Deane put his foot down on the accelerator and sped past cars in the slow lane. “I don’t know.”
“What about Tovin and Piers? Shouldn’t we at least tell someone about them?” Emery scratched her head. “Cruz maybe? I mean, if they aren’t shifters or vampires…”
“Yeah, maybe that would be wise,” Deane agreed.
There were so many questions in the air right now, all he really cared about was getting Riley back. Then he could think about what came next. It was like a fog had descended over his mind. He just wanted to make sure the lad was safe and sound before he dealt with anything else.
He didn’t mind when Emery took it upon herself to call Cruz and give him the details about the men at the gas station as well as their sudden departure through a portal of light. The conversation went on for a while, but Deane’s curiosity was piqued when he overheard her say, “Oh, no. She can’t find her anywhere?”
After hanging up, she set her phone in the center console and leaned back into her seat. “Georgina can’t find Marisol. I guess she took Riley’s abduction pretty hard.”
From the back seat, Verity muttered, “That’s sweet.”
Emery shook her head dismissively. “Teenagers are so dramatic. There’s no way you can fall in love or get attached that quickly. Real life is nothing like Romeo and Juliet.”
“I don’t know about that.” Verity crossed her arms and tilted her head. “It just sounds like you’ve never fallen in love.”
“Damn straight. True love doesn’t exist.” Emery crossed her arms and squinted out the window. “It’s just that high you feel—that excitement—when you meet someone new and are turned on. The sexual charge. That’s why I never take it past one or two nights of fun.”
Deane listened in silence until his partner turned to him and asked, “How about you? I’ve never heard your thoughts on love.”
He tightened his grip on the wheel and pressed his back into his seat. He never spoke about such things with Emery because it had nothing to do with their job. And there was the fact he didn’t like talking about his personal life. He’d cared about Kristie, it had been a form of love, but it hadn’t been the stuff of legend to be sure. However, it didn’t mean he hadn’t caught a glimmer of the emotion. “Just because ye keep yerself from attachment, doesn’t mean it can’t happen to ye. Love can grow overnight when ye’re least expectin’ it. It can grow slowly, too, I suppose. Often catching ye off guard. Love isn’t a thing of convenience or choice, but when it takes root, it can upend yer foundation, yer core. Without any warning, it’ll put its feet up on yer coffee table and make itself at home in yer heart.”
Deane swallowed and dared to glance through the rearview mirror at Verity. Her indigo eyes blinked back at him, and he recalled the electricity he felt when her skin pressed against his last night. The raw power that made the hairs on his skin rise. He couldn’t deny his draw to her any longer. He didn’t know where it was headed. It was frightening giving in to it, but he’d lived a solitary life long enough. Sometimes change thrust itself upon you.
Emery started snickering. “I didn’t realize you were such a softie.”
He ignored her comment long enough to see a gentle smile play at Verity’s lips. Deane blinked at her through the rearview mirror and turned up the radio.
After another four hours of driving, he exited the highway for gas and to trade off with Emery. He looked over his shoulder at Verity. “How ye feeling? Need anything?”
She rubbed her arms. “I’m a little cold. I could use the sweater from my bag.”
Deane nodded and got out. He popped the back hood and found Verity’s bag. While he looked for her extra layer, he noticed a few empty water bottles and granola wrappers scattered around. He didn’t think anything of it until his eyes discerned a small shape pressed against the underside of the hood. Deane stopped and leaned closer. Leathery wings clung to the surface, holding a tiny fuzzy body to its hiding place. Delicate fingers gripped tightly to the steel.
“Hello there,” he muttered. “I don’t take kindly to stowaways. Time to show yerself.”
Deane opened Verity’s bag wide and left the sweater in the back before closing the hood. After a few moments, the rear end of the car lowered slightly. He waited with his hand on the latch. Finally, a soft knock came from within.
He opened the back hood, revealing a squinting young woman lying on her side. She was wearing the sweater he’d left out and was pulling its lower hem to her knees. Long black hair fanned out around her head.
