About this book
An alpha always puts his pack first.
AlphaSilasFlynnwantsrevenge SincethedayAlexBloodrightmurderedhisparents,Silashasmadeithismissiontobring the rogue werewolfto justice. After months ofhuntinghis nemesis, he’s closer thanever to neutralizingAlexfor good. But whenhe’sunexpectedlyassignedanewpartner,Meredith,hiswolftakesanunusualinterestinher.Nowisnotthetimeforthe goddesstogranthimafatedmate.
FoxshifterMeredithhasherownreasonsforwantingrevengeonAlex.Herwerewolffather’spackwasslaughteredbyhim. ButconvincingSilas to lether help while dodgingthe feelings she has for himleaves her strugglingto keep her eye onthe target.
AsthetwocloseinonAlex,itbecomesapparentthatsomeoneontheinsideishelpinghim StoppingtheroguewillforceSilas toquestioneverything,includinghisabilitytobethealphafatehasdemandedhimtobeandexactlyhowfarhe’swillingtogo forthewomanheloves.
ForSilas,thedifferencebetweenagooddayworkingasadetectiveandabarelytolerableoneoftenhingedonthequalityof thecoffee.Today, itseemed, was tippingtoward barelytolerable. He twisted his lips, his cheeks puckeringatthe semitepidbeanwatertricklingdownhisthroat.Hemanagedaswallowonlytohavealong,cinnamon-taintedfinishburnontheway down Humans.
Hecouldalwaystellwhenoneofthenon-supernaturalsworkingwithhimintheCarltonCityPoliceDepartmentmadethe coffee. The shit was weak, barelydiscernible fromtea, and weirdlyflavored. He swirled the concoctioninhis cup. Thin. Translucent Hecouldseethecrackatthebottomofhisfavoritemug theonewithadachshundonthesidethatsaidDON’T
BE A WEINER rightthroughit Thecrack,whichprobablyharboredallsortsofnastybacteria,remindedhimheshouldhave replacedthethingmonthsago,afacthecouldhaveignoredonemoredayifthecoffeehadbeenbrewedcorrectly.
Helookedbothwaysbeforedumpingthepotdownthelittlesinkinthebreakroom.IntheCCPD,supernaturalsandhumans workedsidebyside,althoughthelatterwereunawarethattheircoworkerssproutedtailsorcastspellsduringtheirtimeoff. Humandetectiveswereassignedtohumancases;Silas,astheonlysupernatural detectiveinthedepartment,wasassignedto thesupernaturalones HumansoutnumberedsupersinthePDinthesameproportionastheydidinthecity’spopulation And withthelocaldemigoddesswitch,akaaHecate,GratefulKnight,alsopolicingthesupernaturalcommunityinthearea(atleast whenitcametosupernaturalinvolvementwithhumans),heusuallyhadnoproblemkeepingupwithhiscaseload.
Silaslikedhumansforthemostpart.Hisbestfriend,Logan,usedtobehuman.Buthewasgladhiscaptainwasfae.Made it easier on everyone when he needed accommodations for his condition, namely three days off a month to shift into a werewolf.
“Whatthehell?IthoughtWendysaidshebrewedanewpot.Someonedrankitallalready?”AwomanSilashadneverseen before stoodinthe doorwaytothe breakroomlookingpeeved,anobscenelylarge mugdanglingfromher fingers.The thing was practicallya soup bowl witha handle His werewolfnose twitched as his supernatural olfactorysenses sorted outher scent Coffeegrounds,coconuthair conditioner,genericdryer sheets,acrumboforange-vanillasconethatclungtoher shirt, andanundercurrentofsomethinggameyandwild.
Hisinnerwolfroused,andSilasdrewadeeperbreath.Hehadthestrongesturgetoburyhisnoseinherhair.Tall,withan athleticphysique,thestrangersportedbluejeans,low-heeledboots,andawhitecottonblousethatlookedfreshlyironed.She wassquare-jawedandsolid-boned,butitwasher deepredhair thatfascinatedhiswolf,theunusual color catchingthelight andtoyingwithhissenses
Silas cleared his throat, bothembarrassed and shocked to catchhimselfstaring, his fingers twitchingto touchher. “Did Wendysend youbackhere? This is the employee breakarea. There’s a separate coffee stationup frontfor the public.” He pointedoutthedoor.“Although,ifyouhangoutforaminute,Icanfillyouup.” Fill you up? Yeah, he’d like to fill her up Shefoldedherarmsacrossherchest,onesideofhermouthlifting “Hedidn’ttellyou” “Hewho?Didn’ttellmewhat?”
“CaptainManahan…Patrick.I’mnew.MeredithTurner.”Sheextendedherhand.“Nicetomeetyou.”
Hervoiceranglowforawoman,althoughnotatallmasculine,withagrittyqualitylikeshe’dbeenasmokeratsomepoint inherlife Aftershakingherhandtentatively,hegavehispalmagoodsniffundertheguiseofscratchinghiswhiskers Agamey scentwasevident.Nothumanbutnotwolfeither.Forthelifeofhim,hecouldn’tquiteplacewhatshewas,althoughusuallyhe excelledatdiscerningsupernaturals.Hiswolf,however,wasn’tconcernedatallwithherspecies.Hisinnerbeastpractically leapedinsidehistorso,hiswildsideurginghimtograbherandgrindhimselfagainsther.Weird.Itwasn’teventhefullmoon. Heshovedtheinstinctdown
“Isthisthepartwhereyoutrytosmellmybutt?”sheasked “Iheardyouwerewolveswereintothat”
Shocked speechless, Silas did a double take. His jaw popped open. The lupine side of him was, in fact, extremely interestedinherassatthemoment.
He was relieved when Meredith laughed. “No offense. Just breaking the ice. Let me put your curiosity to rest. I’m bispecies Dad’sawerewolf Mom’saskinwalker”
Halfwolf Hmm “Doyoushift?”Hisvoicecameoutabnormallylowandgrittyandheclearedhisthroat Itwasapersonal question,butsinceshe’dbeenforthcomingwithherheritage,hecouldn’thelpbutask.
“WheneverIgettheurge,andonlyintoafox.”Shesmiledagain,thistimeflashingafewbeautifullysymmetricalteeth.“I don’tparticipateinthecompulsorythree-daywolffestyourkinddoes.”
“Interesting” Silas turned to the sinkand beganfillingthe pot He’d heard theymightneed another supernatural officer, althoughhewassurprisedshewasinplainclothes.Maybeasecretary?Goddess,hehopedshewasasecretary.Noonewould sayawordifhedatedasecretary.“SowhatexactlywillyoubedoinghereattheCCPD?”
Sheworriedherbottomlip.“MaybePatrickistherightpersontotellyou.”
Silassnorted “Why?What’sthebigdeal?IsitsomesupersecretnewroleI’mnotsupposedtoknowabout?”
“No ”
“Well,thenjusttellme.”
“I’matransferfromMerrimack…whereIwasadetective.”
Silas paused, the spoonhe’d used to shovel coffee grounds hangingover the paper filter. “Detective? Whatwill yoube doinghere?” He snapped the lid closed and stabbed the Brew buttonwithhis finger before pinningher witha questioning stare
Withashrugandaresolvedsigh,sheannounced,“I’myournewpartner.”
MEREDITH TURNER HADN’T EXPECTED TO BE THE ONE TO BREAK IT TO SILAS THAT HE WAS GETTING A NEW PARTNER SHE definitelyhadn’texpectedhispresencetobeso…overwhelming.Sure,she’dknownhewasAlphaofFirebornPack,andwith that role came certainself-aggrandizingtendencies. But his physical effect onher, consideringshe wasn’t a member of his pack,wasnothingshortofsurprising.
Hewasbigwithadeepvoicethatmadeherkneesturntowaterwhenhespoke Itwasallshecoulddotostandherground Andshemuststandherground.BecauseSilasFlynnwasnotgoingtoliketakingonapartner,especially,sheguessed,afemale one.All thesealphasweremisogynisticassholes.Thehell ifshewouldlethimruinthis assignmentfor her though.She was hereforareason,andshewasn’tgoingtolethimshoveheraround.
Pushing past her, Silas stomped across the department and barged into Patrick Manahan’s office without an ounce of respectfor theuniformedofficer alreadysittinginthechair across thedeskfromthecaptain Silas practicallyvibrated with annoyance.
Meredithrolledhereyesandmurmured,“Herewego”beforefollowinghim.
“Patrick, will you tell this woman there’s been a terrible, unfortunate mistake? She seems to be laboring under the misguidednotionthatsheworkshereasadetective”Silaspointedahandather,hislipcurlingintoanincreduloushalfsmile “Silas ”Thecaptainscratchedhisbaldinghead,theheelofhishandbrushingthepointofhisears Thatparticularfeature
wasn’t visible to humans, but Meredith found it a good reminder not to mess with the captain, whose powerful fae side dwelledjustbelowthesurface.“Let’stalkaboutthis.”
All humor drained fromSilas’s expression as he realized there was no mistake Meredith folded her arms against the tensionrisingintheroom.Thewerewolfwasnotgoingtoacceptthiswithoutafight. Oh shit, here it comes.
“Talk? What? Who the hell is she, and why does she think she’s my new partner?” The words came out along with a backgroundgrowlthatrumbledstraightfromhischest.
Meredithbracedherselfagainstthealphavibesrollingofftheman God,itremindedherofwhenshewasateenagerand herfatherwouldgetangryandpuffuplikeablowfish Well,shewasnotateenageranymore,andshewouldn’tletanarrogant, spoiledbratofamanintimidateher.
“I tried to break the news gently,” Meredith said, not bothering to keep the smugness or the grin fromher voice. She shruggedoneshoulderasifshefoundSilas’stiradeamusing.
