Last Blood hoc-5

by Kristen Painter

  He nodded. “I understand.”

  “Then help me find a way to get her back.”

  “I will think on it. That is as much as I can promise right now.”

  “Think quickly.” She sat back, her patience nearly at its end. “Luciano believes you murdered one of the employees at Seven. I told him you and I left early, that there was no way you could have been involved.” She tipped her head and gave him her coldest stare. “Please, don’t make me out to be a liar.”

  “I know it’s late,” Chief Vernadetto said. “I’m sorry to disturb you, but I have news I thought you’d both want to hear.”

  Doc nodded. “We appreciate your keeping us in the loop.” The chief was a good man and whether or not he was doing this because of Fi, Doc didn’t know, but it felt nice to catch a break once in a while.

  “Totally, Pete,” Fi added.

  Isaiah set coffee cups in front of him and Vernadetto, then served Fi a cup of tea. He added sugar and a creamer to the table. “Anything else?”

  “No, that’s all. Thanks.” Doc waited until Isaiah left before responding to the chief. He gave Fi’s leg a little squeeze under the table.

  Fi blew on her tea. “What did you find out?”

  Vernadetto stirred sugar into his coffee. “As Fi knows, I dug a little deeper on Remo, but found nothing that led me to believe he was involved in his sister’s death. However, we have now identified the source of the silver. A dealer down on Agramonte.”

  Doc turned his cup. Fi had told him about Vernadetto’s info on Remo. “So? Whom did the dealer sell to?”

  “That’s the tricky part. This dealer is a remnant, part fae, and didn’t want anything to do with this death. Claims not to remember much about the sale other than that the silver was picked up and paid for in cash by a messenger service. From that messenger, who also mysteriously can’t remember any details, we were able to get one piece of information. He says one of your council members bought the silver.”

  Beside him, Fi stiffened. She shook her head and Doc noticed her hand was trembling. “No. I can’t believe either of them would have anything to do with this.”

  Vernadetto dropped his head a little. “I’m sorry, Fiona. It’s always hard when the news hits so close to home.” He sighed. “I’m sorry, but I have to take Barasa and Omur down to the station for questioning. I just wanted to let you know first out of courtesy.”

  “I can’t believe this.” Doc stared at his coffee without really seeing it. “They’ve been so loyal.” He shook his head. This wasn’t the news he’d wanted to hear. “That probably doesn’t help, does it?”

  Vernadetto shifted uncomfortably. “You shouldn’t say anything more. You’ll be called to testify and I don’t want to know more than I need to.”

  Doc nodded, swamped with heat. The two he’d trusted most. Losing either of them would hurt, but what if they’d been in it together? He couldn’t believe it. What would Remo’s father do when he found out his daughter had been murdered? The weight of it all pressed down on his shoulders, nearly bending him forward. Somehow, he held on and kept the witch fire at bay. “So that’s it then.”

  Pushing his full cup gently away, Vernadetto stood. “Yes. I’m sorry.”

  “So am I.” Without another word, Doc got up and walked away, leaving Fi and Vernadetto to say their good-byes. He didn’t stop until he got to the master bath, and then he shut the door behind himself and stepped into the massive marble shower.

  Even with all Barasa had taught him about controlling the fire within him, there was only so much Doc could do, only so long he could keep a lid on what burned inside him. Not with the stress that seemed to grow at every turn.

  At last alone, he erupted into flames.

  Chapter Twenty-nine

  Creek leaned against the door of Octavian’s sports car as the vampire approached. His eyes silvered almost immediately, a pretty good indicator he wasn’t happy to see Creek. “Something happening?”

  Creek pushed off the car. “Just checking in to see how things are going with the mayor.”

  “I report to Annika. She knows how things are going.”

  He reached for the car door, but Creek blocked his path. “Can’t a fellow KM be interested in how another operative is doing?”

  “I’m doing fine. Your concern is noted, but unnecessary.”

