TableofContents
TitlePage
CopyrightPage
Dedication
Epigraph
CHAPTERONE-MAGICISASMAGICDOES
CHAPTERTWO-AFISTFULOFVAMPIRES
CHAPTERTHREE-SCIENCEFRICTION
CHAPTERFOUR-THESAVAGEBEAST
CHAPTERFIVE-DOWNBYTHERIVER
CHAPTERSIX-SEASONOFTHEWITCH
CHAPTERSEVEN-MOREHUMANTHANHUMAN
CHAPTEREIGHT-THEARTOFWAR
CHAPTERNINE-BEITEVERSOHUMBLE...UNLESSYOU’REIMMORTALAND...
CHAPTERTEN-LIKEABOSS
CHAPTERELEVEN-PARTYGIRLS
CHAPTERTWELVE-OVERTHERAINBOW
CHAPTERTHIRTEEN-THEREVOLUTIONWILLBETELEVISED
CHAPTERFOURTEEN-THEBUCKETLIST
CHAPTERFIFTEEN-ALLTHATGLITTERS
CHAPTERSIXTEEN-THEPERP
CHAPTERSEVENTEEN-TWOMASTERSANDONEBADATTITUDE
CHAPTEREIGHTEEN-VISFORVALOR
CHAPTERNINETEEN-RED,REDWINE
CHAPTERTWENTY-THEHANGOVER
CHAPTERTWENTY-ONE-DEEP-FRIEDPLAUSIBLEDENIABILITYONASTICK
CHAPTERTWENTY-TWO-DEVILINABLUEDRESS
CHAPTERTWENTY-THREE-DEMERITS
CHAPTERTWENTY-FOUR-CHERCHEZLAFEMME
CHAPTERTWENTY-FIVE-LETTINGGO
PraiseforChloeNeill’sChicagolandVampiresNovels
TwiceBitten
“Thepagesturnfastenoughtosatisfyvampireandromancefansalike.”
—Booklist
“Neill’sbrisklypacedthirdChicagolandVampiresparanormalromance...willsatisfyreturningfans.
Merit’sfrequentlysnarkyvoiceandamusingobservationsabouttheoccasionalabsurditiesofhersituation
combinewiththemagicofNeill’sworldinarefreshingtakeonurbanfantasy.”
—PublishersWeekly
“Neillcontinuestohitthesweetspotwithherblendofhighstakesdrama,romanticentanglements,anda
touchofhumor....Certaintowhetreaders’appetitesformoreinthisentertainingseries!”
—RomanticTimes(4½stars)
FridayNightBites
“FridayNightBitesiswonderfullyentertaining,andimpossibletosetdown.”
—DarqueReviews
“Provingthatherdebutwasnofluke...thisqualifiesasfirst-ratefun!”
—RomanticTimes
SomeGirlsBite
“Neillcreatesastrong-minded,sharp-wittedheroinewhowillappealtofansofCharlaineHarris’s
SookieStackhouseseriesandLaurellK.Hamilton’sAnitaBlake.”
—LibraryJournal
“ChloeNeillowesmeagoodnight’ssleep.Withherwonderfullycompellingreluctantvampireheroine,
andhercarefulworldbuilding,IwasdrawnintoSomeGirlsBitefrompageoneandkeptreadingfarinto
thenight.”
—USATodaybestsellingauthorJulieKenner
“Smart,sexy,anddelightful.Amust-read.”
—CandaceHavens,authorofDragonsPreferBlondes
“Afuncastofquirkycharactersandsmokin’-hotsexualtension...astunningcombination.”
—TateHallaway,authorofAlmostFinalCurtain
“Packedwithcomplexsubplots,embitteredfamilymembers,andpolitics,thisisanexcellentfirst
installmenttowhatshouldbeanoutstandingseriesinacrowdedfield.”
—MonstersandCritics
“There’sanewtalentintown,andifthisdebutisanyindication,she’sheretostay.NotonlydoesNeill
introduceanindomitableandfunnyheroine,hersecondarycharactersareenormouslyintriguingandmake
terrificfoils....Trulyexcellent.”
—RomanticTimes
“SomeGirlsBiteisengaging,wellexecuted,andpopulatedwithcharactersyoucan’thelpbutlove.It
wasimpossibletosetdown.”
—DarqueReviews
“ThismaybeChloeNeill’sdebutnovel,butitdoesn’treadlikeone.Herworldbuildingisflawless.Her
charactersaresassy,sexy,andmesmerizing.Meritisaheroinewhostrollsontotheparanormalscenelike
sheownsit.SomeGirlsBiteisfang-tabulous!Youwon’twanttomissthisone.”
—Wendy’sMindingSpot
“Ididn’twanttoputitdown...excellentlywritten....[SomeGirlsBite]bringsafreshperspectiveon
thevampirecrazethatisgoingaroundthesedays....Ifyouareafanofvampirenovels,Ithinkyou
shouldgivethisoneatry.IloveditentirelyandamnowveryanxioustoreadmorefromMs.Neill.”
—PinkIstheNewBlog
“ChloeNeillsinksherteethintoanewseriesthatwillattractbothteenandadultreadersalike.The
ChicagolandVampiresseriesstartswithabangandleavesyouanxiousformore.”
—TeensReadToo
“Icouldnotputthisonedown....Meritisgoingtoevolveintoafantastickick-buttheroine....The
thingthatelevatesthisstoryfromgreattoexcellent,asidefromthestrongheroineandburninghunksof
manlyvampires,isthewell-roundedsupportingcastofcharacters.”
—DirtySexyBooks
OTHERNOVELSBYCHLOENEILL
THECHICAGOLANDVAMPIRESNOVELS
SomeGirlsBite
FridayNightBites
TwiceBitten
THEDARKELITENOVELS
Firespell
Hexbound
NEWAMERICANLIBRARY
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FirstpublishedbyNewAmericanLibrary,
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FirstPrinting,May2011
Copyright©ChloeNeill,2011
Allrightsreserved
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Neill,Chloe.
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p.cm.—(Chicagolandvampires;4)
eISBN:978-1-101-51444-3
1.Vampires—Fiction.2.Chicago(Ill.)—Fiction.I.Title.
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ToJeremy,Baxter,andScout,mythreefavoriteboys,
withmuchthankstoSara,themistressofMeritverseconformity.
Bytheprickingofmythumbs,
Somethingwickedthiswaycomes.
—WilliamShakespeare
CHAPTERONE
MAGICISASMAGICDOES
LateAugust
Chicago,Illinois
WeworkedbeneaththeshineoffloodlightsthatpunchedholesinthedarknessofHydePark—nearlyone
hundredvampiresairingrugs,paintingcabinetdoors,andsandingtrim.
Ahandfulofsevere-lookingmeninblack—extramercenaryfairieswe’dhiredforprotection—stood
outsidethefencethatformedabarrierbetweentheblocks-widegroundsofCadoganHouseandtherestof
thecity.
Inpart,theywereprotectingusfromasecondattackbyshape-shifters.Thatseemedunlikely,butsohad
thefirstonslaught,ledbytheyoungestbrotheroftheleaderoftheNorthAmericanCentralPack.
Unfortunately,thathadn’tstoppedAdamKeene.
Theywerealsoprotectingusfromanewthreat.
Humans.
IglancedupfromtheelegantcurveofwoodentrimIwasswabbingwithstain.Itwasnearlymidnight,
butthegoldenglowoftheprotesters’candleswasvisiblethroughthegapinthefence.Theirflames
flickeredinthestickysummerbreeze,threeorfourdozenhumansmakingknowntheirquietobjectionsto
thevampiresintheircity.
Popularitywasaficklething.
Chicagoanshadriotedwhenwe’dcomeoutoftheclosetnearlyayearago.Fearhadeventuallygiven
waytoawe,completewithpaparazziandglossymagazinespreads,buttheviolenceoftheattackonthe
House—andthefactthatwe’dfoughtbackandindoingsohadthrownshiftersoutintotheopen—had
turnedthetidesagain.Humanshadn’tbeenthrilledtolearnwe’dexisted,andifwerewolveswereout
there,too,whatelselurkedintheshadows?Forthepastcoupleofmonthswe’dseenraw,uglyprejudice
fromhumanswhodidn’twantusintheirneighborhoodandcampedoutsidetheHousetomakesurewe
wereawareofit.
Mycellphonevibratedinmypocket;Iflippeditopenandanswered,“Merit’sHouseofCarpentry.”
MalloryCarmichael,mybestfriendintheworldandasorceressinherownright,snortedfromthe
otherend.“Kindofdangerous,isn’tit,beingavampirearoundallthosewould-beaspenstakes?”
Ilookedoverthetrimonthesawhorseinfrontofme.“I’mnotsureanyofthisisactuallyaspen,butI
takeyourpoint.”
“Iassumefromtheintrothatcarpentry’sonyouragendaagainthisevening?”
“Youwouldbecorrect.Sinceyouasked,I’mapplyingstaintosomelovelywoodwork,afterwhichI’ll
probablyapplyalittlesealant—”
“Oh,myGod,yawn,”sheinterrupted.“Pleasesparemeyourhardwarestories.I’doffertocome
entertainyou,butI’mheadingtoSchaumburg.Magicisasmagicdoes,andallthat.”
Thatexplainedtherumblingofthecarinthebackgroundonherend.“Actually,Mal,evenifyoucould
makeit,we’reahuman-freeaboderightnow.”
“Noshit,”shesaid.“WhendidDarthSullivanissuethatdictate?”
“WhenMayorTateaskedhimto.”
Malloryletoutalowwhistle,andhervoicewasequallyconcerned.“Seriously?Catcherdidn’teven
sayanythingaboutthat.”
CatcherwasMallory’scurrentlive-inboyfriend,thesorcererwho’dreplacedmewhenImadethe
movetoCadoganHouseafewmonthsago.Healsoworkedintheofficeofthecity’ssupernatural
Ombudsman—mygrandfather—andwassupposedtobeintheknowaboutallthingssupernatural.The
Ombudsman’sofficewasakindofparanormalhelpdesk.
“TheHousesarekeepingitonthedown-low,”Iadmitted.“WordgetsoutthatTateclosedtheHouses,
andpeoplepanic.”
“Becausetheythinkvampiresposearealthreattohumans?”
“Exactly.Andspeakingofrealthreats,whatareyoulearningtonightinSchaumburg?”
“Har-har,mylittlevampirefriend.Youwillloveandfearmeinduetime.”
“Ialreadydo.Areyoustilldoingpotions?”
“Actually,no.We’redoingsomedifferentstuffthisweek.How’stheheadhoncho?”
Thequickchangeofsubjectwasalittleweird.Malloryusuallylovedaninterestedaudiencewhenit
cametotheparanormalandhermagicapprenticeship.Maybethestuffshewaslearningnowwasactually
asdullascarpentry,althoughthatwashardtoimagine.
“EthanSullivanisstillEthanSullivan,”Ifinallyconcluded.
Shesnortedinagreement.“AndIassumehealwayswillbe,beingimmortalandall.Butsomethingsdo
change.Speakingof—andhow’sthatforasegue?—guesswho’snowgotabigol’pairofspectacles
perchedontheendofhisperfectlittlenose?”
“JossWhedon?”Althoughithadtakenheralittlewhiletogetusedtotheideaofhavingmagic,Mal
hadalwayshadathingforthesupernatural,fictionorotherwise.BuffyandSpikewereparticularobjects
ofaffection.
“Gad,no.Althoughwouldn’tthattotallygivemeanexcusetopopintotheWhedonverseand,like,
magicallycorrecthiseyesightorsomething?Anywho,no.Catcher.”
Igrinned.“Catchergotglasses?Mr.I’m-so-suave-I-shaved-my-head-even-though-I-wasn’t-baldinggot
glasses?Maybethisisgoingtobeagoodnightafterall.”
“Iknow,right?Tobefair,theyactuallylookprettygoodonhim.Ididoffertoworkalittleabracadabra
andhookhimupwithtwenty-twenty,buthedeclined.”
“Because?”
Shedeepenedhervoiceintoaprettygoodimitation.“‘Becausethatwouldbeaselfishuseofmagic—
expendingthewilloftheuniverseonmyretinas.’”
“Thatdoessoundlikesomethinghe’dsay.”
“Yep.Soglassesitis.AndI’lltellyou,theyarelittlemiracleworkers.Wehavedefinitelyturneda
cornerinthebedroom.It’slikehe’sanewperson.Imean,hissexualenergylevelisjustoffthe—”
“Mallory.Enough.Myearsarebeginningtobleed.”
“Prude.”Apiercinghonkrangthroughthephone,followedbyMallory’svoice.“Learntomerge,
people!Comeon!Okay,I’vegotWisconsindriversinfrontofme,andIhavetogetoffthephone.I’lltalk
toyoutomorrow.”
“Night,Mal.Goodluckwiththedriversandthemagic.”
“Smooches,”shesaid,andthelinewentdead.Ituckedthephonebackintomypocket.ThankGodfor
besties.
Tenminuteslater,Ihadachancetotestmy“EthanisstillEthan”theory.
Ididn’tevenneedtoglancebacktoknowthathe’dsteppedbehindme.Therisingchillalongmyspine
wasindicationenough.EthanSullivan,MasterofCadoganHouse,thevampirewho’daddedmetoits
ranks.
Aftertwomonthsofwooing,EthanandIhadspentaprettygloriousnighttogether.But“together”
hadn’tlasted;he’dreversedcourseafterhe’ddecideddatingmewasanemotionalriskhecouldn’tafford
totake.He’dregrettedthatdecision,too,andhe’dspentthepasttwomonthsattempting,orsohesaid,to
makeamends.
Ethanwastall,blond,andalmostobscenelyhandsome,fromthelong,narrownosetothesculpted
cheekbonesandemeraldgreeneyes.Hewasalsosmartanddedicatedtohisvampires...andhe’d
brokenmyheart.Twomonthslater,Icouldacceptthathe’dfearedourrelationshipwouldputhisHouse
atrisk.ItwouldhavebeenalietosayIdidn’tfeeltheattraction,butthatdidn’tmakemeanylesseager
forarematch,soIwaswarilystandingmyground.
“Sentinel,”hesaid,usingthetitlehe’dgivenme.AHouseguard,ofsorts.“They’resurprisinglyquiet
tonight.”
“Theyare,”Iagreed.We’dhadafewdaysofloudchants,picketsigns,andbongodrumsuntil
protestersrealizedweweren’tawareofthenoisestheymadeduringtheday,andthedenizensofHyde
Parkwouldtoleratenoiseafternightfallforonlysolong.
ScoreoneforHydePark.
“Makesforanicechange.Howarethingsouthere?”
“We’removingalong,”Isaid,wipingawayanerrantdripofstain.“ButI’llbegladwhenwe’redone.I
don’tthinkconstructionismybag.”
“I’llkeepthatinmindforfutureprojects.”Icouldheartheamusementinhisvoice.Aftertakinga
secondtocheckmywillpower,Ilookedoverathim.TonightEthanworejeansandapaint-smearedT-
shirt,andhisshoulder-lengthgoldenhairwaspulledbackatthenapeofhisneck.Hisdressmighthave
beencasual,buttherewasnomistakingtheairofpowerandunfailingconfidencethatmarkedthisprince
amongvampires.
Handsonhiships,hesurveyedhiscrew.Menandwomenworkedattablesandsawhorsesacrossthe
frontlawn.Hisemeraldgazetrackedfromworkertoworkerashegaugedtheirprogress,buthis
shouldersweretense,asifhewaseverawarethatdangerlurkedjustoutsidethegate.
Ethanwasnolesshandsomeinjeansandrunningshoeswhiletakingstockofhisvampirickin.
“Howarethingsinside?”Iasked.
“Movingalong,albeitslowly.Thingswouldgofasterifwewereallowedtobringinhuman
constructionworkers.”
“Notbringingthemindoessaveustheriskofhumansabotage,”Ipointedout.
“Andtheriskthatadrywallcontractorbecomesasnack,”hemused.Butwhenhelookedbackatme
again,alineofworryappearedbetweenhiseyes.
“Whatisit?”Iprompted.
Ethanoffereduphissignaturemove—asinglearchedeyebrow.
“Well,obviouslyotherthantheprotestersandconstantthreatofattack,”Isaid.
“Tatecalled.Heaskedforameetingwiththetwoofus.”
Thistime,Iwastheonewhoraisedmyeyebrows.SethTate,Chicago’ssecond-termmayor,generally
avoidedminglingwiththecity’sthreeMastervampires.
“Whatdoeshewanttomeetabout?”
“This,Iassume,”hesaid,gesturingtowardtheprotesters.
“Doyouthinkhewantstomeetwithmebecauseheandmyfatherarefriends,orbecausemy
grandfatherworksforhim?”
“That,orbecausethemayormay,infact,besmittenwithyou.”
Irolledmyeyes,butcouldn’tstopthewarmblushthatroseonmycheeks.“Heisn’tsmittenwithme.
Hejustlikesbeingreelected.”
“He’ssmitten,notthatIcan’tunderstandtheemotion.Andhehasn’tevenseenyoufightyet.”Ethan’s
voicewassweet.Hopeful.
Hardtoignore.
Forweekshe’dbeenthisattentive,thisflattering.
Thatwasnottosayhedidn’thavehismomentsofsnark.HewasstillEthan,afterall,stillaMaster
vampirewithaHousefulofNovitiateswhodidn’talwayspleasehim,andtoaddinsulttoinjury,hewas
nearingtheendofamonths-longrehabofthatHouse.Constructiondidn’talwaysgoquicklyinChicago,
anditmovedevenmoreslowlywhenthesubjectoftheconstructionwasathree-storydenofvampires.
Anarchitecturalgemofaden,sure,butstilladenofnight-walkingbloodsuckers,blahblahblah.Our
humansupplierswereoftenreticenttohelp,andthatdidn’texactlythrillEthan.
Theconstructionnotwithstanding,Ethanwasdoingalltherightthings,makingalltherightmoves.
Problemwas,he’dshakenmytrust.Ihopedtofindmyownhappilyeverafter,butIwasn’tyetprepared
totrustthatthisparticularPrinceCharmingwasreadytorideoffintothesunset.Twomonthslater,the
hurt—andhumiliation—wasstilltooreal,thewoundtooraw.
Iwasn’tnaïveenoughtodenywhatwasbetweenmeandEthan,orthepossibilitythatfatewouldbring
ustogetheragain.Afterall,GabrielKeene,theheadoftheNorthAmericanCentralPack,hadsomehow
sharedwithmeavisionaboutapairofgreeneyesthatlookedlikeEthan’s...butweren’t.(Iknow.
“Whatthehell?”hadbeenmyreaction,too.)
Iwantedtobelievehim.JustlikeeveryothergirlinAmerica,I’dreadthebooksandseenthemovies
inwhichtheboyrealizeshemadeahorribledecision...andcomesbackagain.Iwantedtobelievethat
Ethanmournedthelossofme,thathisregretwasreal,andthathispromiseswereearnest.Butthiswasn’t
agame.AndasMalloryhadpointedout,wouldn’tithavebeenbetterifhe’dwantedmefromthe
beginning?
Inthemeantime,whileIweighedthenewEthanagainsttheoldEthan,IplayedthedutifulSentinel.
KeepingthingsprofessionalgavemethespaceandboundariesIneeded...andithadtheaddedbenefit
ofirritatinghim.Immature?Sure.Butwhodidn’ttaketheopportunitytotweaktheirbosswhentheyhad
thechance?
Besides,mostvampiresweremembersofoneHouseoranother,andIwasimmortal.Icouldn’texactly
sidestepworkingwithEthanwithoutdamningmyselftoaneternityspentasanoutcast.ThatmeantIhadto
makethebestofthesituation.
Avoidingtheintimacyinhisvoice,Ismiledpolitelyathim.“Hopefullyhewon’tneedtoseemefight.
IfI’mbrawlinginfrontofthemayor,thingshavedefinitelygonesouth.Whendoweleave?”
EthanwasquietlongenoughthatIlookedoverathim,sawtheearnestnessinhisexpression.Itplucked
myheartstringstoseehimlooksodecidedaboutme.Butwhateverfatemighthaveinstoreforusdown
theroad,Iwasn’ttakingthatexittoday.
“Sentinel.”
Therewasgentlereprobationinhisvoice,butIwasstickingtomyplan.“Yes,Liege?”
“Bestubbornifyouwishto,ifyouneedto,butweknowhowthiswillend.”
Ikeptmyfaceblank.“Itwillendasitalwaysdoes—withyourbeingMasterandmybeingSentinel.”
Thereminderofourpositionsmusthavedoneit.Asabruptlyashe’dturnedonthecharm,Ethanturned
itoffagain.“Bedownstairsintwentyminutes.Wearyoursuit.”Andthenhewasgone,striding
purposefullyupthestairsandbackintoCadoganHouse.
Isworequietly.Thatboywasgoingtobethedeathofme.
CHAPTERTWO
AFISTFULOFVAMPIRES
LeavingCadoganHouseusedtobeabitofatrick,mostlyinvolvingavoidingtheirritationofthe
paparazzionthecornerwhowerewaitingtosnapourpictures.Nowitwasactuallydangerous.
Wewerebothinblacksuits(officialCadoganwear)andinEthan’sblackMercedesconvertible,a
slickroadsterheparkedinthebasementbeneaththeHouse.Wedroveuptherampthatledtotheground
level,thenwaitedwhileoneofthefairiesstationedatthegatepusheditopen.Asecondstoodinfrontof
theramp,hiswarygazeontheprotesterswhowerebeginningtomoveinourdirection.
Wepulledontothestreet.Thefairyatthegatecloseditagain,thenjoinedhispartneratthesideofthe
car.Wemovedatacrawlashumansbegantogatheraroundus,candlesinhand.Theymovedwithout
sound,theirexpressionsblank,likezombiebelievers.Theirsilencewascompletelyunnerving.Thatwas
worse,Ithink,thanifthey’dbeenshoutinganti-vampireepithetsorobscenities.
“Apparentlythey’veseenus,”Ethanmuttered,lefthandonthesteeringwheel,rightonthegearshift.
“Yes,theyhave.Doyouwantmetogetout?”
“AsmuchasIappreciatetheoffer,let’sletthefairieshandleit.”
Asifoncue,thefairiestookpoint,oneateachdoor.“Wepaythem,right?Forthesecurity?”
“Wedo,”Ethansaid.“Although,astheydetesthumansevenmorethantheydetestus,it’sprobablya
taskthey’dhavetakenonforfree.”
Sofairieshatedvampires,buthatedhumansmore.Somehumanshatedvampiresand,iftheyhadknown
whatthefairieswere,probablywouldhavehatedthem,too.
Andvampires?Well,vampireswerelikepoliticians.Wewantedtobefriendswitheveryone.We
wantedtobeliked.Wewantedpoliticalcapitalwecouldtradelaterforpoliticalbenefits.Butwewere
stillvampires,andhoweverpoliticalandsocialwemighthavebeen,wewerestilldifferent.
Well,mostofus,anyway.EthanoftenremarkedthatIwasmorehumanthanmost,probablybecauseI’d
beenavampireforonlyafewmonths.Butlookingoutattheprotesters,Ifeltalittlemorevampirethan
usual.
Theprotestersstaredintothewindows,holdingtheircandlestowardthecarasifnearnesstotheflame
wasenoughtomakeusdisappear.Luckily,firewasnomorehazardoustousthanitwastohumans.
EthankeptbothhandsonthewheelnowashecarefullymaneuveredtheMercedesthroughthecrowd.
Wecrawledforwardonefootatatime,thehumansswarminginacloudsothickwecouldn’tseetheroad
ahead.Thefairieswalkedalongside,onehandontheroofofthepetiteroadsterlikemembersofthe
SecretServiceinapresidentialmotorcade.Wemovedslowly,butwemoved.
Andaswemoved,wepassedtwoteenagerswhostoodonmysideofthecar,armslinkedtogether—a
boyandgirl.Theyweresoyoung,andtheyweredressedinshortsandtanktopslikethey’dspenttheday
atthebeach.Buttheirexpressionstoldadifferentstory.Therewashatredintheireyes,hatredtoointense
forsixteen-year-olds.Thegirlhadsmearedmascarabeneathhereyesasifshe’dbeencrying.Theboy
watchedthegirl,hishatredformemaybepromptedbyhisinfatuationwithher.
Withjarringsuddenness,theybegantochanttogether,“Nomorevampires!Nomorevampires!No
morevampires!”Overandoveragaintheycriedoutthemantra,zealotryintheirvoices,likeangelsready
tosmite.
“They’resoyoungtobesoangry,”Iquietlysaid.
“Angerisn’tmerelyfortheold,”Ethanpointedout.“Eventheyoungcanfacemisery,tragedy,andtwist
sadnessintohatred.”
Therestofthecrowdseemedtofindtheteenagersinspiring.Onepersonatatime,theyechoedthe
chantuntiltheentirecrowdhadjoinedin,achorusofhatred.
“Getoutofourneighborhood!”shoutedahumanclosetothecar,athinwomanoffiftyorsixtywith
longgrayhair,whoworeawhiteT-shirtandkhakipants.“Gobacktowhereyoucamefrom!”
Ifacedforwardagain.“I’mfromChicago,”Imurmured.“Bornandbred.”
“Ibelievetheyhadamoresupernaturaldominioninmind,”Ethansaid.“Hell,perhaps,orsome
paralleldimensioninhabitedsolelybyvampiresandwerewolvesand,inanyevent,farfromhumans.”
“OrtheywantusinGaryinsteadofChicago.”
“Orthat,”heallowed.
Iforcedmyselftofaceforward,blockingoutthesightoftheirfacesatthewindow,wishingIcould
willmyselfinvisible,orsomehowmergeintotheleatherupholsteryandavoidthediscomfortoflistening
tohumansscreamabouthowmuchtheyhatedme.Ithurt,morethanIwouldhavethoughtpossible,tobe
surroundedbypeoplewhodidn’tknowmebutwhowouldhavebeenmorethanhappytohearIwasgone
andnolongerpollutingtheirneighborhood.
“Itgetseasier,”Ethansaid.
“Idon’twantittogeteasier.IwanttobeacceptedforwhoIam.”
“Unfortunately,noteveryoneappreciatesyourfinerqualities.Buttherearethoseofuswhodo.”
Wepassedafamily—father,mother,andtwoyoungsons—holdingahand-paintedsignthatreadHYDE
PARKHATESVAMPS.
“Now,that,”Ethangrumbled,“Ihavelittlepatiencefor.Untilthechildrenareoldenoughtoreachtheir
ownconclusionsaboutvampires,theyshouldbeimmunefromthediscussion.Theycertainlyshouldnot
havetobeartheweightoftheirparents’prejudices.”
Inoddedandcrossedmyarmsovermychest,tuckingintomyself.
Afterahundredfeet,theprotestersthinnedout,theurgetoberateusapparentlydiminishingaswe
movedfartherfromtheHouse.Myspiritdeflated,weheadednortheasttowardCreeleyCreek,whichsat
inChicago’shistoricPrairieAvenueneighborhood.