“Notyourfault,”Manahanoffered,thenturnedhisattentiontotheuniformedofficerwhowasstillsittinginoneofthetwo chairsacrossfromhisdesk Theguy’searswereredandhewasglaringatSilas ItseemedMeredithwasnottheonlymember oftheCCPDwhothoughtthemanneededtobetakendownanotch.“OfficerBrighton,wouldyougiveusaminute?”
“Yeah,”Brightongrittedout.Theyoungmanrose,bumpingshoulderswithSilasonhiswayoutthedoor.Itdidn’tlooklike anaccident.
Meredithtookthelibertytoclosethedoorbehindhim,drawingafortifyingbreath Silas’salphatendenciesandhairtrigger weren’texactlyasecret,butshedidn’tloveexperiencingawerewolftantruminperson.Partofherenjoyedwatchinghimbe putinhisplace,butabiggerpartdidn’trelishwhatitwasgoingtotaketowinhimtoherside.Andthetruthwas,sheprobably neededhishelptodowhatshe’dcometodo.Probably.Ifhedidn’tfallinline,she’dfindawaytocatchAlexonherown.
“Explain,” Silas demanded, gettinginPatrick’s face He braced his hands onthe desk, leaningforward so thathis wide shoulderscastashadowoverthecaptain’sbulkyform
Way too aggressive.Meredithsilentlychuckledtoherself.Patrickwasnotgoingtogoforthat.
ManahanglaredatSilas,hisnormallywarmblueeyesturningicy.“Sitdown.Bothofyou.”
Crackingherneck,Meredithslidintooneofthemoldedplasticchairs,butSilasstayedrightwherehewas.“Uh-oh,” she murmuredfrombehindasmileshefoughttokeepfromtakingshape Thewolfwasabouttogethisfurryasshandedtohim,and shewashereforit
“Isaid, sit!”CaptainManahan’svoicereverberatedinthetinyroom,hisfaesidecomingtothesurface.Asanaerial fae, thecaptain’svoicewasaliteralweapon.ThesoundrumbleddeepwithinMeredith,sendingaflareofheartburnintoherthroat. Sheshiftedinherseat.
Silaswasnotimmunetothecaptain’spowerandhadbeenonthereceivingendofmostofit Hecoughedintohishandand promptlysat Thistimeshecouldn’tfullysuppressherchuckle Yeah, sit the fuck down, Alpha “Better,” Manahan barked. “Now we can have a civilized conversation.” The captain spread his hands, eyes darting betweenthem.
MeredithsmirkedasaveininSilas’stemplepoppedandhischeekstookonaruddyhue.Thiswasgettinggood.
ThecaptainpointedonemeatyfingeratSilas “Youneedapartner” “Idon’t.”
“Youdo.ThisAlexthing…Iunderstandwhyyou’reobsessed.”
“Oh,youdo?Youunderstand whatit’s like to have your parents murdered and the werewolfresponsible free and living somewhereinthecity?”SilasslidhisnarrowedgazetowardMeredith,probablywonderinghowmuchsheknewaboutAlex Sheknew Everyoneclosetopacklifeknew
Thecaptainleanedbackinhischair,bouncingagainstthebackrestandthreadinghisfingersover themoundofhisbelly. “Okay,letmerephrasethat.IunderstandthepursuitofAlexneedstobeyourtoppriority.Butthereareothercases.”
“WhichIhaven’tneglected.NameonetimeIeverfellshortonexpectations.”
The captainranhis tongue alonghis teeth, makinga suckingnoise like he was dislodgingsomethingcaught behind his eyetooth “Sleep Apersonallife”
Silassnorted.“Ihaven’tenjoyedeitherinyears.” “Exactly.”
Alongstretchofsilenceunraveledbetweenthem Meredithstraightenedinherchair Shecrossedherlegsandbobbedher foot.Howlongwasthisgoingtotake?Silasneededtogethisshittogetheronthis.Theyhadworktodo.
“You’reburningthecandleatbothends,”thebigmancontinued.“Thestressisgettingtoyou.It’smyresponsibilitytokeep yousafe,andthatmeansuntilAlexisbroughttojustice,youneedbackup.”Silasbegantoprotest,butthecaptaincuthimoff. “LastweekyoubusteddownadooronFifthStreet Significantpropertydamage”
“TherewasahealerthereIthoughtmightknowsomething”
“Yeah?Well,you’reluckyshedidn’tknowaspellstrongenoughtokillyou.” “Ihadarashforaweek.”
“Ihadahellofatimecalmingherdown.Shethreatenedtosueusinhumancourt.That’sthelastthingweneed.”
“Itwasafalselead Ishouldhavehandleditdifferently,Iadmit ButI’mclose,Patrick OneofthesedaysAlexisgoingto slipupandI’llhavehim Icanfeelit”
The captainnodded. “Nodoubt.Butuntil youhitthe bull’s-eye, Meredithwill keep youfromself-destructing. She’s not emotionallyinvolved.”
Hmm. Where did he get that idea? Meredithtookspecialinterestinherfingernailsandsquirmedinherchair.
“Youneedanobjectivebrainonthis,”hecontinued “Listentoher Letherhelpyou Ihaveitongoodauthoritythatshe’s oneofthebest.”
Silasgaveanexaggeratedsigh,rubbinghiseyeswithhisthumbandforefinger.“Idon’tsupposeIcantalkyououtofthis?”
Thecaptainshookhishead.“She’salreadyonthepayroll.”Hesnatchedamanilafolderoffthecornerofhisdeskandheld itouttowardMeredith “Also,bothofyouneedtocheckthisout”
“What’sthisabout?”Tentatively,shestoodandacceptedthefolderheoffered Shewasn’tagainstworkingonothercases, butAlexwashertoppriority.
“Humanmurder.Shallowgraves.Seemedlikeanopen-and-shutabduction,murder,hide-the-bodiestypething.Onlythere’s beensomeunapprovedexcavationattheburialsite.OfficerBrighton’sundiesareinabunchoverit.Itcouldbeghouls.Better checkitout”
“Ghouls Right”SilassnatchedthefolderfromMeredith’shandswithoutaword Heviolentlyflippedthroughthecontents “Hey!”Shetappedherfoot,becomingincreasinglyagitatedatthebossyasshole.Meredithregularlyhandledcaseslikethis onherown.Ghoulslovedtoscavengegravesthewayraccoonsscavengegarbagecans.Luckily,theywererelativelyharmless andrareduetotheirincompatibilitywithconsecratedground.Ifghoulsweretheculprits,asimplevialofholywaterwouldfix theproblemforgood
“I’lltakecareofit,”Silassaid,closingthefolder “WithMeredith,”Manahansaidfirmly. Meredithpoppedoutahipandsnatchedthefolderbackfromhim. Silassighedheavily.“WithMeredith.”
SheofferedhimaforcedsmiledrippingwithI-told-you-so Withagrunt,asifhefoundherrepulsive,herosefromthechairandlefttheroom. Meredithscratchedhertempleandmetthecaptain’sapologeticstare.“Yeah.Sothatwentwell.”
Onlyhalf anhour later, Silas found himself ona road outside CarltonCity, drivingtoward the rural propertywhere the murdershadoccurred,withhisnew partner athisside. Son of a bitch.Thiswasthelastthingheneeded.JesusChrist,to besoclose tocatchingAlexandnow saddledwitha new partner? Itwassabotage.Ifhe hadn’tknownPatrickfor goingon fifteenyears,he’dswear themanwasintentionallytryingtointerferewithhisprogress Notonlywouldthis chickslow him down, butshe was also anintolerable distraction. Her scentlingered inhis nose. He kepthis eyes onthe road and tried to ignorethestrangefeelinginhisgutherpresenceelicited.
Theworstpartwasshewasn’tpack.Hecouldn’talphaherintosubmission.Whichmeanthe’dneedtoworkwith her.Pain intheassconsideringshehadnoideawhathewasupagainst Worse,shelookedlikethetypewhoalwaysfollowedprocedure andcouldn’tgooutwithoutacoatofmascara Thiswasnevergoingtowork
He double-checked the coordinates to make sure they were headed in the right direction. The crime scene was in the middleofnowhere,buttheywerealmostthere.
“Didyoureadthiscase?Thisishorrific.”Meredithflippedthroughthefolder ontheseatbesidehim.“Fivegirls,young girls, lured awayfromhome byone of their friends Same age Theyall lived onthe same block Looks like one of them murderedherfriendsandthenkilledherself”
“Humans.”Silassnorted.
Thefeistyredheadhuffed.“It’snotlikesupernaturalcreaturesdon’tkilleachother.”
Silasflashedheralopsidedgrin.“Yeah,butwedoitwithstyle.”
She snapped the folder closed “How’s this goingto work? I propose we checkthe graves for ghoul droppings, take a spectral imprint of the area, and sprinkle holy water around the periphery if there’s any evidence the graves have been compromised.”
“IproposeyoustayinthecarwhileIhandlethis.”Silaspulledontothesideoftheroadbesideanovergrownfield.Inthe distance,policetapecordonedoffawoodedarea,theyellow ribbontwistinginthebreeze Hiswordshadcomeoutharsher thanhe’dintended,buthewantedtostartasheintendedtogo Namely,hefullyintendedtobetheonecallingtheshotsinthis relationship.Besides,hiswolfwastooclosetothesurfacewithheraround.He’dworkfasterifshekeptherdistance.
Meredith pivoted her shoulders to face him. “I propose you go fuck yourself.” She swept the holy water fromthe cup holderandexitedthecar.
“Hey,givemethat!”Hejumpedfromtheunmarkedcarandstrodeafterher Butshewasalreadymorethanhalfwayacross thefield,hersupernaturalspeedrequiringhimtobreakintoajogtokeepup
Shepausedabruptlyafewyardsoutfromthecrimescene,pressingonelongfingertoherlips.“Shhhh.”