“Marisol,” he greeted her. Deane glanced around to see if anyone was near enough to see the woman in the back of the car. It didn’t exactly look legal. The last thing they needed was to be taken under custody by the Louisiana state troopers for kidnapping the girl.
She raised her hand to shield her eyes from the light. “Hey.”
Deane leaned forward to pull the seat release, opening a channel into the back of the car where Verity was sitting. He heard her exclaim in surprise when it unlatched. He gestured at the passage to Marisol and closed the hood once more.
Emery was walking back from using the restroom when she came around to the driver’s side and paused. “What’s up?”
Deane shook his head. “You’ll see.”
He got into the passenger’s seat and looked back at Marisol, who was flipping the seat back into place with Verity staring at her in stunned confusion.
“Oh, hell,” Emery exclaimed from beside him. “Where’d she come from?”
Deane shrugged and shook his head, waiting for the girl to explain herself.
Good thing Verity’s sweater was oversized and long, because it covered Marisol like a knee-length dress. The petite young woman reached for her seatbelt and answered sheepishly, “You’re going to find Riley, right?”
The three of them exchanged wide-eyed looks. Verity was the one who finally answered, “Well, that’s the plan.”
Emery reached for her phone. “We need to let Georgina know. She’s worried sick.”
“Wait—” Marisol put out her hand. “I don’t want to go back.”
Deane looked through the rearview mirror at Marisol. “This could be dangerous. What are ye—sixteen? I have enough to worry about without having to keep another kid safe.”
The girl tucked her long black hair behind her ear and lifted her shoulders. “I’m eighteen—technically an adult, and I can make my own choices.”
Emery rolled her eyes and handed the young woman her phone. “Either way, you’re calling Georgina to let her know where you are.”
Marisol sighed. “But I don’t even know.”
“Louisiana,” Emery, Deane and Verity answered in unison.
Marisol’s expression melted into a sulk as she started dialing. Deane muttered to Emery, “What was the girl thinking, stowing away like that?”
“Guess Riley isn’t the only one falling head over heels.” Emery caught his eye and smirked.
Deane faced forward and went silent.
Emery pulled away from the gas station as they all listened to the uncomfortable conversation between Marisol and Georgina. Deane was eventually put on the line and had the task of calming the worried enforcer. He fell short of promising that the young woman would remain safe, but assured Georgina he would put every attempt into getting Marisol onto a flight back to Florida once they arrived in California.
“You’re going after them, aren’t you?” she asked, not letting the obvious escape her notice.
Deane took a deep breath before answering, “Aye, I’m getting Riley back.”
Georgina’s voice was pure bitterness and filled with fire. “If you see that evil bruja who killed Beck, would you give her something to remember him by? Like a stake through the heart? For me?”
It was the reason they’d left her behind. Revenge was never as sweet as you imagined it would be. It didn’t bring back the dead. Deane recalled the fear and shock in the faces of the men he’d killed, payback for the loss of his
wife and unborn baby. They likely had never seen a tiger in person or up so close. His claws had torn through their flesh like knives through rice paper. Their eyes were left gaping so wide, their hearts might have stopped from pure terror.
“Deane?” Georgina’s voice drew him back to the present.
Deane swallowed. “It won’t make ye feel any better. It won’t bring him back.”
“Where I’m from, eye for an eye is justice.” Georgina’s voice quieted with strain.
“I’m sorry,” he muttered in response. “But I’m going against orders even putting a foot in California. The only reason I’m going is to get Riley back.”
A click met his ears, and he lowered the cell phone.
Marisol whispered, “Forgiveness isn’t in my cousin’s heart.”
Deane looked over his shoulder at the young woman, who was staring out the side window at the passing scenery. With sadness on her lips and brow, she rested her head against the seat.
Verity kept Marisol company in the back seat the rest of the way to California, which took them another full day. They only stopped for gas and to use the facilities. It was a long trip made quicker between Deane and Emery’s lead feet.