IglancedoveratEthan.“Havewethoughtaboutacampaignorsomethingtoaddressthehatred?Public
serviceannouncementsorget-to-know-youforums?Anythingtohelpthemrealizewearen’ttheenemy?”
Hesmirked.“Oursocialchairatworkagain?”
AspunishmentforchallengingEthantoafight—althoughI’dbeensufferingfromabitofasplit
vampirepersonalityatthetime—EthanhadnamedmeHousesocialchair.Hethoughtitafitting
punishmentforagirlwhospentmoretimeinherroomthangettingtoknowherfellowvampires.I’ll
admitIwasabookworm—I’dbeenanEnglish-litgradstudentbeforeIwaschanged—butI’dbeen
makinginroads.Ofcourse,theshifterattackhadputadamperonmyplansforabarbecuesocialmixer.
“I’mjustaNovitiatevampiretryingtomakeitthroughthenightwithalittlelesshatred.Seriously—it
mightbesomethingtoconsider.”
“Julia’sonit.”
“Julia?”
“Housedirectorofmarketingandpublicrelations.”
Huh.Ihadn’tevenknownwehadoneofthose.
“MaybewecouldholdalotteryforoneoftheInitiatespotsnextyear,”Isuggested.“Gethumans
interestedinbeingaCadoganvampire?”
“I’vegotagoldenticket,”Ethanbegantosing,thenchuckled.
“Somethinglikethat.Ofcourse,ifyouopenaspotuptothepublic,youprobablyincreasetheoddsof
addingasaboteurtotheHouse.”
“AndIthinkwe’reratherfullinthesaboteurdepartmentlately.”
ThinkingofthetwotraitorousvampstheHousehadlostsinceIjoined,Inodded.“Wholeheartedly
agreed.”
Ishouldhaveknockedonwood,offeredupalittleprotectionagainstthejinxI’dcausedbytalking
aboutsabotage...becauseitsuddenlylookedliketheprotestershadcalledahead.
OurheadlightsbouncedofftwoSUVsthatwereparkeddiagonallyinthemiddleofthestreet,sixhefty
meninfrontofthem,allwearingblackT-shirtsandcargopants.
“Holdon,”Ethanyelledout,pullingthesteeringwheelwithascreechofburningrubber.Theroadster
bankedtotheright,spinningclockwiseuntilwesatperpendiculartotheSUVs.
Ilookedup.Threeofthemenjoggedaroundus,gunsattheirwaists,surroundingthecarbeforeEthan
couldpullawayfromtheroadblock.
“Iamnotcrazyaboutthissituation,”Imuttered.
“Me,either,”Ethansaid,pullingouthiscellphoneandtappingkeys.Iassumedhewasrequesting
backup,whichwasfinebyme.
“Military?”IaskedEthan,myheartbeatingwildly.
“It’sunlikelyofficialmilitarywouldapproachusthisway.Notwhentherearesignificantlyeasier
meanswithlesspotentialcollateraldamage.”
“Whateverelsetheyare,Iassumethey’reanti-vamp.”
Twoofthethreemeninfrontofthecarunholsteredtheirweapons,approachedus,andpulledopenthe
doors.
“Out,”theysaidinunison.Itookmentalinventory—Ihadmydagger,butnotmysword.IhopedI
wouldn’tneedit.
“Anti-vamp,indeed,”Ethanmuttered,thenslowlyliftedhishandsintotheair.Ididthesame.
Steady,Sentinel,hetelepathicallytoldme.Saynothingaloudunlessit’sabsolutelynecessary.
You’retheboss,Ireplied.
Allevidencetothecontrary.Thewordsweresilent,butthesnarkwasobvious.
WesteppedoutsideontothedarkChicagostreet.Thevibrationintheair—thebuzzofsteelIcouldfeel
aftermykatanahadbeentemperedwithblood—wasintense.Theseguys,whoevertheywere,werewell
armed.Ourhandsintheair,theirweaponstrainedonourhearts,wewereescortedinfrontofthe
Mercedes.Asvampires,wehealedquicklyenoughthatbulletswouldn’tgenerallydousin.Anaspen
staketotheheart,however,woulddothetrickwithoutquestion.
NowthatIthoughtaboutit,theirgunsdidn’texactlylookoff-the-rack;theylookedlikecustomunits,
withmuzzlesalittlewiderthanthoseintheHouse’sarsenal.
Isitpossibletomodifyaguntoshootaspenstakes?IaskedEthan.
I’dprefernottofindout,hereplied.
Mystomachchurnedwithnerves.I’dbecomeusedtothefactthatmyjobcalledforviolence,usually
perpetratedbycrazyparanormalsagainstmeandmine.Buttheseweren’tparanormals.Theseweregun-
wieldinghumanswhoapparentlybelievedtheywerebeyondthereachofthelaw,whobelievedtheyhad
theauthoritytostopusandholdusatgunpointwithintheboundsofourowncity.
Thethirdmaninfrontofus—bigandbulky,withacne-markedskinandamilitaryhaircut—stepped
forward.
Watchhim,echoedEthan’svoiceinmyhead.
Hardtomissahumantankheadingrightforme.
“Youthinkwedon’tknowwhatyou’redoingtoourcity?”Tankasked.“You’rekillingus.Sneaking
aroundinthenight,pullingusfromourbeds.Enticingus,thendrinkingusdownuntilthere’snothingleft.”
Mychesttightenedathiswords.Icertainlyhadn’tdoneanyofthosethings,nordidIknowofanyother
vampireswhohad,atleastnotsinceCelinaDesaulniers,Chicago’svampirebadgirl,haddisappeared
fromthescene.ButTankseemedveryconvincedhewastellingthetruth.
“I’vedonenothingtoyou,”Itoldhim.“I’venevermetyou,andyoudon’tknowanythingaboutme
exceptthatI’mavampire.”
“Bitch,”hemuttered,buthesnappedhisheadbackwhenthereardooropenedontheleft-handSUV.
Twobootedfeethitthepavement,followedbyanothermaninthesameblackuniform.Unliketheothers,
thisonewashandsome,withlong,wideeyesandhigh,pertcheekbones,hisdarkhairperfectlyparted.
Hishandsbehindhisback,hewalkedtowarduswhileTankclosedtheSUV’sdoor.
IguessedNewGuywastheoneincharge.
“Mr.Sullivan.Ms.Merit,”hesaid.
“Andyouare?”Ethanasked.
NewGuysmiledgrandly.“Youcancallme...McKetrick.”Thepausemadeitsoundlikehe’donly
justdecidedonthename.“Thesearesomeofmyfriends.Fellowbelievers,ifyouwill.”
“Yourmannersleavesomethingtobedesired.”Ethan’stonewasflat,butangrymagicpepperedtheair.
McKetrickcrossedhisarmsoverhischest.“Ifindthatinsultrathercomical,Mr.Sullivan,comingfrom
aninterloperinourcity.”
“Aninterloper?”
“We’rehumans.You’revampires.Butfortheresultofageneticmutation,you’dbelikeus.Andthat
makesyouaberrationsinourtown,uninvitedguests.Gueststhatneedtomindtheirmannersandtaketheir
leave.”Histonewasmatter-of-fact,asifhehadn’tjustsuggestedweweregeneticaberrationsthatneeded
tohightailitoutofthecity.
“Ibegyourpardon,”Ethansaid,butMcKetrickheldupahand.
“Come,now,”hesaid.“Iknowyouunderstandme.Youseemtobeanintelligentman,asdoesyour
colleaguehere.Atleastfromwhatweknowofherparents.”
Myparents—theMerits—werenew-moneyChicago.Myfatherwasarealestateinvestormentionedin
thepapersonadailybasis.Smart,butruthless.Weweren’tclose,whichmademethatmuchlessexcited
tolearnIwasbeingjudgedonthebasisofhisnarcissisticpresscoverage.
Don’tlethimfazeyou,Ethansilentlysaid.Youknowwhoyouare.
“Yourprejudices,”hesaidaloud,“arenotourproblem.Wesuggestyouputdowntheweaponsand
continueonyourway.”
“Continueonourway?That’strulyrich.Asifyourkindaremerelygoingtocontinueonyourway
withoutbringingthiscityintoall-outsupernaturalwar?”Heshookhishead.“No,thankyou,Mr.Sullivan.
Youandyoursneedtopack,leave,andbedonewithit.”
“I’mfromChicago,”Isaid,drawinghisattentiontome.“Bornandraised.”
Heliftedafinger.“Bornandraisedhumanuntilyouswitchedsides.”
Ialmostcorrectedhim,toldhimthatEthanhadsavedmefromakillerhiredbyCelina,broughtmeback
tolifeafterI’dbeenattacked.IcouldalsohavetoldhimthatnomatterthechallengesIfacedasa
vampire,EthanwasthereasonIstilldrewbreath.ButIdidn’tthinkMcKetrickwouldbethrilledtolearn
thatI’dbeennearlykilledbyonevampire—andchangedwithoutconsentbyanother.
“Noresponse?”McKetrickasked.“Notsurprising.Giventhehavocyour‘House’hasalreadywreaked
inChicago,I’mnotsureI’dobject,either.”
“WedidnotprecipitatethestrikeonourHouse,”Itoldhim.“Wewereattacked.”
McKetricktiltedhisheadatus,aconfusedsmileonhisface.“Butyoumustrecognizethatyou
promptedit.Withoutyou,therewouldhavebeennoviolence.”
“Allwewantistogoaboutourbusiness.”
McKetricksmiledmagnanimously.Hewasn’tanunattractiveman,butthatsmile—socalmandself-
assured—wasterrifyinginitsconfidence.“Thatfitsmefine.Simplytakeyourbusinesselsewhere.As
shouldbeclearnow,Chicagodoesn’twantyou.”
Ethansteeledhisfeatures.“Youhaven’tbeenelected.Youhaven’tbeenappointed.Youhavenorightto
speakonbehalfofthecity.”
“Acitythathadfallenunderyourspell?Acityfinallywakinguptoyourdeviance?Sometimes,Mr.
Sullivan,theworldneedsaprophet.Amanwhocanlookbeyondthenow,seethefuture,andunderstand
what’snecessary.”
“Whatdoyouwant?”
Hechuckled.“Wewantourcityback,ofcourse.WewantthedepartureofallvampiresinChicago.We
don’tcarewhereyougo—wejustdon’twantyouhere.Ihopethat’sunderstood?”
“Fuckyou,”Ethansaid.“Fuckyou,andyourprejudice.”
McKetricklookeddisappointed,asifhetrulyexpectedEthantoseetheerrorofhisways.
Heopenedhismouthtoretort,butbeforehecouldanswer,Iheardit:cuttingthroughthenightlike
roaringthunder,thesoundofrumblingexhaust.Iglancedbehindmeandsawtheheadlights—adozenin
all—movinglikeanarrowtowardus.
Motorcycles.
Ibegantogrin,nowknowingwhomEthanhadcontactedonhiscellphone.Theseweren’tjust
motorcycles;theywereshifters.Thecavalryhadarrived.
Thetroopslookedbacktotheirleader,notsureofthenextstep.
Theycutthroughthedarknesslikesharksonchrome.Twelvegiant,gleaming,low-ridingbikes,one
shifteroneach—brawnyandleather-clad,readyforbattle.AndIcouldattesttothebattlepart.I’dseen
themfight,Iknewtheywerecapable,andthetinglethatliftedthehairatthebackofmyneckprovedthey
werewellarmed.
Correction—elevenofthemwerebrawnyandleather-clad.Thetwelfthwasapetitebrunettewitha
massoflong,curlyhair,currentlypulledbackbeneathaCardinalsballcap.FallonKeene,theonlysister
amongsixKeenebrothers,namedalphabeticallyfromGabrieldowntoAdam,who’dbeenremovedfrom
theNACandsentintothelovingarmsofarivalPackafterhetookouttheirleader.Noonehadheard
fromAdamsincethatexchangehadtakenplace.Givenhiscrime,Iassumedthatwasn’tagoodsign.
InoddedatFallon,andwhensheofferedbackaquicksalute,IdecidedIcouldlivewithherpoor
choiceofbaseballallegiances.
GabrielKeene,PackApex,rodethebikeinfront,hissunkissedbrownhairpulledintoaqueueatthe
napeofhisneck,hisambereyesscanningthescenewithwhatlookedlikemaliciousintent.ButIknew
better.Gabrieleschewedviolenceunlessabsolutelynecessary.Hewasn’tafraidofit,buthedidn’tseek
itout.
Gabrielrevvedhisbikewithaflickofhiswrist,andlikemagic,McKetrick’smensteppedback
towardtheirSUVs.
Gabeturnedhisgazeonme.“Problems,Kitten?”
IlookedoveratMcKetrick,whowasscanningthebikesandtheirriderswithanervousexpression.I
guesshisanti-vampbravadodidn’textendtoshifters.Afteramomentheseemedtoregainhiscomposure
andmadeeyecontactwithusagain.
“Ilookforwardtocontinuingthisconversationatamoreappropriatetime,”McKetricksaid.“We’llbe
intouch.Inthemeantime,stayoutoftrouble.”Withthat,heslippedbackintotheSUV,andtherestofhis
troopsfollowedhim.
Ibitbackdisappointment.I’dalmostwishedthey’dbeennaïveenoughtomakeamove,justsoIcould
enjoywatchingtheKeenespummelthemintooblivion.
Witharoarfromcustommufflers,theSUVssquealedintoactionanddroveaway.Pityitwasn’t
forever.Icheckedthelicenseplates,buttheywereblank.Eithertheyweredrivingaroundwithout
registrationsorthey’dtakenofftheplatesfortheirlittleintroductorychat.
GabeglancedatEthan.“Who’sG.I.Joe?”
“HesaidhisnamewasMcKetrick.Heimagineshimselftobeananti-vampirevigilante.Hewantsall
vampsoutofthecity.”
Gabecluckedhistongue.“He’sprobablynottheonlyone,”hesaid,glancingatme.“Troubledoes
seemtofindyou,Kitten.”
“AsEthancanverify,Ihadnothingtodowithit.WeweredrivingtowardCreeleyCreekwhenwehit
theroadblock.Theypoppedoutwithguns.”
Gaberolledhiseyes.“Onlyvampireswouldfindthatalimitationinsteadofachallenge.Youare
immortal,afterall.”
“Andweprefertokeepitthatway,”Ethansaid.“Theweaponslookedcustom.”
“Anti-vamprounds?”Gabrielasked.
“Itwouldn’tsurpriseme.McKetrickseemedlikethetype.”
“AndmyswordisattheHouse,”IpointedouttoGabe.“Yougivemethirty-twoinchesoffoldedsteel,
andI’lltakeonanyoneyouwant.”
Herolledhiseyes,thenrevvedhisbikeandglancedoveratEthan.“You’reheadedtoCreeleyCreek?”
“Weare.”
“Thenwe’reyourescorts.Hopinthecarandwe’llgetyouthere.”
“Weoweyouone.”
Gabrielshookhishead.“ConsideritonemorenotchoffthetabIoweMerit.”
He’dmentionedthatdebtbefore.Istillhadnoideawhathethoughtheowedme,butInoddedanyway
andjoggedbacktotheMercedes.
Islidinsidethecar.“Yousaidthefairiesdetestedhumans.Rightnow,Ifeellike‘detest’ishardlya
strongenoughword.Anditlookslikewecanaddonemoreproblemtothepunchlist.”
“Thatwouldappeartobethecase,”hesaid,turningontheengine.
“Atleastwe’restillfriendswiththeshifters,”Isaidaswezoomedthroughthestopsignaheadofus,
theshiftersmakingashieldlikeVofbikesaroundthecar.
“Andofficiallyenemieswithhumansagain.Someofthem,anyway.”
Aswemoveddownthestreetandfinallybegantogainspeed,ourescortofshape-shiftersbesideus,I
turnedbacktotheroadandsighed.
“Letthegoodtimesroll.”
CHAPTERTHREE
SCIENCEFRICTION
CreeleyCreekwasaPrairie-stylebuilding—lowandhorizontal,withlotsoflongwindows,overhanging
eaves,andbare,honeyedwood.ItwasbiggerthantheaveragePrairie-stylehome,builtattheturnofthe
twentiethcenturybyanarchitectwitharenownedego.Whentheoriginalownerdied,hisestatedonated
thehousetothecityofChicago,whichdeemedittheofficialresidenceofthemayor.ItwastoChicago
whatGracieMansionwastoNewYorkCity.
CurrentlylivingtherewasthepoliticianChicagohadalwayswanted.Handsome.Popular.Amaster
oratorwithfriendsonbothsidesoftheaisle.Whetherornotyoulikedtheslantofhispolitics,hewas
very,verygoodathisjob.
Thegateopenedwhenwearrived,theguardwhostoodinsidetheglassboxattheedgeofthestreet
wavingusontothegrounds.EthancircledtheMercedesaroundthedriveandpulledintoasmallparking
areabesidethehouse.
“FromaHouseofvampirestoahouseofpoliticians,”hemutteredaswewalkedtothefrontdoor.
“Saidthemostpoliticalofvampires,”Iremindedhim,andgotagrowlinresponse.ButIstoodmy
ground.Hewastheonewho’dtradedarelationshipwithmeforpoliticalconsiderations.
“Ilookforward,”hesaidaswewalkedacrossthetidybrickdriveway,“toyourturnatthehelm.”
IassumedhemeantthedayI’dbecomeaMastervampire.Itwasn’texactlysomethingIlookedforward
to,butitwouldgetmeoutofCadoganHouse.
“Youlookforwardtoitbecausewe’llbeequallymatched?Politically,Imean?”
Heslidmeadryglance.“BecauseI’llenjoywatchingyousquirmunderthepressure.”
“Charming,”Imuttered.
Awomaninasnugnavybluesuitstoodinfrontofthedoublefrontdoorsbeneathalowoverhanging
stoneeave.Herhairwaspulledintoatightbun,andsheworethick,horn-rimmedglasses.Theywere
quiteacontrasttothepatentplatformheels.
Wasshegoingforsexylibrarian,maybe?
“Mr.Sullivan.Merit.I’mTabithaBentley,themayor’sassistant.Themayorisreadytoseeyou,butI
understandtherearesomepreliminariesweneedtoaddress?”Sheliftedhergazetothethresholdabove
us.
Theoldwives’talewasthatvampirescouldn’tenterahouseiftheyhadn’tbeeninvitedin.Butlikelots
ofotherfang-relatedmyths,thatwaslessaboutmagicandmoreaboutrules.Vampireslovedrules—what
todrink,wheretostand,howtoaddresshigherrankingvampires,andsoon.
“Wewouldappreciatethemayor’sofficialinvitationintohishouse,”Ethansaid,withoutdetailingthe
reasonsfortherequest.
Shenoddedprimly.“IhavebeenauthorizedtoextendaninvitationtoyouandMerittoCreeleyCreek.”
Ethansmiledpolitely.“Wethankyouforyourhospitalityandacceptyourinvitation.”
Thedealstruck,Ms.Bentleyopenedthedoorsandwaitedwhilewewalkedintothehallway.
Itwasn’tmyfirsttimeinthemansion.Myfather(beingwellmoneyed)andTate(beingwellconnected)
wereacquaintances,andmyfatherhadoccasionallydraggedmetoCreeleyCreekforsomefund-raiseror
other.Ilookedaroundandconcludedithadn’tchangedmuchsincethelasttimeI’dvisited.Thefloors
weregleamingstone,thewallshorizontalplanksofdarkwood.Thehousewascoolanddark,thehallway
illuminatedwithgoldenlightcastdownfromwall-mountedsconces.
Thesmellofvanillacookiespermeatedtheair.Thatsmell—ofbrightlemonsandsugar—remindedme
ofTate.ItwasthesamescentI’dcaughtthelasttimeI’dseenhim.Maybehehadafavoritesnack,andthe
CreeleyCreekstaffobliged.
Butthemaninthehallwaywasn’toneI’dexpectedtosee.Myfather,dapperinasharpblacksuit,
walkedtowardus.Hedidn’tofferahandshake;thearrogancewastypicalJoshuaMerit.
“Ethan,Merit.”
“Joshua,”Ethansaidwithanod.“Meetingwiththemayorthisevening?”
“Iwas,”myfathersaid.“You’rebothwell?”
Sadly,Iwassurprisedthathecared.“We’refine,”Itoldhim.“Whatbringsyouhere?”
“Businesscouncilissues,”myfathersaid.HewasamemberoftheChicagoGrowthCouncil,agroup
gearedtowardbringingnewbusinessestothecity.
“IalsoputinagoodwordaboutyourHouse,”headded,“aboutthestridesyou’vetakenwiththecity’s
supernaturalpopulations.Yourgrandfatherkeepsmeapprised.”
“Thatwas...verymagnanimousofyou,”Ethansaid,hisconfusionmatchingmyown.
Myfathersmiledpleasantly,thenglancedfromustoTabitha.“Iseethatyou’reheadingin.Don’tletme
keepyou.Goodtoseeyouboth.”
Tabithasteppedinfrontofus,heelsclackingonthefloorasshemarcheddeeperintothemansion.
“Followme,”shecalledback.
EthanandIexchangedaglance.
“Whatjusthappened?”Iasked.
“Forsomeunknownreason,yourfatherhassuddenlybecomefriendly?”
Therewasundoubtedlyabusiness-relatedreasonforthat,whichIassumedwe’dfindoutsoonenough.
Inthemeantime,wedidasweweretold,andfollowedTabithadownthehallway.
SethTatehadthelookofaplayboywho’dneverquitereformed.Tousled,coalblackhair,blueeyesunder
long,darkbrows.Hehadafacewomenswoonedoverand,asasecond-termmayor,thepoliticalchopsto
backupthelooks.Thatexplainedwhyhe’dbeennamedoneofChicago’smosteligiblebachelors,and
oneofthecountry’ssexiestpoliticians.
Hemetusinhisoffice,along,lowroomthatwaspaneledfloortoceilinginwood.Agiganticdesksat
atoneendoftheroominfrontofatufted,redleatherchairthatcouldhavedoubledasathrone.
Boththedeskandthronestoodbeneathanominousfive-foot-widepainting.Mostofthecanvaswas
dark,buttheoutlinesofagroupofsuspicious-lookingmenwerevisible.Theystoodaroundaman
positionednearthecenterofthepainting,hisarmsabovehishead,coweringastheypointeddownathim.
Itlookedliketheywerecondemninghimforsomething.Itwasn’texactlyaninspiringpainting.
Tate,whostoodinthemiddleoftheroom,reachedoutahandtowardEthan,nohesitationinthe
movement.“Ethan.”
“Mr.Mayor.”Theysharedamanlyhandshake.
“HowarethingsattheHouse?”
“I’dsaythemoodis...anticipatory.Withprotestersatthegate,onetendstowaitfortheothershoeto
drop.”
Afterthey’dsharedaknowinglook,Tateturnedtome,asmileblossoming.“Merit,”hesaid,voice
softer.Hetookbothmyhandsandleanedtowardme,pressingasoftkisstomycheek,thescentofsugared
lemonfloatingaroundhim.“Ijustmetwithyourfather.”
“Wesawhimonthewayout.”
Hereleasedmeandsmiled,butashelookedmeover,thesmilefaded.“Areyouallright?”
Imusthavelookedshaken;beingheldatgunpointcoulddothattoagirl.ButbeforeIcouldspeak,
Ethansentawarning.
Don’tmentionMcKetrick,hesaid.Notuntilweknowmoreabouthisalliances.
“TherewasaprotestoutsidetheHouse,”IobedientlytoldTate.“Itwasunnerving.Alotofprejudice
wasthrownaround.”
Tateofferedanapologeticlook.“Unfortunately,wecan’tdenytheprotesterstheirpermitsforFirst
Amendmentreasons,butwecanalwaysstepinifmattersescalate.”
“Wehadthingswellinhand,”Iassuredhim.
“GabrielKeene’sannouncementthatshape-shiftersexisthasn’tdonemuchforyourpopularity.”
“No,ithasn’t,”Ethanadmitted.“ButhecametothefightattheHousewhenourbackswereagainstthe
wall.Goingpublic—gettinghissideofthestoryoutthere—wasthebestofabadsetofoptionsfor
protectinghispeople.”
“Idon’tnecessarilydisagree,”Tatesaid.“Hedoesn’tmaketheannouncement,andweenduphavingto
arresteveryshifterthereforassaultanddisturbingthepeace.Wecouldn’tjustletthemoffwithoutsome
justification.Theannouncementgaveusthatreason,helpedthepublicunderstandwhythey’djoinedthe
fightandwhyweweren’tarrestingthemonsight.”
“I’msuretheyappreciateyourunderstanding.”
Tateofferedasardoniclook.“Idoubtthatkindofthingintereststhem.Shiftersdon’tstrikemeasthe
mostpoliticaltypes.”
“Theyaren’t,”Ethanagreed.“ButGabrielissavvyenoughtounderstandwhenafavor’sbeendone,
andwhenafavorneedstobereturned.Hewasn’thappyaboutmakingtheannouncement,andhehaseven
lessinterestinhispeoplegettingpulledintothepublic’sfearofvampires.He’sworkingonthatnow,
keepinghispeopleoutofthepublic’snotice.”
“That’sactuallythereasonI’veaskedyoutomeetwithme,”Tatesaid.“Irealizeit’sanunusual
request,andIappreciateyourcomingonsuchshortnotice.”
Hesatdowninthethronebehindhisdesk,theonlookersintheportraitnowpointingdownathim.Tate
gesturedtowardtwosmallerchairsthatsatinfrontofhisdesk.“Please,haveaseat.”
Ethantookachair.Itookpointbehindhim,Sentinelattheready.
MayorTate’seyeswidenedatthegesture,buthisexpressionturnedbacktobusinessfastenough.He
flippedopenafolderanduncappedanexpensive-lookingfountainpen.
Ethancrossedonelegovertheother.Thesignal:hewasmovingintopolitical-chatposition.“Whatcan
wedoforyou?”heasked,hisvoiceoh-so-casual.
“YousaidthemoodattheHousewasanticipatory.That’stheconcernIhaveaboutthecitymore
broadly.TheattackonCadoganhasreactivatedthecity’sfearofthesupernatural,oftheother.Wehad
fourdaysofriotsthefirsttimearound,Ethan.I’msureyou’llunderstandthetrickypositionthatputsmein
—keepingthecitizenrycalmwhiletryingtobeunderstandingtowardyourchallenges,includingAdam
Keene’sattack.”
“Ofcourse,”Ethangraciouslysaid.
“Buthumansarenervous.Increasinglyso.Andthatnervousnessisleadingtoanuptickincrime.Inthe
lasttwoweeks,we’veseenmarkedincreasesinassaults,inbatteries,inarson,intheuseoffirearms.I’ve
workedhardtogetthosenumbersdownsincemyfirstelection,andIthinkthecity’sbetterforit.I’dhate
toseeusslidebackward.”
“Ithinkwe’dallagreewiththat,”Ethansaidaloud,butthatwasjusttheprecursortothesilent
conversationbetweenusasEthanactivatedourtelepathiclink.What’shebuildingtoward?
