by Parker Blue
All of a sudden, Shade's appearance flipped back into that of a human for a second then back again to swirly shadow demon.
"Whoa, that's not normal,” Kyle said.
"What is normal for him?” Gwen asked.
"Normally he looks fully human only when someone is touching him skin to skin,” I explained.
He blitzed off and on again, like a television on the fritz.
Gwen backed away, holding up her hands. “I have no idea how to treat this. I don't even understand it."
Kyle laid a hand on Micah's shoulder. “What about the encyclopedia? Maybe it will explain."
Oh yeah, the books. I glanced at Fang, remembering our mission. What is Kyle thinking about the books?
Fang cocked his head and stared at Kyle. ONLY THAT THEY MIGHT HELP. HE DIDN'T STEAL THEM.
Seeing that Micah was floundering for an answer that wouldn't admit the books were missing, I said, “I don't remember reading anything medical about shadow demons, but maybe Tessa can check."
Micah nodded, thanking me with his eyes. “I'll ask her.” He turned to address Gwen. “He's mostly human. Can you treat him as you would a human and hope the rest of him follows?"
Gwen stared down at Shade uncertainly, looking a bit creeped out by his blinking in and out. It kind of freaked me out, too, so I grabbed his hand to bring him wholly into this reality. “Please?” I asked her. “He's a healer himself . . . he's the one who healed Dan's shoulder."
Gwen looked surprised. “When?"
"A couple of weeks ago. Didn't Dan tell you?"
One corner of her mouth turned up in a wry grin. “He never tells me when he's hurt. Doesn't want to worry his baby sister, I guess."
I nodded. That definitely sounded like the macho kind of thing Dan would do. “He owes Micah a favor for it,” I hinted.
"Well, Dan will have to pay back his own favor,” she said briskly. “This one's on me."
Shade raised his head slightly. “Thank you,” he whispered. “I will be in your debt."
"Don't be silly,” Gwen said. “This is my job.” She pushed him gently back down on the bed and asked him, “Do you have any clues how to treat yourself?"
A ghost of a smile flickered across his face. “Micah's suggestion is sound. “
"Well, there isn't a whole lot I'd do anyway. Let's put some ice on that bump, give him lots of fluids and rest, and monitor him to make sure he doesn't get worse."
Shade looked apologetic. “I feel less sick when someone keeps me grounded in this reality."
Micah nodded. “I'll make sure someone stays with you."
Fang poked me. MICAH ASKED ME TO PASS ON A MESSAGE TO YOU AND SHADE. HE FIGURES IF HE SENDS PEOPLE TO VISIT SHADE WHO WERE AT THE PARTY, SHADE CAN DISCUSS THE BOOKS AND I CAN READ THEIR MIND TO SEE IF THEY'RE GUILTY.
Good idea.
Shade jerked and glanced at Fang then nodded. Hmm, maybe I should coach the shadow demon a bit on how to hide his feelings, or he'd give us away.
YEAH, Fang agreed. HEY, IF SHADE'S GONNA STAY HERE, MAYBE YOU COULD BRING PRINCESS OVER SO SHE CAN HELP WITH THE MIND-READING WHILE I'M NOT HERE.
I glanced at Fang. And you have a totally innocent motive, right?
HELL NO. I WANNA MAKE SOME TIME WITH MY WOMAN.
I resisted the urge to laugh out loud. It was a good idea anyway. “Gwen, would it be okay if Shade stayed here for awhile? And brought his dog? She's small and very well-mannered."
"Uh, sure,” Gwen said.
"Thank you,” Shade said and winced as if the act of speaking had been painful.
Gwen looked sympathetic. “We could also give you something for the pain. Can you take acetaminophen?"
"Yes. But I'll need twice the normal dosage for it to be effective."
"Okay.” Gwen glanced at me. “Can you help me find it, Val?"
"Sure.” But I knew she didn't really need help. I followed her out of the room and as soon as we were out of Shade's earshot, I said, “I'm sorry. I know I should've asked you first if it was okay . . . especially with all the people that will be traipsing through here. Is it a problem for Shade to stay here? I'll sleep on the couch."
