouldn’t have been surprised. The fae had claimed to know everyone’s secrets. Apparently, it was true. So what weren’t they telling us?
“Where’s Briar?” Oona asked. She leaned forward and rested her elbows on the tabletop. Deep cleavage appeared in the V-neck of her shirt. Teddy sucked in an audible breath. I resisted the urge to elbow him.
“She’ll be here—”
The door flew open bringing with it a gust of wind. Briar walked in with confident strides, taking in everything about the small restaurant. When her eyes met mine, they softened, making me wonder if she knew about Faithe, too.
She reached our table and lowered next to me, bumping me with her hip. “Scooch over.”
“So it’s not just work you’re late to, is it?” Eddie mused.
“I arrived exactly when I meant to.” She glanced at Oona. “As always, you are rocking what the good Lord gave you! Damn, girl.”
“I don’t know what that means,” Oona said, smiling, “but it sounds like a compliment so I’ll take it.”
Anxious to get things moving along, I asked, “Why did you want to meet here instead of Black Glen? I thought fae royalty were never supposed to leave their cities.”
Oona flicked her wrist as if swatting at an invisible fly. “That’s an archaic rule, one I’ve never adhered to.”
“Does the King know?”
“Haeman doesn’t need to know every detail of my life,” she said in a clipped tone.
“A woman after my own heart. Bump it.” Briar held out her fist to her.
Oona patted it gracefully.
Briar withdrew it. “Good enough. So what did you want to talk about?”
“White Pine,” she answered. “What happened there was unacceptable. We risked unnecessary exposure, and now we want compensation for our troubles.”
“What type of compensation?” I asked.
Her once-gentle eyes turned ice-cold. “Blood will do nicely.”
Chapter 8
“Blood?” Briar asked, glancing at me as if I could explain the odd request. “Like a few drops or a lot to make one of us very dead. And whose blood? Would a pig’s work?”
A waitress walked over to the table, interrupting us. Briar was the first to order.
“I’ll have a slice of that apple pie over there with whip cream and ice cream.” She pointed to a glass case near the cash register.
The waitress, with an upturned nose and small eyes, turned to the rest of us. “Anything else?”
“I’ll have the same,” Oona added. “It sound delicious.”
Briar winked at her. “Orgasmic.”
“I’ll have two,” Oona added. Her hand slid up and over Teddy’s hand, whose body stiffened next to mine. Oona didn’t even look at Teddy. Just rested her palm over his as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
After Eddie ordered a soda and Teddy and I declined to order, the waitress walked away.
“You were saying you wanted someone’s blood?” Briar reminded Oona.
“A long time ago,” she said, her voice almost purring as she began to run her fingers through Teddy’s, “the fae used to kill anyone who broke their word.”
“We didn’t break our word,” Briar said. “We were tricked. Those people we were trying to save just disappeared.”
“I don’t care about the reason why you failed. All that matters is that you did fail.” She began to stroke around Teddy’s fisted hand, then her finger pushed into the small hole between his thumb and index finger. I could practically feel Teddy’s whole body begin to vibrate.
Briar frowned, eyeing the motion. “Does it have to be blood?”
“Is there a better substitute?”
“Hell yeah. And just as warm and wet.”
I eyed Briar, wondering where she was going with the conversation.
The corner of Oona’s mouth turned up slowly as she added another finger to the small space in Teddy’s hand, moving slowly in and out. “Tell me.”
Briar shrugged and said the next sentence with zero shame. “Will milt do?”
“What’s milt?” I asked, but Eddie rolled his eyes, clearly understanding. Poor Teddy let out a tiny whimper, and I suddenly realized what exactly milt was. Warm, wet, and had Teddy whimpering. I didn’t catch on as fast as Briar, but Oona’s desire to have Teddy in her bed was obvious. Sperm. Briar was talking about Teddy’s sperm, to be specific.
But wasn’t the Queen involved with Folas?