Yourguessisasgoodasmine,Ianswered.
Tatefrownedandglanceddownatthefolderonhisdesk.Hescannedwhateverinformationhefound
there,thenliftedadocumentfromitandextendedittowardEthan.“Humans,itseems,arenottheonly
increasinglyviolentfolkinourcity.”
Ethantookthedocument,staringsilentlydownatituntilhisshoulderstensedintoaflatline.
Ethan?Whatisit?Iasked.Withoutbotheringtoanswer,Ethanhandedthepaperoverhisshoulder.I
tookitfromhim.Itlookedlikepartofapolicetranscript.
Q:Tellmewhatyousaw,Mr.Jackson.
A:Thereweredozensofthem.Vampires,youknow?Fangsandthatabilitytogetinside
yourmind.Andtheywasblood-crazy.Allofthem.Everywhereyoulooked—vampire,
vampire,vampire.Bam!Vampire.Andtheywerealloverus.Noescape.
Q:Whocouldn’tescape?
A:Humans.Notwhenthevampireswantedyou.Notwhentheywantedtotakeyoudown
andpullthatbloodrightoutofyou.Allof’emwereonyouandthemusicwassoloudand
itwaspoundinglikeahammeragainstyourheart.Theywerecrazedwithit.Crazywithit.
Q:Withwhat?
A:Withtheblood.Withthelustforit.Thehunger.Youcouldseeitintheircrazyeyes.
Theyweresilver,justliketheeyesofthedevil.Yougetonlyonelookatthoseeyesbefore
thedevilhimselfpullsyoudownintotheabyss.
Q:Andthenwhathappened,Mr.Jackson?
A:[Shakinghishead.]Thehunger,thelust,itgotthem.Drovethem.Theykilledthree
girls.Threeofthem.Theydrankuntiltherewasnolifeleft.
Thepagestoppedthere.Myfingersshakingaroundthepaper,Iskippedthechainofcommandand
glancedupatTate.“Wheredidyougetthis?”
Tatemetmygaze.“CookCountyJail.Thiswasfromaninterviewwithamanwho’dbeenarrestedfor
possessionofacontrolledsubstance.Thedetectivewasn’tsureifhewasdrunkordisturbed...orif
he’dactuallyseensomethingthatrequiredourattention.Fortunately,shetookthetranscripttoher
supervisor,whobroughtittomychiefofstaff.We’veyettofindthevictimsofwhomMr.Jacksonspoke
—nomissingpersonsmatchhisdescriptions—althoughweareactivelyinvestigatingtheaccusation.”
“Wheredidthisoccur?”Ethanquietlyasked.
Tate’sgazedroppeddowntoEthanandnarrowed.“HesaidWestTown,andhehasn’tbeenmore
specificthanofferinguptheneighborhood.Sincewehaven’tidentifiedacrimesceneorthevictims,it’s
possibleheexaggeratedtheviolence.Ontheotherhand,asyoucanseefromthetranscript,he’squite
convincedthevampiresofourfaircitywereinvolvedinabloodlust-drivenattackonhumans.Anattack
thatleftthreeinnocentsdead.”
Afteramomentofsilence,Tatesatback,crossedhishandsbehindhishead,androckedbackinthe
chair.“I’mnotthrilledthisisgoingoninmycity.I’mnothappyabouttheattackonyourHouseand
whateveranimosityliesbetweenyouandthePacks,andI’mnothappythatmycitizensarescaredenough
ofvampiresthatthey’velinedupoutsideyourhometoprotestyourexistence.”
Tatesatforwardagain,furyinhisexpression.“Butyouknowwhatreallypissesmeoff?Thefactthat
youdon’tlooksurprisedaboutMr.Jackson’sreport.ThefactthatI’velearnedyou’rewellawareofthe
existenceofdrinkingpartiesyoucall‘raves.’”
Mystomachclenchedwithnerves.Tatewasnormallypoised,politic,carefulwithwords,and
invariablyoptimisticaboutthecity.Thisvoicewasthekindyou’dexpecttohearinasmokybackroomor
adarkrestaurantbooth.Thekindoftoneyou’dhaveheardinAlCapone’sChicago.
ThiswastheSethTatethatdestroyedhisenemies.Andwewerenowhistargets.
“We’veheardrumors,”Ethanfinallysaid,amasterofunderstatement.
“Rumorsofbloodorgies?”
“Ofraves,”Ethanadmitted.“Smallgatheringswherevampiresdrinkcommunallyfromhumans.”
RaveswereusuallyorganizedbyRoguevampires—theonesthatweren’ttiedtoaHouseandtended
nottofollowtraditionalHouserules.FormostHouses,thoserulesmeantnotsnackingonhumans,
consentingornot.Cadoganalloweddrinking,butstillrequiredconsent,andIdidn’tknowofanyHouse
thatwouldcondoneoutrightmurder.
We’dcomeclosetohavingravespopintothepubliceyeafewmonthsago,butwithalittle
investigationonourpart,we’dmanagedtokeeptheminthecloset.Iguessthatblissfulignorancewas
behindus.
“We’vebeenkeepingourearstotheground,”Ethancontinued,“toidentifytheorganizersoftheraves,
theirmethods,themannersinwhichtheyattracthumans.”
ThatwasMalik’sjob—Ethan’ssecond-in-command,therunnerupforthecrown.Afterablackmailing
incident,he’dbeenputinchargeofinvestigatingtheraves.
“Andwhathaveyoufound?”Tateasked.
Ethanclearedhisthroat.Ah,thesoundofstalling.
“We’reawareofthreeravesinthelasttwomonths,”hesaid.“Threeravesinvolving,atmost,halfa
dozenvampires.Theseweresmall,intimateaffairs.Whilebloodlettingdoesoccur,wehavenotheardof
the,shallwesay,freneticviolenceofwhichMr.Jacksonspeaks,norwouldwecondonesuchthings.
Therehascertainlyneverbeenanallegationthatanyparticipantwas...drained.Andifwehadheardof
it,we’dhavecontactedtheOmbudsman,orputastoptoitourselves.”
Themayorlinkedhisfingerstogetheronthedesktop.“Ethan,Ibelievethatpartandparcelofkeeping
thiscitysafeisintegratingvampiresintothehumanpopulation.Divisionwillsolvenothing—itwillonly
leadtomoredivision.Ontheotherhand,accordingtoMr.Jackson,vampiresareengaginginviolent,
largescale,andhardlyconsensualacts.Thatisunacceptabletome.”
“Asitistomeandmine,”Ethansaid.
“I’veheardtalkaboutarecallelection,”Tatesaid.“Iwillnotgodowninflamesbecauseof
supernaturalhysteria.Thiscitydoesnotneedareferendumonvampiresorshape-shifters.
“Butmostimportant,”hecontinued,gazeburrowingintoEthan,“youdonotwantabevyofaldermen
showingupatyourfrontdoor,demandingthatyouclosedownyourHouse.Youdonotwantthecity
councillegislatingyououtofexistence.”
IfeltaburstofmagicfromEthan.Hisangst—andanger—wererising,andIwasgladTatewashuman
andcouldn’tsensetheuncomfortableprickleofit.
“Andyoudonotwantmeasanenemy,”Tateconcluded.“Youdonotwantmerequestingagrandjury
toconsiderthecrimesofyouandyours.”Heflippedthroughthefolderonhisdesk,thenslidoutasingle
sheetandhelditup.“Youdonotwantmeexecutingthiswarrantforyourarrestonthebasisthatyou’ve
aidedandabettedthemurderofhumansinthiscity.”
Ethan’svoicewasdiamond-cold,butthemagicaltinglewasseismicinmagnitude.“Ihavedoneno
suchthing.”
“Oh?”Tateplacedthepaperonhisdeskagain.“Ihaveitongoodauthoritythatyouchangedahuman
intoavampirewithoutherconsent.”Heliftedhisgazetome,andIfeltthebloodrushtomycheeks.“I
alsohaveitongoodauthoritythatwhileyouandyourvampirecouncilpromisedtokeepCelina
DesaulnierscontainedinEurope,she’sbeeninChicago.Arethoseactionssuchafarstretchfrom
murder?”
“WhosuggestedCelinawasinChicago?”Ethanasked.Thequestionwascarefullyput.Weknewfull
wellthatCelina—theformerheadofNavarreHouseandmywould-have-beenkiller—hadbeenreleased
bytheGreenwichPresidium,theorganizingbodyforEuropeanandNorthAmericanvampires.Wealso
knewthatoncetheGPlethergo,she’dmadeherwaytoChicago.Butwehadn’tthoughtshewasstill
here.Thelastfewmonthshadbeentoodramafreeforthat.Orsothey’dseemed.
Tatearchedhiseyebrows.“Inoticeyoudon’tdenyit.Asfortheinformation,Ihavemysources,justas
I’msureyoudo.”
“Sourcesornot,Idon’ttakekindlytoblackmail.”
Withshockingspeed,TateswitchedbackfromCaponetofront-pageorator,smilingmagnanimouslyat
us.“‘Blackmail’issuchaharshword,Ethan.”
“Thenwhat,precisely,doyouwant?”
“Iwantforyou,forus,todotherightthingforthecityofChicago.Iwantforyouandyourstohavethe
chancetotakecontrolwithinyourowncommunity.”Tatelinkedhishandsonthedeskandlookedusover.
“Iwantthisproblemsolved.Iwantanendtothesegatherings,theseraves,andapersonalguaranteethat
youhavethisproblemundercontrol.Ifit’snotdone,thewarrantforyourarrestwillbeexecuted.I
assumeweunderstandeachother?”
TherewassilenceuntilEthanfinallybitout,“Yes,Mr.Mayor.”
Likeapracticedpolitico,Tateinstantlysoftenedhisexpression.“Excellent.Ifyouhaveanythingto
report,orifyouneedaccesstoanyofthecity’sresources,youneedonlycontactme.”
“Ofcourse.”
Withafinalnod,Tateturnedbacktohispapers,justasEthanmighthavedoneifI’dbeencalledinto
hisofficeforafriendlychat.
Butthistime,itwasEthanwho’dbeencalledout,anditwasEthanwhoroseandwalkedbacktothe
door.Ifollowed,everthedutifulSentinel.
Ethankeptthefearorconcernorvitriolorwhateveremotionwasdrivinghimtohimselfevenaswe
reachedtheMercedes.
AndImeant“driving”literally.Heexpressedthatpent-upfrustrationwitheightythousanddollarsof
Germanengineeringanda300-horsepowerengine.Hemanagednottoclipthegateashepulledoutofthe
drive,buthetreatedthestopsignsbetweenCreeleyCreekandLakeShoreDrivelikemeeksuggestions.
EthanflooredtheMercedes,zoominginandaroundtrafficlikethesilver-eyeddevilwasonourtail.
Problemwas,wewerethesilver-eyeddevils.
Wewerebothimmortal,andEthanprobablyhadacenturyofdrivingexperienceunderhisbelt,butthat
didn’tmaketheturnsanylessharrowing.HeracedthroughalightandontoLakeShoreDrive,turned
south,andgunnedit....Andhekeptdrivinguntilthecityskylineglowedbehindus.
Iwasalmostafraidtoaskwherehewastakingus—didIreallywanttoknowwherepredatory
vampiresblewoffpoliticalsteam?—buthesavedmethetroublewhenwereachedWashingtonPark.He
pulledoffLakeShoreDrive,andafewsquealingturnslaterwewerecoastingontoPromontoryPoint,a
smallpeninsulathatjuttedintothelake.Ethandrovearoundthetowertoppedbuildingandstoppedthecar
infrontoftherockledgethatseparatedgrassfromlake.
Withoutaword,heclimbedoutofthecarandslammeditshutagain.Whenhehoppedtherockledge
thatringedthepeninsulaanddisappearedfromsight,Iunfastenedmyseatbelt.Itwastimetogotowork.
CHAPTERFOUR
THESAVAGEBEAST
Theairwasthickanddamp,thesharpsmellofozonesignalingrain.Thelakelookedlikeitwasalready
inthemiddleofasquall:whitecapsrolledacrossthewaterlikejaggedteeth,andwavespoundedthe
rockyshoreline.
Iglancedupatthesky.Theanvil-shapedmarkerofagiganticthunderstormwasswellinginthe
southwesternsky,visibleeachtimelightningflashedacrossit.
Withoutwarning,acracksplittheair.
Ijumpedandlookedbackatthebuilding,thinkingithadbeenstruckbyanearlyboltoflightning.But
thebuildingwasquietandstill,andwhenanothercrackshatteredthesilence,Irealizedthesoundhad
comefromastandoftreesontheothersideofthebuilding.
IwalkedaroundtoinvestigateandfoundEthanstandingatthebaseofapinetreelikeafighterfacing
downaforty-foot-tallopponent.Hisfistswereup,hisbodybladed.
“Everytime!”heyelled.“EverytimeImanagetobringthingsundercontrol,webecomeenmeshedin
bullshitagain!”
Andthenhepivotedandthrustout—andpunchedthetree.
Crack.
Thetreewobbledlikeithadbeenrammedbyatruck,needleswhooshingaslimbsmoved.Thesmellof
pineresin—andblood—liftedinthebreeze.Andthoseweren’ttheonlythingsintheair.Magicrippled
offEthan’sbodyinwaves,leavingitstelltaletinglearoundus.
Andthat,Ithought,explainedwhyhe’ddrivenhereinsteadoftheHouse.Withthatmuchangerbanked,
therewasnowayEthancouldhavegonehome.Cadogan’svampires—eventhosewhoweren’tas
sensitivetomagicasIwas—wouldhaveknownsomethingwaswrong,andthatcertainlywasn’tgoingto
easetheanticipatorymood.ItwasanobviousdownsideofbeingaMastervampire—tobeallriledup
withnowheretogo.
“Doyouhaveanyideahowlong—howhard—I’veworkedtomakethisHousesuccessful?Andthis
human—thistemporaryblipinthechronologyoftheworld—threatenstotakeitallaway.”
Ethanrearedbackforasecondstrike,buthe’dalreadysplithisknucklesandthepoortreeprobably
wasn’tfaringmuchbetter.Iunderstoodtheurgetorailoutwhenyouwerebeingheldaccountablefor
another’sevils,buthurtinghimselfwasn’tgoingtosolvetheproblem.Itwastimetointervene.
Iwasstandingonthelawnbetweenthebuildingandthelake;Ifiguredthatwasaperfectplacetowork
offalittletension.“Whydon’tyoupickonsomeoneyourownsize?”Icalledout.
Helookedover,oneeyebrowdefiantlyarched.“Don’ttemptme,Sentinel.”
Ipeeledoffmysuitjacketanddroppeditontotheground,thenputmyhandsonmyhipsand,hopefully
forthelasttimetonight,pulledoutmyvampirebravado.“Areyouafraidyoucan’thandleme?”
Hisexpressionwaspriceless—equalpartstemptedandirritated—themasculinitywarringwiththe
urgetotampdownthechallengetohisauthority.“Watchyourmouth.”
“Itwasalegitimatequestion,”Icountered.Ethanwasalreadywalkingcloser,thesmellofhisblood
growingstronger.
Iwon’tdenyit—myhungerwasperked.I’dbittenEthantwicebefore,andbothtimeshadbeen
memorable.Sensual,inwaysIwasn’tentirelycomfortableadmitting.Thescentofhisbloodtriggered
thosememoriesagain,andIknewmyowneyeshadsilvered,evenifIwasn’tthrilledaboutbring
tempted.
“Itwasachildishquestion,”hegrowledout,takinganotherstepforward.
“Idisagree.Ifyouwanttofight,tryavampire.”
“Yourattemptsatbeingcleveraren’tservingyou,Sentinel.”
Hemovedwithinstrikingrange,blooddrippingfromhisrightknuckles,whichweresplitnearlytothe
bone.They’dheal,andquickly,buttheymusthavehurt.
“Andyet,”Isaid,squeezingmyownhandsintofists,“hereyouare.”
Hiseyesflashedsilver.“Rememberyourposition.”
“Doesputtingmeinmyplacemakeyoufeelbetter?”
“IamyourMaster.”
“Yes,youare.InHydeParkandinCreeleyCreek,andwhereverelsevampiresaregathered,you’remy
Master.Butouthere,it’sjustyouandmeandthechipTateputonyourshoulder.Youcan’tgobacktothe
Houselikethis.You’repouringmagic,andthat’sgoingtoworryeveryoneevenmorethantheyalready
are.”
Therewasaticabovehiseyebrow,butEthanheldhistongue.
“Outhere,”Iquietlysaid,“it’sjustyouandme.”
“Thendon’tsayIdidn’twarnyou.”Withnomorewarning,heoffereduphisfavoritemove,a
roundhousekickthatheswiveledtowardmyhead.ButIdroppedmyarmandshoulderandblockedit.
Thatmovethwarted,Ethanbouncedbackintoposition.“Don’tgetcocky,Sentinel.You’veonlytaken
medownonce.”
Itriedaroundhouseofmyown,buthedodgedit,duckingandspinningaroundthekick,beforepopping
upagain.“Maybeso,”Isaid.“ButhowmanyNovitiateshavebeatenyoubefore?”
HescowledandofferedajabcombinationthatIeasilyrebuffed.Forallthevampiricpowerwecould
putbehindourshots,thiswasn’tarealbattle.Thiswasplay-fighting.Thereleaseoftension.
“Neverfear,”hesaid.“Youmayhavegottenmedown,butI’vebeenaboveyoubefore,andI’msure
I’llmanageitagain.”
Hewasbeingarrogant,lettingthegentle,insistentveneerhe’dbeenwearinglatelyslip.ButI’d
managedtotransmutehisangerintoromanticsteam,whichsoftenedhispunches.
Iswattedawayahalfheartedjab.“Don’tgetyourhopesup.I’mnotthatkindofhungry.”
“Myhopes,asyoucallthem,areperpetuallyupwhenyou’reinthevicinity.”
“ThenI’lltrytostayfartheraway,”Isweetlyresponded.
“Thatwon’texactlybeconducivetoyourstandingSentinel.”
“Neitherwillyourbeingarrested,”Isaid,bringinghimbacktothepoint.
Ethanranhishandsthroughhisblondlocks,thenlinkedhisfingerstogetheratophishead.“Iamdoing
everythingIcantokeepthecitytogether.Andit’sonlygettingharder.Andnow,withinafewhours,we
seetheuglysideoffreedomofspeech,welearnChicagohasamilitia,andwediscoverTate’soutfor
blood.Myblood.”
Myheartclenchedinsympathy,butIresistedtheurgetoreachouttohim.Wewerecolleagues,I
remindedmyself.Nothingmore.
“Iknowit’sfrustrating,”Isaid,“andIknowTatewasoutoflinewiththewarrant.Butwhatcanwedo
buttrytosolvetheproblem?”
Frowning,Ethanturnedbacktothelake,thenwalkedtowardit.Theedgeofthepeninsulawasterraced
intostoneringsthatformedgiantstepsintothewater.Heshedhissuitjacket,placingitgingerlyonthe
stoneledgebeforesittingdownbesideit.
WasitwrongthatIwasaweebitdisappointedhedidn’tjustshedtheshirtaltogether?
WhenIjoinedhim,hepickedupapebbleandpitchedit.Evenwiththechop,itflewlikeabullet
acrossthewater.
“Thisdoesn’tsoundlikearave,”Isaid.“WhatMr.Jacksondescribed,Imean,atleastnotlikehow
you’vedescribedthembefore.Thisdidn’tsoundlikeitwasaboutseductionorglamour.Thisisn’tsome
undergroundhobby.”AsIwaitedforhimtoanswer,Ipushedthebangsfrommyface.Thewindwas
pickingup.
Ethanwoundupandthrewanotherpebble,therockzingingasitskippedahead.“Continue,”hesaid,
andIincrementallyrelaxed.Wewerebacktopoliticsandstrategy.Thatwasagoodsign.
“I’veexperiencedFirstHunger,andFirstHungerPartDeux.Therewasasensualcomponenttoboth,
sure,butatbasetheywereabouttheblood—thethirst.Notaboutconqueringhumansorkillingthem.”
“Wearevampires,”hedrylypointedout.
“Yes,becausewedrinkblood,notbecausewe’repsychopaths.I’mnotsayingtherearen’tpsychopathic
vampires,orvampireswhowouldn’tkillforbloodiftheywerestarvingforit,butitdoesn’tsoundlike
that’swhathappenedhere.Itsoundslikeviolence,pureandsimple.”
Ethanwasquietforamoment.“Thehungerforbloodisantitheticaltoviolence.Ifanything,it’sabout
seduction,aboutdrawingthehumancloser.Thatisthequintessentialpurposeofvampireglamour.”
Glamourwasold-schoolvampiremojo—theabilityofvampirestoentranceothers,eitherby
manipulatingtheirtargetsorbyadjustingtheirownappearancestomakethemselvesmoreattractiveto
theirvictims.Icouldn’tglamourworthadamn,butIseemedtohavesomeimmunitytowardit.
“Thisisthesecondtimeraveshavegottenusintrouble,”Ipointedout.“We’veavoidedthemuntil
now,andit’stimeweshutthemdown.Butwecan’tgoinassumingthisissomerun-of-the-millpartythat
gotoutofhand.Thisjustsounds...different.Andifyouwantasilverlining,atleastTate’sgivingyoua
chancetoresolvetheproblem.”
“Givingmeachance?That’sputtingitmildly.He’sdoingpreciselywhatNickBreckenridgeattempted
todo—blackmailingusintotakingaction.”
“Orhe’sgivingusanopportunitywedidn’thavebefore.”
“Howdoyoufigurethat?”
“He’sforcingourhands,”Isaid.“WhichmeansthatinsteadoftiptoeingaroundtheGPandworrying
whatthisHouseorthatmightthinkofus,we’reforcedtogetoutthereanddosomethingaboutit.Weget
tospendsomeofthatpoliticalcapitalyou’realwaysharpingabout.”
Ethanarchedaneyebrowimperiously.
“Talkingabout.Talkingaboutinwell-reasonedandmeasuredtones.”
Thistime,herolledhiseyes.
“Look,”Icontinued.“Thelasttimeweworkedontheraves,youmademefocusonthemediarisk.
Tonight,we’veproventhatworryingsomeonemightfindoutabouttheproblemdoesn’tactuallysolvethe
problem.Weneedtogetinfrontoftheissue.Weneedtoclosethemdown.”
“Youwanttotellvampirestheycannolongerengageinhumanbloodorgies?”
“Well,Iwasn’tgoingtousethosewords,exactly.AndIdidplantotakemysword.”
Hesmiledalittle.“Youarequiteathingtobeholdwhenyou’vegotsteelinyourhands.”
“Yes,”Iagreed.Itouchedahandtomystomach.“Andnowthatwe’relookingonthebrightside,let’s
findsomegrub.Iamstarving.”
“Areyouevernotstarving?”
“Har-har.”Inudgedhisarm.“Comeon.Let’sgetanItalianbeef.”
Heglancedoveratme.“IassumethathassomemeaningimportantwithinChicagoculinarycircles?”
Ijuststoodthere,bothsaddenedthathehadn’texperiencedthejoyofagoodItalianbeefsandwich—
andirritatedthathe’dlivedinChicagoforsolongandhadsocompletelysequesteredhimselffromthe
stuffthatmadeitChicago.
“Asimportantasredhotsanddeepdish.Let’sgo,Liege.It’syourturntogetschooled.”
Hegrowled,butrelented.
WedrovetoUniversityVillage,parkedalongthestreet,andtookourplacesinlinewiththethird-shifters
onlunchbreaksandtheUICstudentsneedinglate-nightsnacks.Eventuallyweplacedourordersand
movedtoacounter,whereItaughtEthantostandthewayGodintendedChicagoanstostand—feetapart,
elbowsonthetable,sandwichesinhand.
Ethanhadn’tspokensincehisowneight-inchItalianbeefsandwichhadbeendelivered,stilldripping
fromitsdipingravy.Whenhisfirstbiteleftatrailofjuiceonthefloorinfrontofhisfeet—andnotonhis
expensiveItalianshoes—hesmiledgrandlyatme.
“Welldone,Sentinel.”
Inoddedthroughmybiteofbread,beef,andpeppers,happythatEthanwasinabettermood.Saywhat
youmightaboutmyobsessionwithallthingsmeatandcarbohydrate,butneverunderestimatetheability
ofastackofthin-slicedbeefonabuntomakeamanhappy—vampireorhuman.
Andspeakingofhappiness,IwonderedwhatelseEthanhadbeenmissingouton.“Haveyoueverbeen
toaCubsgame?”
Ethandabbedhismouthwithapapernapkin,andIgotaglimpseofhisknuckles—alreadyhealedfrom
theblows.“No,Ihavenot.Asyouknow,I’mnotmuchofabaseballfan.”
Hewasn’tmuchofafan,buthe’dstilltrackeddownasignedCubsbaseballtoreplaceoneI’dlost.
Thatwasthekindofmovethatthrewmeoffbalance,butImanagedtokeepthingslighthearted.
“Juststakemenow,”Isaid.“Seriously—you’vebeeninChicagohowlongandyou’veneverbeento
Wrigley?That’sashame.Youneedtogetoutthere.Imean,foranightgame,obviously.”
“Obviously.”
AcoupleoflargemenwithmustachesandBearsT-shirtsmovedtowardthehighbarwherewestood,
sandwichesinhand.TheytookaspotbesideEthan,spreadtheirfeet,unwrappedtheirownItalianbeefs,
anddugin.
Itwasn’tuntilbitenumbertwothattheyglancedoverandnoticedtwovampireswerestandingbeside
them.
TheoneclosesttoEthanrananapkinacrosshisdrippingmustache,hisgazeshiftingfrommetoEthan.
“Youtwolookfamiliar.Iknowyou?”
Sincemyphotohadbeensmearedacrossthefrontpageofthepaperacoupleofmonthsago,andEthan
hadmadethelocalnewsmorethanoncesincetheattackonCadogan,weprobablydidlookfamiliar.
“I’mavampirefromCadoganHouse,”Ethansaid.
Ourareaoftherestaurant,notfullbutstilldottedwithlate-nightmunchers,wentsilent.
Thistime,themanlookedsuspiciouslyatthesandwich.“Youlikethat?”
“It’sgreat,”Ethansaid,thengesturedtowardme.“ThisisMerit.She’sfromChicago.ShedecidedI
hadtotryone.”
Themanandhiscompanionleanedforwardtolookatme.“Thatso?”
“Itis.”
Hewasquietforamoment.“Youhaddeepdishyet?Oraredhot?”
Myheartwarmed.Wemighthavebeenvampires,butatleasttheseguysrecognizedthatwewerefirst
andforemostChicagoans.WeknewWrigleyFieldandNavyPier,Daleyandrushhourtraffic,Soldier
FieldinDecemberandOakStreetBeachinJuly.Weknewfreaksnowstormsandfreakierheatwaves.
Butmostofall,weknewfood:taquerias,redhots,deepdish,greatbeer.Webakedit,friedit,sautéed
it,andgrilledit,andinourquesttoenjoythesunshineandwarmthwhilewecould,wesharedthatfood
together.
