Half-Blood Secrets: A Paranormal Series (Half-Bloods Book 2)

by Natasha Brown

  She looked up at him. He was focused on Cruz and the phone lying on his desk. His hands were clenched and his eyes narrowed.

  Alaric’s voice broke the silence. “So it’s your opinion we should allow Riley to meet his aunt and uncle, to allow them to groom him into their likeness?”

  The question hung in the air. Verity’s eyes scanned the room, trying to get a read on the mood. Deane threw his hands up. “Aye, if that’s how ye want to put it. All I know is I can’t tell the kid how his abilities work or what his limitations are. The lad deserves to know he’s not as vile as he thinks he is. He’s only been exposed to his father, a man who locked him in a room and would have let him starve to death if he didn’t drink human blood.”

  “I haven’t heard you get so animated in a long time,” Alaric answered and remained quiet for a few moments. “It’ll be on your head if things go sideways.”

  “It’s on my head no matter what. I’m the boy’s guardian, after all.” Dark bags were visible under Deane’s eyes, and he appeared stressed. “It’ll be up to him, of course. If he doesn’t want to meet them, I won’t force the lad.”

  Cruz rubbed his chin. “I have some available rooms upstairs. We can keep a close eye on them here.”

  “No.” Julian looked like he was going to jump out of his seat. “You’ve got a really nice place, but I will not be forced from my home. I’ve got my girls to take care of—that’s why we came to you, so we wouldn’t have to move away.”

  Verity took a deep breath. “Our father’s expecting us to return to him. He sent word that your kind killed our brother and that it wasn’t safe. With my father, there’s only one option, and that’s compliance. If we don’t go to him, there will be consequences. We’ll need protection, and if it doubles as you keeping an eye on us, fine, but we aren’t leaving our home.”

  She knew it was a risk drawing a line in the sand, but it was one of the reasons they’d made the decision to approach the shifters. To be able to hold onto their freedom and for the chance to get to know Riley.

  “We can take shifts,” Deane suggested. “And if Riley wants to meet them, I’ll be there. To keep an eye on things.”

  “I’d be willing to lend my enforcers to monitor them. What do you think, Alaric?” Cruz asked. “It might be worth having access to the answers we’re looking for.”

  Alaric’s voice filled the room. “The Grand Consul meets privately in a week. They’ll want to speak to the two of you. If you’re helpful and forthcoming, I don’t see why you wouldn’t be allowed to remain on your property. Until then, if you want to stay at your house, that is where you will remain until the Consul is ready for you.”

  “That doesn’t sound like a promise.” Verity swallowed nervously.

  “You won’t be getting one from me. That’ll be up to the Grand Consul,” the Denver leader answered matter-of-factly.

  Verity had hoped for more of a guarantee but honestly wasn’t surprised they hadn’t gotten one. This had been a risk. When in life did you ever truly have any kind of guarantee? They would have to do their best to show their value and prove they could live peacefully within the confines of this society’s laws. At least they weren’t going to be held against their will at their father’s.

  Cruz lifted his gaze to the man and woman at the back of the room who’d frisked them. “Georgina, Beck, follow them back. If they want to remain at their house, their house is where they’ll stay. Verity and Julian are not to leave their property. Notify me immediately of any concerning activity, and you will be relieved of your watch this evening.”

  Julian caught Verity’s eye. She had many of the same concerns that were presumably going through his head. Was this better than returning to their father and being forced into a life they didn’t want with a man they despised? She thought of the last time they’d seen their father, the look of contempt on his face as he scrutinized them. It was much like the expressions that surrounded them now. The only difference was, she believed they could prove to these shifters they were good people.

  She held onto that hope.

  Nine

  The vampires left the room with the Florida enforcers. Deane started for the door when Cruz held up his hand. “Hold on, Deane. We’d like to speak to you alone—Emery, please step outside.”