She rummaged in her medicine cabinet and tossed me a grin. “Not if all his friends are as hot as these guys. There's a whole shopping mall of eye candy in there."
"Not all his friends are,” I said, smiling. “And some are actually women. So what's the problem?"
She grabbed the bottle she was looking for and grimaced. “It's my overprotective brother. I just wanted to warn you that Dan won't like it."
We were still close enough for Fang to overhear our conversation from the other room. WHO CARES? he asked.
Unfortunately, I cared. That must be what that sinking feeling meant in the pit of my stomach. But Dan was already so unhappy with me that one more thing shouldn't make a difference. However, I did need to let Gwen know what was really going on before she consented to this. Quickly, I had Fang relay my intention to Micah. “I know Dan won't like it. And he'll like what I'm about to tell you even less."
Micah came to join us in the living room and we explained to Gwen about the missing encyclopedia and our intention to use this as an opportunity to find the thief.
"There should be no danger to you,” Micah assured Gwen. “If Fang or Princess learn the thief's identity, they won't confront him. They'll let Shade know and he can call one of us."
Gwen nodded thoughtfully. “And will there be any danger to Shade while he's convalescing?"
"There shouldn't be,” Micah assured her. “The thief won't know his identity has been compromised."
"But since people will have to keep in contact with him to keep him from getting sick, they'll be able to see his expression. And he hasn't learned yet to keep his expression from giving his thoughts away,” I reminded Micah.
"Good point. I'll ask Fang and Princess not to tell him until after the thief leaves. Even if the thief does suspect, the hellhounds should be able to protect him. And Shade isn't totally without defenses himself. He must have been caught off guard to get this hurt."
Yeah, the incredible speed of a crazed vampire would do that to you. Plus Shade had been distracted by helping innocents. “How long will Shade need to rest?” I asked Gwen.
She shrugged. “In a human, I'd say they should take it easy for a week or two, limiting their activity and not doing anything strenuous to see how it goes. But I have no idea how that will translate to Shade."
"Neither will anyone else,” Micah said. “I'll ask Shade to continue playing sick until we've interviewed everyone. Will that be a problem for you?” he asked Gwen.
"No. And what my big brother doesn't know can't hurt him."
"He does live in the complex,” I reminded her. “And he comes to visit you a lot. He's bound to find out sooner or later."
Gwen shrugged. “He hasn't been by much lately.” I winced, knowing that was because of me. Gwen laid a hand on my arm. “But that's okay. I'll deal with him when it happens."
Better her than me.
Micah thanked her, holding her hand in both of his own. His sincerity made her glow with pleasure. When she left to take the painkiller to Shade, Micah lowered his voice. “I'm doing this only to rule my people out. I still think it was one of Alejandro's. After all, the books give a great deal of information about our strengths and weaknesses. Think how much leverage that would give them in ensuring we do as they wish."
"Good point. And it's time I check that out.” It was dark by now, so maybe Alejandro was receiving visitors. He'd given me his personal number after I helped him out with Lily. Relieved to have something I could actually do, I called him.
He answered right away. “How may I help you, Ms. Shapiro?"
Whoa. Don't think anyone had ever called me that before. Weird. “Considering everything that just happened, is this a bad time?"
He sighed. “It is not a good one, but I am certain you have questions for me."
Yes, and about more tha
n he thought. “Can I come talk to you? I don't want to do this over the phone."
"Of course. I am at home and shall instruct the guards to let you pass. You already have the combination to the gates,” he added drily.
Uh, yeah. A small matter of breaking and entering. But it had been in a good cause and ended well for everyone. “Okay, I'm coming right over."
When I turned off the phone, Micah said, “Can you leave Fang here with Shade while I pick up Princess and some of his things? I'll arrange for people to stay with him in shifts."
"Sure.” As an invited guest, so to speak, I shouldn't be in any danger at the vamp mansion. I tossed a thought to Fang to let him know what was going on, then let Gwen know I was leaving for awhile.