Finally looking at Teddy, Oona smiled. “I think having his companionship for a time could be an acceptable repayment.”
Briar turned to him, straight-faced. “You’re Teddy, right?”
He slowly turned to her and blinked.
“We met once before,” Briar continued. “You must be one of the good vampires if Sammie brought you here. Do you think you can take one for the team and bed the Queen?”
Teddy hesitated, and I put my hand on his arm, suddenly realizing this could be the perfect opportunity. He could also give us information on the fae and what they were up to behind closed doors. “Teddy, you’ve told me countless times you wanted to help. This could be your chance.”
He looked over at me, trust shining through his gaze. “This will help get rid of Korin?”
I looked at him, seeing something in him I hadn’t seen before. A quiet determination and strength. Yes, Teddy could do quite nicely. I nodded.
“Okay,” he agreed.
I slammed my hand down, making Briar jump beside me. “But only if the fae give us something in return. We want information.”
Oona narrowed her eyes, suddenly cutting her gaze to me. “How dare you ask for something in return. This is repayment for your failure at White Pine.”
I steeled my face, leaning forward to lock eyes with her. “If you want Teddy, you will give us what we ask.” Then I smiled, showing my sharp teeth and leaned back, twisting one of my fingers in Teddy’s hair. “He has lived for centuries, you know. He’s very familiar with how to make a woman happy.” I leaned forward and lowered my voice. “Especially women who have particular tastes.”
She frowned, but turned her gaze back to Teddy. His leg shook next to mine but he gave her a simmering gaze. “It’s true.”
Her pupils dilated then, after a moment, she leaned back and sighed. “Fine. I’ll tell you what you want to know.”
Briar smiled. “Then it’s settled. This has been the best negotiation we’ve ever done!”
“I am curious, though.” Ignoring Briar, I turned back to Oona. “What about Folas?”
Oona linked her fingers into Teddy’s, smiling pleasantly. “Folas is busy with the King for the next few days.” She turned her lips down in a pout. “I think it’s only fair I have my fun, too.”
Teddy chuckled nervously, but I laid back in the seat, satisfied. I would text him later and tell him to gather any information he could on the fae. The waitress returned, bringing pie and drinks. I sipped on my water as Briar chuckled to herself and dug into the apple pie with no regards for manners. Oona, however, took her time, licking whipping cream off the spoon with long deliberate strokes, staring straight at Teddy. He jumped suddenly, and if I had to guess by the movement, Oona had placed her foot on his crotch.
Briar smirked, digging into her pie, quietly laughing every few seconds as Teddy’s back had gone ramrod straight, and Oona’s gaze wouldn’t leave his face.
I changed the conversation. “I know they’re still missing, but I think I’m getting closer to where the Phoenix transported all those prisoners.”
“That’s good,” Oona said, her focus now only on Teddy.
“Where do you think they are?” Eddie asked.
I decided to just address him since Oona clearly had her mind on other things. “Near Raven Street in Hell's Peak.”
�
�Is that where you’ve been spending your time?” Briar asked me.
I ignored her and continued. “The problem is Rocky’s men—”
“You’re working with that asshole?” Briar interrupted. “Who are you?”
I kept talking. “—have followed a few people who have been taken, but they just seem to disappear. They can’t find any trace of where Korin or the Phoenix are keeping them, but we’re almost certain they’re being kept in Hell's Peak somewhere.”
“Sounds like fae magic,” Oona breathed, her voice deep and raspy.
Briar and I looked at each other, then at Eddie.
“Could it be fae magic?” I asked Eddie.
“Yeah,” Briar added. “Like, could someone have created a place like your home in Black Glen without your people knowing it?”
Oona was too busy licking her spoon again to answer.
“I doubt it,” Eddie answered for her. “Fae folk would be able to see it … unless it was spelled by powerful magic.”
“From a fae witch,” Briar and I said at the same time.
“Specifically from the Phoenix,” I added. “Is there a way we can find it?”