  Creek stayed put. “I heard you and Lola hit Seven the other night. How was that? You two have a good time? Bond over a couple of cold ones?” He laughed. “I guess for vampires that would be a couple of warm ones.”

  Octavian stared at him. “What do you want?”

  “Just a little conversation. One operative getting to know another.” Creek dropped his grin. “What did you do there? Dance? Gamble? Taste some of that comarré blood? Maybe knock some heads together? Put a stake in someone’s heart?”

  “I’ve had enough of this.” Octavian reached for the door handle again. This time when Creek stepped into his path, Octavian shoved him out of the way.

  Creek grabbed Octavian’s arms and threw him to the ground, then shoved his elbow down onto Octavian’s throat, crushing bones. Octavian growled, but he stayed down. Creek calculated the time it would take to reach his weapons. “Did you kill Katsumi?”

  “Get off me,” Octavian wheezed.

  Creek leaned in with more pressure. “Yes-or-no question.”

  “Screw you.” Octavian stared daggers at Creek. “This is what the KM gets for hiring convicts. I outrank you, tribe. I can have Una’s scholarship pulled. Think about that.”

  “So you read my file.” With his free hand, Creek whipped his crossbow out from underneath the car, where he’d stashed it loaded and ready earlier. He pressed the tip to Octavian’s chest. “Did you also read about how lies make my finger twitch?”

  A little of the bravado drained from Octavian’s face. “You wouldn’t kill me. Annika would have your head.”

  “Annika sent me.” He took his elbow off Octavian’s throat and stood, tapping his fingernail against the crossbow’s titanium frame, making a pinging sound. “Plus, I really enjoy killing vampires. The way they go poof into a cloud of ash? I can’t get enough of that.”

  Octavian swallowed. “Yes, I killed her. It was necessary to the mission. She threatened to expose my cover.”

  Creek let the crossbow drop an inch. “See? That wasn’t so hard, was it?”

  Octavian jumped up and brushed the dirt off his suit, his anger returning fast. “If you think Annika isn’t going to hear about this, you’re dead wrong, you son of—”

  Creek lifted his crossbow, pulled the trigger, and sank the bolt into Octavian’s shoulder.

  Octavian staggered back. “What the hell?” His knees buckled as the laudanum took effect.

  “Lies and threats make my finger twitch. I always forget to mention that.” Creek retracted the bow and tucked it away. “And don’t worry, Annika’s definitely going to hear about this.” He pulled his phone out of his jacket pocket and hit STOP on the recording app, then held the phone up for Octavian to see. “Got it all right here. Now you just go to sleep and I’ll be sure to keep you in a nice safe place until she decides what to do with you.”

  Octavian slumped against the side of the car, mumbling something.

  Creek started the recorder again. “What was that?”

  “I’m going to kill you…”

  “Great, got it, thanks.” Creek stuck the phone back in his pocket. “I’ll make sure to tell her that, too.”

  “I’m going with you.” Radiating brotherly protection, Damian leaned against the door frame of Chrysabelle’s room.

  “I appreciate that you want to, but you can’t. Rennata will strip your signum off just like she did mine. I’m not letting that happen.” She packed a small bag with a change of clothes. “This is really something Mal and I need to take care of once and for all. Besides, who will take care of the house and Amylia? I need you here.”

  “You need me with you. I can handle Renn
ata. Velimai can take care of the house and Amylia can take care of herself.” He shook his head. “I’m serious, Chrys. I need to be there with you.”

  Chrysabelle wanted to argue, but she smiled instead. If this was how the big brother thing worked, she was okay with that. It was sweet, really. She left her packing to take hold of his crossed arms. “It’s nice that somebody else wants to watch over me.”

  “That’s what family does. Except you won’t let me do it.”

  “Just in this instance. You can watch over me all you want when I get back. But you have to stay here. Trust me on this, I know best.”

  His frown deepened. “I don’t like your going alone.”

  “I’m not going alone. I’m going with Mal.”

  He grunted. “You’re going to the Primorus Domus alone.”