  His partner’s eyes widened as she looked at him, then gave a quick nod and followed the others out. Deane stood near the windows and stared at the palms rustling in the breeze surrounding the patio. Clouds had blown over, shading the pool. He swallowed, sensing trouble.

  Cruz sat back in his chair and rested his ankle over his knee. “I understand the Riley thing was out of your control. You had a job to do, so you had to leave him here. That’s on us that he slipped away. But what happened yesterday…”

  Alaric chimed in. “Sometimes when you’re working undercover, things happen, we understand. But revealing information to the blood-suckers and just walking out and leaving them when you were notified about Riley? That was irresponsible. They could have called in a crew of blood-suckers who could be on their way here now for all we know. And the fact they showed up on our doorstep this morning? Did you even sense you had been followed?”

  He wracked his brain, trying to think of anything that had seemed out of place and came up short. “Riley was my priority. I was so focused on finding him safe, I didn’t think about anything else.” Deane exhaled and shook his head. “But I didn’t just leave the vampires without considering everything I’d been witness to over the last week. They’re just like us—trying to survive without causing any trouble for anyone.”

  Deane remembered his youth when he couldn’t find a job because people were so prejudiced against the Irish. He knew what it was like just trying to survive in the face of adversity.

  Silence filled the room. Cruz stared at him over his folded hands.

  “It was always your temper before.” Alaric’s voice crackled through the phone. “I never thought I’d have to worry about you going soft. Maybe I shouldn’t have let you foster Riley.”

  Deane didn’t know if Alaric was right or not, but it didn’t change anything. “I’m responsible for that boy—I won’t fail him. And I’m loyal to the Society. Always have been. But a man’s gotta live with his actions. I did what I thought was right.”

  “It won’t bring Kristie back, you know,” Alaric answered quietly.

  Deane wasn’t crazy—he knew his wife and unborn baby were buried and gone. They would never return. His guilt remained with him, though. A constant blister on his soul. He wanted to prove to himself that he had it in himself to be the kind of man who could do right by those he was meant to protect and care for. He’d make up for the sins of his past.

  Cruz straightened in his seat and caught Deane’s eye. “We’re not saying you’re out of the job. Just that you need to be careful of your actions. What you do could affect us all.”

  Deane had been fully aware of his choices, though he didn’t like the fact he’d been followed without his knowledge. How else could the vampires have known where the lodge was? Maybe Alaric was right, and he was losing his edge. Would he have been so forgiving and permissive with Verity and Julian if Riley wasn’t in his life? Maybe he was too quick to trust them because he knew what discrimination felt like, and because he knew negative sentiment was brewing for the vampires. Even he had allowed the seed of hate to take root. If only temporarily.

  “I’m going to need you by my side,” Alaric said. “We’ve never lived through anything quite like this, which is why I need you thinking objectively and with a clear head.”

  Deane walked up to the desk and leaned on the glass. “I always strive to do that. But I expect the same from ye as well.”

  “I don’t know what you mean by that,” Alaric retorted. “Keep me updated and good luck. We only have to make it through one more week before the Grand Consul meets.”

  Cruz got to his feet. “Where are they meeting this time—Constantinople, Beijing, Vancouver?”<
br />
  The Denver lodge leader chuckled. “You think they tell me? The location’s top secret in light of everything that’s happened.”

  “Well, Alaric, don’t worry. My crew will keep the blood-suckers contained.” Cruz picked up his phone from the desk.

  “We’ll have to meet someday. If I ever leave my jurisdiction, but you know how that goes.”

  Cruz grinned. “Sure do. Take care.”

  Deane was eager to leave Cruz’s office. After his reprimand and the way things had gone in the last twenty-four hours, he needed some space. He wasn’t in a good mood.

  The Miami lodge leader put his phone in his pocket and crossed his arms. A faraway look unfocused his eyes. “I used to be an enforcer in São Paulo. Didn’t often see eye-to-eye with my leader there. Always did what I thought was right before my duty in serving him. Things didn’t turn out well, to say the least. I was so headstrong, so sure I knew right from wrong. Now I’m leading my own lodge.” Cruz lifted his brows wistfully and shrugged. “Not that I’m telling you to do the same.”