“Both,”Isaid.“IgothimpizzafromSaul’s.”
Theman’sbushyeyebrowspoppedup.“YouknowaboutSaul’s?”
Ismiledslyly.“Creamcheeseanddoublebacon.”
“Oooh,”themansaid,grinningeartoear.Hedroppedhisnapkinandthrewhishandsintotheair.
“Creamcheeseanddoublebacon.OurfangedfriendhereknowsaboutSaul’sBest!”Heraisedhisgiant
papercupofsodainatoast.“Toyou,myfriend.Goodeatsandwhatnot.”
“Andtoyou,”Ethansaid,raisinghissandwichandtakingabite.
Hotbeefinthenameofpeace.Ilikedit.
“I’msurprisedyoutoldhimwewerevampires,”ItoldEthanonthewaybacktothecar.“Thatyou
admittedtoit,Imean,givenwhatwesawearliertonight.”
“Sometimestheonlywaytocounterprejudiceistoremindthemhowsimilarweare.Tochallengetheir
perceptionsofwhatitmeanstobevampire...orhuman.Besides,hewouldn’thaveaskedwhowewere
ifhehadn’tatleastsuspected,andlyingprobablywouldhaveirritatedhimfurther.”
“Quitepossibly.”
Hesmiledmagnanimously.“Besides,youclearlywooedthemwithyourcreamcheeseanddouble-
bacontalk.”
“Whowouldn’tbewooedbycreamcheeseanddouble-bacontalk?Imean,otherthanvegetarians,I
guess.Butaswehavethoroughlyestablished,vegetarianismisnotmygig.”
Ethanopenedmycardoor.“No,Sentinel,itisnot.”
I’dclimbedinsideandhedidthesame,buthedidn’tstartthecarrightaway.
“Problems?”Iasked.
Hefrowned.“I’mnotsureI’mreadytoreturntotheHouse.NotthatI’dprefertobeatCreeleyCreek,
ofcourse,butuntilIgobacktoHydePark,thedramahasn’tquitesolidified.”Heglancedatme.“Does
thatmakesense?”
Onlyafour-hundred-year-oldMastervampirewouldwonderifagradstudentcouldunderstand
procrastination.“Ofcourseitdoes.Procrastinationisaveryhumanemotion.”
“I’mnotsurehumanshaveamonopolyonprocrastination.And,moreimportant,I’mnotsurethis
countsasprocrastination.”Heturnedbackagainandstartedtheignition.“Unlikewhatyou’redoing.”
“WhatI’mdoing?”
Hesmiledjustalittle—ateaseofasmile.“Procrastinating,”hesaid.“Avoidingtheinevitabilityofyou
andme.”
“Howlongdoes‘inevitability’takewhenyou’reimmortal?”
HegrinnedandpulledtheMercedesawayfromthecurb.“Isupposewe’llfindout.”
OnesummernightinChicago.Threesetsofbattlelinesdrawn.
Theprotesterswerestilloutsidewhenwereturned,theirapparenthatredofusundiminished.Ontheother
hand,theirenergydidseemtobealittlediminished;thistime,theyweresittingonthenarrowstripof
grassbetweenthesidewalkandstreet.Somesatinpop-upcampingchairs.Otherssatonblanketsin
pairs,one’sheadontheother’sshoulder,giventhelatehour.Late-nightprejudicewasapparently
exhausting.
Malikmetusatthedoor,folderinhand;Ethanhadgivenhimaheads-upcallinthecaronthewayback
totheHouse.
Malikwastall,withcocoaskin,palegreeneyes,andcloselycroppedhair.Hehadtheregalbearingof
aprinceintraining—shouldersback,jawset,eyesscanningandalert,asifwaitingformarauderstoscale
thecastlewalls.
“Militiamenandarrestwarrants,”Maliksaid.“I’mnotsureit’sadvisableforyoutwotoleavethe
Housetogetheranymore.”
Ethanmadeasnortofagreement.“Atthispoint,I’dtendtoagreewithyou.”
“Tateindicatedthesupposedincidentwasviolent?”
“Exceptionallyso,accordingtothefirsthandaccount,”Ethansaid.
OncewewereinEthan’sofficeandhe’dclosedthedoorbehindus,hegottotheheartofit.“Thestory
is,thevampslostcontrolandkilledthreehumans.ButMr.Jackson’sdescriptionrangmoreof
uncontrolledbloodlustthanofatypicalrave.”
“Mr.Jackson?”Malikasked.
Ethanheadedforhisdesk.“Oureyewitness.Potentiallyundertheinfluence,butsoberenoughthatTate
wasapparentlyconvinced.Andbyconvinced,Imeanhe’sthreateningmyarrestifwedon’tfixthe
problem,whateveritis.”
Malik,eyeswide,lookedbetweenthetwoofus.“He’sserious,then.”
Ethannodded.“He’shadthewarrantdrawn.Andthatmakesthisproblemourcurrentfocus.Tatesaid
theincidentoccurredinWestTown.Lookthroughyourraveintelagain.Anyconnectionstothat
neighborhood?Anytalkaboutviolence?Anythingthatwouldsuggestthescalethewitnesstalkedabout?”
Thatassignmentgiven,Ethanlookedatme.“Whenthesunsets,talktoyourgrandfather.Askhimto
trackdownwhattheycanabouttheJacksonincident—thevampiresinvolved,Houses,whatever—and
anynewinformationthey’vegottenabouttheraves.Thismaynotactuallybeone,butatthemomentit’s
thebestleadwe’vegot.Andonewayortheother,”headded,lookingbetweenus,“let’sclosethese
thingsdown,shallwe?”
“Liege,”Iagreedwithanod.I’ddefinitelyvisitmygrandfather,butmycircleoffriendshadgrowna
littlewideroverthelastfewmonths.I’drecentlybeenaskedtojointheRedGuard,akindofvampire
watchdoggroupthatkeptaneyeonMastervampsandtheGP.I’ddeclinedtheinvitation,butI’dmadeuse
oftheresource,callingontheRGforbackupduringtheattackontheHouse.Thismightbethetimeto
makethatcallagain....
“AndthisMcKetrickfellow?”Malikasked.
“He’llwait,”Ethansaid,determinationinhiseyes.“He’llwaituntilhellfreezesover,becausewe’re
notleavingChicago.”
I’dvisitmygrandfatherwhenthesunset.Butfirst,Ihadacouplemorehoursofdarknessandmanyhours
ofdaylighttogetthrough.
AllthebedroomsintheHouse,whichaccommodatedaboutninetyofCadogan’sthree-hundred-odd
vampires,lookedlikesmalldormrooms.Abed.Abureau.Anightstand.Smallcloset,smallbathroom.
Theyweren’texactlyfancy,buttheygaveusarespitefromvampiredrama.Giventhemesseswetended
togetinto,dramafreewasdefinitelyagoodthing.
Mysecond-floorroom—justliketherestoftheHouse—stillsmelledlikeconstruction.Newpaint.
Varnish.Drywall.Plastic.Itsmelledgoodsomehow,likeanewbeginning.Afreshstart.
ThestormbrokeoverheadjustasIshutmydoor,rainbeginningtopelttheshutteredwindowinmy
room.IpeeledoffmysuitandtoedoffMaryJaneheels,thenheadedtomysmallbathroom,whereI
scrubbedmyface.Themakeupwashedoffeasily.Thememories,ontheotherhand,weren’tgoing
anywhere.
Thosewerethetoughthingstoignore—thesounds,theexpressions,thesensationofEthanandhis
body.I’dtriedtolockthememoriesaway,tokeepmymindclearoftheminordertogetmyworkdone.
Buttheywerestillthere.Theystungalittlelessnow,butyoucouldn’tunringthebell.Forbetteror
worse,I’dprobablyalwayshavethosememorieswithme.
WhenI’ddressedagaininatanktopandshorts,Iglancedbackattheclock.Ihadtwohourstokilluntil
dawn,whichmeantIhadanhourtokilluntilmyweeklydatewithmyotherfavoriteblondvampire.
Myfirsttask—takingcareofbasicvampiricnecessities.Iwalkeddownthehallwaytothesecond-
floorkitchen,smilingatacoupleofvaguelyfamiliar-lookingvampiresasIpassedthem.Eachofthe
House’sabovegroundfloorshadakitchen,averyhandythingsincevampiricemergenciesdidn’trespect
cafeteriahours.IopenedthefridgeandpluckedouttwodrinkboxesoftypeAblood(preparedbythe
lamelynamedBlood4You,ourdeliveryservice),thenheadedbacktomyroom.Mostvampswere
fortunateenoughtoretainaprettygoodholdontheirbloodlust,meincluded.ButjustbecauseIwasn’t
rippingattheseamsoftheboxesdidn’tmeanIdidn’tneedtheblood.Mostofthetime,bloodlustin
vampswaskindoflikethirstinhumans;ifyouwaitedtodrinkuntilyouweretrulythirsty,itwas
probablyalreadytoolate.
Whilewaitingforherhighness’sarrival,Ipokedastrawintooneofthedrinkboxesandporedthrough
thestackofbooksthatwasbeginningtocrawlitswayupmybedroomwall.ItwasmyTBR—myToBe
Readstack.Theusualsubjectswerethere.Chicklit.Action.APulitzerPrizewinner.Aromancenovel
aboutapirateandadamselinalow-cutblouse.(What?Evenavampireenjoysalittlebodiceripping
nowandagain.)
EventhoughI’dspentthefinalhoursofmorethanafeweveningsinmyvampiredormroom,myTBR
stackhadn’tgottenanyshorter.WitheachbookIfinished,IfoundareplacementintheHouse’slibrary.
AndI’doccasionallywakeatdusktofindapileofbooksoutsidemydoor,presumablyleftbytheHouse
librarian,anotherNovitiatevampire.Hisselectionswereusuallyrelatedtopolitics:storiesaboutthe
ancientconflictsbetweenvampiresandshape-shifters;biographiesoftheonehundredmostvampire-
friendlypoliticiansinWesternhistory;timelinesofvampiriceventsinhistory.Unfortunately,nomatter
howseriousthetopic,thenameswereusuallyjustsilly.
GettothePoint:VampireContributionsinWesternArchitecture.
FangsandBalances:VampirePoliticiansinHistory.
ToDrinkorNottoDrink:AVampireDialectic.
BloodSausage,BloodStew,BloodOrange:FoodforAllSeasons.
AndtheawfullynamedPlasmatlas,whichcontainedmapsofimportantvampirelocales.
Maybethemanagingeditorofthevampirepresswasthesameguywhowrotethechaptertitlesforthe
CanonoftheNorthAmericanHouses,myvampireguidebook.Bothwereequallypunny—andjustas
ridiculous.
Thenamesaside,let’sbehonest—withEthanrunningaroundtheHouse,thereweredefinitely
advantagestoreadinginmyroom.WasitMasteravoidance?Absolutely.Butwhenfacedwiththe
temptationofsomethingyoucouldn’thave,whynotfindsomethingmoreproductivetodo?
Putanotherway,whyorderdessertifyoucouldn’ttakeabite?
SothereIwas—inatankandboxers—cross-leggedonmybedwithToDrinkorNottoDrinkinhand,
therainpummelingtheroofaboveme.Isighed,leanedbackagainstthepillows,andsankintothewords,
hopingthatImightfindsomethingmoderatelyedutaining.Orinfotaining.
Whatever.
Anhourlater,Lindseyknocked,andIdog-earedthebook(abadhabit,Iknow,butIneverhada
bookmarkhandy).
Thebookhadactuallybeeninformative,discussingtheearliestrecordedinstancesofaconditionthe
authorcalledhemoanhedonia—theinabilitytotakepleasurefromdrinkingblood.Vampswiththe
conditiontendedtodemonizethosewhodrank.Addthattothefactthatbeinga“practicing”vampirewas
dangerousinitsownright—humansdidn’tusuallytakekindlytobeingtreatedlikesippycups—and
vampiresbegandrinkingtogetherprivately,awayfromthecriticism.Abracadabra,ravesareborn.
Withthathistoricalnuggetinmind,Iputthebookonthenightstandandopenedthedoor.
Lindsey,fellowguardandmybestfriendintheHouse(assumingEthandidn’tcount,andIdon’tthink
hedid),stoodinthehallwaywithablondponytail,killerfigure,andsillysmileonherface.Shewore
jeansandablackT-shirtwithCADOGANprintedinwhiteblocklettersacrossthefront.Herfeetwere
bare,hertoenailspaintedgleaminggold.
“Hi,blondie.”
“Merit.Ilikethoseduds.”ShecastanappraisingglanceatmyILLINOISISFORLOVERS!tanktop
andshamrock-patternedCubsshorts.
“Off-dutyCadoganSentinelatyourservice.Comeonin.”
Shehitthebed.Ishutthedoorbehindher.
Oneofourearliestdatesasnewfriendshadbeenanightinherroomwithpizzaandrealitytelevision.
Itwasn’texactlycerebral,butitgaveusachancetobesillyforalittlewhile,tobeconcernedwithwhich
celebutantewasdatingwhichrockstarorwhowaswinningthisweek’scrazychallenge...insteadof
worryingaboutwhichgroupsofpeopleweretryingtokillus.Thelatterwasexhaustingafterawhile.
Iflippedonmytinytelevision(mySentinelstipendatwork)andchangedthechanneltotonight’s
realityopera,whichinvolvedmalecontestantssolvingpuzzlessotheycouldescapefromanislandofex-
girlfriends.
Itwashigh-qualitystuff.Classystuff.
IjoinedLindsonthebedandpulledapillowbehindmyhead.
“HowwasthemeetingwithTate?”sheasked.
“Drama,drama,drama.Lucwillfillyouin.Sufficeittosay,EthancouldbeinCookCountylockup
nextweek.”
“Sullivanmayhaveaheartofcoal,butIbethelooksreallygoodinorange.Andstripes.Rawr,”she
said,curlingherfingerslikeacat.
LindseywasevenlessconvincedthatEthanhadhadalegitimatepost-breakupchangeofheart.Butthat
didn’tmakehimanylesspretty.
“I’msurehe’llappreciateyourcomplimentswhenhe’sclimbingintothatjumpsuit,”Isaid.“Although
Lucmightgetjealous.”
Asaguard,LucwasLindsey’sboss.Hewastallandtouslehaired,hisdarkblondlockssunstreaked
fromyears,Iimagined,asaboots-wearingcowboyonsomehigh-plainsranchwherecattleandhorses
outnumberedhumansandvampires.Luckeptthebootsafterbecomingavampire,andhe’ddevelopeda
monumentalcrushonLindsey.Longstoryshort,nothinghadcomeofituntiltheattackontheHouse.Then
theystartedspendingmoretimetogether.
Ididn’tthinkitwasüberserious—morelikeamovienighthere,asnackatsunsetthere.Butitdidseem
likehe’dfinallymanagedtopushthroughtheemotionalbarriersshe’derectedtokeephimatadistance.I
completelyapprovedofthatdevelopment.Luchadpinedprettyhard;itwasabouttimehetastedvictory.
“Luccantakecareofhimself,”Lindseysaid,hervoicedry.
“He’denjoyitmoreifyouweredoingthecaring.”
Lindseyheldupahand.“Enoughboytalk.IfyoukeepharpingaboutLuc,I’mgoingtohityouwitha
Sullivanone-twocombination,inwhichcaseI’llbequizzingyouabouthishotbodandemotionaliciness
fortherestoftheevening.”
“Spoilsport.”Ipouted,butletitgo.Iknewshewasn’tcompletelyconvincedaboutLuc,evenifshe
wasspendingmoretimewithhim,andIdidn’twanttopushhertoofartoofast.Andtobefair,just
becauseIthoughtthey’dbegoodtogetherdidn’tmeanshewasobligatedtodatehim.Itwasherlife,andI
couldrespectthat.
SoIletitgoandsettledintoacomfypositionbesideher,andthenletmyminddriftonthewavesof
prerecorded,trashytelevision.Asrelaxationwent,itdidn’texactlyrankuptherewithahotrockmassage
andmudbath,butavampiretookwhatavampirecouldget.
CHAPTERFIVE
DOWNBYTHERIVER
WhenIawokeagain,Idressedinmypersonaluniform—jeansandatanktopoverhigh-heeledboots,my
Cadoganmedal,mysword,andmybeeper—andheadedout.
IstoppedattheHousegate,intendingtogetasenseofthegauntletI’dhavetowalktogettomycar.
Oneofthetwofairiesatthegateguessedmygame.
“Theyarequiettonight,”hesaid.“Ethanplannedahead.”
Iglancedoverathim.“Heplannedahead?”
Thefairypointeddownthestreet.Ipeekedoutsidethegate,smilingwhenIrealizedEthan’sstrategy.A
foodtruckhawkingItalianbeefswasparkedatthecorner,adozenprotestersstandingbesideit,
sandwichesinhand,theirsignsproppedagainstthesideofthetruck.
Ethanmusthavemadeaphonecall.
“Hotbeefinthenameofpeace,”Imurmured,thenhustledacrossthestreettomyride,aboxyorange
Volvo.Thecarwasoldandhadseenbetterdays,butitgotmewhereIneededtogo.
Tonight,Ineededtogosouth.
You’dthinkanameasfancyas“Ombudsman”(whichreallymeant“liaison”)wouldhavegottenmy
grandfatheraniceofficeinsomefancycitybuildingintheLoop.
ButChuckMerit,copturnedsupernaturaladministrator,wasamanofthepeople,supernaturalor
otherwise.Soinsteadofaswankofficewithariverview,hehadasquatbrickbuildingontheSouthSide
inaneighborhoodwherethelawnsweresurroundedbychain-linkfences.
Normally,thestreetwasquiet.Buttonight,carsspilledacrosstheoffice’syardanddownthestreeta
coupleofblocks.I’dseenmygrandfathersurroundedbycarsbefore—athishouseinthemidstofa
water-nymphcatfight.Thosevehicleshadbeenroadsterswithrecognizablevanityplates;thesewere
beat-up,harddrivenvehicleswithrustybumpersandpaintsplatter.
Iparkedandmademywayacrosstheyard.Thedoorwasunlocked,unusualfortheoffice,andmusic—
JohnnyCash’srumblingvoice—echoedthroughout.
Thebuilding’sdecorwasall1970s,buttheproblemsweremodernandparanormallydriven.So,I
assumed,weretheboxymenandwomenwhomingledinthehallways,plasticcupsoforangedrinkin
hand.TheyturnedandstaredatmeasIwovethroughthem,theirsmallisheyeswatchingasIwalked
downthehallway.Theirfeaturesweresimilar,liketheymighthavebeencousinsrelatedbycommon
grandparents.Allhadslightlyporcinefaces,upturnednoses,andapplecheeks.
OnmywaybacktotheofficeCatchersharedwithJeffChristopher—anadorableshifterwithmadtech
skillsandaformercrushonme—Ipassedalargetableoffruit:spearsofpineappleandred-orange
papayainawatermelonbowl;bloodorangeslicesdottedwithpomegranateseeds;andapineappleshell
fullofblueberriesandgrapes.Snacksfortheofficeguests,Iassumed.
“Merit!”Jeff’sheadpoppedoutfromadoorway,andhebeckonedmeinside.Isqueezedthroughafew
moremenandwomenandintotheoffice.Catcherwasnowhereinsight.
“Wesawyouonthesecuritymonitor,”Jeffsaid,movingtothechairbehindhisbankofcomputer
monitors.Hisbrownhairwasgettinglonger,andnearlyreachedhisshouldersnow.Itwasstraightand
parteddownthemiddle,andcurrentlytuckedbehindhisears.Jeffhadpairedabutton-upshirt,ashe
alwaysdid,withkhakis,hisshirtsleevesrolleduptohiselbows,presumablytogivehimroomto
maneuveroverhismonstrouskeyboard.Jeffwastallandlanky,butwhathelackedinmasshemorethan
madeupforinfightingskills.Hewasashifter,andaforcetobereckonedwith.
“Thanksforfindingme,”Itoldhim.“What’sgoingonoutthere?”
“Openhouseforrivertrolls.”
Ofcourseitwas.“Ithoughtthewaternymphscontrolledtheriver?”
“Theydo.Theydrawthelines;thetrollsenforcethem.”
“Andthefruit?”
Jeffsmiled.“Goodcatch.Rivertrollsarevegetarians.Fruitarians,really.Offerupfruitandyoucan
lurethemoutfrombeneaththebridges.”
“Andtheyprefernottoleavethebridges.”
Iglancedback.Catcherstoodinthedoorway,plateoffruitinhandand,justasMalloryhadsaid,
rectangularframesperchedonhisnose.Theywereaninterestingcontrastwiththeshavedheadandpale
greeneyes,buttheytotallyworked.He’dgonefrombuffmartialartsexperttorippedsmart-boy.The
Sentineldefinitelyapproved.IalsoapprovedofhistypicallysnarkyT-shirt.Today’sreadIGOTOUT
OFBEDFORTHIS?
“Mr.Bell,”Isaid,offeringasmallsalutetomyformerkatanatrainer.“Iliketheglasses.”
“Iappreciateyourapproval.”Hemovedtohisdeskandbeganstabbingthefruitwithatoothpick.
So,Catcherwasasorcerer,andJeffwasashifter.Vampireswerealsorepresented,atleastpartly.
BecauseChicago’sMasterswereprettytight-lippedaboutHousegoings-on,mygrandfatherhadasecret
vampireemployeewhoofferedupinformation—avampireIsuspected,largelywithoutevidence,was
Malik.
“Dotheyliveunderthebridges?”Iwonderedaloud,returningtothetrolls.
“Rainorshine,summerorwinter,”Catchersaid.
“Andwhytheopenhouse?Isthatjustmaintaininggoodsupernaturalrelations?”
“Nowthatthingsareescalating,”Catchersaid,frowningasheusedthetoothpicktopushouttheseeds
fromachunkofwatermelon,“we’reworkingthroughthephonebook.Everypopulationgetsavisit—an
eveningwiththeOmbudsman.”
“Thingsaredefinitelychanging,”Jeffagreed.
“Thingsaregettinglouder.”
Wealllookedbackasabroad-shoulderedrivertrollwithshort,gingerhairlookedintotheoffice.His
wide-seteyesblinkedcuriouslyatus.Hedidn’thavemuchnecktospeakof,sohisentiretorsoswiveled
ashelookedusover.Alightbreezeofmagicstirredtheair.
“Hey,George,”Catchersaid.
Georgenoddedandofferedasmallwave.“It’sgettinglouder.Thevoices.Thetalk.Thewindsare
changing.There’sangerintheair,Ithink.”Hepaused.“Wedon’tlikeit.”Heshiftedhisgazetome,a
questioninhiseyes:WasIpartoftheproblem?Makingthecitylouder?Addingtotheanger?
“ThisisMerit,”Catcherquietlyexplained.“Chuck’sgranddaughter.”
AwarenessblossomedinGeorge’sexpression.“Chuckisafriendtous.Heis...quieterthantherest.”
Iwasn’tentirelysurewhatGeorgemeantby“quiet”—Ihadthesenseitmeantmoretohimthansimply
theabsenceofsound—butitwasclearhemeantitasacompliment.
“Thankyou,”IsaidwithasmuchsincerityasIcouldpushintothosetwowords.
Georgewatchedmeforamoment.Thinking.Evaluating,maybe,beforehefinallynodded.
Theactseemedtocarrymoresignificancethanjustanacceptanceofmythanks—likeI’dbeen
approvedbyhim.Inoddedback,myactjustassignificant.Weweretwoparanormalcreatures—members
ofdifferenttribes,butneverthelesslinkedtogetherbythecity’sdramaandanOmbudsmantrying
diligentlytostemthetide—acceptingeachother.
Theconnectionmade,Georgedisappearedagain.
“Soft-spoken,”Icommentedwhenhewasgone.
“Theyare,”Jeffsaid.“TheRTskeeptothemselves,exceptwhenthenymphsrequestit.Andeventhen,
theyappear,theyworkthetask,andtheyheadbackbeneaththebridgesagain.”
“Whatkindofthingsdotheydo?”
Jeffshrugged.“Generallytheydotheheavylifting.Playingmuscleforanymphalongherchunkofthe
riverifthere’saboundarydispute,maybeenforcingthepeace,maybehelpingcleanupthatchunkofthe
riverifthewatersaremovingtooquickly.”
Apparentlydonewithhisexplanation,Jeffstretchedouttostraightenasilverpictureframenowonone
cornerofhisdesk.I’dpreviouslyseenthemany-tentacledplushdollthatsatatoponeofhismonitors,but
theframewasnew.
Iwalkedoverandpeekedaroundhisdesktogetaglimpseofthepicture.Itwasashotofhimand
FallonKeene.They’dapparentlyhititoffwhentheKeenefamily—andrepresentativesoftherestofthe
Packs—hadcometoChicagotodecidewhethertostayintheirrespectivecitiesorheadofftotheir
ancestralhomeinAurora,Alaska.ThePackshadvotedtostay,andtheKeenefamilyhadn’tyetreturned
totheirHQinMemphis.ThatrespitemusthavegivenJeffandFallontimetogettoknoweachother.
Inthepicture,JeffandFallonstoodbesideeachotherinfrontofaflatbrickwall,theirfingers
intertwined,gazingateachother.Andintheireyes—somethingweightyandimportant.Love,already?
“Youlookveryhappy,”ItoldJeff.
Crimsonroseonhischeeks.“Catcher’sgivingmecrapaboutmovingtoofast,”hesaid,keepinghis
gazeonthemonitorsinfrontofhim.“Buthe’sonetotalk.”
“Heisalreadylivingwithmyformerroommate,”Iagreed.
“Stillintheroom,”Catchersaid.“Andspeakingofthingsintheroom,whatbringsyouby?”
“Justtheusualdoor-darkeningcrap.Firstitemontheagenda—somekindofG.I.Joe–wannabe
organization,ledbyamannamedMcKetrick.TheysetuparoadblocknotfarfromtheHouse.Theyhad
fullmilitarygear—combatboots,blackclothes,blackSUVswithoutlicenseplates.”
“Noblackhelicopters?”Jeffasked.
“Iknow,right?McKetrickhasstyledhimselfassomekindofhumansaviorfromthevampireinvasion.
Hethinksfangsmakeusageneticmistake.”
“Amistakehe’sgoingtoremedy?”Catcherasked.
Inodded.“Precisely.HesayshisgoalisgettingvampsoutofChicagoand,Iassume,fillingthat
vacuumwithhissparklingpersonality.”
“We’lldosomedigging.Findoutwhatwecan.”Catchertiltedhisheadcuriously.“How’dyougetout
oftheroadblock?”
“EthancalledourfavoritePackmembers.Keenebroughtthefamilyandthensome.”
“Nice,”Jeffsaid.“Um,wasFallonthere?”
“Shewas.ButinaCardinalscap.Can’tyoudosomethingaboutthat?”
Heshruggedsheepishly.“Iknowhowtopickmybattles.Sono.Oh—anddidyouhear?Tonyahadthe
baby.Anine-poundboy.ConnorDevereauxKeene.”