  “Yes, but I know what to expect now.” She returned to her bag, zipping it shut. “I won’t be spending a lot of time there. Just a few words with Rennata, and then I’m going to hide in the lower levels of Tatiana’s estate until Mal is ready to strike. We’ve got it all worked out, I promise.”

  Jerem stuck his head in. “Plane’s ready.” He nodded at her bag. “Want me to load that?”

  “Sure, thanks. Is Mal coming back from the freighter or are we picking him up on the way?”

  Jerem grabbed the bag. “Picking him up.”

  “Let’s go then.” She kissed Damian’s cheek as she passed. “We’ll be fine.” She gave his arm a squeeze. “But feel free to pray.”

  Within an hour, she and Mal were on board the plane and the pilot and copilot she’d hired were completing their preflight check. Mal took her hand as they sat side by side. “Nervous about going back to the Primorus Domus?”

  “Yes. Obviously, my history with Rennata isn’t good, but as I’m no longer under her control, there’s not much she can do. Except not let me in.”

  His eyes narrowed. “I like the new look.”

  She plucked at the gray leather jacket and black jeans she’d chosen. “Fi’s influence mostly.” The top was one of her comarré tunics, picked especially for its ability to hide her belly. She rested her arm on top of his, twining her fingers between his. “I know you’re going to fight me on this, but you need to feed. You need your strength for this trip.”

  His jaw tensed and she could feel a protest coming on. She spoke before he could argue. “Listen to me. I know you’re worried that you’re going to be taking blood from the baby, but I’m not tired and my body is producing plenty. I’d know if it weren’t.” She smiled sweetly. “Besides, we both know there’s no point in arguing, because I will nag you until you break.”

  He snorted. “That’s a given.” He twisted to splay his hand across her rounding stomach. “Protecting you and this child are my main priority, so even if you think I’m going to protest, I’m not. I’ve already lost the ability to go to smoke since I haven’t fed from you. Going against Tatiana and Lilith means I have to be at a hundred percent. If you think I can feed without harming the baby, then I trust you.”

  She raised her brows. “Are you feeling okay? That really doesn’t sound like you.”

  He mocked an injured look. “Hey, I can change.”

  “Yes, but change with you isn’t usually this good.” A sly smile crept over her face and she bit her bottom lip. “Remember the last time you drank from me?”

  His eyes shimmered silver. “Yes. You ended up pregnant.”

  “No chance of that happening again.” She stood, grabbed his hand, and pulled him to his feet.

  “Where are we going?”

  “The bedroom. We’ve got time to kill anyway.” She laughed, walking backward down the aisle.

  “Is that what I am to you? Just a way to pass time?” His voice was low and teasing and sent a shiver down her spine. He pulled her up against him, cupping her body close. Leaning down, he nipped her ear. “I missed you.”

  “I missed you too.” She cradled his face in her hands. “Don’t leave me again. Swear it.”

  “I won’t. I promise.” He kissed her. “This time when we come home, we’re not leaving. This is our last trip to Corvinestri. We’re a family now and no one is going to interfere with this chance at happiness.”

  He looked her square in the eyes. “No one.”

  Fi found Doc sitting on the floor of the shower, flames dancing over his body, his head in his hands and his back against the wall. “Baby? You okay?” She’d thought the fire thing was under control. Apparently not.

  “I can’t believe this is happening. I don’t want to believe Barasa or Omur is to blame for this. They’ve supported me throughout this whole mess, supported you and supported us being together, but I guess that support went too far.”

  He raised his head, then held his hand out and stared at the blue fire shimmering over his skin. “And now you know the witch’s curse never left me.” He stood and punched his fist into the shower wall, cracking the marble. “Damn it. What kind of man am I to drag you into all this?”

  “Stop it,” she yelled. “You didn’t drag me anywhere. I came willingly. Because I love you. I’ve always come willingly when you’re concerned. Where we’re concerned. This isn’t about you; it’s about us. Don’t you dare fall apart on me.” She blew out a hard breath. “And don’t you dare punch that shower again. I love that shower.”

  He snorted, shaking his head. “You’re crazy.”