Eddie opened his mouth then closed it, his eyes flickering to Oona.
“You can’t,” Oona said, her voice a moan. Teddy was gripping the table in front of him and shifting his hips forward. I didn’t dare look into his lap to see why.
“Oh hell balls, you two,” Briar snapped. “I don’t care if you are royalty, Oona. Snap out of it so we can have a conversation for one goddamn second. You’re making me sorry I instigated this whole indecent proposal thing.”
Oona cleared her throat and forced her gaze away from Teddy, who was straightening in his seat, his face reddening. She brushed at her lips with a napkin, then said, “If there’s a hidden fae city protected by magic, we can’t help you find it.”
Her eyes flashed to Eddie, no longer tinged with sexual desire, but cold and full of royal power. There was something else in that gaze. A warning.
“Oona,” I growled. “This is the information we want in exchange for Teddy.”
She frowned again, giving me a pouty look, but I kept mine fierce. I could not bend.
“Fine,” she snapped, then turned to Eddie. “You can tell her. But don’t do it here. Show them later.” Her gaze turned back to Teddy with heated eyes.
“Then we’re done here,” I said and nudged Briar to move out of the booth.
Eddie stood up while the others also left the booth. “I’ll go pay the bill.”
When Eddie was done paying, he pulled me to the side. “Come see me at the club at sunset tomorrow. I’ll give you what you want.”
I nodded my head once.
“Let’s go, Sammie!” Briar called from the door. She held it open for both Eddie and I to pass through. I didn’t see Oona or Teddy. They had left much too quickly.
“I’ll see you both soon,” Eddie said before he turned the other way and walked down the street.
Briar turned to him. “When and where?”
“At Sinsual, sunset tomorrow.”
She nodded thoughtfully, staring across the street to where a man and woman, linked arm and arm, laughed and walked around the corner. When they were out of sight, Briar said, her voice gentle, “I heard about Faithe. I’m so sorry. Is there anything I can do?”
The muscles in my body tightened. I hated the tone in her voice. The pity. “No.”
She hesitated, scratching at her arm. “You’re not going to like this and it’s going to feel awkward for both of us, but I’m going to do it anyway.”
I knitted my eyebrows together and looked at her. “What are you—”
Her arms came around me in a tight embrace. “I really am sorry. You’re not alone in this.”
I stilled, surprised by her sudden show of affection, and a wave of tender emotion washed over me. Sadness swelled within me, and my eyes stung with unshed tears. Faithe was really gone. Grief settled into my bones, and I knew the ache in my chest would never leave. A sob threatened to burst from my lips. Just then, the Kiss emerged, billowing power through me, and I jerked back and out of her arms, suffocating the emotions.
“Thank you, Briar.” I forced myself to say the words while schooling my expression. But underneath the calm, I struggled against the darkness leaking into my body. “And you were right. The hug was awkward.”
She burst out laughing, and I felt a pang of jealousy that she could be so free with her emotions. I quickly walled mine back up. I would save their release for later when I needed the Kiss to destroy Korin and the Phoenix.
“Are we done?” I asked. “Because I need to ask a favor.”
She cleared her throat, still smiling, and stepped back. “Yep, now that that’s out of the way. What do you need?”
“Do you think you can get your pack to ask around about Scorpion’s Breath? I want to find out where Korin’s manufacturing it.”
“Why don’t you just ask Mateo?”
I frowned. “I’m not sure he could tell me the truth.”
“Why not?”
“Because of Korin’s compulsion over him. He had SJ recently, but I have no way of knowing if he’s been compelled again. Korin could have compelled him to kill anyone who asks about the drugs, or to give false information. Either way, it’s not worth the risk.”
“Sure. I’ll have my pack start asking around.”
I rubbed at the back of my neck. “I wish Mateo would never have created Scorpion’s Breath. If he hadn’t, Korin would never have been able to figure out how to use it to create Hydes.”