Ismiledbackathim.TonyawasGabriel’swife;she’dbeenquitepregnantthelasttimeI’dseenher,
andthey’dalreadydecidedon“Connor”asaname.“Ninepounds?That’sabigboy.”
Jeffsmiledknowingly.“That’swhatshesaid.”
Catcherclearedhisthroat.“What’sthesecondthing?”
“Raves.”
Theybothlookedupatme.
“Whataboutthem?”Catcherasked.
“Thatwasactuallymyfirstquestion.Atbest,wehaveravespoppingintothepubliceye—forrealthis
time.”
“Andworst?”Catcherasked.
“Wehavesomethingwiththemarkingsofarave,butthatactuallyinvolvespsycho-vampscommitting
atrocitiesagainstmultiplehumans.Threesupposeddeathssofar,butthere’snophysicalevidence.”
Therewassilenceintheoffice.
“You’reserious?”Catcherasked,voicegrave.
“Aspenserious.”IgavethemthedetailsonMr.Jacksonandhisexperience,onthemayor’s
investigation,andonourvisittohishome.Itworriedmethattheydidn’talreadyhavethesedetails;my
grandfather,afterall,wasthecity’ssupernaturalOmbudsman.HeshouldhavebeenthefirstpersonTate
called.
“Isitbecauseofme?”Iasked.“IsTatekeepinginformationfromhimbecauseI’mhisgranddaughter?
BecauseI’minCadogan?”
Catcherpushedawayhisplateoffruit,proppedhiselbowsonthetable,andrubbedhistemples.“I
don’tknow,andIreallydon’tlikethatidea.ButIdoknowChuckwon’tbepleasedatthepossibilitythat
we’reafigureheadgroup,anofficeTatekeepsopentomakesupsthinkhegivesashit—”
“Whilehe’skeepingimportantinformationfromus,”Jefffinished.
“Ontheotherhand,”Catcherthoughtfullysaid,“itwouldn’tbeourjobtoinvestigate.That’stheroleof
CPDdetectives.Buthe’dnormallygiveusaheads-upsowecouldmakecontactwiththeHousesorthe
Rogues.”Heshookhishead.“WealwaysthoughtTatewasalittlecagey.Iguessthisprovesyouhaveto
keeponeeartothegroundevenwhenyou’resupposedlyintheloop.”
“Andspeakingofkeepinganeartotheground,what’sthewordonraves?Anythingnewintheether?”
Hefrowned.“Iassumedyou’vetalkedtoMalikorEthanandyouknowaboutthethreewetracked?”
“I’veheard,”Igrowledout.
Withanod,Catcherroseandwenttoawhiteboardnewlyinstalledononeendoftheoffice,uncappeda
greenmarker,andbeganwriting.Accompaniedbythesqueakofthepen,hestartedbydrawingwhat
lookedlikeanangled,limpfish.
“What’sthat?”
“Chicago,”hesaidwithoutturningaround.
“Seriously?That’showyourepresentthecityyouworkfor?Asafish?”
“Itreallydoeslooklikeafish,”Jeffsaidexcitedly.“Oh,maybeit’sanAsiancarp.Areyoumakinga
metaphoraboutravesandinvasivespecies?”
“Clever,”IsaidwithasmileforJeff.
Heleanedbackinhischair,smilingproudly.“That’swhattheladiessay.”
IrolledmyeyesandturnedbacktoCatcher,whowasglaringatbothofusabovehisBuddyHolly
glasses.Ihadtobitemyliptokeepfromlaughingaloud.
“AsIwassaying,”hecontinued,beforeplacingstarsonthemapindifferentlocations,“weknowabout
threenewravesinthelasttwomonths.”
“Intelfromthesecretvampire?”Iwonderedaloud.
“Twoofthem,”Catcheradmitted.“ThethirdfromMalik.Allweresecond-orthirdhandreports.”
Okay,sothatprettymuchblewmyMalik-is-the-secret-sourcetheory.
“There’salsotheravewevisitedalongthelakeshore,”Catcheradded,placinganotherstaronthe
board.
Wedidn’tfindoutaboutthatoneuntilaftertheravewasoverandthevampshadclosedupshop.Asa
result,weonlywalkedawaywithaguessaboutthenumberofattendeesandaclueastowho’dalso
investigated—theRedGuardandashifterwelaterlearnedhadbeenourblackmailer.
“Therearealsotheravesweknewaboutbeforewevisitedthatrave.AndtheoneTateidentified.It
wasinWestTown.”
Catchernodded,grabbedabluemarker,andfilledinthosestars.
IsquintedatCatcher’s“drawing,”butstillcouldn’tmakeheadsortailsofit.Exceptthatitstilllooked
likeafish.“CouldyouatleastshowuswhereNavyPieris?”Iaskedhim.“IhavenoideawhatI’m
lookingat.”
Catchergrumbled,butobliged,anddrewatinyrectanglepokingoutfromonesideofthefish.
Jeffchuckled.“IsthatNavyPier,orisChicagojusthappytoseeme?”
IlaughedsohardIsnortedalittle,atleastuntilCatcherpoundedafistonthetopoftheclosesttable.
“Hey,”Iobjected,pointingathim,“myMastermightbeinCookCountylockupbytheendoftheweek,
andthatwon’texactlybegoodforme.Sarcasmismywayofrelievingstress,asyouknow,sinceyou’ve
seenmeandMalloryatit.”
Ironically,sayingthejailbitaloudagainmademystomachcrumplewithnerves.ButCatcher’s
expressionsoftened.Heglancedbackattheboard,asmileatonecornerofhismouth.“Iguessitdoes
lookkindofridiculous.”
“Andsinceyou’veacknowledgedthat,youmaycontinue,”Imagnanimouslyoffered.
“Sotheraves,”hesaidwithoutdelay,“aresprinkledacrossthecity.Noapparentpattern.Noapparent
locusofactivity.”
“That’stellinginitself,”Isaid,sittingup.“Thatsaysthere’snoraveheadquarters,notwherethe
partiesareheld,anyway,andthatthevampsaresmartenoughtomovethepartyaround.”
“SonohumansorMasters—iftheseareHousedvamps—getsuspicious,”Jeffadded.
“Exactly,”Catchersaid.
“Whataboutthesize?”Iasked.“Thescale?Mr.Jacksonwasconvincedthereweredozensofvamps
there,andthattheentirethingwasAmericanPsychoviolent.”
“Justlikethesitewevisited,ourcurrentintelsaysravesareahandfulofvampsandafewhumans.
Small,intimate.Focusedontheactofgivingandacceptingblood.Tocontinuethemovieanalogy,this
isn’tFightClub.”
“MorelikeLoveatFirstBite,”Jeffsaid.
Catcherrolledhiseyesagain.“Sothisnewincidentwe’retalkingaboutissomethingunprecedentedin
termsofsizeandviolence,withoutmatchingmissingpersonsreports,andnoactualevidenceofacrime.”
Heshrugged.“ThatsuggestsMr.Jacksonwasn’tentirelyhonest.Problemis,wehaven’ttalkedtoany
vampireswhowereactuallythere.Thatwouldbetherealcoup—gettingsomeoneinfromthebeginning.
Onthegroundfloor.Figuringoutwho’sthere,howtheinformationisbeingpassed,who’sparticipating,
andwhetherthey’reparticipatingwillingly.”
“CanyoupullindatafromtheCPD?”Iasked.“Seewhattheirfileshavetosay?”
“Doneanddone,”Jeffsaid,sittingforwardandbeginningtotaponhiskeyboard.“Imighthavetodiga
littletofindit—theirITarchitectureisforshit—butI’llletyouknow.”
Ofcourse,justbecausetheOmbud’sofficedidn’thaveinformationdidn’tmeantherewasn’t
informationtobehad.Itwasprobablytimetotapmynextsource....
“Thanks,”Itoldbothofthem.“Canyougivemeacallifyouhearanythingelse?”
“Ofcourse.IassumeSullivan’sgoingtosendyououtonsomesortofcrazypsycho-vampire-hunting
fieldtrip?”
“Theforecastisstrong.”
“Callmeifyouneedbackup,”Catchersaid.
“Ofcourse,”Iagreed,butIactuallyhadanideaaboutthat,aswell.Afterall,Jonahhadbeenoffered
upasapartner.
“Andifyoudogo,”Catcheradded,“lookforidentifyinginformation,listenforanywordabouthow
they’recontactingvampsoridentifyinghumans.”
“Willdo.”
“YouwantmetofindChuckbeforeyouleave?”Jeffasked.
Iwavedhimoff.“Noworries.He’sbusy.Lethimhandlehisopenhouse.”
“I’mprettysureIcanmanageajobandfamilyboth,”saidagravellyvoiceatthedoor.Iglancedback
andsmiledasmygrandfatherwalkedintotheoffice.Hewasdresseduptonight,havingtradedinthelong-
sleevedplaidshirtforacorduroyblazer.Buthe’dstuckwiththekhakipantsandthick-soledgrandpa
shoes.
HewalkedovertowhereIsatattheedgeofthedeskandplantedakissonmyforehead.“How’smy
favoritevampire?”
Iputanarmaroundhiswaistandgavehimahalfhug.“Arethereanyothersintherunning?”
“Nowthatyoumentionit,no.Theytendtoberatherhighmaintenance.”
“Amen,”CatcherandJeffsimultaneouslysaid.
Igavethemasnarkylook.
“Whatbringsyoutoourneckofthewoods?”
“IwasfillinginCatcherandJeffaboutourlatestdrama.Longstoryshort,blackopsandravestwo-
point-oh.”
Hegrimaced.“Thatwouldn’tthrillmeevenifIweren’tyourgrandfather.”
“Nope,”Iagreed.
“Ihatetobethebearerofbadnewsmyself,”hesaid,“butyourfathertellsmeyouhaven’tspokenina
fewweeks.”
Ididn’tcareformyfather,butIcaredevenlessforthefactthathe’dputmygrandfatherinthemiddle
ofourfeud.
“Actually,Isawhimleavingthemayor’shomelastnight.Wehadaverypleasantexchange,”Iassured
mygrandfather.
“Goodgirl,”hesaidwithasmile.
Ihoppedoffthedesk.Itwastimetogettherestoftheinvestigativeshowontheroad.“Ineedtorun,
andyouneedtogetbacktoyourparty,soI’llletthemfillyouinonthedetails.”
“Asifthere’sachanceIcouldavoidit,”mygrandfathersaid.Hehuggedmeonemoretime,thenletme
go.
Isaidmygoodbyesandwalkedbacktothefrontdoor,therivertrollsnoddingatmewhenIpassedasif
I’dbeenvetted.Notasavampire,maybe,butatleastthegranddaughterofamantheytrusted.
Friendsinhighplacesdefinitelyhelped—especiallyifyouhadenemiesinevenhigherspots.
MyphonerangjustasIwasgettingbackintomycar.Ipulledthedoorshutandflippeditopen.Itwas
Mallory.
“Hey,BlueHair.What’sup?”
Shedidn’tspeak,butsheimmediatelybegansobbing.
“Mal,what’swrong?Areyouokay?”
“Catharsis,”shesaid.“It’soneofthosecatharsiscries.”
Iblewoutabreath.I’dbeenpreparedtosquealtiresintherushtogettoherifshe’dbeenindanger.
Buteverygirlknowstheimportanceofacatharticcry—whenyouaren’tnecessarilycryingover
somethingspecific,butbecauseeverythinghasworkeditselfintoagiant,contortedknot.
“Anythingyouwanttotalkabout?”
“Kindof.Notreally.Idon’tknow.Canyoumeetme?”
“Ofcourse.Whereareyou?”
Shesniffed.“I’mstillinSchaumburg.I’mattheGoodwin’soffI-90.Iknowit’sfaraway,butcouldyou
meetmeouthere?Doyouhavetime?”
Goodwin’swasoneofthoseubiquitoustwenty-four-hourrestaurantsthatyousawinofficeparksand
hotelparkinglots.Thekindfrequentedbyseniorcitizensatfourintheafternoonandteenagersat
midnight.Iwouldn’tcallMalloryafoodie,butshedefinitelyhadaninterestinhipcuisine.Ifwewere
meetingataGoodwin’s,shewantedeitherblandfoodoranonymity.
Iwasn’tcrazyabouteitheroption.
“I’mjustleavingtheOmbud’soffice.It’lltakemeaboutforty-fivetogetthere.Thatokay?”
“Yeah.I’mstudying.I’llbehere.”
Thestudyingexplainedthechoiceofrestaurants.WesaidourgoodbyesandIlookedbackattheoffice
doorforaminute,wonderingifIshouldheadbackinandwarnCatcherthathisgirlwasastressball.But
IwasaBFF,andtherewasacodeofhonor.Aprotocol.She’dcalledme,notCatcher—eventhoughhe
wasintheofficeandclearlyreachable.Thatmeantsheneededtoventtome,sothatwaswhatwe’ddo.
“Onmyway,”Imuttered,andstartedthecar.
WhileIdrove,Imadeplansforthesecondpartofmyinvestigation.Andthatpartwasalittlebittrickier,
mostlybecauseIdidn’tthinkmysourcelikedme.Thefirsttimewe’dmet,Jonahhadbeenbrusque.The
secondtimeIdiscoveredhimonthedarkstreetsofWrigleyville,havingfollowedmearoundsohecould
getalookatme.Testmymettle,asitwere.
TheRedGuardhadbeenorganizedtwocenturiesagotoprotectMastervampires,butnowoperatedto
keepawatchfuleyeontheMastersthemselves.WhenNoahBeck,theleaderofChicago’sRogues,made
themembershipoffer,he’dinformedmethatJonah,captainoftheguardsofChicago’sGreyHouse,would
bemypartnerifIsignedup.Iwasflatteredbytheoffer,butjoiningagroupwhosepurposewastokeep
aneyeonMasterswouldhaveprovokedWorldWarIIIinCadoganHouse.Ethan,ifhe’dlearnedofit,
wouldhaveseenthemoveasaslapinhisface.
Iconsideredmyselftobeaprettylow-dragvampire;purposefullyaddingtomystockpileofdrama
wasn’treallymycupoftea.
Jonah,havingbeensingularlyunimpressedwithme,probablywasn’tbummedthatI’dsaidno.Iwasn’t
expectingthistelephonecallwasgoingtogoanybetter,buttheRGhaddetailsontheraves—including
theravethey’dcleanedup.AndsincemyvisittotheOmbud’sofficehadn’texactlybeenproductiveonan
intelgatheringbasis(albeitveryproductiveonariver-troll-diplomacybasis),JonahwasasourceI
neededtotap.
He’dcalledmeoncebefore,sowhenIwasonthemovenorthtowardSchaumburg,Idialedhisnumber.
Heansweredafteracoupleofrings.
“Jonah.”
“Hi.It’sMerit.”
Therewasanawkwardpause.“Housebusiness?”
IassumedhewasaskingifIwascallingonbehalfofCadoganHouse—orourRGconnection.“Not
exactly.Doyouhaveaminutetotalk?”
Anotherpause.“Givemefiveminutes.I’llcallyouback.”
Thelinewentdead,soImadesuremyringerwasturnedonandputthephoneinthecupholderwhileI
mademywaytowardI-90.
Jonahwaspunctual;thedashboardclockhadmovedaheadexactlyfiveminuteswhenhecalledback.
“Ihadtogetoutside,”heexplained.“I’monthestreetnow.Figuredthatwouldavoidthedrama.”Scott
Grey’svampireslivedinaconvertedwarehouseintheAndersonvilleneighborhood,notfarfromWrigley
Field.Theluckyducks.
“What’sup?”heasked.
Idecidedtoofferupthetruth.“MayorTatecalledusintohisofficeyesterday.Toldushehadan
eyewitnessaccountthatabandofvampireshadkilledthreehumans.”
“Damn.”Hiscursewaslowandalittletired-sounding.“Anythingelse?”
“Tatesuggestedtheviolencewaspartoftheraveculture.Butbasedonourintel,thissoundsdifferent.
Bigger.Meaner.Ifthewitness,aMr.Jackson,wastellingthetruth,thishasthemarkingsofsomekindof
attack.Thatithappenedataravemightbetheminorissue.Inanyevent,it’stimetodosomethingabout
them,andinordertodothat,Ineedinformation.”
“Soyoucalledme?”
Irolledmyeyes.Thequestionsuggestedhewasdoingmeafavor—andthathe’daskforoneinreturn.
Howveryvampire.
“You’remybesthopeforanswers,”Imatter-of-factlysaid.
“Unfortunately,Idon’thavealottotellyou.Iknowaboutthelastrave—theonetheRGcleanedup—
butonlybecauseNoahfilledmein.Iwasn’tthere.”
“DoyouthinkNoahmighthaveanymoreinformation?”
“Maybe.Butwhynotjustcallhimdirectly?”
“Becauseyouwereoffereduptomeasapartner.”
Jonahpaused.“IsthiscallanindicationofinterestintheRG?”
It’salast-ditchefforttogleaninformation,Ithought,butofferedinstead,“Ithinkthisisbigenough
thatittranscendsHousesorRGmembership.”
“Fairenough.I’llasksomequestionsandgetbacktoyouifIlearnanything.Iassumeyouwon’ttell
anyonewe’vetalked.”
“Yoursecretissafewithme.Andthanks.”
“Don’tthankmeuntilIdigsomethingup.I’llbeintouch.”
Thelinewentdead,soItuckedthephoneaway.Thereweremoredramaandcomplicationswitheach
daythatpassed.
Rarelydidanightpasswithoutmorevampiredrama.
Sometimeshangingoutinpajamaswithagoodbooksoundedlikeaphenomenalidea.
ThephonerangagainalmostimmediatelyafterI’dhungup.Iglancedatthescreen;itwasmyfather.
Ibrieflyconsideredsendinghimdirectlytovoicemail,butI’dbeendoingthatalotlately—enoughthat
mylackofcommunicationhitmygrandfather’sradar.Ididn’twantmyproblemsonhisplate,soIsucked
itup,flippedopenthephone,andraisedittomyear.
“Hello?”
“I’dliketospeakwithyou,”myfathersaid,apparentlybywayofgreeting.
Thatwasinevitablytrue.I’msuremyfatherhadanumberoftopicsinthequeueforme.Thetrickwas
figuringoutwhichparticulartopicwasonhismindtoday.
“About?”Iasked.
“Somethingsonthehorizon.I’vebecomeawareofsomeinvestmentsinwhichIthinkEthanmightbe
interested.”
Ah,thatexplainedthegoodhumoratCreeleyCreek.Iftherewasanythingthatmademyfatherhappy,it
wasthepossibilityofacapitalgainandafatcommission.Still,Ididappreciatethathewasinterestedin
workingwithEthan—insteadoftryingtoburyusall.
“We’reinthemiddleofsomethingrightnow.ButI’lldefinitelyadviseEthanofyouroffer.”
“Hecancallmeintheoffice,”myfathersaid.HemeanthisskyscraperonMichiganAvenueacross
fromMillenniumPark.Onlythebestrealestateforthecity’sbestrealestatemogul.
Withthatbitofinstruction,thelinewentdead.
Ifonlywecouldhavepickedourfamily...
CHAPTERSIX
SEASONOFTHEWITCH
Ipulledintotherestaurant’salmostemptyparkinglot.Therestaurant’swindowsglowed,onlyahandful
ofmenandwomenvisiblethroughtheglass.
IparkedtheVolvoandheadedinside,glancingarounduntilIfoundMallory.Shesatatatableinfront
ofalaptopcomputerandafoot-highstackofbooks,herstraight,icebluehairtuckedbehindherears.She
frownedatthescreen,ahalf-fulltumbleroforangejuiceatherside.
SheglancedupwhenIcamein,andInoticedthedarkcirclesbeneathhereyes.
“Hi,”shesaid,reliefinherface.
Islidintothebooth.“Youlooktired.”NoneedtoequivocatewhenyourBFFwasinpain,Ifigured.
“Iamtired.”Sheclosedthelaptopandsliditoutoftheway,thenlinkedherhandsonthetable.
“Practicumisn’tallit’scrackeduptobe.”
Icrossedmylegsonthebench.“Hardwork?”
“Physicallyandemotionallyexhausting.”Shefrownedoveratthepileofbooks.“Thisislikesorcery
bootcamp—learningstuffIshouldhavestudiedtenyearsago,crammingallthatintoafewmonthperiod.”
“Isitusefulstuff?”
“Yeah.Imean,I’vegoneoveritwithmytutorsomuchit’skindofsecondnaturenow.”
BeforeIhadtimetoblink,theplasticsaltandpeppershakerswereslidingacrossthetableinfrontof
me.
IglancedupandfoundMallorycompletelystill,herexpressionbland.I’dseenMallorymovethings
before—furniture,thelasttime—butIhadn’tseenhersolackadaisicalaboutit.
“That’s...impressive.”
Sheshrugged,buttherewassomethingdarkinhereyes.“Icandoitalmostwithoutthinkingaboutit.”
“Andhowdoyoufeelaboutthat?”
Thatwaswhenthetearsbegantowell.Shelookedupandaway,asifthegesturealonewouldkeepthe
tearsfromfalling.Buttheyslippeddownhercheeksanyway.Andwhenshebrushedawaythetears,I
realizedherfingerswereredandraw.
“Talktome,”Itoldher,thenglancedaround.Ourcorneroftherestaurantwasempty;theonlywaitress
insightsatatatableontheothersideoftheroom,rollingsilverwareintopapernapkins.“It’spractically
justmeandyouinhere.”
Thatunleashedanewfloodoftears.Myheartclenchedatthethoughtthatshe’ddoneorseenthingsin
thelastcoupleofweeksthathadbroughthertotears—andthatIprobablycouldn’thavestoppedit.
Igotupandmovedtohersideofthetable,waitinguntilshesliddownbeforeItookaseatbesideher.
“Tellme,”Isaid.
“Idon’tknowwhoIamanymore.”
Icouldn’thelpit;Ismiled.IftherewaseveraproblemIcouldunderstandasanewbievampire,that
wasit.Ibumpedmyforeheadagainsthershoulder.
“Keepgoing.”
Thefloodgatesopened.“Iwasthisgirl,right?Doingmything.Havingbluehair,workingmyad-exec
mojo.Andthenyou’reavampire,andEthanSullivanistouchingmyhairandtellingmeIhavemagic.And
thenthere’sCatcherandI’mawitchandI’mlearningKeysandhowtothrowflamingballsofcrapat
targetssoI’mreadywhenthevampireshitinevitablyhitsthefan.”
Shesuckedinair,thenstartedagain.“Iwassupposedtobeapartneratthirty,Merit.Haveacondoon
thelake.HaveaBirkinbagandgenerallybesatisfiedwithmyveryfancylot.AndnowI’mdoing”—she
lookedaround—“magic.Andnotjustmagic.”
Anothertearsliddownhercheek.
“Whatdoyoumean,notjustmagic?”
Hervoicedroppedanoctave.“YouknowaboutthefourKeys,right?”
“Sure.Power,beings,weapons,text.”
“Right.Thosearethefourmajordivisionsofmagic.Well,turnsoutit’snotthatsimple—thosearen’t
theonlymajordivisions.”
Ifrownedather.“Sowhataretheothers?”
Sheleanedintowardme.“They’reblackmagic,Merit.Thebadstuff.There’sanentiresystemofdark
magicthatoverlaysthefourgoodKeys.”Shegrabbedanapkinanduncappedapen.“You’veseen
Catcher’stattoo,right?”
Inodded.Itwasacrosshisabdomen,acircledividedintoquadrants.
ShesketchedouttheimageI’dseen,thenpointedatthefourpielikesegments.“Soeachquadrantisa
Key,right?Adivisionofmagic.”Shepulledanothernapkinfromtheholderandunfoldedit,thendrew
anotherdividedcircle.Whenshewasdone,sheplacedthesecondnapkinontopofthefirstone.
“It’sthesamefourdivisions—butallblackmagic.”
Thistime,myvoicewassofter.“Givemesomethingtogoon,here.Whatkindofblackmagicarewe
talking?Elphaba,WickedWitchoftheWest–typestufforSlytherin-typestuff?”
Sheshookherhead.“Ican’ttellyou.”
“Youcantellmeanything.”
Shelookedoveratme,frustrationclearinherface.“Notwon’ttellyou,can’ttellyou.There’sOrder
jujuatwork.Iknowthings,butIcan’tgetthemout.Icansummonupthephrasesinmyhead,butcan’t
actuallygivevoicetothewords.”
Ididnotlikethesoundofthat—thefactthatthealready-secretiveOrderwasusingmagictokeep
Malloryfromtalkingaboutthethingsthatworriedher.Darkthings.
Regrettablethings?
“IsthereanythingIcando?”
Sheshookherhead,eyesonherhandsonthetable.
“Isthatwhyyourhandsaresochapped?”
Shenodded.“I’mtired,Merit.I’mtraining,andI’mlearningwhatIcan,butthis—Idon’tknow—it
usesyoudifferently.”Sheclenchedherhandsintofistsandthenreleasedthemagain.“It’sawhole
differentkindofexhausting.Notjustbody.Notjustmind.Soul,too,kindof.”Hereyebrowsknottedwith
worry.
“HaveyoutalkedtoCatcheraboutanyofthis?”
Sheshookherhead.“He’snotintheOrder.Ican’ttellhimanythingIcan’ttellyou.”
IsuddenlyhadanunderstandingofwhyCatcherwasn’tsuchabigfanoftheOrder—andwhyit
matteredwhetherhewasstillamemberornot.
“HowcanIhelp?”
Sheswallowed.“Couldwejustsithereforalittlewhile?”Shesighedhaggardly.“I’mjusttired.AndI
haveexamscomingup,andthere’ssomuchpreptodo—somanyexpectationsonmerightnow.Ijust
don’twanttogohome.Notbacktomylife.Ijustwanttositinthiscrappycorporaterestaurantfor
anothercoupleofhours.”
Iputmyarmaroundhershoulders.“Aslongasyouwant.”
Wesatintheboothforanhour,barelytalking,Mallorysippingorangejuicefromhercupandstaringout
thewindowattherarecarthatpassedtherestaurant.
Whenhertumblerwasempty,Ibumpedhershoulderagain.“Helovesyou,youknow.Evenifitfeels
likesomethingyoucan’ttaketohim,youcan.Imean,Igetthatyoucan’tgivehimthedetails,butyoucan
tellhimthisisworryingyou.”
“Youknowthatforsure?”
Icaughtthetinythreadofhopeinhervoiceandtugged.“Iknowthatforsure.It’sCatcher,Mallory.
Crazystubborn?Sure.Gruff?Absolutely.Butalsototallyinlovewithyou.”
Shesniffed.“Keepgoing.”
“RememberwhatyoutoldmeaboutEthan?ThatIdeservedsomeonewhowantedmefromthe
beginning?Well,CatcherBellisyoursomebody.Hewouldsnapanyonewhocameatyouinhalf,and
that’sbeenobvioussincethesecondhemetyou.There’snotadoubtinmymindthathe’sallin,and
there’snothingyoucan’ttellhim.Well,”Iaddedwithasmile,“unlessyoubecomeavamp.Thatwould
probablybeadealbreaker.”