Verity’s temple began to feel a little better. The swelling came down, though she got dizzy without warning and had to shut her eyes to rest and recover.
The familiar scenery brought back memories she wished she could have forgotten. Verity was shocked at how much things had changed since the last time she’d been there. More homes scattered the land that had once been open, and restaurants, stores and gas stations lit up the sky. They came into Palo Alto in the late afternoon, which proved to be bad timing when it came to traffic.
She didn’t like being so close to Lycos’s home. There had been a reason Verity and her brother had chosen to live on the opposite coast. Verity took a shaky breath and reminded herself it was for Riley she’d come back. Her innocent nephew had no place with Lycos. No place at all.
Deane exited the highway and for the hundredth time, Marisol dared to ask, “How much longer?”
His eyes stared at her through the rearview mirror. “Minutes now.”
“Thank God,” Marisol mumbled. “Where are we staying?”
He put on his blinker and pulled up to a light. “A friend’s place.”
Verity didn’t know where they were going, she was just eager to finally get out of the car and really stretch her legs.
Emery looked over at Deane. “His name’s Martin, you said? Would I know him?”
Deane turned onto a street and took them through a business park. “No, I don’t think ye would. He was never was one for Society events or socializing. He’s a bit—different. Stays to himself.”
“Ooh, mysterious.” Emery raised a brow. “Sounds sexy.”
Deane shook his head. They continued past large buildings, which gave way to industrial facilities. Verity expected them to continue through to residential housing. Sleeping on a proper bed or padded couch would be better than resting upright in the back seat again.
Deane turned onto a street of warehouses and scanned the unit numbers over the doors. He slowed down and came to a stop in front of one and scowled at the aluminum exterior.
“Seriously?” Emery asked and faced Verity with an expression of disbelief.
Deane opened his door, and before getting out, he exhaled and glanced at them. “Martin doesn’t like getting mixed up with conflict, probably why he’s happiest alone, which is why I didn’t mention why we’re here. Best to leave him be and not to strike up unnecessary conversation.”
Marisol and Verity nodded. She could respect and identify with that kind of person.
Deane’s eyes rested on Emery while he waited for some sign of understanding. Finally, his partner groaned. “Whatever.”
Before they got out of the car, Deane glanced at Verity. The simple action made her pulse quicken, and she knew she was in trouble. Never had she thought she’d behave like such a foolish schoolgirl, crushing on a man she wondered if she could have much of a future with.
His eyes narrowed, and he muttered, “It may be best not to say anything about what ye are to Martin. He’s a curious sort of bloke. Scientifically minded, but a little odd.”
Verity nodded. She didn’t want to be stared at or anything significantly worse than that. She was a vet and had plenty of experience with biological science. It was one thing to be the one in control of the poking and prodding, and another thing entirely to be the object of that attention.
They got out of the car and followed Deane up to the metal door. Unit 105 was written in yellow paint above the frame. He raised his knuckle and rapped loudly.
A few minutes passed before the door creaked open. A round-faced man stared out at them. Bright green-framed glasses were perched on his nose, and his thinning blond hair came past his ears. He had on a white lab coat which was unbuttoned, revealing a Led Zeppelin T-shirt. Verity studied his curious expression as he blinked at Deane.
“Martin, thank ye for opening yer place to us.” Deane held his hand out to him. “How long’s it been?”
The man shrugged and answered with a faint accent, “Going on forty years?”
“Time flies.” Deane rubbed his unshaven stubble, then turned to the women behind him. “Well, this is my partner, Emery, and this is Verity and Marisol.”
Verity waved and offered a smile in greeting. Emery took a step closer, which almost seemed to propel their host backward into his place. He gestured inside. “I’m Martin. Welcome.”
Seventeen
“Are you kidding me?” Emery breathed out as they were led into the amazing living space.
Verity remained silent, not wanting to draw undue attention to herself, but she was just as impressed and surprised by Martin’s space as Emery. She had never seen anything so unexpected.