“I’m sure if Mateo had known how Korin would twist his creation, he would never have done it.” She glanced at me sideways. “Why did Mateo do it anyway? Does he hate humans that much?”
I sighed, looking away, frustrated I had to share this information with her, but it was better she know. “Mateo has a bad history with humans. They betrayed him once after working with them a long time ago, before he met me. He brought peace and riches to their village. In return, they killed his small vampire coven. Nearly killed him, too. Ever since then, he doesn’t trust them.”
She bit her lip, nodding. “Seems like he’s old enough to realize not all humans are the same though. I know some vampires I wouldn’t trust.”
“Valid point.”
“So what are you going to do once you find out where Korin’s keeping the drugs?”
I clenched my jaw. “I’m going to destroy them.”
Her lips twisted up into a full grin. “That sounds like a great idea. I’ll spread the word we’re looking for a place that could possibly be manufacturing drugs. We’ll check out everything.”
“I said I was looking for the location.”
She shook her head. “No way. I want in. You aren’t doing this without me, Sammie. It’s an obligation, as your best friend, for you to take me.”
I ran my hand through my hair. “Okay. If you find out where it is, you can come. But I am not making any promises if I find out on my own.”
“I will. I have people now, you know.” Briar grinned, looking around. “There’s still several hours before sunrise. Do you want to get a drink or something? I meant what I said. You’re not alone.”
“I know.” A deep growl gripped my gut. I was hungry again, really hungry. “I can’t. There are a few things I need to do.”
“Like what?” She stared at me hard, folding her arms across her chest.
“Vampire things.”
“I’ll come.”
“You can’t.”
“Why?”
“Because it’s vampire things. You’re not a vampire.”
She stared at me, searching my eyes. “Since when did we let stupid labels come between us? Look, I get it. You’re hurting. I’ve been there, remember? I went all ragey and shoved everyone away. But you and Lynx were there for me. You helped bring me back. I can do the same for you, no matter how long it takes.”
“This is different. You c
an’t help.”
“Uh-huh. Sure.” She glanced back toward her bike parked against the sidewalk. “So I’m going to go do shifter things and don’t even ask to come because there’s no way a vampire can toss back a beer and fuck like shifters do.”
I sighed at her theatrics. “Fine.”
She walked backwards toward her bike, still speaking. “I mean it. You literally can’t do anything a shifter can do. We even shit special. You should see the magic that happens. Vampires only wish they could—”
“Goodbye, Briar,” I groaned and turned around to walk to my car.
She called after me. “If you change your mind, you know where I’ll be! Fucking and shitting in ways only shifters can do!”
I didn’t turn around, but I did crack a smile. Just barely. Briar had a way of doing that to me.
As soon as Briar drove away, I turned my vehicle the opposite way and returned to Hell's Peak with a singular purpose, one that made me push harder on the gas pedal. My body needed fresh blood and lots of it. My tongue tingled at the thought, and my fangs grew long.
Once I started drinking blood from the vein, my body developed an insane thirst for it. It would take a while for my appetite to abate. And it wasn’t just the blood I craved. It was the violence to destroy those who have destroyed so many others. They deserved to know what it felt like to suffer and feel fear. They deserved to be hunted.
And so tonight, I would be a hunter.
Chapter 9
An hour before sunrise, I returned home, but not to the home I wanted to go to. After what I’d just done, it didn’t feel right to go to Lynx’s house and pollute it with all the blood on my hands. Instead, I drove to the underground parking lot beneath my hotel Trevisan, a place that had seen both the worst and best in me.
I parked near the private elevator entrance and took it all the way to the top to the penthouse suite. While the small elevator made the steady climb, I stripped free of my bloody clothes. I’d broken into a drug house in Hell’s Peak, intent on simply feeding on humans who were high, something that gave their blood an extra kick. But the house apparently offered more than drugs to its customers. I’d discovered a back room full of teenage girls being held captive—some who looked as young as eleven.