Whodidshethinkhewas?Heknewbetterthantoscareawaytheghoulsbeforehehadachancetoconfirmtheirpresence. Hedidn’tneedhertreatinghimlikeachild.Hecaughtuptoherbutcouldn’tgiveherapieceofhismindbecausesomething wasmovingbetweenthetreesaboutahundredyardsahead
dirt,leaves,andMeredith Fuck,he’dknownshe’dbeadistraction
Asiftodeliberatelycallmoreattentiontoherself,sheduckedundertheyellowtapeandcrept,holywaterinhand,toward themovement Silashadnochoicebuttofollow Ghoulscouldbedangerous,andshemightneedbackup Hesworesilentlyto himselffornotbeinginfront.Heshouldbeleadingtheway,nother,butaddressingitatthispointwouldn’tbeprudent.Butthe closer they got to the form hovering over the crime scene, the more he thought there was something familiar about the silhouette.
Anditwastoobigtobeaghoul
“Lookout!” Silas bounded forward, knockingMeredithto the ground to place his bodybetweenher and the threat that loomedabovethegrave.Hedrewhisgun.“Don’tmove!”
Alex, Fireborn Pack nemesis number one, scowled at Silas with unrepentant rage, his dark blond waves catching the moonlight withthe quickturnof his head. Skinwaxyand pale enoughto glow inthe dark, he hardlyappeared humanany longer Inhis hands, he gripped a meshbagfull of bones freshlytornfromthe bodies, judgingbythe chunks of fleshstill adheringtothem
Silas pulled the trigger, unloadingthree silver bullets toward Alex’s heart. Theywouldn’tkill him, butthey’d slow him down.
Pulse ThedragonfaeamuletaroundAlex’sneckblinked,andthemandisappeared.Therewasahigh-pitchedsquealasthe bulletspassedthroughwhereAlexhadbeenandlandedinthebodyofaghoulwho’dbeencreepingupbehindhim Alexwasgone.
“Oww,”Meredithsaid,sittingupinthetallgrass.
Silasglancedbacktofindherheadwasbleeding.Shemusthaveknockeditonsomethingwhenhepushedherdown.
“Meredith Shit!”Silasholsteredhisweaponandjoggedtoherside Removinghisbutton-down,hepressedittothescrape onherhead,thencradledthebaseofherskullwithhisoppositehandforleverage “Idon’tthinkit’sdeep”
She fixed himwitha harshglare, and he expected her to tell himto fuckoff. But as her darkbrowneyes met his, she stopped,lipspartedasifshe’dforgottenwhatshewasgoingtosay.Silas’snostrilsflaredwiththescentshewasputtingoff. Heclosedhiseyes.Thatwasarousal. Damn. Sohe wasn’tthe onlyone experiencingthe strange electric tingle atbeingthis close Whenhe opened his eyes again, she was staringathis T-shirt-covered chest, and her cheeks had flushed a gorgeous shadeofpink
Heclearedhisthroatandremovedhishandsfromherhead,handingherthebloodybutton-down.
“Whothehellwasthat?”shefinallyasked.“Andwheredidhego?”
Silas’s shoulders hunched forward as his thoughts shifted to Alex. So close. He’d been so close. “I should have fired sooner”
“Sure Whyfollowprotocol?”Meredithaskedsarcastically “Areyougoingtotellmewhoitwasandwhyyoupractically bludgeonedmetoshootathim?”
“Yes,”hesaiddarkly.“Butfirst,doyouneedadoctor?”
Sheremovedtheshirtfromherhead.Thewoundhadalreadystoppedbleeding.“No.I’mgood.It’sjustascrape.”Shegot toherfeet
“Areyousure?Youcouldhaveaconcussion.”
Withashakeofherhead,shewavedhimoff.“I’mfine.Tellmewhothatwas.”
“I’llburntheghoul’sbody,”hesaid.“Yousprinkletheholywater.I’llexplainonthewaybacktothestation.”
Thankfully,shedidn’targue
Assheheadedfortheborderofthecrimescene,hedecidedheowedheranexplanation Ifshewasgoingtobehispartner, sheneededtoknowabouttherisks.AndAlexwasonedeadlyrisk.
gut told her the manshe’d glimpsed hunched over the grave was Alex, but she needed confirmation. She’d never seen the bastardinreallife,andwhatshe’dseentonightwasconfusingtosaytheleast.
“Okay,we’reinthecar,drivingbacktothestation AreyougoingtotellmewhothatwasoramIgoingtohavetoforceit outofyou?”Shestaredatthesideofhisheadexpectantly.
Silasscoffed,raisinganeyebrowashegaveheraonce-overoutofthecornerofhiseye.“Howexactlywould you forceit outofme?”
Grittingherteeth,shereachedbetweenhislegsandsqueezed Thecarveeredwildly “Jesus,okay,I’lltellyou!”Silashowled
Shereleasedhisballs,tryingnottothinkabouthowfullherhandhadbeen.Silashadalotgoingforhiminthatdepartment. Damnit,wasthereanythingaboutthisguythatwasn’tsexyotherthanhispersonality?
“Isthathowyouinterrogateyourperps,goaroundsqueezingtheirballs?”Heglaredatherlikeshewasinsane.
“Ifthat’swhatittakes Spillit”Shereachedforhimagain,andheknockedherhandaway “ThatwasAlexRavienBloodright” “Ithoughtso.Icouldn’tthinkofanyoneelseyou’dshootatwithouthesitation.” “You’refamiliarwiththecasethen?”
“Yeah.LikeIsaid,myfatherwasawerewolf.”
Silasnodded,darkcloudsmovinginbehindhiseyesashehyperfocusedonthedesertedroad “I’msorryaboutyourparents,”shesaid. “Thanks.”
“There’smoretothiscasethanthatthough,isn’tthere?Alexlookedstrange.Ithoughthewasaghoulatfirstbecauseofhis complexion”
Silas scratchedthebackofhis headbutnever tookhis eyes offtheroad “Heattackedmeandmysiblings afew months ago.HetriedtokillmebecausehewantedtotakemyplaceasAlphaofFirebornPackandheadoftheLycanthropicSociety. He failed.” Silas gripped the steering wheel so tight his knuckles turned white. “My sister delivered a deadly bite to his abdomen.Wethoughthewasdead.Thedragonfaehewasworkingwithhealedhim,butthereweremagicalconsequences.”
Meredithtriedtoprocessallthat She’dheardrumors,butitwasimportanttohavethefactsifshewasgoingtohelptake Alexdown “Captain Manahan said you roughed up a healer That was why, wasn’t it? You think Alex is visiting healers becausehe’sstillsickorcursedorsomething.”
Henodded.“That’sexactlyit.TherearestillafewhealersintownIhaven’tinvestigated.”
“Good,thenthat’swherewegonext.”
“That’swhereIgonext,”Silassaidadamantly Sheletitgo,butifhethoughtfor asecondshewasgoingtolethimpursuethisinvestigationwithouther,hewasfooling himself.
“Well,atleastyoulearnedonethingtonight.”
“What’sthat?”
“Alexdoesn’twanttokillyouanymore” “Huh?”
“Hehadacrackatyoutonight.Hell,hehadtheadvantage.Thatamuletaroundhisneckcouldhaveblownyouapartina heartbeat.Buthechosetorun.Thatmeansthere’ssomethingelsegoingon,areasonhefeltitwasmoreimportanttoconserve hisenergyforratherthankillingyou”
Silasfrowned,hisheadjerkingbackinsurprise “Ithinkyou’reright”
“I’mrightalot.Youshouldlistentome.”Meredithsmirked,butheignoredher.
“Alexisstillhealing,andhewasafterhumanbonestonight.Anoddquarry,don’tyouthink?”
“Maybeheneedsitforahealingspell?”
“Possible Attackingmewouldtakeenergy Perhapshewasconcernedhecouldn’twinaconfrontationwithmeyet,even withmagic,andthat’swhyheran Heavoidedusingtheamuletbeforeonmybrothertoconserveenergy”
Shepickedatthesideofhernail.“Hmmm.Butwhat’sheconservinghisenergyforthenifnottotakeyouout?”
“That is the question.” Silas turned in to the CCPD parking lot and parked the car. “What’s important is Alex is still vulnerable Now is notthe time to turndownthe heat Now is the time to press evenharder to find where he’s hidingand who’shelpinghim.”
Meredithunbuckledher seatbelt,gatheredher things,andpoppedthedoor.“Icouldn’tagreemore,whichis whyI’ll be goingwithyoutoquestionthenexthealer.”
Hegrumbledsomething,butshe’dalreadyslammedthedoorandwashalfwayintothebuilding
“
Whydoeshavingapartnerbotheryousomuch?”Lainatookahugebiteofherburger,studyinghimlikehewasachess gameandshewasdecidingonhernextmove.
SilashadaskedhisyoungersistertolunchtocatchupbutwasenjoyingtheopportunitytoventaboutMeredith.
“Thewomanisinsufferable,”Silasexplained “Sherefusestolistentoreason Refusestofolloworders Mighthavecost memychanceatAlexlastnight ”
“Itsounds like she didn’tcostyouanything. The momentyoushot, Alexdematerialized.” As she spoke, a glob ofsauce drippedfromthecornerofLaina’smouthandlandedwithasplatonthetable.
“Hungry,sister?”Silasasked,snortingatthewayshepracticallyinhaledthehalfpoundofmeatinher hands He handed heranapkin “Idon’tthinkI’veeverseenyoueatlikethis”
“It’s weird, isn’t it? I’ve beencravingmeat constantlythese days. Must be the stress of knowing Alex is on the loose again.”Shedabbedherlipswiththenapkin.“Anyway,don’tchangethesubject.What’syourbeefwiththiswoman?Itsounds like she’s exactlythe type ofbackup youneed. Ithinkher theoryaboutAlex’s changingpriorities is correct. He could have killedyoulastnight”
“Don’ttakeherside”
Sheleanedbackinthebooth.“Therearenosides,Silas.YoubothwanttokillAlex.She’sadetective.You’readetective. You’re bothonthe same side. The real problemis youdon’t playwell withothers. You’re so used to beingable to order peoplearoundyou’veforgottenwhatit’sliketohavetocooperatewithsomeonetowardacommongoal.”