Cement walls ran the full length of warehouse. The white aluminum ceilings were vaulted with wood beams and skylights, which let in the dying afternoon light. Two trees grew from openings in the wood flooring, bringing the outdoors in. Couches were configured near the entrance, facing a wall of televisions. Stairs led up to a long open hallway and a second level of rooms along one side of the space.
“How long have ye lived here?” Deane asked his friend, standing beside the tree, looking up into the thirty-foot rafters.
Martin tucked his hand in his pocket and blinked back at him. “Oh, twenty-five years now. It has everything I need. Privacy, space and light.”
“That it does,” Deane answered in awe. “Not at all what I was expectin’.”
“Let me show you around.” Martin led them to the back of the building where he’d framed in a kitchen with modern lines and a simple design. A small bathroom was hidden beside a storage closet, and across from that, he gestured to a large glowing room with opaque walls. “The polycarbonate panels let the light from the rest of the house into my lab. It is my private space, so it’s best you do not disturb my work.”
Emery met Verity’s eyes and shrugged. Martin turned around and led them back toward the entrance to the floating metal stairs. They followed him up to the second level. An open wire railing led them to a series of rooms. A bathroom, three bedrooms and an office all had very simple Scandinavian furnishings.
“I do not often entertain and do not have enough beds for all of you,” Martin apologized.
Deane crossed his arms. “Do not worry yerself. We thank ye for yer hospitality. I can sleep on one of yer couches, no problem. The ladies can work out the bed situation. Marisol here will be leaving tomorrow anyhow.”
The eighteen-year-old’s eyes widened, and she shook her head. “I’m not going.”
Martin took a few steps back, looking like he wanted to avoid what appeared to be a private conversation. “I should return to the kitchen. There will be sausages and cabbage rolls for dinner tonight.”
Without saying anything further, he turned around and hurried along the hall and descended the s
tairs. Verity watched him go, picking up on the polite and curious behavior Deane alluded to. Their host seemed kind, yet eager to gain distance from the people who’d invaded his home.
“Listen,” Deane growled at Marisol. “Yer just a kid. I respect the fact ye want to see Riley safe, but leave it to Emery and myself. We’ll do everything we can to get him back. Go home to Georgina, and we’ll let ye know how it goes.”
It hadn’t escaped Verity’s notice that he hadn’t included her name. Clearly, he’d let her come for the information she held, but didn’t have any intention of letting her come along for the actual rescue. She wasn’t about to be sidelined. “What about me? I didn’t come just to watch.”
Marisol looked up at her and folded her arms. “Me neither. I may be small, but that has its uses too.”
Deane’s jaw clenched, and he sighed. He shared a glance with Emery, who also didn’t seem impressed with Verity or Marisol’s determination. The enforcer’s focus trailed from the slight teenager’s frame to Verity’s wiry arms.
Deane pinched the bridge of his nose. “Have either of ye had any experience defending yerselves against a well-trained opponent, or even going on a high-risk rescue operation? Every mistake ye make could lead to someone getting hurt. I can’t have that.”
Verity knew he had a point. “I may not be as tough as Emery, who could probably throw me on the floor before I knew what happened, but I have something none of you have.”
“What’s that?” Deane’s brow arched.
“History.” She looked over the railing for sign of Martin and lowered her voice. “I might be able to talk with Lycos, reason with him.”
Deane laughed, but he was clearly not amused. “Yer mad if ye think I’m going to let ye go in and talk with him. He sent Dolan to get ye and bring ye home. What makes ye think he’d let ye leave after ye walk through his doors?”
She knew it sounded crazy. Lycos had reason to be angry with her for defying him and leaving home so many years ago. And if one of her nephews was killed trying to recover her and Julian, Lycos would be furious. His kin were precious to him—at least the ones who revered him as a Godlike patriarch. And he wasn’t the sort of person to forgive. But she also knew what Lycos was up against. At that very moment, the Genus Society was debating her kinds’ future. If they decided to wipe them out, based off what she’d seen of the shifters, they’d be able to do it. They outnumbered the vampires.
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