Malmadeahalflaugh,halfcryandwipedherfaceagain.
“Iassumeyou’renotmakingsecretplanstobecomeavampire?”
“Notrightatthismoment.”
“Good.Ithinkonevampinthefamilyisplentyenough.”
“Concuronthatone.It’sjust...”Shepaused,thenstartedagain.“Thereareveryfewdecisionsinmy
lifethatIregret.NotgrabbingthatvintageChanelwesawatthatconsignmentstoreonDivision.Not
watchingBuffyuntilthethirdseason.Minorstuff,butyouknowwhatImean.”Sheshookherhead.“But
this.BeingID’dasasorcerer,agreeingtogoalongwiththisstuff,takingpartinthings—Idon’tknow.
MaybeIshouldhavejustignoredthewholething.Keptonwiththeadgigandignoredthevampiresand
thesorceryandEthantouchingmyhair.Imean,whodoesthat?Whotouchessomeone’shairand
pronouncestheyhavemagic?”
“DarthSullivan.”
“DarthgoddamnedSullivan.”Shechuckledalittle,thenputherheadonmyshoulder.“Didyouever
wishyoucouldjustwalkaway?Rewindyourlifebacktothedaybeforeyoubecamesupernaturally
inclinedandcatchanAmtrakoutoftown?”
Ismiledalittle,thinkingofwhatEthanhadsaid.“Thethoughthasoccurredtome.”
“Allright,”shesaid,puttingherpalmsflatonthetableandblowingoutabreath.“It’stimeforapep
talk.Ready,set,go.”
Thatwasmycuetocalladultswimatthepitypoolandkickherout—andthenofferupalittle
motivationalmagicofmyown.
“MalloryCarmichael,you’reasorceress.Youmaynotlikeit,butit’safact.Youhaveagift,andyou
arenotgoingtositaroundaGoodwin’sdrinkingfifty-nine-centcoffeebecauseyou’vegotconcernsabout
yourassignments.You’reasorceress—butyou’renotarobot.Ifyouhaveconcernsaboutyourjob,talkto
someoneaboutit.Ifyouthinksomethingyou’redoingflunksthesmelltest,thenstopdoingit.Breakthe
chainofcommandifthat’swhatittakes.Youhaveaconscience,andyouknowhowtouseit.”
Wesatquietlythereforamoment,untilherdecisivenod.
“That’swhatIneeded.”
“That’swhyyouloveme.”
“Well,thatandwewearthesameshoesize.”Sheswiveledinherseatandpulledupaknee.Herfoot,
nowproppedontheseat,wassnuginsideapairoflimegreen,limited-editionPumas...oneofthepair
I’dleftatMal’shousewhenI’dmovedintoCadogan.
“Arethose—”
“Whattheyareissocomfy.”
“MalloryDelanceyCarmichael.”
“Hey,StreetFestisthisweekend,”shesuddenlysaid.“Maybewecouldheaddownandnoshsome
meatonastick.”
StreetFestwasChicago’sannualend-of-summerfoodbash.Restaurantsandcaterersputuptheirwhite
vinyltentsinGrantParktohawktheirwaresandcelebratetheendofAugust’sroastingheatandsteamy
humidity.Normally,Iwasaprettybigfan.SamplingChicago’sfinestgrubwhilelisteningtolivemusic
wasn’texactlyabadwaytospendanevening.
Ontheotherhand,“Areyoutryingtodistractmewithroastbeast?”
Shebattedhereyelashes.
“Seriously,Mallory.Thoseshoesarelimitededition.DoyourememberhowlongItriedtofindthem?
WestakedouttheWebfor,like,threeweeks.”
“Epistemologicalcrisishere,Mer.Seriously.Onecannottreadlightlyincheapknockoffsneakswhen
oneisenmeshedinacrisis.”
Isighed,knowingI’dbeenbeaten.
Asitturnedout,shedidn’thavetwohoursinher.Sheneededonlytwentymoreminutesbeforeshewas
readytoreturntoherlife—toKeysandmagicandCatcher.Shedecidedtomakeanearlynightof
practicum,andinsteadputinacalltoCatcherthatwassicklysweetenoughthatmybloodsugarrose.
Buthoweversickening,shewassmilingbytheendofthecall,soIhadtogivepropstoCatcher.We
exchangedhugsintheparkinglot,andIsentherhometoWickerParkandthewaitingarmsofagreen-
eyedsorcerer.
Whateverworked.
Ironic,Iguess,thatIwasheadingbacktotheHouseofagreen-eyedvampire,althoughdefinitelynot—
tohischagrin—hiswaitingarms.Iwasnearlybackinthatvampire’sterritorywhenmyphonerangagain.
“Merit,”Ianswered.
“Something’sgoingontonight,”Jonahsaid.
“Arave?”
“Mightstartoutthatway.Butifthesethingsreallyareasviolentasyou’rehearing...”
Hedidn’tneedtofinishthesentence,unfortunately.Theimplicationwasobvious—andbad.
“Howdidyoufindout?”
“Textmessage.Aflashmob,justliketheothers.”
“Andthistimewegotinearlyenough?”Iwonderedaloud.
“Thistimewegotluckyandfoundthephone,”Jonahsaid.“SomeoneleftitatBenson’s.”
“Benson’s,asinacross-the-street-from-Wrigley-FieldBenson’s?”
“Yeah.That’stheGreyHousebar.”
Oneofthemanybarsaroundthestadiumthathadinstalledbleachersonitsroof,Benson’swas,inmy
opinion,thebestspotintowntogetaviewofWrigleyFieldwithoutaticket.
“Kudosonthatone,”Isaid.“I’vespentmanyafineeveninginBenson’s.”
“Andsoyouwereinthecompanyofvampiresbeforeyouwereevenawareofthem,”hesaid.“How
ironic.”
Icouldn’thelpbutchuckle.Hemightbepretentious,butJonahapparentlyhadasenseofhumor,as
well.
“Anyway,Ihadthephoneinmyoffice,andwedidn’tthinkmuchofituntilwegotthetext.Same
format,samemessageastheothers.”
“Isthephoneuseful?Canwetracethenumberorsomething?”
“Thephonewasadisposable,andithadn’tbeeninuselong.Theoutgoingcallswerealltobusinesses
thatdon’tkeeptrackofcustomercalls.Theonlyincomingwasthetext.Wecalledthatnumberback,and
it’salreadybeendisconnected.Wehaven’tbeenabletofindanyotherinformation.”
Ah,buttheydidn’thaveaJeffChristopher.“Canyougivemethenumber?I’vegotafriendwithsome
computerskills.Wouldn’thurttohavehimlookatit.”
Jonahreadmethedigits;Igrabbedanenvelopeandapenfromthegloveboxandwroteitdown,
makingamentalnotetosendittoJefflater.
“Sowhere’stherave?”
“ApenthouseinStreeterville.”
StreetervillewasthepartofdowntownChicagothatstretchedfromMichiganAvenuetothelake.Lots
ofskyscrapers,lotsofmoney,andlotsoftourists.
“IamnotcrazyabouttheideaofravingvampiresinStreeterville.”
“Althoughthatwouldmakeagoodhorror-flicktitle.‘VampiresinStreeterville,’Imean.”
Asecondjokeinamatterofminutes.“I’mgladtoknowyouhaveasenseofhumor.”
“I’mavampire,notazombie.”
“Goodtoknow.”
“Ifyou’rein,meetmeatthewatertower.Twoo’clock.”
Icheckedthedashboardclock—itwasbarelypastmidnight,whichgavemejustenoughtimetoget
backtotheHouse,changeclothes,andheadoutagain.“I’llbethere,”Iassuredhim.“Weapon-wise,what
shouldIbring?Swordorhiddendagger?”
“I’msurprisedatyou,Sentinel.Vampiresgenerallydon’tusehiddenblades.”
Hewasright.Hiddenbladeswereconsideredadishonorablewaytofight.Iheardthequestioninhis
voice:Areyouanhonorablesoldier?
Admittedly,carryingahiddenbladedidn’tpassthesmelltestI’djusttoldMallorytouse,butwhat
couldIdo?
“Thehidden-bladetaboowasmadebeforeCelinagotawildhairanddecidedtooutustotheworld.I
canfightwithoutsteelifnecessary,butI’dprefertohavebackup.”IthinkI’dproventhatpointprettywell
lastnight.Andtothink—onlyafewmonthsago,I’dbeenagraduatestudentinEnglishlit.Gofigure.
“Wellput.”
Athoughtoccurredtome.“Ican’ttellEthanI’mvisitingaravealone,andIcertainlycan’ttellhimI’m
goingwithyouifyouwanttokeepyourRGmembershipasecret.”
“MaybeyoushouldsubstituteNoahintheversionyoutellEthan.”
SinceNoahwasthedefactoleaderofChicago’sRoguevampires,thatmadesense.Ofcourse,I’dstill
havetolietoEthan.Iwasn’tcrazyaboutthatidea,butitwasn’tfairtorelyonJonahandhisintelandthen
outhisRGmembership.
“Probablyagoodidea,”Iconcluded.
“I’llgiveNoahacallandfillhimin,”Jonahsaid.“I’llseeyoutonight.Callmeifyouneedanything.”
Isaidmytemporarygoodbyes,sincerelyhopingIcouldmakeitthroughthenextfewhoursbefore
meetingJonahwithouthavingtocallhimforhelp.
Ofcourse,evenifIwasn’tcallingavampireforhelp,Istillhadtoaskavampireforpermission.
ThefoodtruckwasgonewhenIreturnedtotheHouse,andthehumanslookedtiredagain.Ethan
probablyhadn’tcountedonthetruck’ssecondbenefit—thepost-hot-beeffoodcoma.
Iwalkedpasttheprotesterswithafriendlysmileandwave,thentrottedintotheHouseandheadedfor
Ethan’sfirst-flooroffice.Ifoundthedooropen,theofficeabuzzwithactivity.
Helen,theHouseliaisonfornewbievamps,stoodinthemiddleoftheroom,pinkbinderinhand,
directingtheflowofsleeknewfurnitureintoEthan’soffice.Theroomhadbeenmostlyemptiedafterthe
attack,thebulkofhisfurniturereducedtomatchsticks.Butthatwasbeingremediedbythemenand
women—presumablyvampires,givenTate’shuman-free-Housepolicy—whowerecarryinginpiecesof
agiganticnewconferencetable.
AnothervampireIdidn’trecognizeflittedaround,offeringsuggestionstothemoversaboutfurniture
placement.SincesheworeanubbypinksuitthatexactlymatchedHelen’s,IassumedshewasHelen’s
assistant.
Ethansatbehindanewdesk,hischairpushedback,oneanklecrossedoveroneknee,hisgazeon
Helen.Hewatchedthetwoofthemworkwithamixofamusementandirritationinhisexpression.
Iwalkedoverandnoticedthespreadofglossypaperonhisdesk—home-decorcatalogs,catering
menus,lightingplans.“What’sgoingon?”
“We’repreparing.”
Handsbehindmyback,Iglanceddownatoneofthecateringmenus.“Forseniorprom?Letmeguess
—‘ANightUndertheStars’isyourtheme.”
Ethanglancedupatme,alinebetweenhiseyes.“FortheimminentarrivalofDariusWest.”
Thatflooredme.DariusWestwastheheadoftheGreenwichPresidium.SincetheGPwas
headquarterednearLondon,Icouldn’timagineDarius’sarrivalinChicagoportendedanythinggood.
ThattookcareofconvincingEthannottojoinmeandJonahattheravetonight.Dariusgavemea
perfectexcusetokeepJonahinthecloset.
Butthatdidn’tmeanIwouldn’ttaketheopportunitytotweakEthan.“Yetanothersurprisevisitto
CadoganHouse?”
Hekepthisvoicelow.”Aswe’vediscussed,Lacey’svisitwasn’tasurprise,althoughitwassomewhat
accelerated.”Helookedupatme.“Andaswe’vealsodiscussed,you’retheonlyoneI’minterestedin.”
Iwasn’tupforthisconversationinanemptyroom,muchlessaroomfullofvampires,soIchangedthe
subject.“Whenwillouresteemedleaderbehere?”
“Evidentlyintwohours.”
Iblinked,shockedEthanwouldn’tgetalittlemoreadvancenoticeforthearrivalofamanwehadto
callSire.“Andyou’rejustdiscoveringthisnow?”
Ethanwethislips,irritationcrossinghisface.“Dariusapparentlybelieveditwouldbebestifhe
visitedtheHouseaunaturel,sotospeak.NowarningmeantnotimetofakeconditionsintheHouse,or
somesuchconcern.Hewantstoseeusinourtypicalhomeenvironment.”
“Beingtheknuckledraggersweusuallyare?”
Hesmiledthinly.“Asyousay.He’sonaplane—hasbeensincebeforesunset—andwillbehere
relativelyshortly.Helenispreparinganeveningmeal.Thereare...traditionsthatmustbefollowed.”
“Virginsacrifice?”
“Thefinestcorn-fed,midwesternbeef.IncopiousamountsforDariusandhisentourage.”
Thatwordtightenedmystomach.“Whenyousayentourage—”
“I’mnotincludingCelina.Hewon’tbebringinganyotherGPmembers,justhisusualtravelingstaff.
He’salreadygotanadvancemaninChicago.They’llbestayingattheTrump.”
“I’msurprisedhe’snotstayinghereifhewantstokeepaneyeonthings.”
Ethanscoffed.“Thelargestroomwehaveavailableistheconsortsuite,andDarius’stasterunsto
somethinglarger—andmorerefined.”
Ihadn’tdevelopedmuchrespectfortheGPintherelativelyfewmonthsI’dbeenavampire;thisinfo
wasn’tdoingmuchformyimpressionofDariusWest,either.
Nowthathe’dexplainedthefurnitureshenanigans,itwastimetogiveEthanaseconddoseoffunnews.
IgesturedtowardHelenandherhelpers.“CanIspeaktoyouprivately?”
“Todiscuss?”
“Housebusiness.”
Heglancedup,meetingmygazeforamomentwhilegaugingmyrequest.“Helen,”hesaid,hiseyesstill
onme,“couldyougiveusamoment?”
“Ofcourse.”Withasmile,sheclosedherbinder.Withatwirlofherhand,sheroundedupherassistant
andthemovers.
“Youhavethefloor,”hesaidwhentheofficedoorclosedbehindthem.
“Firstmatterofbusiness,myfatherwantstoinvolveyouinsomekindofinvestment.Feelfreetocall
himbackornot;IonlypromisedthatI’dtellyouaboutit.”
Ethanrolledhiseyes.“ThatexplainshischippernessatCreeleyCreek.”
“Mythoughtsexactly.AsfortheotherCreeleyCreekbusiness,IvisitedtheOmbud’soffice.They
haven’theardanychatteraboutviolentepisodes.”IsteeledmywillandofferedupthelieI’dprepared.
“Sincewe’vesuspectedtheravesareoperatedbyRogues,IcalledNoah.”
Ethanpaused,probablydebatingwhetheritwasworththetroubletoscoldmeformakingacalltothe
leaderoftheRoguevampireswithouthispermission.Butafteramoment,herelented.“Goodthinking.”
Itwasalie,iswhatitwas.Andthatdidnotsitwellinmystomachorheart.Butithadtobedone.
“Hecalledafewminutesago,”Iadded.“Hewasflashmobbedatimeandplaceforsomesortofevent
tonight.”
“Arave?”
Ishrugged.“Hedoesn’tknow.Heonlygottimeandplace.Ahigh-rentplaceinStreeterville.Two
a.m.”
Ethanpushedbackhisshirtsleeveandglanceddownathiswatch.“That’snotmuchtime.Andwith
Dariuscomingin,Ican’tgo,andIcan’tspareanyguards.”
“Iknow.Noahvolunteeredtogowithme.”
Ethanwatchedmeforaminute.We’dusually,bycircumstance,endeduponourvariousadventures
together.Thiswouldbeafirstforme—anescapadewithanothervampire.
“I’mnotcrazyaboutthisidea,”hesaid.
“IfTate’sinformationiscorrect,we’relookingatsomethingbiggerandnastierthanraves—maybe
somethingtheravesareevolvinginto.Wehavetofigureoutwhatitis.Ifwedon’t,you’llbewearingan
orangejumpsuit.”
“Iknow.”Hepickedupablackpencilandtappeditabsentlyonthedeskbeforegazingupatmewith
translucentlygreeneyes.“You’llbecareful?”
“Ihavenointerestinendinguponthewrongendofanaspenstake,”Ipromised.“Andbesides,Itook
twooathstoserveyourHouse.Itwouldn’texactlybekosherofmetoskipoutjustbecauseIwasafraid.”
Hisexpressionsoftenedsympathetically.“Areyou?”
“Iprefertoavoidviolence.”
“Iknowthefeeling.”
Atthesuddenknockonthedoor,webothlookedup.Twovamps,unescortedbyHelen,stoodinthe
doorway,sharingtheweightofamassivemarblepedestal.
IglancedatEthan,eyebrowlifted.
“ItbelongedtoPeterCadogan,”hedrylyexplained.“We’vehaditinstorage,butHelenthoughtit
wouldaddvervetotheroom.”
“Farbeitfrommetodisagree.”
“Wecanmovethisin?”oneofthevampsasked.
Ethanwavedthemin.“Ofcourse.Thankyou.”Astheyscurriedacrossthefloor,marbleinhand,he
glancedbackatme.“Goodlucktonight.Reportwhenyou’reback.”
Withthat,helookeddownathispapers,excusingmefromhisoffice.
Ittookmeamomenttoturnaroundandheadforthedooragain.ItwasnotthatI’dexpectedateary
goodbye,butwehadbecomedefactopartners.Icouldunderstandhisreticencetotalkaboutravesin
frontofothervamps,butafewwordsofwisdomwouldn’thavebeenamiss.Imighthavebeenasoldier,
butIwasstillanewbieone...andevenvampiresoldierswereoccasionallyfrightened.
AsmuchasIlovedcasual,andassteamyasAugusthadbeensofar,Iknewjeansandacottontanktop
weren’tgoingtocutittonight.Wewereheadingtoarave.Atbest,itwasgoingtobeapartyforvamps,
andIneededtolookthepart;atworst,itwasgoingtobeabattleofvamps,andIwasgoingtoneedthe
protection.
No,tonightwasanightforleather.Well,leatherpants,atleast,sinceitwasmuchtoohotforthefull
ensemble.
Iknow,stereotypicalvampire.IhadthatthoughteverytimeIpulledtheleatheroutofmycloset.But
youaskanyHarleyriderwho’sexperiencedroadrash,andhe’llexplainwhyhewearsleather.Becauseit
works.Steelcanslice,andbulletscanpierce.Leathermakesthosethingsalittlehardertogetthrough.
Ipulledalongish,flowy,graytanktopfromtheclosetandpairedthatwiththeleatherpants,then
pulledmyhairintoahighponytail,leavingafringeofbangsacrossmyforehead.IskippedtheCadogan
medal—Iwasattemptingtoflyundercover,afterall—butIpulledalongnecklacemadeofstrandsof
pewter-coloredbeadsoverthetank.Withmyblackboots,theensemblelookedhalf-runway,half–party
girl.Itdidn’tscreamvampiresoldier,whichIfiguredcouldonlyhelp.Elementofsurprise,andallthat.
Islidmydagger,inscribedononeendwithmyposition,intomyrightboot,thenstuckmyphoneand
beeperintoatinyclutchpurse.Iwouldn’ttakethepurseorthebeepertotheevent,butatleastIwouldn’t
havetocarryahandfulofgadgetstothecar.Enmasse,theyweren’texactlyergonomic.
I’djustaddedblushandlipglosswhentherewasaknockatthedoor.Luc,Iassumed,havingbeensent
upstairsbyEthanforalast-minutestrategysession.
“Abouttime,”Isaid,pullingthedooropen.
Greeneyesstaredbackatme.Ethanhadn’tsentLucupstairs;he’dcomeonhisown.Hescannedmy
outfit.“Datenight?”
“I’mtryingtofitinwiththerestofthepartygoers,”Iremindedhim.
“SoIsee.You’vegotweapons?”
“Adaggerinmyboot.Anythingelsewouldbetooobvious.”
Theemotionwasclearinhiseyes,butIneededtostayfocused.Ikeptmyvoiceneutral,mywords
careful.“I’llbesafe.AndNoahwillhavemyback.”
Ethannodded.“I’veupdatedLuc.Theguardsareallonstandby.Ifyoucall,theycomerunning,
immediately.Ifyouneedanything,youcalloneofthem.Ifanythinghappenstoyou—”
“I’mimmortal,”Iinterrupted,remindinghimofthebiologicalclockhe’dstoppedfromticking.“AndI
havenointerestintakinglibertieswithmyimmortality.”
Henodded,regretinhiseyes.Thatlookmadeitseemhewasseekingadiscussionbetweentwolovers,
notbetweenbossandemployee.Maybehedidhavefeelingsforme.Realones,unboundbyobligationor
position.ButevenifIwasinterestedinpursuingthatlead,nowwasnotthetime.Ihadatasktoperform.
ButbeforeIcouldremindhimofthatandsendhimonhisway,hecuppedmyfaceinhishands.
“Youwillbecareful.”Itwasanorderthatbrookednoargument.Thatwasconvenient,sincewords
failedme.
“Youwillbecareful,”herepeated,“andyouwillstayintouchwithme,Luc,orCatcher.Dariuswill
behere,soMalikandImaybeindisposed.Getincontactwithwhomeveryoucan.Takenounnecessary
risks.”
“IpromiseIwasn’tplanningonit.Notbecauseyouaskedmeto,”Ihastilyadded,“butbecauseIlike
beingalive.”
Heclearlywasn’tdissuaded,andstrokedmyjawlinewithhisthumb.“Youcanrun.Youcankeep
runningtotheendsoftheearth.ButIwon’tbefarbehindyou.”
“Ethan—”
“No.Iwillneverbefarbehindyou.”HetippedupmychinsothatIcoulddonothingelsebutlookback
intohiseyes.“Dothethingsyouneedtodo.Learntobeavampire,tobeawarrior,tobethesoldieryou
arecapableofbeing.ButconsiderthepossibilitythatImadeamistakeIregret—andthatI’llcontinueto
regretthatmistakeandtrytoconvinceyoutogivemeanotherchanceuntiltheearthstopsturning.”
Heleanedforwardandpressedhislipstomyforehead,myheartmeltingevenasmymorerationalside
harboredsuspicions.
“Noonesaidlovewaseasy,Sentinel.”
Andthenhewasgoneandthedoorwasclosedagain,leavingmestandingthere,dumbfounded,staring
atit.
WhatwasIsupposedtodowiththat?
CHAPTERSEVEN
MOREHUMANTHANHUMAN
TheChicagoWaterTowersatlikeawedding-caketopperinthemiddleofMagnificentMile.Ithad
survivedtheGreatFire,andnowitservedasasymbolofthecity—andabackgroundfortourist
photographs.
Jonahleanedagainstthestonerailingbesidethestepsintothebuildingintrimjeansandasilvery
button-up,hisgazeonthephoneinhishands.Hishairwasloosearoundafacethatmighthavebeen
carvedbyMichelangelohimself—ifMichelangelohadsculptedamanwhohadlookedlikeanIrishgod.
Perfectcheekbones,thinnose,squarejaw,andlongalmond-shapedblueeyesframedbylocksofhis
auburnhair.
Yes,Jonahwasplentyhandsome,evenwiththedourexpressionthatmarredhisfacewhenhelooked
up.Hetuckedthephoneintoapocketandmovedcloser.Iwatchedhimlookmeover,takingintheleather
anddebatingwhetherI’dbeahelporahindranceonthisparticularescapade.
“You’reearly,”hesaid.
Iremindedmyselftopickmybattles.“Ipreferearlytolate.Ithoughtwemightwanttotalkstrategy
beforewegoin.”
HegestureddownMichigantowardtheriver.“Let’swalkandtalk.”
AndsowestarteddownMichiganAvenue,twotallandwelldressedvampires,probablylookinglike
wewereonadateinsteadofplanningtoinfiltrateavampirebloodorgy.Andwelookednormalenough,
apparently,thatnoonemadeusoutasvamps.Ah,thebenefitsofnightfall.
“Howmanyvamps?”Iaskedhim.
“Idon’tknow.Ravesareprettyintimateaffairs,soifthisisone,notmany.”
“IfyoufoundthephonewiththeinviteatBenson’s,areyouthinkingitbelongedtoaGreyHouse
vamp?”
Jonahglowered.“I’mhoping,forthesakeoftheGreyHousevamps,thatitdidn’t.Butasyousaid,the
barhasanopen-doorpolicy,andwegenerallykeepitsHouseaffiliationasecret.Soitcouldhave
belongedtoanyone.”
Inodded.“HaveyoualwaysbeeninGreyHouse?”
“Ihavenot.IwasbornRogue.GrewupinaroughpartofKansasCity.Nottheeasiestplacetocomeof
age.Ialmostdidn’tmakeitout.AndthenalongcameMax.”
“He’stheonewhomadeyouavampire?”
“Hewas.Hehelpedmeescapeabadscene.Well,totheextentinheritingvampirepoliticsanddramais
anescape.”
“Icanrelate.”
“Ifigured.Nooffense,butSullivan’saspoliticalastheycome.”
Ilaughedaloud.“Truerwordshaveneverbeenspoken.He’sagoodMaster.Caresdeeplyabouthis
House.”Buttotheexclusionofallelse,Isilentlyadded.
“Andyoutwo—?”
Icutoffthequestion.MostoftheCadoganvampsknewEthanandIhadsharedanighttogether,soit
didn’tcomeasmuchofasurprisethatJonah,memberofanespionagegroup,did,too.ButwhileI
appreciatedthathewasgivingmetheopportunitytoclarify,itirkedmethatheassumedI’dbealiability,
emotionallyorotherwise.Startingoffwithacleanslatewouldhavebeennice.
“Wearenotanitem,”Iassuredhim.
“Justchecking.Iliketogetalineonanypossiblecomplicationsthatmightspillmyway.”
“Nonefromthisend,”Iassuredhim.MuchtoEthan’sdisappointment.
WeseparatedasaflockofteenagersboundeddownMichigan.Itwastwointhemorning,andthestores
werelongsinceclosed,butitwasalsoasummernightandschoolhadn’tyetstarted.Isupposewandering
MichiganAvenuewasarelativelysafeactivityifyouwereateenagerwithtoomuchtimeonyourhands.
“Anyway,MaxwasavampirewithMaster-worthypower,butnoHouse.TheGPconsideredhim
unstableandwouldn’tgivehimanofficialtitle.Theywererightabouttheinstability.Myguess?Maxwas
bipolarasahuman,andbecomingavampdidn’thelp.”
“Can’tbeagoodideatohavehimrunningaroundKansasCitywithoutoversight.”