“Lastnightwas the closestI’ve ever beentobringinghimdown” Heshookhis head “She’s outofher league withthis case.It’snotthatIcan’tcooperate.It’sthatIdon’tneedanydistractionsrightnow.”
“What’shernameagain?”
“MeredithTurner.”
“Whydoesthatnamesoundfamiliar?”
Silasshrugged “Herfatherwaspack,butshewasraisedbyhermother Shifter Usuallyafox ItoldheraboutAlexafterI shotathimlastnight.Sheknewwhohewas,thatheshotourparents,butnotaboutourrecentconfrontationswithhim.”
“Wow,sonotonlyisthiswomananexperienceddetective,she’sfamiliarwithAlexandthepackandwantstohelp.Seems liketheperfectpartner.”
Someonehadputpepperinthesaltshaker Silasunscrewedthetop Itwasn’tmixedtogetheryet This could be salvaged Hepickeduphisspoonandstartedcarefullyscoopingouttheblackgrains “Iliketoworkalone Youcan’ttrustanyonethese days.Everyonehas hiddenagendas.Sheshows upoutofnowhereandI’msupposedtotrusther withthebiggestcaseofmy life, a case thataffects myfamilyand mypack? The onlypersonItrustis me. I’mmeticulous. Ihave a stellar memory. My hunchesareninety-eightpercentaccurate.Apartnerthrowsall ofthatoff.Likelastnight.IfIhadn’twastedtimepushingher outoftheway,Imight’vesunkasilverbulletbetweenAlex’seyes”
Lainaleanedbackagainstherseat “Well,Ithinkit’sagoodidea”
“Why?”
“Because you’ve beenalone too long. Youworkall the time. We never see youanymore. And frankly, Silas, everyone needssomeone You’renotanisland,evenwhenitcomestodetectivework You’llburnoutifyoudon’taccepthelp”
“I’vebeendoingthisforyears.”Hescoopedmoretaintedsaltontohisplate.
“Lookatyou!Youtookituponyourselftocleanpepperoutofthesaltshaker.”
Hespreadhishandsindisbelief.“It’srude.”
“Youdidn’tdoit”
“Yeah,butInoticed”
“Itwasn’tyourresponsibility.”
“Ofcourseitwas.Isawit.Honestly,Laina.Whatisthisallabout?”
“It’saboutyou.Youthinkit’syourresponsibilitytosaveeveryoneandthatonlyyoucandoit.EversinceDaddiedandyou becamealpha,I’vewatchedyouslowlyloseyoursmile”
“Ihavenotlostmysmile”
“Youwalkaround like the entire world rests onyour shoulders. Whenwas the lasttime youhad anyfun? Or laughed? Actuallylaughed.”
Silasshrugged.“I’mabusyperson.There’sakillerontheloose.That’snotalaughingmatter.”
“Youdon’tneedtoremindme”Shepickedatherfries “AnyoneofuscouldbeAlex’snextvictim” “Exactly.”
“Evenyou.”
“ThisiswhyIworkasmuchasIdo.”
“Butwouldn’tyouhatetodieknowingyouneverfullylived?”
Silasrolledhiseyes “Didyougetthatfromagreetingcard?”
“No, really, brother. Whatkind oflife is this?” Laina leaned forward and placed her hand ontop ofhis. “Use this new partner.Evenifshecan’thelpyoubringAlexdown,shecanshareinthestruggle.Besomeonetotalkto.Letherhelpyou.And fortheloveofthegoddess,findyourjoyagain.Imissit.”
Meredithonboardwithopenarms.Thenextmorning,hetriedtoappealtoherlogicalsidewhenheaskedhertostaybehindas heinvestigatedthenexthealeronhislist Itwashardenoughtogetthesepeopletotalktohimwhenhewasalone Withanother detectiveintow,he’dnever getatrueword Plushemighthavetoroughsomeoneup,andhedidn’tneedMissGoodyTwoshoesmessinguphisinterrogationtactics.Besides,afterlastnight,hedidn’twanttoriskhergettinghurtagainifsomethingdid godown.TheBand-Aidonherheadwasagoodreminderofwhythatwouldbeabadidea.
“Iputpeopleatease,”shesaidassheslidintothepassenger’ssideoftheunmarkedcar,ignoringhisrequest.“Theyliketo talktome Alwayshave Ithinkit’sbecauseIcomeacrossasvulnerable”
Hestaredatthesideofherheadforasolidminute.“You’renotgoingtogetoutofthecar,areyou?” “Nope.”Shepoppedthe p attheendofthewordandstaredathimwithasteelygaze. “Hardheaded,irrational…,”hemumbledunderhisbreathasheputthecarintogearanddrovetotheaddress. “Youcanwaithere,”Silasorderedoncehe’dparkedthecar “Okay,”Meredithsaidflatly Atleastshewasagreeable.Heclimbedoutofthecarandcrossedthestreet.Surprisingly,thishealerwasn’tinthevampire district.TheaddresswasanapartmentaboveabusyStarbucksintheheartofthecity. “Wheredidyougetthislistanyway?”Meredithsaid,appearingslightlybehindhim. Silasstoppedabruptly,tippinghisheadbacktostareatthebrightbluesky “IthoughtItoldyoutowaitinthecar?” “YousaidI could waitinthecar Iacknowledgedthat,yes,okay,waitingwasanoption ThenIchosetocomewithyou
DAMN WOMAN WAS A PAIN IN THE ASS.DESPITE HIS SISTER’S ENCOURAGEMENT, SILAS HADN’T FELT THE URGE TO WELCOME
Seehow thatworks?Whenwe’redonehere,canyouinsistIdon’tdrinkyour coffee?I’mfeelingalittlethirsty.”The toothy grinshe flashed was worthyofa car salesman. “Now, how did youcome across this listofsuspects?” She ranher fingers throughherhairandpulleditintoaponytail,tyingthethickredmassbackwithanelasticfromaroundherwrist
Hestaredatherforamoment,usheringherontothecurbtoavoidtraffic.“Afterwhathappenedlastnight,don’tyouthink youshouldstaywhereit’ssafe?”
“Hey,theonlypersonwhohurtmelastnightwasyou.Don’tpushmedownandIshouldbeokay.”Sheglancedathimfirst, thenpeeredattheslipofpaperwiththeaddresshewasholding
“Seriously Yourheadisn’tevenhealedyet Maybeyoushouldtakethedayoff” And free me from the pressure I feel in my chest whenever you ’ re around.Hisinnerwolfchuffedatthatthought,givingalittletwistbehindhissternum.
“I’mnotgoinganywhere,”shesaid.“Ifyouwanttodothis,you’dbestletmeinontheplan.”
Withasigh,Silas contemplatedhow muchtosharewithher,thenfigureditwouldbeless hassletotell her thetruth.He gestured withhis head inthe directionofthe Starbucks abouta blockawayand started walkingagain “All these so-called healerswerementionedbyclientsofafaebordello,MaisondesÉtoilles,asplaceswhereonecouldreceivehealingservices thatrequire darkmagic. We know Alexis recoveringsomewhere inthe area. One ofthese names is likelyhelpinghim. No reputablehealerwouldbecomeinvolvedwithAlexvoluntarily.”
“Isee.”Meredithglancedinhisdirection.“Whydoyouthinkyoucantrustalistofnamesoriginatinginabordello?Don’t prostituteshaveaconflictofinterestreportingontheirjohns?”
Itwasalegitimatequestion,oneSilaswouldaskiftheroleswerereversed.“Thereareextenuatingcircumstances.Thefae atMaisondesÉtoillescanreadminds.Plusthemadamismyex-girlfriend.”
Meredithsuckedairthroughherteeth.“Didn’tseethatonecoming.Soyoutwoaren’tanitemanymore,butyoustillbump uglieseverynowandagain,eh?”
“No Nobumpinguglies We’rejustfriends Goodfriends Itrusther”
“Endedthingsonapositivenote.Mm-hmm.Sohowmanydarkpractitionersarelefttoinvestigate?” “Three.”
“Downtothewire.Doyouhaveasearchwarrant?”
Silascastasidewaysglanceinherdirection “No” “Hmm Thenyoubetterletmegoinfirst”
“Areyouhigh?”Silasstoppedabruptly,amuscleinhisjaw tensingtothepointofpain.“Didyoulearnnothingfromlast night?Whywouldyouthinkthat’sagoodidea?”
She shrugged. “If Alexis up there, he’ll be expectingyou. Me, he won’t see coming.” She grabbed the address out of Silas’shandandtookofftowardthecafé
SilasprotestedallthewaypastthecrowdedStarbuckstotheforebodingstairwellthatledabovethebustlingcoffeeshop Anillustrationofafingerpointedtowardthesecondfloor.
“Thislookscozy.”Meredithclimbedthedimanddirtystairwelltwostepsatatime.
“Wait,”Silasprotested.
Sheglancedbackandpressedafingertoherlips “Shhh”
Why was she always hushing him?
Onthesecondfloor,afrostedglasswindowinscribedwiththeEyeofHorusreadCOPPER HERALD HEALTH & WELLNESS inascriptfont.
Silas bithis tongue as Meredithtried the door and found itlocked He pointed ata handwrittennote taped to the glass: KNOCK FOR SERVICE Sherappedthreetimes
Theywaited.Sheknockedagain.
Footsteps.Silasflattenedhimselfagainstthewalljustasthedooropened.
“HowcanIhelpyoutoday,younglady?”anoldman’svoiceasked.