Sheesh, I'd wanted friends, but now I was going to have a constant parade of them through my bedroom, for heaven's sake. I hadn't realized how much stress having real friends could be. More people to help . . . and protect.
I felt relieved at being able to escape, and guilty for feeling that way. Then again, we all did what we could. I wasn't much help at a sick bed, but questioning bloodsuckers was right up my alley. And if I got to pound on a few, that would be even better.
GOOD, Fang said. GO KICK ONE FOR ME.
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Chapter Nine
One of Alejandro's lieutenants, the cowboy vamp, Austin, answered the door at the mansion and grinned at me. “Well, hello, darlin',” he said, tipping back his Stetson. “Coming through the front door this time?"
I shrugged. “Thought I'd try something different."
"And are you aimin’ to expose more corruption in our fine organization this day?"
He seemed so amused, I wasn't quite sure how to take him. True, he had no personal reason to dislike me, but I had killed a few of his kind. “It's possible,” I said briefly. “How are Lorenzo and Corina doing?"
His smile died. “They're still a mite bit troubled,” he admitted.
"Sorry to hear that. Uh, Alejandro is expecting me."
"Sure thing. This way."
He took me to the study and waved me to a seat. “He'll be right along."
I nodded and he left the room. I glanced around, noticing that Alejandro had removed the rug I'd soaked with Lily's blood and replaced it with a blood-red one. Good planning. The rest of the study was about the same—all old-fashioned and masculine looking.
I was only alone for a few minutes before Alejandro came in and shut the door softly behind him. He seated himself at his desk, looking wiped. “What may I do for you?"
"Do you really have no idea what happened at the blood bank? Why your people . . . “ I hesitated, not certain how to finish that sentence politely.
Alejandro did it for me. “Went mad?"
Well, yeah. I nodded.
He sighed. “Not yet. When I allow them to awake from my thrall, they are not present in their own minds."
Whatever that meant. “Do you think that'll change?"
"I hope so.” Alejandro leaned forward, clasping his hands on his desk and staring into my eyes. “But that is not why you've come. Tell me, what would you have of me?"
"The other night, at the social event . . ."
"Of course. Have you come to talk to me about the demons’ reaction?"
"Uh, no. Something else. But this is in confidence . . . “
He nodded.
Taking a deep breath, I said, “Something went missing that evening."
"What went missing?"
"I can't tell you."
"And how does that concern me?” From the steel in his voice, I had a feeling he knew what I was about to say.
"It was stolen during the chaos.” His expression turned hard and I assured him, “Micah is investigating all of his people, but I was hoping you'd let me question those of yours who were there, too."
"And would you take their word alone for their innocence?” he asked, his tone dangerous.
"Would you?” I countered. After all, Lily had been one of his lieutenants, yet he hadn't suspected her disloyalty.
"I suppose not."
"If they try to control me, I can read their minds. Can you ask them to do that?"
"They won't be happy.” He gave me a wry look. “After what happened, they fear you and the demon inside you. But if you promise to only ask about that one thing and not reveal anything else you learn in their minds, I will agree."
"You got it,” I agreed. “I'm only interested in finding out about the—about that one thing."
"And if one of them admits to having this item that's missing, what then?"
"I'll ask them to return it,” I said innocently. Of course, if they refused, all bets were off. I didn't say it aloud but Alejandro was no dummy. He caught the gist.
He sighed again. “Very well. I shall call all of them to me so you may question them."
Wow, I didn't know he had those kind of powers. “You can do that?"
He gave me an odd look, then tapped the cell phone lying on his desk. “With this, yes."
Oh. Duh. Feeling stupid, I said, “Okay, thanks."
Some were already at the mansion, and others were out and about, so Alejandro had Austin contact them all—only about a dozen.
The first was another one of Alejandro's lieutenants, Luis. He wasn't as nice as Austin. In fact, I'd bet he’ d been a snobby aristocrat before he was turned. Dark-skinned, with a thin goatee and long hair clubbed back into a ponytail, he could out-snoot anyone I'd ever met. He regarded me with a sneer when Alejandro asked him to try to control me.