“Andthatwasexactlytheproblem.TheGPdidn’tthinkhewassaneenoughforaHouse,butthatjust
meantanego-drivenpsychopathwasrunningaroundmakingonevampafteranother.Thecreationof
MurphyHousewasawayfortheGPtoreinintheRoguesandone-upMax.TheygaveRichtheHouse
andgrandfatheredusinundersomeancientCanonprovision.”
“How’dyouendupinChicago?”
“ItransferredtoGreywhenScottgothisMasterdom.EachnewHousegetstostealafewNovitiates
fromtheotherstohelpfillitout.They’reabletoinitiatenewvamps,aswell,obviously,butthetrade
givesthemastart.”
“Areyouworriedsomeoneatthepartymightrecognizeyou?Imean,you’vebeenaroundforawhile,
andifanyonethereisfromGreyHouse...”
“IfanyonethereisfromGreyHouse,they’llthinkI’mtheretofindthem,enforceHouserules,anddrag
thembacktorationality—rightbeforeIkicktheirasses.GreyHouseisnotNavarreHouse.Wemayenjoy
sports,butwerespectauthority.We’reateam—aunit.There’saclearchainofauthority,andwefollow
it.”
“AndScott’sthecoach?”
“Andthegeneral,”heagreed.
Whilethatmightbetheoreticallytrue,Ithought,Jonahwasstillamemberofanorganizationwhose
missionwastosecretlypolicetheMasters.Thatdidn’texactlyfittheScott-is-my-generalanalogy.
“Anyway,noworriesonmyend,”Jonahconcluded.
Wepassedalineoftouristsburdenedwithrestaurantleftoversandshoppingbags.Theylooked
exhausted,asifitwaswellpasttimeforthemtoreturntotheirhotel.
“I’veneverbeentoanactualravebefore,”Isaidafterwepassedthem.Ilookedoverathim.“Have
you?”
“Nearone,didn’tgoin.”
“I’mnervous,”Iconfessed.
“Ihavenoobjectiontonervesbeforeanop,”Jonahsaid.“Theykeepyousharp.Onyourtoes.Aslong
asyouwon’tfreezeup—andfromwhatI’veheardabouttheattackonCadogan,youaren’tgoingtofreeze
up.”
“I’vebeengoodsofar.”
“Sofarcounts.”Hecametoastopatthelightandpointedtotheleft.“We’llcrosshere,thenacouple
ofblocksup.”
Whenthelightchanged,wewalkedacrossthestreetandheadedeast,acoupleofblocksoffMichigan.
“Thisisit,”Jonahsaid.
Itwas...definitelysomething.Thebuildinglookedlikeagleamingblackspearthrustintothebanksof
theChicagoRiver—atleastuptothetopthreeorfourfloors.Theywerestillunderconstruction,their
skeletalstructureswrappedinhazyplastic.
Aplywoodsignannouncedthebuildingwasthefuturehomeofafinancecompany.
Withvampireslikethese,Ithought,whoneedsenemies?
“Today,”Jonahsaid,“we’replayinginvitedguests.Actlikeyoubelong.”Hepushedthroughthe
building’srevolvingdoor.AsIfollowed,Jonahsmiledatthemanbehindthesecuritydeskandsauntered
over,lookingexactlylikehebelongedinapenthousevampireparty.
“We’rehereforthe,er,mixer,”Jonahcasuallysaid.
“Securitycode?”theuniformasked.
Jonahsmiled.“Temptress.”
Forasecond,Ithoughthe’dgottenitwrong.TheuniformlookedatJonah,thenme,beforeapparently
decidingwewereinthebuildingforlegitimatereasons,andgesturingtowardtheelevator.“Topfloor.
Stayawayfromtheedges.It’sanastyfall.”
Jonahwalkedtowardtheelevator,thenpushedthebutton.Whenthecararrived,weslippedinside.
“Areyoureadyforthis?”heaskedwhenthedoorclosed.
“I’mnotentirelysure.”
“Youcandoit.Justremember,ifthisisarave,ourgoalisn’ttoclosethemdowntonight.Westepin,
andwefigureoutwhatMr.Jacksonmighthaveseen.Weidentifyperps,feuds,whateverwecan.Onestep
forwardisgoodenoughforourpurposes.”
“Thatsoundsreasonableenough.”
“TheRGisaveryreasonableorganization.”
“Notthatitmatterstonight,”Ipointedout.
“TheRGalwaysmatters.Ourwelfarealwaysmatters.”
Theintensityinhisvoicemademeask,“Isthisatest?AnRGvettingprocess?”
Theelevatorzippedustothetopfloor,andafemalevoiceannounced“Penthousesuite”asthedoors
shushedopen.
“Onlycoincidentally,”Jonahfinallyanswered,puttingahandatmywaist.“Let’sgo.”
Inodded,andwesteppedoutoftheelevator.
Tocallitapenthousewasvastlyoverstatingit.Oneday,itmightgetthere.Buttoday,itwasa
constructionsite.
Thespaceitselfwashumongous,agiant,mostlyemptyrectanglewithacentercoreofsteelbeamsthatI
assumedmarkedtheplaceswhereinnerwallswouldeventuallystand.Theroomitselfwasdarkish,litby
ahandfulofhangingworklightsandthelambentglowofthenight-litcitythroughtheplasticthatwrapped
theexteriorwalls.Thefloorwasconcreteandmarkedbyconstructiondebris,andboxesofmaterialssat
inpilesthroughouttheroom.
Altogether,theeffectwascreepy,liketheplaceinahorrormoviewheretwoloverssneakofftomake
out—justbeforethekillerburststhroughthewalls,knifeinhand.
Ididn’tseeanyhumans,butacoupledozenvampiresstoodinclustersthroughoutthespace,theirattire
rangingfromcouturetocasual,fromJimmyChootothrift-storeflannel.Withthismanyvampsinplay,it
seemedunlikelytheywereallRogueswithoutaHouseconnection.
“Doyouseeanyoneyourecognize?”IaskedJonah,scanningthecrowdforsomesignofHouse
affiliation—goldmedalsonchainsforNavarreandCadoganvamps,jerseysforGreyHousevamps.ButI
didn’trecognizeanyCadoganvamps,andIsawnothingthatgavemeanysenseofwheretheyotherwise
mighthavecomefrom.
“Noone,”heabsentlysaid.
ThismagicalmysterymixofvampiresswayedasthewhiningguitarofRobZombie’s“MoreHuman
ThanHuman”buzzedthroughtheair,whichwasthickwithmagic.Ahazeofit,potentstuff,that
immediatelyraisedgoosebumpsonmyarms.
“Magic,”Imurmured.
Hisfingerstightenedatmywaist.“Alotofmagic.Alotofglamour.Willyousuccumb?”
Icouldfeelthetendrilsofglamourmovingaroundme,checkingmeout,tryingtoseepinside.I’d
sensedtestingmagiconcebefore—thefirsttimeImetCelina,whensheworkedmeoverwithmagictoget
asenseofmypower.
ButevenwithCelina,Ihadn’tsensedthismuchofitinasingleplace.Icenteredmyselfandforced
myselftobreathethroughit,torelaxandletthemagicflowasitwould.Generallyresistanceonlymade
glamourhardertoresist,likeitwelcomedthechallengetoswayyoutoitsside.
ButIdidn’tthinkthisglamourwastryingtoconvincemeofanything.Ididn’tsenseanyvampirestrying
tomakemebelievetheyweresmarter,prettier,orstrongerthantheywere,ortoconvincemetogiveup
myinhibitions.Maybethiswasjustthecollectiveswellofmagicleakedfromaroomfulofvampires.Add
thattotheresoundingbassandzingyguitar,andyouhadarecipeforamigraine.
IrolledmyshouldersandimaginedthemagicrollingovermelikeawarmGulfCoastwave.Asit
flowedanddiscoveredIdidn’tofferagametobewon,thewaverolledpast.Theairstillprickledwith
magic,butIcouldmovethroughit,insteadofviceversa.
“I’llbefine,”IquietlytoldJonah,myarmsandlegstingling.
“Youdohaveresistance,”hesaid,gazingatmewithappreciationinhiseyes.
“Ican’tglamour,”Iconfessed.“ResistanceisthegiftIgot.Butthisfeeling,thisroom,isstillwrong.
Stilloff.”
“Iknow.”
ImademyselfthrowouttheconnectionI’dalreadymade.“Celinacanworkthiskindofmagic.Maybe
notthequantity,butitdoesfeellikeher.Thewayitlooksintoyou.”
“Goodthought.Let’shopewearen’trunningagainsther,aswell.”Hereleasedthegriponmywaist,
butentwinedhisfingersintomine.“Untilwefigureitout,stayclose.”
“I’mrightbesideyou,”Iassuredhim.
Henodded,thenguidedmethroughthecrowd.
Avampireortwoglancedoveraswewalked,butmostignoredus.Theytalkedamongthemselves—
theirwordsinaudible,buttheirgesturesmakingcleartheemotionintheireyes.Theywerereadyand
waitingforsomethingtobegin.Itwasanticipatorymagic.
Aswepassedonecluster,thevampclosesttoussnappedhisheadtothesidetogazeatus.Hisfangs
haddescendedandhisirisesweresilver,hispupilsshrunkentotinypinpoints,eveninthemoodylighting.
Hisupperlipcurled,butanothervampinhisknotpulledhimbackandintowhateverargumentthey’d
beenhaving.
“Ihavetoadmit,thisisn’texactlywhatIexpected.”
Ilookedaroundthespaceandnoticedtheplastichadbeenpeeledbackatoneendoftheroom,andthe
openingledtoabalcony.“Let’stryoutthere,”Isuggested.“Ifhumansarehere,they’regoingtowantto
takeintheview.”
Jonahnoddedhisagreementandwemaneuveredourwayoutside.Thebalconywasemptyoffurniture
—butfullofhumans.
“StillnotexactlywhatIexpected,”hemuttered.
Theyweresprinkledhereandthere,mostlywomen,probablyundertwenty-fiveorso.Likethe
vampires,thegirlsworeeverythingfrompartydressesandheelstogothensembleswithshortskirtsand
bigboots.Onegirl,ablondewhowasabittallerandcurvierthantherest,woreatiarawithwhite
streamersandapinksatinsashacrossherchest.Whenthecrowdcleared,IcouldseeBRIDEwritten
acrossitinglitteryletters.Thegirlbesideherheldherhand,bothofthemgrinninginanticipation.
Asnonchalantlyaswecould,wewalkedtotheedgeofthebalcony,wherearailinghadbeeninstalled.
Thelakewasspreadononesideofus,thecityontheother.Jonahslidanarmaroundmywaist,andwe
continuedtheguiseoftwoloversenjoyingaprebloodlettingchat.
“Awould-bebridelookingforafinalpremaritaladventure?”Isaidquietly.
“Quitepossibly.Theymaybefullyawareofwhatthey’regettinginto.Checkthewristbands.”
Igavethegirlsanotherlook.Aroundeachoftheirwristswasaredsiliconewristband.“Whatabout
them?”
“Thebandsmarkthemasvampiresympathizers.Theoneswhostillthinkwe’redarkanddelicious.”
Likehigh-cocoachocolate,Ithought.“Evenastherestofthecitybeginstoturnagainstus?”
“Apparently.Isupportthesupport,althoughaplasticbraceletdoesn’texactlyscream‘long-term
politicalallies.’”Heshrugged.“Butheretheyare,andasmuchasScottandMorganmaydeploreit,
drinkingfromhumansisn’tasin.”
“Bravewordsforanon-Cadoganvampire.”
Jonahhumphed.“Istandbymystatement.Inanyevent,wewaituntilweseesomethingamiss—and
thenwemovein.”
Ismiledupathim,thentuggedplayfullyonalockofhisauburnhair,playingthepartinwhichI’dbeen
cast.“Worksforme.”
Hegrinned,andthelookwaseffectiveenoughthatitmadeevenmyhardenedhearttripabit.“AndI
thoughtyou’dbestubbornanddifficulttoworkwith.”
Thistime,IgavehimapinchonthearmIhopelookedplayful—andnotspiteful.“Incaseyou’ve
forgotten,EthanSullivantrainedme.Andincaseyoudidn’tknow,CatcherBellschooledmeinsword
craft.Iwasraisedon‘difficulttoworkwith.’”
Hechuckled.“Thenyou’reforgiven.”
“Somagnanimous.”
Heputhishandonhisheartlikeamanconfessinglove.“That’sthenatureofRGservice.”
Igavehimaquickpatonthecheek.“Darling,I’lljusthavetotakeyourwordforit.”
Wewanderedaroundthebalconyforawhile,fingersintertwined,occasionallysharingstrategically
furtivewhispers.Ifthiswasarealrave,therewasalotlessdrum-and-bassandmanyfewerglow-in-the-
darknecklacesthanI’dhaveexpected.Butpillsandpowderswerestillpassedaround,andtherewas
enoughglamourintheairthatmyskincrawledwithit,myneckbeginningtoachefrommyconstantly
shakingoffthepeculiartickle.
Wekeptaneyeonthehumans,andfromourperchhundredsoffeetabovethecity,wewatchedtheplay
takeshape.Vampiresmovedinandaroundthesprinklingofhumans,plyingthemwithalcoholand
glamour.Thevampswereclearlyintouchwiththeirpredatoryinstincts—andtheyactedonthem.Once
glassesofchampagnewerepassedout,thehumanswereseparatedanddivided,thenescorted,oneby
one,backintothepenthouse.Theywereprobablyunawarethey’dbeensingledoutlikecalvesfroma
herd.
Ontheotherhand,wehadn’tseenanythingthatlookedremotelylikecrazedviolence.Thispartywas
definitelybiggerthanpriorraves,butitwasn’texactlythefree-for-allMr.Jacksonhaddescribed.
Whenatall,dark-hairedvamptookoneofthegothgirlsbythehandandledherbackthroughthe
plastic,Jonahnudgedme.“Let’sheadinside.I’lltakeher,makesurethingsstayaboveboard.Youkeepan
eyeontherestofthem.”
“Willdo,”Isaid,ignoringtheflutterinmystomachwhenhekissedmyhandandwalkedbackintothe
room.
Ifollowedhim,andI’lladmitit:myboytroublesaside,IcouldappreciateafinewalkonGreyHouse
vampire.
Unfortunately,I’dbeendoingjustthatwhenIfoundmyselfsurrounded.
CHAPTEREIGHT
THEARTOFWAR
Itstartedwithabump,anobviouslydrunkfemalevampstumblingbackward.Wewereinsidethewould-
bepenthouseagainwhensheranintome,pushingmeintotwoguysatmyback.
Sheglancedcattilyatme.“Sorry.”
“Noproblem,”Isaidwithatightsmile.ButwhenIturnedaroundtoapologizetotheguysI’druninto,
theywereevenlessthrilled.
Theywerebothvamps,bothaverage-looking,bothinbutton-downshirtsandjeans,oneslightlytaller
thantheother.Thetallervamphaddarkhair;theshorteronewasablond.Theyboxedmein,close
enoughthatIcouldsmelltheircheapcologneandthefainttangofbloodthatsurroundedthem.They’d
takenbloodrecently—butfromsomeoneintheroom?
Istartedwithpoliteness.“Sorry.Igotbumped.”
“Yeah,well,watchwherethefuckyou’regoing.”
Okay,bitofanoverreaction,butwewereatapartywithalotofpeople.Couldbethey’dbeenstepped
onbeforeandweresickofthecrowd.
Ismiledlightly.“Surething.”
Theblondguygrabbedmyelbow.“Thatdoesn’tsoundlikemuchofanapology,youknow.Itdoesn’t
soundlikeyouweretrulysorryforrunningintous.”
Wasthisguyserious?I’dbarelybumpedhim.
Ipulledmyarmaway.“Again,sorry.”Iglancedcasuallyaround,checkingbothforJonahandanysign
ofthegirls,butthecrowdseemedtohavethickened,andneitherwasinsight.Forthefirsttime,Iactually
wishedI’dbeenwithEthaninsteadofJonah.AtleastheandIcouldhavecommunicatedtelepathically.
“Idon’tappreciateyourattitude,”theblondguysaid.
“I’msorry?”Ioffered.“Iwasjusttryingtogetoutofyourway.”Whilebattingmyeyelashes,Ilooked
himover,hopingtofindsomeclueofHouseaffiliation.Buttherewasnomedal,nojersey.Outofluckon
thatfront.
“Youknowthepassword?”heasked.
“Um,temptress,”Isaid,boredominmyvoice.“I’mgoingtofindmydate.”Iturnedtostepawayfrom
theguysandtowardthepartoftheroomJonahhadheadedinto,butthevampiresanticipatedthemove.
Thedark-hairedonemovedinfronttoblockme,whiletheblondonetookuppointatmyback.
“That’snotallofit,”mumbledthedark-hairedguy.
Theotheronenarrowedhisgaze.HiseyeswereinthesameshapeasthefangedvampI’dseenearlier
—hispupilspinpricksofblackamidaseaofsilver.Theseguyswereseriouslyvampedouttonight.Was
thatasideeffectofallthemagicintheair?Didmyeyeslooklikethatrightnow?
“What’stheotherhalfofthepassword?”hedemanded.
Mystomachwentcold.EvenifJonah’stextmessagehadoffereduptherestofthepassword,Ihadno
cluewhatitwas.Ifiguredofferingthewrongwordwasonlygoingtopissthemoffmore.Itwastimeto
bluff,andsinceIwasdressedforthepart,Ioptedtoplaypartygirl.
Iwrappedastrandofbeadsaroundmyfingerandleanedforward.“Youguysdon’tseriouslyneedthe
otherhalfofthepasswordfromme,right?Myboyfriendwastheonewhotalkedtothesecuritydude.
Haveyouseenhimanywhere?Reddishhair.Reallytall?”
“Everyone’sresponsibleforthepassword,”thedark-hairedguysaid.“Ifyoudon’tknowit,youdon’t
belonghere.”Iwaiteduntilheturnedbacktometocheckhiseyes:sameastheothertwo.Completely
silveredout,butthepupilsconstrictedlikethevampswerestaringdownthesun.
“AndIdon’tknowyou,”confirmedtheblondone,hisexpressionturningcold.Thathedidn’tknowme
wasalittlemiraclegivenmypreviousfront-pageantics.“Idon’tlikevampiresIdon’tknow.”
Iwinked.“Maybeyoushouldgettoknowme.Ifmyboyfriendapproves,Imean.”
Thetwoofthemexchangedaglance,andthentheymadetheirfirstmistake.Theblondvampwrapped
anarmaroundmywaistandyankedmebackagainsthim.“Enoughwiththegames.You’recomingwith
me.”
Iraisedmyvoicetoagirliesqueal.“Oh,myGod,getyourhandsoffme!”
“Aw,fighting’sonlygonnagethimexcited,sunshine,”saidthetallone.
“Notinthislifetime,”Imuttered,thendugtheheelofmybootintotheblondguy’sfoot.Heyelledouta
stringofcursesbutreleasedme.That’swhatI’dbeenhopingfor.Itookastepaway,thenlookedoverat
thedark-hairedguywithdoeeyes.
“Hehurtme.”
“Yeah,well,it’sgonnagetworse.”Helurchedforward,armsoutstretchedtoreachforme,butIwasn’t
abouttogetintoafightwithsomesociallyobnoxious,magic-drunkvampatapartyIwascrashing.Iwas
not,however,tooproudtokeepmyshotsabovethebelt.Iputahandonhisshoulderandgavehimaknee
tothegrointhatdroppedhimtohisknees.
“Jackass,”Imuttered,beforeadoptingthesquealytoneagain.“Andyoukeepyourhandstoyourself!”I
poutilyyelled,beforesteppingoverhim—curledonthefloor,groaning—andhustlingintotheanonymity
ofthecrowd.IfiguredIhadagoodminuteortwobeforetheybarreledafterme,whichmeantIneededto
findJonahandweneededtojet.Icouldn’tyetsaywhetherTateorJacksonhadbeenrightaboutthe
violence,butsomeofthesevampsweredefinitelyonahairtrigger—andIwasintheirlineofsight.
Iglancedaroundtofindsomesignofmywould-bepartner,buthewasnowheretobeseen.Still
keepinganeyeonthegirl,probably,butthatwasn’tgoingtohelpme.Thecrowdhadthickened,which
wasgreatintermsofshelteringmefromthethugs,butnotforfindingtheneedleinthevampirehaystack.
Idecidedtomakeconcentriccirclesaroundthespace.Witheachturn,I’dmovealittleclosertothe
middle.IhadtohitJonaheventually,andhopefullyI’dalsoconfusetheguyswhothoughtIwasnothing
morethanafangedpartycrasher.
Imademywayovertotheplasticwall,whichwasdampwithhumidity,andbegantomoveforward
alongit,eyespeeledforanysignofJonah.Ihadtobobandweavethroughthecrowdtomakeprogress,
butstilldidn’tseehim.
WhatIdidseewerevampiresandhumansenjoyingoneanother’scompany.Randombitsoffurniture
hadbeenplacedhereandthere.Vampiresweredrapedalongthefurniture,andhumans,nowbroughtinto
thevampiremix,weredrapedacrossthevampires.Theyseemedmorethanhappytobethecenterof
fangedattention.
AndImeant“fanged”literally.Afewofthehumanshadalreadybeentapped—withavampireata
wristorattachedtosomeone’scarotid.Iworkedtoblockouttheperkofinterestthebloodprompted—
wishingI’dhadaprophylacticdrinkboxbeforeI’dleft—andtofighttheurgetoshakethehumansbackto
theirsenses.Buttheirexpressionsfairlyscreamedconsent...untilIreachedoneofthemwhodidn’tlook
sointerested.Istoppedshort.
Shesatontheconcretefloor,herbackagainstasteelpost.Herkneeswereup,herheadrolledtothe
side,eyesslowlyblinking,asifshewashavingtroublefocusingontheworldaroundher.
Glamour.Alotofit,ifthetingleintheairwasanyindication.
Humansvolunteeringtodabbleinthedarkwasonething.Butthislookedlikesomethingdifferent.
Somethingmuchlessconsensual.
Ethanhadtoldmeoncethatglamourwasaboutreducingahuman’sinhibitions.Thatahumanwouldn’t
doanythingheorshedidn’tordinarilywanttodo.Buttherewasnothinginthisgirl’seyesthatspokeof
pleasure...orconsent.
I’dneverdrunkfromahumanbefore.Ofcourse,Ialsohadn’treallyhadtheurge.Myrecent
experienceswithhumanshadn’texactlybeenpleasant.Andthisgirl?SufficeittosayIfoundnothingeven
mildlyinteresting,vampireornot,aboutbitingagirlwhoseemedtobedruggedbeyondhercapacityto
consenttotheact.Iguessrationalitycouldovercomehunger.
Icroucheddowninfrontofherandcouldn’tseeanyvisiblebitemarks.Whileshemighthavebeen
bitteninsomehiddenspot,therewasn’tanybloodintheair.
“Areyouallright?”Iaskedher.
Shelookedupatme,hereyesorbsofblack,herpupilsalmostfullydilated.Theoppositeofthevamps’
eyes.“I’mperfectlycontent.”
Iwasprettyconfidentshedidn’tactuallybelievethat.“Ithinkthat’stheglamourtalking.Haveyou—
havethey—”
“Didtheydrinkmyblood,doyoumean?”Shesmiledabitsadly.“No.Ikeephopingtheywill.Doyou
thinkit’sbecauseI’mnotprettyenough?”Shereachedoutawobblyhandandtouchedtheendofmy
ponytail.“You’reverypretty.”
Butthenherhanddropped,andhereyesflutteredclosed.Shelookedpale.Toopale.Iwasn’tsureif
glamourwasstrongenoughtoactuallysickenahuman;ifnotglamour,andnotbloodloss,maybe
somethingslippedintoherdrink?
Whateverthereason,Ineededtogetheroutofhere.
Hereyesopenedagain,justasliverbeneathherlashes.“You’llliveforever,youknow.Allvampires
do.”
“Unfortunately,probablynottheoneswhogetintoasmuchtroubleasIdo.”
Ishouldhaveknockedonwoodaftersayingthat,butatleastIsmelledoldbloodonthevampirebehind
mebeforeheattacked.
Imouthedasilentcursebeforestandingandspinningtofacehim.Hewastallandmuscularwithdark,
curlyhairandachinthatfellonthewrongsideoftoosquare.Therewasbloodatthecornerofhismouth,
andI’mproudtosayIdidn’thavetheslightestinterestinit.
Andhiseyes—whollysilveredjustlikethoseoftheothervampsI’dseen.
“Areyoupoaching,vampire?”
“She’ssick,”Itoldhim.“Thisisn’ttheplaceforher.Youwanthumanblood,finditsomewhereelse.”
Thevampiresaroundusbegantoglanceourway,theirgazesdartingbetweenmeandhimasifthey
weretryingtoworkoutwhosesidetheyshouldtake.Helookedaroundatthem,acajolingsmileonhis
face.
“Aw,dowehaveahumansympathizeronourhands?Doyoufeelsorryforthelittlehumans?”
Notsomuchsorryforasempathetic.Iknewwhatitmeanttobedrunkwithoutconsent.Withsomeluck,
I’dmadeitthroughmyattack,butIwouldn’twishitonanyoneelse.
Unfortunately,thevampiresaroundmeweren’tyetconvinced.
“Ifeelsorryforanyonewho’snotherebychoice.”
Hebelly-laughed,onehandpressedtohisabdomenashechortled.“Youthinkanyofthesehumans
don’twanttobehere?Youthinktheywouldn’tpaytobeherewithus?Letthehumanscallusnames.Let
thepresscallusmonsters.Weareallthattheyaspiretobe.Stronger.Morepowerful.Eternal.”
Therewerevaguemumblingsofagreementinthecrowd.I’dapparentlygonefromanti-vampire
demonstrationtopro-vamprallyinamatterofhours.
YouknowwhatIthought?Ithoughtpeopleneededtostopholdingontotheirblindprejudicesanddo
somerationalthinking.Stopforcingthemselvesintothemoldoftheloversorhaters.Somevampshad
issues,asthisguywasdemonstrating,andtherewereplentyofhumansinChicago—someofthemelected
—whoweren’texactlyparagons.
“Enough,”Isaid.“Enoughtalk.Thisgirlisn’tinastateofmindtoconsenttoanything.I’mtakingher
outofhere.”Isqueezedmyhandsintofists,preparingmyselfforbattle,andrubbedmycalfagainstthe
insideofmyboot,feelingforthetelltalebumpofthedaggerhiddenthere.
Butthevampwasn’tbuyingmyspeech,andclearlywasn’tafraidofme.“YouarenotmyMaster,child.
Findsomethingelsetodo.Someprettyboytobite.”
“I’mnotleavingher.”
HenarrowedhisgazeandIfelttheheadrushofhisglamour,thelooseningofworryandfear,andthe
urgetofindaspotonthefloorandoffermyselfovertohim,regardlessofthecircumstances.
ButIkeptmyeyestrainedonhisandfoughtthroughthedizziness.Istraightenedmyspineandgavehim
aquestioningglance.“Wereyoutryingtodosomethingthere?”