Meredithrubbedthebandagedbumponherheadfromthenightbeforeasshenotablyloweredhergazebytwofeet “I’ve beenhavinga lotofpaininmyshoulder and neckarea since Ifell yesterday Iwas wonderingifyouhad anytherapies for
that.”
“Isthispainwithyouallthetimeoronlyafteryoushift?”
Meredithraisedbotheyebrows “OnlywhenI’mwalkingontwolegsactually”
“You’vecometotherightplace.Comein,andbringyourwerewolffriendwithyou.”
She glanced behind the door at Silas and gestured withher head. So muchfor the element ofsurprise. He came out of hidingandstareddownatthewrinkledmaninside.Basedonhisheightalone,hewouldguesshewasatroll,buttheshapeof hisearsandnosesuggestedpartelf Themedicinalherbshangingintheofficemaskedhisscent,butSilasthoughthecaughta whiffofelfunderitall Whateverhewas,hemustbesensitivetothelight:heworesunglassesinthedimroom
“Overherethen.Liedownonthetable.Pleaseremoveyourblouse.”
AdeepgrowlcamefromSilas’schest.Itwasaninvoluntarything,likeahiccuporasneeze.Mortified,hecoughedintohis handandturnedawaytotrytocoveritup.
“There’s a gown on the table,” the doctor said, ignoring the interruption “Although I can’t see anything but your aura anyway I’mblindasabat”
Witha pointed glance toward Silas, Meredithwalked deeper into the room. Silas turned his backuntil the rustle ofher undressingstoppedandheheardthecrinkleofherlyingdownonthepaper-drapedmedicaltable.
“I’mDr.Copper bythe way. Ifyoucome byanother time, youmightsee Dr. Herald.”The little manselected a bowl of stonesfromashelfalongthewall
“Therearetwoofyou?”Silasasked.
Dr.CoppermadeafaceandbeganplacingstonescarvedwithancientrunesalongMeredith’ssolarplexus.“Youobviously don’tkeephimaroundforhisbrains,”hemurmuredtoher.
Silasscowled Afterafewmoments,hedecidedtomakeuseofthesilence “Doyoutreatmanyshiftershere?”
“Idon’t, no Myspecializationis vampires ButDr Herald does He’s fascinated byshifter anatomy Idaresayifyou’d phonedfirst,he’dbetheonetreatingyoutoday.”
“Whatdaysdoeshework?”
“He’llbeinlatertonight.Hetendstocomeandgo.Makeanappointmentifyou’reinterested.”
IfDr Heraldspecializedinshifters,Alexdefinitelywouldhavesoughthimout Silasinspectedtheroomforanycluesthat thebastardmighthavebeenthere Thewallsoftheexaminationroomwerelinedwithskins,skulls,teeth,andclaybowlsof assortedmagicalitems.Therewasahookladenwithamuletsononewall.Hescannedthepapersonthedesk.Nothingstood out.Therewasonlyoneotherdoorintheplace,anditwasbehindthedesk.
“CanIhelpyoufindsomething?”Dr.Coppersaid.“Oristhereanalternativereasonforyourfidgeting?”
Silasclearedhisthroat “Bathroom?”
“Outthedoorandtotheleft”
Hewastednotime.Hestrodetothedoorbehindthedeskandthrewitopen,onlytohaveasmallbodyrushinfrontofhim andcatchtheknob.
Dr.Coppersneeredathimfrombelow.“Notthatdoor,youfool!Theoneyoucamein.”
Thedoctorpulledthedoorclosedagain,butnotbeforeSilassawasmallbedroomwithapairofmud-cakedbootsbeside atwin-sizedbed.HerememberedAlexwearingasimilarpair,andthedirtcouldhavecomefromthecrimescene.Otherwise, the room was empty. He took a deep breath through his nose but couldn’t detect even a hint of Alex. Maybe it was a coincidence,butheintendedtofindoutforsure.
“Youknow,IthinkI’lljustwaitforyouinthecar,”SilassaidtoMeredith Hereyesdartedbetweenhimandthedoor,herredbrowarchinginquestion
Silas winked ather and gestured towardthe door withhis head. Hopefullyshe’d getthe hintand excuse herselfafter he wasgone.
“Soundsgood,”shesaid.“Thiswon’ttakelong,willit,Dr.Copper?”
“Holdstill,”hesaidgruffly,positioningthenextstone
Silasexitedanddescendedthestairstwoatatime,drawinghisphonetohisear
spilledontothebustlingsidewalk,heleftheraquickmessage.Hisguttoldhimthiswastheleadhe’dbeenwaitingfor.He’d casetheplacetonightandfindoutifitwasAlexstayinginthatroom.
Hewasabouttoreturnthephonetohispocketwhenitrang Unknownnumber Heanswered “IsthisSilasFlynn?”
“Yes.”
“ThisisSaintJohn’sHospitalcalling.YoursisterLainaishere.” “Laina?Whathappened?”
“I’msorry Wecan’tgiveoutthatinformationoverthephone Butweneedyoutocometothehospitalrightaway”
“ I
’m looking for my sister, Laina Flynn,” Silas told the woman behind the desk. He’d texted Meredith that he had an emergencyandthatsheshouldtakeacabbacktothestation,thenracedforthehospitalasfastashecould.Hehadabad feelingaboutthis.
“YoumustbeSilas I’vebeenexpectingyou Ihaveanoteherethatoneofournurseswantstomeetwithyoudirectlyabout Laina’scondition.I’llpageherforyou.”
Anurseneededtotalktohimdirectly.Hebethislifeheknewwhoitwas.
“Silas,thankthegoddess!”Grateful Knightgrabbedhimbytheelbow andusheredhimawayfromthedesk,her massive bellyleadingtheway
“Whoa,”hemumbled “Youareexceptionallypregnant”Hecouldn’thelpbutstare Herstomachseemedtohavepopped outovernight.
“Iwon’ttakethatpersonally.”Sheloweredhervoice.“Betweenyouandme,I’vebeenusingaspelltohelpconcealit,but I’msofaralongnowthemagicwon’tworkanymore.”Gratefulpaused,lookedbothways,andpulledhimintoaconsultation room
“Sowhat’sgoingonwithmysister?”Silasasked ItalwaysfascinatedhimthatGrateful,oneofthemostpowerfulwitches of her time, chose to keep her job as a nurse. Then again, working in the intensive care unit gave her access to insider informationonhumaninjuries caused bysupernatural beings. As a Hecate, judge and juryofall things nothuman, thatwas usefulinformation.
“She’sinsurgery”
“Fuck.Isshegoingtobeokay?Whathappened?”
“Shewasattacked.StabbedfourtimesintheabdomenaboutanhouragooutsideFourPawsAnimalHospital.” “Duringdaylighthours?”
“Yeah That’snoteventheweirdestpart”
“What’stheweirdpart?”
“Thestabmarks…Theflesharoundtheentrypointsissingedasiftheystabbedherwithahotpoker.” Silasswallowedhard.“Intheparkinglot?Ithoughtwehadtheplacewardedagainstsupernaturalthreats?”
“We did. We do. Ihad Rickcheck, and bothmywards and Gerty’s are still up. Whoever did this walked right through them”
“Fuck Soahumandidthis?”
“Thatwasmyfirstassumptiontoo,buttherewasasubstanceinthewounds.I’mnotsurewhatitisyet,butItookasample andlet’sjustsayitmadeNightshadelightuplikealaserbeam.Thepersonwhostabbedhermightbehuman,butthepoisonon the blade definitely had a supernatural source.” Nightshade was Grateful’s sword, a magical blade that served as a supernaturalliedetector,sniffingoutevilintentinbothsupernaturalcreaturesandenchantedobjects Thethingcoulddestroy cursestoo,asithadforthecursedringhisbrotherhadbeenusingthatspring Itwasneverwrong
He rubbed the backofhis neckand shoulders where the muscles had tightened to the pointofpain. “Youused the word poison.Isthereanantidote?”
“Honestly,Iwasusingthetermloosely I’mnotsureexactlywhatitisyet Notevenaguessunfortunately ButI’llfindout, andas soonas Iknow,I’ll dowhatever ittakes toheal Laina.ButSilas,the stabwounds…Youneedtoknow theyweren’t random.”Shepulledoutherphoneandslidherfingeracrossthescreentobringupapicture.
“Theletter A.Alexdidthis.”Silas’sstomachpitched.He’dpromisedtokeephissistersafeandhe’dfailedagain.“Igot toocloselastnight Thisishiswarningtome Hewantsmetobackoff”
“YousawAlexlastnight?”
“Yeah.Almostshothisass.HewascollectingbonesatacrimesceneIwasinvestigating.” “Bones?”
Silasshrugged.“Ihavenoideawhatheplanstodowiththem.”
Gratefulshookherhead “Alex couldn’t havedonethishimself,Silas Thoseprotectivewardsareimpenetrable They’re thesameoneswelaidaroundRivergate Nothingsupernaturalcangetintherewithoutourknowledge It’ssealedsotightthat Lainahastocallmeifawitchorfaewantstobringtheirdoginforanexam.Andbeforeyouask,shehasn’taddedanynew clientsrecently.”
Silasclosedhiseyestightly.“SoAlexhasahumandoinghisdirtywork.”
“That’s what I’mthinking Someone who knows enoughabout magic to activate a spell or magical substance once they wereinsidethewards.”
“Fuck.DoesKyleknow?”
Shenods.“Wecalledhimfirst.He’swaitingoutsideofsurgery.”
“Tellmethetruth,Grateful What’stheexpectedoutcomehere?Don’tsugarcoatit What’sgoingtohappentomysister?”
Grateful’s entire bodyseemed to sag, and she slipped her hands into the pockets of her scrubs “Honestly, if she were human,she’dalreadybedead.Butshe’snothuman.Herheartisstillbeating,andGertyisaskingpermissionofthefaecouncil tobringfirelilyjuicehere.I’mgoingtomakeahealingpotionbasedonwhatIdeterminewasontheblade.She’snotoutofthe woods,butshe’sgotsomepowerfulpeoplepullingforher.”