  “I’d have to be to be with you, wouldn’t I?”

  He nodded. “I guess so.” He leaned his head against the wall. The flames seemed like they were getting smaller. “What am I going to do about Barasa and Omur? Just the fact that they’re being taken in for questioning will make them guilty in a lot of people’s eyes.”

  She raised her brows. “Do you think they’re guilty?”

  With a long sigh, he shook his head. “I don’t know. I don’t want them to be, but what if they are? They had access. They had motive.”

  She came closer, but stopped before the shower’s threshold. “Hire that retired JAG lawyer who was at the cocktail party and get him down there ASAP. As soon as he can get Barasa and Omur bailed out, we need to sit down together and figure this out.”

  He squeezed his eyes shut, his face a mask of concentration. A second later, the flames went out. He got up, walked out of the shower, and kissed her forehead. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

  She punched him lightly. “Yeah, you’re a lucky guy.”

  He laughed. “That’s for damn sure.”

  She went up on her tiptoes and kissed him back. “Too bad Remo wasn’t one of your council members sooner or they’d be hauling him downtown too.”

  Doc’s mouth came open and he stared at her like she’d just said something crazy smart. Then he snagged her hand and started leading her out of the bathroom. “You’re a genius.”

  “I am?”

  “My council members. Fritz. Don’t you get it? Fritz was a council member, but he quit because he was loyal to Sinjin. If anyone knows who might have wanted to kill Heaven, it’s him. As soon as I call that lawyer, I’m going to talk to him.”

  “But I thought he moved out after he quit?”

  “He did, but no one ever really leaves the pride.” He winked at Fi. “Or I guess I should say, the pride never really leaves them.”

  Chapter Thirty

  Creek would have been lying if he’d said he didn’t enjoy trussing Octavian up like a pig for a roast. He cranked the winch one more time, lifting the vampire into the air in the center of the machine shop. He knew living in this place would come in handy someday. Being able to hang Octavian off the old pulley system was a great way to keep track of him.

  Swinging gently in the air, Octavian mumbled something. Apparently, the laudanum was starting to wear off.

  “Sorry, can’t hear you through the gag. I’d take it off, but you threatened to kill me so getting close to your fangs seems like a bad idea.” He locked the chain in place, then stood in front of Octavian, s
taring up at him. “Annika will be here soon, so just hang in there. No pun intended.” He laughed. “Okay, maybe a little bit.”

  The metal door behind him squealed. He turned to see Annika coming in. Her gaze was aimed at Octavian. “What the hell is this? Get him down right now.”

  “Sector Chief, good to see you.” He imagined the eyes hidden behind her permanent shades were probably glaring at him now.

  “I said get him down.” She didn’t bother shutting the door behind her, just stood there, hands on her hips, waiting.

  “Listen to this first.” He pulled out his phone and played the recording he’d made.

  She took it all in, her expression changing very little. When it was over, she pointed to Octavian. “Get the gag out of his mouth. I need to talk to him.”

  Creek unhitched the chain and lowered Octavian to the floor, then carefully removed the gag. He tossed it aside and stepped back. “He’s all yours.”

  Octavian rolled his shoulders. “You’re going to pay for this, you stupid—”

  “Octavian, enough,” Annika snapped. “Killing a vampire without orders is a breach of conduct. Such a death can only create issues for all involved. You know how these things can affect—”

  “She was going to blow my cover,” Octavian argued.

  “You shouldn’t have gone to Seven in the first place.” Annika scowled. “And you had no order to kill her. You broke a rule.”

  Octavian shook his head slowly and began to laugh. “I am so tired of your rules and regulations. I’ve given my life to the KM and what did I get back? Heartache. I was forced to betray the woman I loved and now I’m stuck in this dump of a city? I don’t think so.”

  For a moment, his body seemed to ripple, and then he burst apart into a swarm of clicking metal scarabs. The tiny gunmetal wings whirred through the air as his restraints fell to the ground. The cloud of beetles streamed out through the open door and into the night.