  Deane appreciated the sentiment behind the comment and slipped his hands in his pockets. He exhaled, trying to let go of the frustration that was eating away at his chest. “I guess I should go talk with the lad. See if he’d like to meet his kin.”

  “I don’t think I have to tell you to look after him while he’s around them.” Cruz accompanied him to the door. “It’s pretty clear your protective instincts run deep with him.”

  It had crept up on him, but he knew Cruz was right. He tapped the doorframe as he walked through. “I’ll let ye know if I find out anything from the vampires. Riley won’t be the only one learning something new.”

  “You think they trust you?” Cruz asked.

  “Aye.” Deane breathed out. “I do.”

  “Wait, what?” Riley frowned at him.

  They were sitting beside the pool on a couple of chaise lounges. It was a baby step for him, coming outside and away from the couch he’d claimed during the first half of the visit. The sky was mostly filled with clouds and a rough breeze whipped at anything that wasn’t held down. Riley’s dark hair lashed about wildly as he took in the news.

  Riley had known why they were coming to Miami, but he hadn’t been told about the presence of his aunt and uncle. Deane waited for the boy to process the fact they wanted to meet him before saying again, “I will be with ye. To keep an eye on them.”

  “What are they like?” Riley asked uncertainly.

  What he presumed the kid was really asking was if they were anything like his father. Deane could understand the concern. He rested his elbows against his knees. “I wouldn’t even suggest ye meet them if I didn’t think it was a good idea. I’ve been around them every day for a week, and they don’t seem the sort who enjoy hurting people. They feed on animals, not humans, for starters.”

  Riley’s narrowed eyes turned to look at him. “Like, they actually bite them?”

  Deane shook his head. “No, mate. They seem to do their best with it, but I’m not the one who can answer all yer questions. They want to help ye through all this like Aerilyn teaches youngling shifters. I wish I knew everything ye needed to know, but I don’t.”

  The boy remained silent as he stared into the distance. “If it were you, would you go?”

  “Knowing what I know now? Aye, I would.” Deane turned his head to look at the point Riley was focused on. “I won’t force ye. It’s yer decision to make, and I won’t make it for ye. Too much has been out of yer hands. This is one choice only ye can make.”

  “If I get there and change my mind?” Riley asked, his voice nearly carrying away with the wind.

  “Then we’ll turn around and come back.”

  Deane watched the boy take his time considering his options. He didn’t want to pressure him in any way. After all, Riley was within a year of becoming an adult. He should make the choices that felt right to him.

  “Okay.” Riley stood up. His T-shirt flapped in the wind while his eyes waited expectantly.

  Deane got to his feet. “I gather ye wish to go now?”

  The kid lifted his shoulders noncommittally. “What else are we going to do? Sit around and talk about our feelings?”

  Deane laughed under his breath, amused with Riley’s joke. “Right.”

  As they walked through the front of the lodge, Emery jumped from a stool at the bar and hurried after them. “Wait! Where are you going?”

  Riley put his hand on the doorknob. “To meet my aunt and uncle.”

  Emery’s eyes widened.

  “Listen,” Deane said. “I know ye’re still angry at Quinn, and ye have the right to be. But ye shouldn’t come if ye have a score to keep. Hear me?”

  His partner batted her eyelashes at him and put her hands to her chest in mock innocence. “Who, me?”

  “Emery,” Deane warned her in a whisper. “It’s not about ye, it’s about the lad.”

  She shed her act and gave the appearance of all seriousness. “I’m sorry. I won’t mess around. I just want to stay in the loop, plus there’s only so much sitting at the pool a girl can take.”

  “Fine, but ye stay out of the way. Ye hear?” Deane opened the lodge door, and she blew a kiss at him as she passed by.