Silasswallowedaroundafist-sizedlumpthathadformedinhisthroat “Thankyou Justdoyourbest”
Smoothinga loose strand ofblond hair backinto her ponytail, Grateful frowned “There’s one more thingIneed to tell you.”
“Goaheadandsayit.”Silasscratchedhisjaw.“Nothingcanmakethissituationworse.”
“Theyranherbloodworkbeforesurgery.”
“Yeah?And?”
Gratefulranahandoverthemoundofherabdomen “Laina’spregnant”
THE STEADY BEEP OF THE MACHINES IN LAINA’S ROOM WAS ALMOST HYPNOTIC EVEN THOUGH HER SURGERY HAD GONE AS expected, for still-unknown reasons, she hadn’t woken up. All the human doctors were calling it a coma. Grateful quietly declareditacurse.
“She’sgoingtobeallright,”SilassaidtoKyle.“Gratefulwillfigureoutthenatureofwhat’sdoingthistoLaina,andshe’ll undoit”
“IcalledJason,”Kylesaid “HeandSeleneareflyingbackfromItaly They’llbeheretomorrow” “Good.Lainaneedsallthesupportshecangetrightnow.”
Themensatinsilence,SilasonLaina’sright,Kyleonherleft.Lainalookedsmallinthebed,smallandthin.Hethoughtof thewayshe’dpackedawaytheburgeratValentine’sandwonderedifitwasbecauseofthebaby.Goddess,hewasgoingtokill Alexforthis Forthisandforeverythingelsethebastardhaddonetotheirfamily
“DidGratefultellyou?”Kyleaskedeventually “Aboutwhattheyfoundwhentheytestedherblood?”
Whatshouldhesay?Congratulationsseemedinappropriategiventhecircumstances.Silasdecidedanodwouldbeenough.
“Theysaythe babyis aboutsevenweeks along. We didn’tevenknow.” He tookLaina’s hand inhis, his thumb rubbing gentlyoverthebackofherhand “Iguessshestilldoesn’tknow”
“She’llbesoexcited,Kyle.Theentirepackwillbe.” “Ihopeso.”
Silas rubbed the backof his head. His hair was too long and bushy and it caught in his fingers, but who had time for haircutswhenyouwerehuntingdownyourmortalenemy?
“We’vegottofindhim,”Kylesaid,hisvoicelowandthreatening “Alexneedstopayforthis” “Iwon’tstopuntilhedoes,”Silassaid.
“What’stakingsolong?JasonsaidAlexwassoweakhecouldhardlyusetheamulet.Thatwasweeksago.”
“Iknow.Alexhastobeworkingwithahealer.Hastobe.”Silasscratchedthestubbleonhisjaw.“I’mgettingcloser.I’m stakingoutanewplacetonight”
Kylerosefromhiswife’ssideandpacedtheroom “Maybe MaybeyougottoocloseandthatwaswhyhetargetedLaina” “Yeah.Iwasthinkingthesamething.”
“Sowhatareyougoingtodoaboutit?”Kyle’svoiceroseinpitch.“YouhaveaHecateonyourside,abestfriendwho’sa caretaker.Fuck, we’ve gota fairygodmother inGerty, for Pete’s sake. Do youneed money? Icangive youanyamountyou need”
“It’snotmoneyorpower.”Silassighed.HeunderstoodwhyKylewasfrustrated.Hewasfrustratedtoo.
“Youneedsomething,Silas,”Kylegrittedout,pointingafingeroverLaina’sbody.“Fuckingstoptryingtodothisonyour ownandgetthehelpyouneedtogetitdoneorsohelpmeGod,I’llhuntandkillAlexmyself.I’lldoitwithmybarehandsifI haveto”
Silas’sbloodheated HefeltforKyle,hedid,buthe’dhadaboutenoughofbeingindirectlyblamedforwhathappenedto Laina.Hewasponderinghow torespondtothemanwithoutlosinghisshitwhenthedoor flew openandMeredithstumbled into the room, pantingand doubled over. She looked like hell. Halfher red hair spilled fromher ponytail, her clothingwas disheveled,andhereyesbulged.
ShegrabbedSilasbythecollarandshookhim “You youleftmethere Whydidyouleavemethere?”
“I Uh ”Goddess,hefeltlikeanassholeforleavingwithouther Buthe’dhadnochoice “Ididtext ” “Doyouknowwhatcuppingis?”Hervoicewasquietbutheldatingeofvenom. Slowlyheshookhishead.
“After youleft, Dr. LuckyCharms decided the therapyIneeded involved suctioningheated glass cups to myskin.” She pulled the neckofher blouse aside to reveal anangryred welt “Notonlydid ithurtlike hell, he charged me five hundred dollars!”
“We’llsubmitthattothedepartmentforreimbursement,”Silasmumbled.
“Andthen…Andthen…”Sheshookhimharder.“BythetimeIleft,myinventedconditionwasarealone.IfeellikeI’ve beenhitbya frickin’truck. Youabandoned me. Ihad to call for anUber. AnUber, Silas, covered inwelts!Icanbarelysit down!”
Heswallowed,notknowingwhattosay.“Didhedothattoyourbutttoo?”
Meredithbaredherteeth.“Myentirebacksidefromnecktoanklelookslikeaninfectionofmegasizedadultacne.” Kylesnorted,thenbrokeintoafull-outlaughdespitehimself.
Meredithraisedherhead,seemingtonoticeLainainthebedandKylebyhersideforthefirsttime “Mysister,”Silassaid “Shewasstabbedtoday WethinkitwasAlex Thatwastheemergency I’msorryIleftyou” Lipsparting,Meredithshovedagainsthiscollarbonesandstaggeredbackward,glancingbetweenhimandKyle.“Manahan saidyouwerehereforyoursister.Ihadnoidea.”
“Whoisthisperson?”KyleaskedSilas.
“Meredith”SheheldoutherhandinKyle’sdirection “I’mSilas’snewpartner” “She’snotreallymypartner,”Silassaid “Well,technicallysheis,buttemporarily andnotreally”
Kyleraisedhiseyebrows.“I’mSilas’sbrother-in-law,Kyle.”
Meredithpausedamomentasifshewereprocessingthefamilydynamic,thensaid,“I’msorry.” Withagrimsmile,KyleturnedbacktoSilas “Youweresayingsomethingaboutastakeout?”
“I’mgoingtostakeoutDr.Copper’soffice.Hesaidhispartnerspecializedinwerewolves,andtherewasasmallbedroom offtheoffice.Itlookedlikesomeonewassleepingthere.”Silastookadeepbreath.
“I’lltellyouonething,Dr.Copperhassomesecrets,”Meredithsaid. Silaspeeredatherexpectantly “Yeah?”
“Lookhowhesignedmytake-homeinstructions”Shepulledafoldedpaperfromherbackpocketandhandedittohim “Dr.Herald?”Silassquintedatthesignature.
“Therewasonlyonedesk,oneexaminationtable,onesetofequipment,andonenameplateIcouldfindanywhere.Copper Herald.Onename.”Meredithrestedherhandsonherhips.“IthinkDr.CopperstartedmyexamandDr.Heraldfinishedit.”
“So ”
“He’sbothmen,aJekyllandHyde,andyouknow whatelse?Aftermyexam,Ibargedthroughthatdoorbehindhisdesk, andyouwereright.”ShegaveSilasaknowinggrin.“I’mnotsureit’sAlex,butsomeoneislivingthere.Someonewithapair ofmuddyboots.”
MeredithwatchedSilas closelyas he processedher revelationaboutCopper Heraldandknew the instanthe agreedwith herassessmentofthedoctor,becausethoseinsanelyintenseeyesofhissharpenedunderthedarkslashesofhisbrowsand hegaveheranalmostimperceptiblenod.
“Uh,thanks I’llcheckitouttonight”Hefoldedtheevidenceshe’dhandedhimandtuckeditintohispocket “We’llcheckitouttonight.”Sheofferedasweetsmileandleanedashoulderagainstthewall.
“I’mgoingtoheaddowntothecafeteriaforacoffeeandtocallGerty,”Kylesaid.“Eitherofyouwantanything?”
“No,thankyou,”MeredithsaidwithouttakinghereyesoffSilas.
“She’snotstaying,”Silasadded Kylehadalreadylefttheroom
With a wry grin, she crossed to the seat beside him, lowering herself gingerly into it Part of her did it with the sole purposeofvexingthebastard.Anotherpart,maybeabiggerpartifshewasbeinghonest,diditbecauseshegenuinelylikedthe asshole.Hewasanasshole,nodoubtaboutit,buttherewassomethingabouthisconfidencethatdidfunnythingstoherinsides. WhenSilascommandedhertodosomething,herinnerbeastwantedtodoit…atfirst.Butdenyinghimthesatisfactionwasfar more fun It didn’t hurt that he was pleasant to look at Standing up to himand trying to manipulate himto her will was becomingherfavoritenewaddiction
Besideher,hesighedheavily.“Thisisfamilybusiness.There’snoreasonforyoutostay.”
Gameon.“I’msupportingmynewpartner.”
“Nosupportneeded.I’mgood.Holdingupfairlywellactually.”Hecrossedanankleoverhisoppositeknee,tryingtolook casual
“MustbebecauseI’mhere.”
Hesankdeeperintohischair,bobbinghisfoot.
“So,what’sgoingonwithyoursister?Isshegoingtobeokay?”
Helookeddownathisfingersthreadedacrosshisbelly,seemingtodeliberateonwhetherheshouldshareanythingornot She was relievedwhenhe spoke again “There was a poison, some kind ofcursed substance, onthe blade she was stabbed with.Ihaveawitchanalyzingitfortheantidote.”