I expected some reluctance, but instead, he viciously slammed his mind into mine and tried to take over. It didn't work, of course. Now that he'd done that, I could read his mind. But I'd promised not to go fishing, so I simply asked, “What did you do the night of the social at the Demon Underground?"
I received quick images of the fight, his pleasure in slamming Ludwig against the wall, and his disappointment when Alejandro made him stop. And he made sure I knew he was disgusted with Micah's wimpiness in not outing the demons. He also blamed him for Lorenzo and Carina's condition, though he had no evidence or proof.
Unfortunately, he knew nothing of the books. Too bad. He was dangerous. One of Alejandro's less likable underlings. I wouldn't mind taking him down. “Thank you,” I said. “That's all I needed."
Alejandro gave him a warning glance. “When the others arrive, have them come in, but do not mention why. Do you understand?"
Luis sneered again but gave his boss a curt nod and left without a word.
The others provided no surprise. Their answers were mostly the same. Though they were uneasy about sharing their thoughts with me, they had no knowledge of the missing books. Crap. With the vamps eliminated, that meant the thief was probably a demon. Micah was not going to be happy.
When the last of his people left, Alejandro said, “I take it you did not find what you were looking for?"
"No, but they all seemed pretty ticked off at the demons for not wanting to be outed along with you.” They wanted to spread the wealth of any possible fallout. Couldn't blame them for that.
"It's a sore spot,” he conceded. “In hindsight, I realize I should have let Micah know of my plans first, to smooth the way."
Yeah, Alejandro's love of the dramatic had put him in trouble this time. “Well, you might want to work on calming some of them down unless you want a war on your hands."
He nodded wearily. “There is only one you have not yet tested. Myself."
I didn't need to. The vamp leader had been within my sight the entire time. “That won't be necessary,” I said, hoping he'd think it was because I trusted him.
He raised an eyebrow but didn't comment. Instead, he surprised me by asking, “How would you like to come work for the New Blood Movement?"
"Huh?” I responded stupidly.
He leaned forward. “Thanks to you, I have an opening for a new lieutenant in my organization. Your ability would come in very handy
to smoke out any other traitors, ensure everyone who joins the movement is genuine, protect our interests among the demons and with the humans in the SCU."
Okay, I still felt stupid, ‘cause I sure couldn't figure out why he was asking me. “You do realize that I work for the SCU, right? That I'm called the Slayer because I kill people like you?"
"Not people like me,” he said with a smile. “People like those vampires who are not in my organization. And the fact that you called us people is very telling."
It was? I didn't know how to respond to that, so I said nothing.
"I'll double whatever the SCU is paying you."
"I don't do it for the money,” I protested.
"I know, but having some extra cash doesn't hurt. What do you say?"
I wanted to blurt out an instant “no,” but his offer was a little tempting. Not have to work with Dan, or be treated like a freak anymore by the normal humans . . . ?
No, if I went to work for Alejandro I'd be shunned as a murderer by his vamps and as a traitor by the demons and the San Antonio police department. How was that any better?
But before I could respond either way, he added, “Why don't you think about it and get back to me?"
I couldn't see myself working for him in any future I could envision, but there was no sense in turning him down right away. It wouldn't hurt to let him think I was considering it. “Okay. And thank you very much for letting me question your people about the . . . missing item,” I said, trying to be diplomatic for a change. Micah would be proud of me.
The leader of the New Blood Movement inclined his head. “This was but a small favor. I am still in your debt."
Okay. Not sure how he kept score, but I wasn't going to argue when the outcome was to my advantage. He rose to walk me to the front door. At first I wondered if it was to ensure I didn't wander places I shouldn't, but no, he was probably just doing the gentlemanly thing.
He opened the door to escort me out, but halted as Austin hurried into the hallway waving a cell phone. “There's something wrong at the Fort Sam blood bank."