  Riley was already waiting at the passenger side of the car when they walked out to the lot. The boy remained silent the whole ride down to Cutler Bay. Emery cranked up the radio and sang along with the radio, so Deane was relieved when he slowed to turn onto the gravel road that led to TailGators. The sign showed Closed at the entry of the driveway, which he supposed was a good thing.

  “What’s TailGators?” Riley asked and craned his neck to get a better look beyond the entrance of the animal park.

  Deane brought the car to a stop in the modest parking lot. “I’ll let Julian tell ye all about it.”

  They all got out, and Deane started walking toward the house. Beck was standing near the porch and gave him a nod as they passed by.

  When they got to the lawn, the screen door creaked open, and Verity crossed the porch. Her hands brushed at her skirt, and she called over her shoulder, “Julian!”

  Riley stopped at the base of the stairs and stopped.

  Deane stood beside him and muttered, “Ye just say the word, and we’re gone.”

  “No.” Riley shook his head and planted his foot on the first step. “I’ve got this.”

  Verity glanced at Deane and offered him a slight smile as they made it onto the porch. She put out her hand. “Hello, Riley. I’m Verity, and I’m your aunt.”

  The boy accepted Verity’s hand in a brief handshake. The screen door opened again, and Julian came out. Verity gestured at her brother, barely containing her excitement. “This is your uncle, Julian. We’re so happy you came.”

  Riley didn’t answer. His eyes were busy combing over his relations.

  Verity’s eyes narrowed as she stared past Deane, and he realized Emery had come to stand behind him. Verity pointed at the curvy enforcer. “You came with the wildlife official to drop off the tiger.”

  “He’s easier to get along with in tiger form, if you can believe it.” Emery’s red lips curled into a smile. “I’m Deane’s partner, Emery.”

  “Wait a minute.” Verity’s focus moved to Deane. “Is it possible you’re the tiger?”

  He enjoyed watching her confusion as she pieced it all together. “Ye have a gentle touch with animals.”

  While Verity appeared to be recounting the evening with the tiger in her head, Julian held open the screen. “Would you like to come inside?”

  Emery was the first to walk through, and her eyes moved over everything in curiosity. Riley cast a quick glance at Deane before following her in. Verity caught up to them and elevated her voice. “Just up those stairs there. Our living quarters are on the second level.”

  Emery and Riley started up first with Verity just behind.

  Deane approached Julian, searching for bruise marks on his neck. “How ye doing to
day? Sore?”

  The gator wrangler placed his hand at his collar bone and cleared his throat. “I’ve felt better. It’s nothing a little time won’t fix. Thanks again for saving my skin.”

  “And ye have no idea who that man was?” Deane searched his face for any sign of deception. “Never seen him before?”

  Julian frowned. “No. But it’s not the first time I’ve been harassed by a homophobe.”

  Deane nodded as he followed Julian upstairs. He wasn’t so sure the attacker had an issue with Julian’s sexual preference. He suspected it had been a rogue shifter. After what had happened in Denver, there was no telling what kinds of stories had been circulating through the Society about the existence of vampires. He had no idea how the guy had tracked them down, but it was evidence of the anti-vampire sentiment that had begun to take root in the Genus Society.

  He found the ladies and Riley sitting comfortably in a living room of sorts. Windows lined the walls, providing a view of the bay in the distance and their lush surroundings. A fan whirred above while Verity walked over to a wooden bar. “Can I offer any of you something to drink?”

  Emery’s brows lifted. “Um?”

  “She’s not offering you blood, my dear.” Julian joined his sister at the counter and smirked. “A cocktail. Or club soda with a twist.”

  “Right,” Emery muttered and shook her head. “I’m fine.”

  Verity looked at Riley, who was sitting on a padded chair. He was watching every motion she made, something he didn’t bother hiding. His aunt came to kneel beside him. “How about you, Riley? You’re looking a bit pale. When was the last time you fed?”