“Jesus.”
“Thesupernaturalmedicalstaffhereisdoingalltheycan.It’scomplicatedbecauseshe’s…pregnant.”
All levitydrained fromMeredith’s soul “OhSilas, I’mso sorry” Aheavyweight formed deep withinher She hadn’t knownhowseriousthingswerewhenshe’dwalkedintheroom Maybesheshouldleave GiveSilashisspace Shescootedto theendofherseat.
“Doyouhaveanybrothersorsisters?”heaskedherquickly,beforeshecouldgetup. Sheslidtothebackofthechair again,wincingatthepainitcausedher backside.Guess she’dbestayingafter all.“No. Onlychild”ShewonderedifSilasrememberedherfather,butthiswasn’tthetimetobringthatup “Doyoufeelresponsible forwhathappenedtoLaina?”
Hesnorted.“Idon’tfeelresponsible.Iamresponsible.”
“Becauseyou’realpha.”
“Becauseshe’sfamily Mylittlesister Myparentsaregone She’smyresponsibility”
Sheleanedtowardhimandplacedherhandonhisarm.“Shemightbeyourresponsibility,butthisisn’tyourfault.You’ve doneeverythingwithinyourpowertostopthatevilbastard.”
Silas’seyeslockedwithhersandheld.Damn.Shehadnoexplanationfortheheatthatroseinherbloodortheintenseurge tomoveherhandalonghisarm,maybetohischest Herheartsputtered
The door opened and Kyle walked in She pulled her hand away, breakingthe spell Good thingtoo That was far too intense.Sherosefromthechair,glancingbetweenSilasandKyleasshetightenedwhatremainedofherponytail.“I’d better go.”
“Yeah,”Silasagreed,shiftinginhisseat. ShepausedtolookatKyleasshepassedhimonthewayout “We’regoingtogetthebastard Ipromiseyouthat”
LATE THAT AFTERNOON,SILAS SLIPPED HIS KEY INTO THE LOCK OF HIS TINY BRICK BUNGALOW, GAZE SWEEPING UP AND DOWN THE streetforlookie-loosbeforehepushedinside Itwasarelativelysafeneighborhood Mostlyparentswithyoungchildrenand retiredfolks.Butold habits died hard. Itwas always bestto change up your routine, make sure youweren’tbeingwatched comingandgoing.
He’d barelyclosed the door behind himwhensomethingflew at his knees. He caught the brown-and-white blur bythe head “Nowthat’sawelcomehome,”hesaid,scratchingthemuttbehindtheears “How’smyMaggiegirl?Youhungry?”
Themedium-sizedfuzzballpantedupathim,tonguelollingoutthecornerofhermouth Thespanielhadadoggiedoorto doher business buthadn’tbeenfedsince earlythatmorningbefore he leftfor work.Come tothinkofit,he hadn’tbeenfed either.Hisstomachrumbledas,withonelastear-flappingrubofherhead,hemovedforthekitchen.Hedugabagofkibbleout ofthecupboardandfilledherfoodandwaterbowl,thenopenedthedoortothefridgeandstaredasshechoweddown.
Therewasnothinginsidebutahalfgallonofmilkthatwastwodayspastitsexpirationandsomeleftovertakeoutthatwas oldenoughtotakeitselfout Heclosedthedooragain
Astreakof blackmoved past the kitchenwindow. Silas froze. He’d definitelyseenthat, and it was fast, too fast to be human.Hesidesteppedintotheshadows,outofdirectsightofthewindow,andduginthesilverwaredrawerforthelargeknife heusedtocarvetheThanksgivingturkey.He’dhavemuchpreferredhisGlock,buthe’dleftitlockedinhisglovecompartment whenvisitingLainainthehospital Hisothergunwasinthesafeinhisbedroomatthebackofthehouse Notimeforthatone either Anythingthatmovedasfastaswhathe’dseenwasanimmediatethreat
Heskimmedalongthewall,joggingpastthebreakfastnook,andflattenedhimselfnexttothefront-facingwindow. Knock. Knock. Knock. Maggiewoofedonceatthedoor,thenbackedup,growling.
Someonewasoutthere.Withtwofingers,hemovedthecurtainsasideafractionofaninchandpeeredthroughthewindow atthefrontporch Therewasnooneonthefrontstoop Hefrowned
Maggiebarkedagain,andSilaswhirledasacolumnofblacksmokefilteredunderthedoorandintohisfoyer.He hurled theknifeatthecenterofthething,knowingdamnwell thesteel bladewouldbarelydamageanythingthatmovedlikethatbut hopingitwouldgivehimtimetoreachhisgun.
Hewashalfwaytothebedroomwhenafamiliarvoicesaid,“Thisisafinehow-do-you-do” “Logan Thankthegoddess”Silasranahanddownhisface,profoundrelieffloodinghim
His bestfriend stared downatthe carvingknife protrudingfromhis sternum. He grabbed the hiltand tugged itfromhis flesh with a grunt. Aspurt of blood landed on the wood floor of his entryway with a splat, but the wound healed almost immediately.Itwas a good thingSilas’s formerlyhumanfriend had become Polina’s caretaker lastyear or thatknife wound mighthavebeenfatal Ofcourse,ifhehadbeenhuman,hewouldn’tbemistingoutandslidingunderhisdoor
“What the hell do youthinkyou’re doingbreakinginto myhouse like that, Logan? Alexis still atlarge Mysister was
almostkilledtoday.”
Loganhandedhimthebloodyknife,thensquatteddowntopetMaggie,whoranuptohim,wagginghertail,assoonasher doggiesensespickedupwhoitwas “Iheard That’swhyI’mhere Polinasuggestedyou’dbeatthehospitalandIshouldfeed Maggiedinner.Iknockedfirst.Whenyoudidn’tanswerandyourcarwasn’tinthedriveway,Iassumedyouweren’there.”
Silasstrodeintothekitchentoditchtheknifeinthesink,thengrabbedatowelandreturnedtocleanuptheblood.“Iparkin adifferentplaceeverynight.Ifsomeone’swatchingthehouse,Idon’twantthemtobeabletoestablishapattern.”
“Oh”Loganfrowned “That’sahellofawaytolive”
“Yeah”Silasstoodandwalkedthetoweltothesmalllaundryroombehindthekitchen “Actually,Iwasjustabouttoswing byValentine’sforsomedinnerbeforeheadingbacktowork.Stakeout.IthinkIhavealeadonAlex.”Silasrestedhishandson hiships.
“DidSoleil’slistfinallypanout?”
“Maybe We’llknowtonight”
“ItalkedtoPolina Alex’s amuletis blockingher fromseeinghis future Butshe thinks she cando a locator spell ifyou havesomethingofhis.Somethinghe’stouchedrecently.Themoreimportanttohim,thebetter.”
“Shouldbeeasyenough.Alexlentmehisshampooyesterday,andtonightwe’rereadingtoeachotherfromourdiaries.”
“Cynicismisasignofanaddledmind.”
“It’snotthatIdon’tappreciateyouroffer,andbelieveme,ifIcomeacrosssomethingofhis,you’llbethefirsttoknow It’s just the guyis a fuckingghost. I’d like to thinkI’manabove-average detective. I’ve done the footwork. I keep coming up empty-handed.LastnightIhadhim.Hewasrightinfrontofme ”
“Yousawhim?Where?”
“Inthe country, offRoute 9 He was diggingup bones ata crime scene Ishothim, buthe dematerialized Ihave a lead though Ahealer”
Loganleanedashoulderagainstthekitchendoorframe,hisjawhardeningandhisgazedriftingtowardthefloor.“The list ofhealersyou’reworkingoff,itcamefromSoleilandthebordello?”
Silasshrugged.“Yeah.”
“Hmm”
“Whatareyoutryingtosay?”
Loganscratchedbehindhisear.“Isawherwithsomeone.”
Silas crossed his arms over his chest, a weightysilence makinghis kitchenfeel small and stuffy. He forced himself to shrug.“We’renotacoupleanymore.It’snoneofmybusiness.”
“Itisiftheguyshewaswithmightinfluencetheaccuracyoftheinformationshe’sgivingyou” “Whowasit?”
“Idon’tknow who.Ididn’tgeta good lookathis face. ButIdoknow what.He was a demon, Silas. Icould smell him acrosstherestaurant.SoleilcameintoValentine’sforlunchwithademon,andtheyweremightycozy.”
“Justbecause she’s datinga demondoesn’tmeanshe’s misleadingme aboutAlex. This latestlead seems to be panning out”
“You’reright.Itdoesn’t.ButIthoughtyoushouldknow.”
Silasturnedtowardthewindow,lettinghiseyesdriftwithhisthoughts.“Shewasneverfullymonogamous,notevenwhen weweretogether.”
“No Shewasn’t”
“Ineedtoletitgo Ineedtolethergo”
“Butyoudon’twantto.”Loganfrowned.“Youtoldmeyouwantedtomarryher.”
“Idid,once.IthinkI’moverit.”
“I’msorry,man.That’ssometoughstuff.”
If his friend only knew the half of it How much he’d thought about her when they’d first split The extent of his sleeplessness Howtheveryideathatshewaswithanotherguyhadmadehisskincrawl Sure,he’dknownsheranabordello
whenhemether,butshedidn’tseepatrons.He’dthoughthecouldchangeher.He’dthoughthecouldbeenoughforhertoleave thelifestyle.Onlyshedidn’twanttoleaveandhadnointerestincommitment.
Atanyrate,hewasoveritnow Hewasn’tsurewhathadchangedexactly,or when,butlifewastooshorttodwell ona failedrelationship.Itwaslongpasttimetomoveon.“I’llfinishinvestigatingherlist.IfIcomeupempty,I’llentertaintheidea thatshe’snotareliablesource.”
“Andthenyou’llworkwithPolina?”
“I still won’t have anything of Alex’s to use to find him, but yeah, I’ll pursue other options” Silas rubbed his eyes, suddenly feeling exhausted “Hey, speaking of Polina, considering what happened today to Laina, do you think she could refreshtheprotectivewardsaroundthisplace?GertyandGratefularebusywithFourPawsandRivergate.”
Logannodded.“Yeah.I’llaskhertonight.”Withoutwarning,hepulledSilasintoaone-armedhug.“We’regoingtocatch him,Silas.You’renotaloneinthis.”
“Yeah”Peoplekepttellinghimthat,butnooneelsewouldbeheadingtoCopperHerald’stonight
“Ishouldbegoing”Loganglancedatthedarkeningwindow “AlmosttimeforPolinaandmetogettoworkslayingthebad guys.Staysafe,myfriend.”
AshewatchedLogandematerializefromhiskitchen,Silasdesperatelyhopedthathewould not besafetonight.Hehoped he’dcomeface-to-facewithAlex.Andtherewasnothingsafeaboutthat.
Everystakeoutwas a game ofhide-and-seek. The goal was to be close enoughto see withoutbeingseen, to hear without being heard. Tonight Silas had picked out a Ford Transit in prisoner-of-suburbia blue from the department’s fleet of unmarked cars. He parked on the street outside Starbucks and moved into the windowless back, relying on surveillance equipmentconnectedtohislaptopforavisual Thetinybuthigh-poweredmicrophoneandcamerawereexpertlyhiddeninthe grill of the van. Donninghis headphones, he leaned backand adjusted the camera to zoominonCopper Herald Health& Wellness.
Asuddenknockonthepassenger’ssidedoormadehimjump.Hewhippedhisheadphonesoffanddrewhisgun,trainingit onthedoor
“Silas!”camealoud,femalewhisper “Letmein”
Rollinghis eyes towardthe roofofthe van,Silas cursed.“Bythe goddess.” He leaned across the seatand unlocked the doorforMeredith.
“Ibroughtcoffeeandblueberryscones.”Sheduckedinside,pullingthedoorshutbehindherandlockingit.“Iprefermaple walnut,buttheblueberryishealthierbecauseofthefruit”Sheclimbedintothebackandplunkeddownontheseatbesidehim “I’mtryingtoeathealthier,youknow,becauseIdrinklikesixcupsofcoffeeaday Andit’snotonlythecaffeinebutthecream andsugar.Plus,ohmygoddess,Idonotever wanttoseeahealeragain,I’lltellyouthat.”
“Whatthehellareyoudoinghere?”Fuck.Therewenthiswolfagain.Hegavehisheadahardshake.Notgonnahappen.
“WaitingforAlex.”Shelookedathiminconfusion.“Thestakeout.Staking.Out.CopperHerald.Themuddyboots?Alex?” “I don’t need your help tonight, Meredith Honestly, you’ll just be in the way” Definitely a distraction he didn’t need tonight.
“Youthinkyou’re onyour owninthis because it’s personal for you. AlexBloodrightkilled your parents and came very closetotakingyourlife.ButhekilledothermembersoftheLycanthropicSocietytoo,almostwipedoutanentirepackinfact.” Meredithleanedforwardtoremoveherleatherblazerandstartedunbuttoningherblouse “Ineedtoshowyousomething”
A rush of blood flowed due south in Silas’s anatomy, and he shifted uneasily in his seat, his inner wolf pacing and whimperingashisattentionhyperfocusedontheskinquicklybeingrevealed.Hismouthwentdryandhistonguefeltthickashe said,“Stop,Meredith.Whatareyoudoing?”
“Relax,thisisn’twhatyouthink.”
Hetriednottobedisappointedatthatrevelation Shepulledtheneckofherblouseaside Atattooofacrescentmoonwith afive-pointedstarinitshollowwasinresidenceonherrightshoulder
“Crescent MoonPack?” He’d knownshe was half werewolf but consideringshe didn’t shift withthe moon, he figured she’deschewedpackmembership.
“Myfatherwasawerewolf.Ishiftintoafox.Whenamadmanmurdersthree-quartersofyourpack,shiftingatallisenough tobringyouintotheranks I’mabetaforthepack”
“I’msorry Ididn’tknow”
“How couldyou?Idon’thavetoshiftifIdon’twantto.Idon’tuseRivergate,andwebarelyhaverepresentationonthe councilanymore.There’stoofewofus.”
“Sothisispersonalforyoutoo” “Morethanyouknow.”
“Whydidn’tyousayanythingbefore?”
Shesighed.“WhenIcametothedepartment,IknewwhoyouwereandthatyouwerehuntingAlex.Iwantedtobepartof it IwasafraidifItoldyoutoomuch,you’dshutmeout Manahanstressedthathehiredmetobeemotionallyuninvolved”She playedwiththeplastictabonthelidofhercoffee “Andthenlastnight,Ididn’trecognizeAlex Ionlysaw aglimpsebefore youpushedmedown,andI’veneverseenhiminreallife.”
“Hechangeshisappearanceslightlyonaregularbasis.”
“Anyway,Ididn’tmentionitthenbecauseIwasinshock,andtheninthehospitalitdidn’tseemliketherighttimetobring itup Butyouneedtounderstand:Iwanthimdeadasmuchasyoudo”Shebuttonedherblouse “Alexmurderedmyfather”
“Turner YourfatherwasGraysonTurner Second-in-command” “Firsttodie.”
Asharpbreathwhistledthroughhisteeth.“Andyourmother?”
“Shiftedintoaneagleandflewaway.Shesurvived.Physicallyanyway.It’sbeenalongtimesinceI’veseenhersmile.She never forgave herself for leaving my father behind” Aghost passed behind Meredith’s pupils a fleeting shadow of pain temporarilyescaping froma well-guarded cage. But it was enough for Silas to recognize its face. That pain had taken up residenceinhisheartwhenAlexmurdered his parents.Itwasafirethatcouldonlybeextinguishedbyblood,Alex’sblood.“I wasawaywhenithappened.WorkingonacaseinMerrimack.”
Silasstaredatherasifseeingherforthefirsttime “Howlonghaveyoubeenadetective?” “Tenyears BeforethatIdidactivedutyforsix “ “Noshit?”
Maybeshedidbelonghere.ShecarriedthekindofgriefSilashadbeendealingwithforyears.Andlikehim,she’drisen above itand was doingsomethingaboutit. He could respectthat, and maybe Laina and Kyle were rightaboutthings going fasterifheacceptedhelp Asforhiswolf’sinterestinher,hewasstrongenoughtokeepthebeastincheckifitmeantstopping Alex
Abruptly,heshovedhis laptopontoher knees andtossedtheheadphones ather.Reachingacross her body,hegrabbeda coffeeandblueberrysconethennoddedtowardtheequipment.“Gettowork.Youdon’twanttomissourbigbreak.”
“
Silas!Goddess, Silas, Ithinkit’s him.” Meredithpressed the headphones to her ears and squinted atthe screen. Fuck, it wasalmostmidnight.AmanshethoughtwasaboutAlex’ssize,dressedinjeans,athleticshoes,andadarkhoodie,looked bothwaysbeforeenteringtheCopperHeraldstairwell.Wasthathim?SheneededSilastoconfirm.
Hemusthavedozedoff
Meredithshookhisshoulder.“Silas!”
Heshiftedinhisseatandblinkedatthelaptopscreen.ButifithadbeenAlex,hewasalreadyupstairs.
“Ididn’tseehisface,buthismovementswerewhatIremembered,”shesaid.
“Let’sgo”SilasunsnappedthethinstrapthatsecuredhisguninsidehisshoulderholsterandshruggedintoaBostonRed Soxjacket Weaponconcealedbutwitheasyaccess Smart
“Iloadedsilverbullets,”shesaid,adjustinghergunatthesmallofherback.Itwascommonknowledgethatsilvercaused themostinjuryinwerewolves,woodinvampires,andironinanythingfae.Shehadalittleofeverythinginher bag,butshe plannedtotravellight.
“Evensilverwon’tkillhim Notwhilehe’swearingtheamulet Butit’llslowhimdown”Silascrackedhisneck “That’s whatIhaveloaded”
Meredithquietlyslid the door openand climbed outofthe van, tossingonher leather blazer to completelyconceal her weapon. Witha nod of her head, she confirmed she was ready. Silas led the way toward Copper Herald’s. This time she allowedhimtogoupthestairsfirst,readytobackhimup,herhandonhergun.
ThedoortotheHealth&Wellnessfacilitywaspartiallyopen Suspicious Ashiver traveledthelengthofher spine She drewhergun.
Silasgentlypushedthedoorandslidinsidewaysthroughtheopening.Theofficewasdark,vacant.Thedoortothesmall bedroomwasalsocracked,alightoninside.
EveryhairfollicleonMeredith’sbodytingledwithherunease “Silas ,”shewhispered Adarkshadowinterruptedthesteadyglowfromwithin Silasburstforward,kickingopenthedoor.“Stop!”He chasedthe maninthe darkhoodie throughthe window,downthe fireescape,andintothealley.WasitAlex?ThemanwasAlex’sheightandweightandtoofasttobehuman.Butshecouldn’t seehisface,andhewasn’tusingtheamulet.
Meredithsprinted after them, crawlingthroughthe window and throwingher legs over the side ofthe fire escape rather thanbotheringwiththestairs ShelandedeasilyontheballsofherfeetandchasedSilasandthehoodedmanaroundthenext corner.
“HewentinsideZeroHour,”Silassaid,headingforapackednightclub.ThemusicinsidethumpedinMeredith’sears. Damn.Humans.Justwhattheyneeded.Shepulledherjackettighteraroundherselfandslippedinside,followingSilas.The shoulder-to-shouldercrowdpulsatedonthedancefloor,thescentofhumansburninginhernostrilsandthevolumeofthemusic renderingherdeaf