Hetiltedhisheadatme,interestinhisexpression.Ifoughttheurgetoslinkbackandhidefromhis
intriguedstare,butaslongasIwasthetarget—andthegirlwasn’t—IfiguredIcouldstandit.
“Youare...interesting.”
Ialmostrolledmyeyes,butthenIrealizedthegifthe’dhandedme.Iglancedslylyathim.“Wouldyou
liketofindouthowinteresting?”Likeacoquettishteenager,Itwirledtheendofmyponytail,thenthrewit
backovermyshoulder,revealingmyneck.
Asbaitwent,itmightnothavebeenmuch,butitworkedwellenough.Hedroppedhiseyes—staringat
mebeneathhoodedlashes—andbeganstalkingtowardmelikeahuntinglion.I’dseenavampirestalk
before—I’dseenEthaninhisprime,movinginmydirectionwithlustinhiseyes.Thiswasn’tthatkindof
lust.Thiswasn’taboutloveorconnection—butcontrol.Ego.Victory.
Istaredrightback,evenastheintensityinhisexpressionmademyskincrawl.Hewoulddrink—buthe
wouldn’tstop,notuntiltherewasnothingleftofmeorher.Maybeitwasthemagicintheairthatpushed
himtowardthebrink;maybeitwashisownpredatoryinstincts.Whateverthereason,Iwantednopartof
it.
Inasilky-smoothmovethatwouldhavefilledCatcherwithpride,Iwhippedahandaroundandslidthe
daggerfromitssheath.Andthenitwasupandinmyhand,lightpouringdowntheblade,thesteelleaving
acomfortabletingleinmypalm.Itightenedmyfingersaroundthehandle.
ThevampfinallyseemedtorealizeIwasserious.Hisexpressionfell.
Thedaggerinhand,Ilookeddownatthegirl.“Canyougetup?”
Shenodded,tearsslippingfromhereyes.“I’mokay.ButIwanttogohome.”
Ireachedoutmyhand.Whenshegrabbedit,Ituggedhertoherfeet.Unfortunately,gettinghertoher
feetdidn’thelpusmuch.Wewerestillsurrounded—byonevamppissedthatI’dpoached,andbyadozen
morewhodidn’thaveaspecificinterestinthegirlbutseemedbizarrelyeagerforafight.
WasthistheviolenceMr.Jacksonhadspokenabout?
Iswalloweddownfearthatknottedinmythroat,andstoodstraight,gazingoutatthecrowdwithforced
bravery.“I’mtakingheroutofhererightnow.Anyonegotaproblemwiththat?”
Ishouldhaveknownbetterthantophraseitintheformofaquestion.
“Tryme,cupcake,”saidthevampwhowantedme,andcoldtrickleddownmyspine.Iwasstrongand
fastandimmortal,butthegirlwasnot.EvenifIfoughtmywaythroughthecrowd,Icouldn’tfightfullout
andprotectheratthesametime.
WhatIneeded,Ithought,wasadistraction.
Histimingcouldn’thavebeenbetter.
“Goddamnit!”Iheardacrosstheroom,followedbythecrashofglassthatsilencedtherestofthe
crowd.
Themetallictangofbloodfilledtheair,andallthevampsinthevicinityturnedtowardthelocusofthe
smell.IsawJonahthroughthecrowd,staringdownacoweringvampire.
Bloodhadbeenspilled,maybefromabrokenglassorpitcher.Notabadwaytogettheattentionof
vampires—andtogivemeawaytogettothedoor.
Ilookedatthegirlonmyarm.“What’syourname?”
“Sarah,”shesaid.“Sarah.”
“Well,Sarah,we’regoingtomakearunforit.Youready?”
Shenodded,andassoonasthebrawlerandtherestofthevampsbegantomovetowardthewavesof
scent,webolted.
Iunderstoodthedrawoftheblood.Iwasbeginningtogethungry.Wewerenearingtheendofthe
evening,andithadbeenhourssinceI’deaten...orhadblood.Thesmellwasbecomingundeniably
delicious,soIgnawedonmyliptostayfocused,thesharpstingofpainpushingbackthehunger.Aswas
sooftenthecase,thiswasn’tthetimeortheplace.
IguidedSarahthroughthevampiresnowrushingtowardtheblood,herarmovermyshoulder,myarm
aroundherwaist.Weweren’texactlygraceful,butwegotclosertothedoorandtheedgeofchaos.
Andchaoshaddefinitelyerupted.
Theroombecameahurricaneofviolenceasvampiressteppedandcrawledoveroneanothertogetto
theblood.Oneangryvampirespurredabrawlwithanother,andthatbrawlpusheditswayintosomeone
else’sconversation,whichangeredthosevampires,aswell.Theviolencetraveledlikeavirusthrough
theroom,spreadingasitmadecontact.Andastheviolenceincreased,sodidthemagic—spillingintothe
airandmakingthevampiresevenmorepredatorythantheyalreadyhadbeen.
“Ithoughtyoumightneedthecavalry.”
Ilookedtomyright,relievedtofindJonahatmysideagain.“Tookyoulongenough.Thanksforthe
distraction.”
“You’rewelcome.Ididn’texactlyexpectyoutohavepulledabladeandkidnappedahuman.”He
glancedatSarah.“Whathappened?”
“Don’tknow.Drugs?Glamour?I’mnotsure.Eitherway,weneedtogetheroutofhere.”
“I’mrightbehindyou,”hesaidwithanod,andwemadeourwaytotheelevators.
Thedoorswereopenwhenwegotthere;IhelpedSarahinsidewhileJonahmashedbuttonsuntilthe
doorsclosed,mutingthesoundsoffightingbehindus.Islippedthedaggerbackintomyboot.
Itwasn’tuntilwewerehalfwaydownthebuildingagainthatIletoutthebreathI’dbeenholding.I
glancedoveratSarah.“Areyouokay?”
Shenodded.“I’mokay.Butallthoseotherpeopleinthere.Weneedtogetthemout,too.”
JonahandIexchangedaglance.
“Maybeyoucouldcallthepolice?”sheasked.“Tellthemabouttheparty,andwhentheycome,they
cangettherestofthehumansout?”
Jonahlookedbackatme.“Ifthecopscome...”
Inodded,understandinghisconcern.Ifittookcopstoshutthisthingdown,we’dbeswimminginbad
pressandrightbackinthemayor’soffice—assumingTatehadn’talreadyissuedEthan’swarrant.
Butmaybewedidn’tneedthecops.Maybewejustneededthefearofthecops....
“Wecanbeatthemtoit,”Isaidastheelevatordoorsopenedagain.“Helpheroutside.I’llmeetyou
thereinaminute.”
WeshiftedpositionsatSarah’sside,andwhiletheyshuffledtothefrontdoor,Ihustledtothesecurity
desk.Theguard’sgazefollowedJonahandSarahoutthefrontdoor,hishandonthewalkie-talkieonhis
desk.
“Hey,”IsaidwhenIreachedit,drawinghisattentiontome.“Wejustgotacall—thecopsareontheir
waytothetopfloor.Youbetterheadupstairsandmakesuretheyclearout,orthere’ssuretobearrests
andagiganticmess.Iknowyoudon’twantthatinthepaperstomorrow.Your,um,fangedclientelewon’t
behappyaboutit.”
Theguardnoddedwithunderstanding,thenpickeduphiswalkie,turnedaknob,andaskedforbackup.I
hopedhehadenoughofit—andmaybesomevampirerepellentwhilehewasatit.
Ilefthimtohispreparations,gulpinginfresh,untaintedairwhenImadeitoutsideagain.Iwatched
JonahandSarahhobbleacrossthestreettoasmallsquareofgreen.HehelpedSarahtoawroughtiron
bench;IstayedwhereIwasuntilIwassuremymindwasclearandmyhungerwasundercontrol.
Aminuteortwolater,Icrossedthestreet.
“Evacuationinprogress,”ItoldJonah,thencroucheddowninfrontofSarah.“Howareyoufeeling?”
Shenodded.“I’mokay.Justreally,reallyembarrassed.”Shepressedahandtoherstomach.Whatever
hazehadsilencedherpassed,andshebegantosobinearnest.
JonahandIexchangedanuncomfortableglance.
“Sarah,”Isoftlysaid.“Canyoutelluswhathappened?Howdidyouendupthere?”
“Iheardvampswerehavingthisparty.”Sherubbedahandbeneathhernose.“Ithought,oh,vampires,
thatcouldbefun,youknow?Atfirstitwasokay.Butthen—Idon’tknow.Thetensionintheroomgotkind
ofhigh,andthenIstartedtofeelreallyweird,andIsatdownonthefloor.Icouldseethemoutofthe
cornersofmyeyes.They’dmovearoundandtakealookatme,liketheyweretryingtoseeifIwas
ready.”
“Ready?”Iasked.
“Readytogiveblood?”Sheshudderedandsighed.“Andthenyoucamealong.”Sheshookherhead.
“I’mjustreallyembarrassed.Ishouldn’thavebeenthere.Ishouldn’thavegone.”Shelookedupatme.“I
reallywanttogohome.Doyouthinkyoucouldfindmeacab?”
“Onit,”Jonahsaid,steppingbacktotheroadtoscanforpassingcabs.Itwaslate,butwewerestill
withinacoupleofblocksofMichigan,soitwasn’tcompletelyunlikelythatwe’dfindone.
Ashemovedaway,IlookeddownatSarahagain.“Sarah,howdidyoufindoutabouttheparty?”
Sheblushedandlookedaway.
“Itwouldreallyhelpusifyoucouldtellme.Itmighthelpusputastoptotheseparties.”
Shesighed,thennodded.“MygirlfriendandIwereoutatabar—oneofthosevampirebars?Wemeta
guythere.”
“Doyouknowwhichvampirebar?”
“Temple?”
Mystomachsank.ThatwastheCadoganbar.“Goon.”
“So,Iwentoutsidetogetsomefreshair—therewerealotofpeopleinthere—andtherewasaguy
outside.Hesaidapartywashappeningandwe’dhaveagoodtime.Myfriend,Brit,didn’twanttogo,but
Iwantedto,youknow,seewhatitwasabout.”
SoSarahhadgotteninfoabouttheraveatTempleBar,andJonahhadfoundthephoneatBenson’s.That
meantthefolkswhofrequentedthebarsalsoknewabouttheraves.Ethanwasgoingtobepissedabout
thatone.
“Theguyyoutalkedto—whatdidhelooklike?”
“Oh,um,hewaskindashort.Older.Darkhair.Kindofgrizzled-looking?Andtherewasagirlwith
him.Irememberbecauseshehadonthis,like,gigantichat,soIcouldn’tseeherface.Oh,butwhenIwas
walkingbackinside,hecalledhername.Itwaskindofold-fashioned,likeMaryorMartha....”Sarah
squeezedhereyesclosedasshetriedtoremember.
Myheartthuddedinanticipation.“WasitMarie?”
Hereyespoppedopenagain.“Yeah!ItwasMarie.Howdidyouknow?”
“Luckyguess,”Isaid.Imaynothaveknownaparticularlyshortman,butIknewavampwitha
predilectionforcausingtrouble.Andonceuponatime,shehadbeenknownasMarie.
BeforeIcouldaskafollow-upquestion,Sarahgrimaced.
“Areyouokay?”
“Justaheadache.Therewassomethingweirdintheirair,Ithink.”
Excellentseguetomynextquestion.“Didyoutakeanythingwhileyouwerethere?Maybeadrink
someonehandedyou?”
Sheshookherhead.“You’reaskingaboutdrugs,butIdon’tdodrugs.AndIknownottodrinkanything
Ididn’tpourmyself.ButIdidseethis.Anothergirl—ahuman—handedittome.”
Shepulledasmallpaperenvelope,thekindthatmightholdagifttag,fromherpocket.Itwaswhite,
andtherewasaVinscribedonthefront.Istuffeditintomypocketforlater.AndthenIaskedaquestion
thatmademehatemyselfalittlebit,butithadtobeasked.Thestakesweretoohigh.
IhadtoknowifsheposedarisktoCadogan.
“Sarah,areyouthinkingaboutgoingtothepolice?”
Hereyeswidened.“Oh,God,no.Ishouldn’thavegonetotheparty,andifmyparentsfoundout,ifmy
boyfriendfoundout,theywouldfreak.Besides,”sheshylyadded,“ifIcalledthecops,you’dgetin
trouble,too,right?You’reavampire,too,butyouhelpedme.”
Inodded,reliefinmychest.“Iamavampire,”Iconfirmed.“Myname’sMerit.”
Shesmiledalittle.“Merit.Ilikethat.Itkindofdescribesyou.Likeyouwerealwaysmeanttobegood,
youknow?”
Thistime,Iwastheonesniffingbackasuddenerranttear.
Theclackofacardooropeningpulledmygazetothestreet.Jonahstoodbesideablackandwhitecab,
dooropen.“Let’sgetyouhome.”
Sarahnodded.Shestillwobbledonherfeet,butwemadeitthedozenorsofeettothecab.Atthedoor,
sheturnedbackandsmiledatme.
“Willyoubeokay?”Iasked.
Shenodded.“Iwill.Thankyou.”
“Youdon’thavetothankme.I’msorryaboutwhathappened.I’msorrytheymadeyoufeel
uncomfortable.”
“It’sforgotten.ButIwon’tforgetthis,”shesaid,“notwhatyoudidtonight.”
Whenthedoorclosed,wewatchedthecabpullaway.
Jonahglancedbackatme,andthenattheeasternsky.“Dawnwillbeheresoon,”hesaid.“Weshould
gethome.”Hegestureddownthestreet.“Iactuallyparkedprettyclose.Youwantaridebacktoyour
car?”
“Thatwouldbegreat,”Iagreed,theadrenalinegivingwaytoexhaustion.
Wewalkedinsilenceafewblocks,thenstoppedatahybridsedan.
“Thinkingabouttheenvironment?”
Hesmiledruefully.“Iftheclimategoesbad,we’regoingtobehereforit.Mightaswellplanahead.”
Whenheunlockedthedoorsandweclimbedinside,Igavehimdirectionstomyownparkingspot,then
closedmyeyesanddroppedmyheadbacktotheseat.
Iwasoutinseconds.
CHAPTERNINE
BEITEVERSOHUMBLE...UNLESSYOU’REIMMORTAL
ANDUNDERSTANDCOMPOUNDINTEREST
Ishudderedawake,blinkingintheglowofunfamiliarlights.Iwascurledintoaballatopagiantsleigh
bedthatsmelledlikewoodsycologneandcinnamon.Isatupandtookinunfamiliarsurroundings.A
massivebed,toppedbyapileoftaupebedclothes.Anequallylargeflat-screentelevisionattheendona
facingbureau.Andleaningagainstthebureau,armscrossedoverhischest,wasJonah.Hewasdressed
morecasuallytodayinaV-neckT-shirt,jeans,andsneakers.
“Goodevening,Sentinel.”
“Wherearewe?”
“GreyHouse.Myroom.”
“Grey—,”Ibegantorepeat,butthenightbegantoreplay.Ifellasleepinhiscar,andhemusthave
broughtmehere.No,notjustbroughtme—carriedme—intoGreyHousewhileIwasout.
“Iwasn’tcomfortabledroppingyouoffatyourcar.Youwerecompletelyout,andyourbeingherewas
easiertoexplainthanmyshowingupwithyouatCadoganHouse.Dawnwasmovingin;Ihadtomakea
call.”
Thatmadesense,althoughIwasn’tthrilledthatI’dbeencarriedaroundlikeahaplessgirlinoneofmy
favoritebodicerippers.
“Thanks.Didanyoneelseseemecomein?”Ifso,sinceI’dspentthenightinJonah’sroom,Icould
imaginewellenoughmyselfwhatthey’dbeenthinking.Ifelttherisingblushonmycheeks.
“Nope.Everyoneelsewasbunkedinbythen.”
Iswungmyfeetoverthebedandburiedmytoesinexpensive,thicklypiledcarpet.“Wheredidyou
sleep?”
Hehitchedathumboverhisshoulder.“Sittingroom.I’magentleman,andthere’snothingabout
seducinganunconsciousvampirethatappealstome.”Heshrugged.“Besides,thesunwasnearlyup.We
wereout.Icouldhavesleptrightbesideyou,andnoonewouldhavebeenthewiser.We’dbothhavebeen
angels.”
Iwasonenoughofaboyhiatustoagree,butappreciatedthathe’dgivenmespace.Itwasa
gentlemanlythingtodo,andnotsomethingI’dtakeforgranted.
“Thankyou.”
Heshrugged.“Iborrowedyourphone.SentamessagetoEthantolethimknowyouwereokay.I
thoughtyou’dprobablyhavecheckedinwhenyoureturned,andacallfrommewouldhavebeenreally
suspicious.”
Inoddedmyagreement.Ofcourse,justbecausehehadn’toutedhimselftoEthandidn’tmeanthere
weren’tgoingtobequestions.EthanwasstillgoingtowonderwhereI’dspenttheday.
Iglancedintothesittingroomwherehe’dslept.Aplushcouchandloveseatwerepoisednearanother
enormousflat-screentelevisionmountedtothewall.Therestoftheroomwasequallynice.Luxecarpet,
richcolors,crownmolding,andwainscoting.Anarcadevideogamestoodagainstonewall,andaframed
RyneSandbergjerseyhungontheother.
ThisplacecouldhavebeenfeaturedonvampireCribs.
“Thisisaprettysweetplace.”
“NewHouse,newdigs.Well,relativelynewHouse,anyway.Onlyeightyearsold,whichisn’tmuch
whenimmortalityisthecontext.”Hewalkedtoamini-fridgebuiltintoacabinetonthefarwalland
openedit,revealingtidyrowsoflongneckbottles.Hepluckedoneoutandwalkedmyway.
“Idon’tthinkhairofthedogisgoingtodoitformetoday.”
“It’snotbeer.”Whenhehelditout,Ilookeditover.Itwasblood.Traditionalbeerbottle,butdefinitely
notthetraditionalbrew.ItwasanotherBlood4Youproduct—theunfortunatelynamedLongBeer.They
reallycoulduseMallory’smarketingexpertise.
“Youlookedlikeyoucoulduseit.”
Inoddedmyagreementandtwistedoffthecap,myfingersshakingwiththesuddenhunger.Theblood
wascoldandhadapepperyzingtoit,likeithadbeendoctoredwithadashortwoofTabasco.
Asbloodwent,itwasdelicious.But,moreimportant,itsatiatedtheneed.Ifinishedthebottlein
secondsflat,thenlowereditagain,chestheaving.
“Guessyouneededthat?”
Inodded,wipingmymouthwiththebackofmyhand.“Sorry.Sometimesthehungertakesme.”
Jonahreachedoutandtookthebottlefrommyhand.“Itcandothat.Andyouhadabignightlastnight.”
“Notasbigasitmighthavebeen,butbigenough.Igothungryattheparty,andIwasluckynottoflip
outlikeeveryoneelsethere.”
Hedroppedthebottleintoabinbesidetherefrigerator.“Speakingof,youcertainlygotthevampsfired
up.”
“Itwasn’tme,”Iassuredhim.“Afemalevampbumpedme,andIendedupwithtwovampsinmyface
tryingtotakemeout.”
Jonahfrowned.“Theredidseemtobealotofaggressionintheair.”
“Anddidyounoticetheireyes?”Iasked.“Totallysilver,barelyanypupil.Theywereseriously
vampedout.”
“Therewasalsoalotofmagicintheroom.Youputthosetwothingstogetherandyougetvampsitching
forafight.”
Ishookmyhead.“Thiscouldn’tjustbevolume—allthevampiresinaroomtogether.TheHouses
couldn’texistifjustbeingnearothervampiresmadethempredatoryenoughtofightfornoreason.Maybe
it’samob-mentalitything?Onevampsanctionsviolenceandtherestofthemfallintoline?”
Jonahshookhishead.“I’vegotanothertheory.Whatifthemagicwasn’tjustleakedbythevamps—
whatifitwasdirectingthem?”
“You’resuggestingsomeonewasusingmagicagainstus?Fuelingtheaggression?”
Henodded.“Makingthevampssuperpredatorial.”
“Okay,”Iallowed,“sayitismagic.Butwhodoesthatimplicate?Sorcerers?Theyusuallytrytostay
awayfromvampdrama,andthereareonly,like,threeintheChicagoarea.Iknowtwoofthem,and
makingvampsplaygladiatorisn’texactlyontheirto-dolist.”Granted,I’dnevermetMallory’stutor,butI
hadaprettygoodideahowhewasspendinghistime—trainingher.
“Okay,soprobablynotsorcerers.HowdidyoufindSarah?”Jonahasked.
“Shewassittingonthefloor,lookedcompletelyspaced-out.Novisiblebitemarks,sosomethingelse
hadtobegoingon.Isitpossibletoglamoursomeoneintoillness?Imean,tomakethemphysically
weakerjustfromtheglamour?”
Hefrowned,consideringit.“I’veneverseenit.Butthat’snottosayit’snotpossible.Didyoulearn
anythingfromher?Howshefoundoutabouttheparty?”
Ipassedalongtheinformationshe’dgivenmeaboutTempleBarandthemanshe’dseenoutside.“She
alsogavemethis,”Isaid,diggingtheenvelopefrommypocket.Ipulleditout,thenopenedtheflapand
emptiedtheenvelope’scontentsintomyhand.
Twowhitepillsfellintomypalm.
“Well,”hesaid,“thatmightexplainwhyshewassooutofit.”
Iheldonetabletuptothelight.ThesamecurvyVwaspressedintoitssurface.
“Shesaidshedidn’ttakeanything.”
“Shewasalsoembarrassedaboutwhathappened.”
“True,”Iagreed.“TatesaidMr.Jacksonhadbeenarrestedfordrugpossession.Somaybevampsare
drugginghumanstomakethem,what,moresusceptibletoglamour?”
“Giventhecrowdyousawlastnight,wouldthatseemfarfetchedtoyou?”
Unfortunately,itdidn’t.Ofcourse,wealsodidn’thaveanyevidenceofit.Sarahcouldhavebeen
glamoured—notthatvampsmanipulatinghumanswasabigimprovementoverdruggingthem.
Whateverthecase,itwasworthlookinginto.Iputthepillsbackintotheenvelope,thentuckeditinto
mypocketagain.“I’lltakethemtotheOmbud’soffice,”Itoldhim.“Maybetheycanfindoutmore.”
Thedebriefingdone,Jonahletmefreshenupinhissmallbathroom.Irubbedatmascarasmearsand
hitchedupmyponytailagain.
WhenIcameout,hewaspullingabuzzingphonefromhispocket.Heglancedupatme.“I’mgoingto
takethis.I’llberightback.Makeyourselfathome.There’smorebloodifyouneedit.”
Inoddedathim.“Thanks.”
Hesteppedoutsideandclosedthedoorbehindhim,leavingmealoneinthecoolcomfortofhissuite.
Iroundedthecorner,movingintothesittingroomandtowardagroupofframedpapersonthewall.
Theywerediplomasforfourdoctorates:threefromstateschoolsinIllinois(history,anthropology,and
geography)andonefromNorthwestern(Germanliteratureandcriticalthought).Eachdiplomaborea
variationofhisname—John,Jonah,Jonathan,Jack—andtheirdateswerespreadintimeacrossthe
twentiethcentury.
Iguessgraduateschoolwaspossibleforavampire.
Thedooropened.“Sorry,”hesaidbehindme.“ItwasNoah.Heisnowawareyouspentthenightathis
condolastnight.”
“Goodcall,”Isaid,assumingEthandidn’tquizmeonthefinerpointsofNoah’shome—oranyother
detailsaboutNoahotherthanthelittleIalreadyknew.
Ipointedatthedegrees.“You’requitethestudent.”
“Is‘student’aeuphemismfor‘geek’?”
“It’saeuphemismfor‘manwithfourPhDs.’Howdidyoumanageallthis?”
“WhilehidingthefactthatI’mfanged,youmean?”
Inodded,andhegrinnedandwalkedtowardme.“Verycarefully.”
“Lotofnightclasses?”
“Exclusively.Allofthesewerebeforeonlineclasseswereanoption.”Hesmiledsecretlyashelooked
overthecertificates.“Inearlierdays,gradschoolwasstillaplaceforeccentrics.Itwaseasytoplaythe
lonegenius—theonewhoonlytookeveningclasses,sleptduringtheday,etcetera.”
“DidyouTAany?”BeingaTA,ateachingassistant,seemedlikeitwouldhavebeenharder.
“Ididnot.Igotluckywithsomefellowshipmoney,andIlikedresearching,sotheykeptmeawayfrom
theclassrooms.Otherwise,itwouldhavebeenhardtoarrange.”Hetiltedhisheadatme.“Didyoudo
timeingradschool?”
“BeforeIwaschanged,yeah.”
Hemusthaveheardtheregretinmyvoice.“I’mguessingthere’sastorythere?”
“IwasingradschoolatUofCbeforeIwasmadeavampire.Englishlit.Threechaptersintomy
dissertation.”BeforeIcouldstopmyself,theentirestorywasout.“Iwaswalkingacrosscampusone
night,andIwasattacked.”Ilookedoverathim.“OneoftheRoguesCelinahired.”
Heputtwoandtwotogether.“Youwereoneoftheparkvictims.Theonewhowasbittenoncampus?”
Inodded.“EthanandMalikhappenedtobethere.Theyjumpedout,scaredtheattackeraway,andEthan
tookmehomeandbegantheChange.”
“God,thatwasluckyforyou.”
“Itwas,”Iagreed.
“SoEthansavedyourlife.”
“Hedid.AndmademeaCadoganvampireandHouseSentinel.”Ifrowned.“Healsopulledmeoutof
school.Hedidn’tthinkIcouldgobackasavamp.”ThatwasrightbeforetheNorthAmericanVampire
RegistryoutedmyInitiateclassinthepaper,sohe’dprobablybeenright.
“Hehadapoint,”Jonahsaid.“Schoolasaclosetedvampirewasn’taneasytask.Itwasalittleeasier,I
think,asanoldervampwhoknewtherules,knewhowtoplaythegame.ForanInitiatestilllearningthe
ropes?”Heshrugged.“Itwouldhavebeendifficult.”
“Saidthemanwithfourdoctorates.”
“Fairpoint.Butyouseemtohaveadjustedtobeingavampire,evenifthetransitionwasn’texactlyby
choice.”
“Itwasn’teasy,”Iadmitted.“Ihadmymomentsofirritatingwhininess.ButIeventuallyreachedthe
pointwhereIhadtoacceptwhoIwasanddealwithit—orleavetheHouseandpretendtobeahuman
again.”Ishrugged.“IoptedfortheHouse.”
Jonahwethislips,thenlookedatmeaskew.“Ishouldgivecreditwherecreditisdue.Youdidwell
lastnight.”
“Thatwouldbemoreflatteringiftherewasn’tsomuchsurpriseinyourvoice.”
“Myexpectationswerelow.”
“Yes,I’mawareofthat.”Ithoughtofthefirsttimewe’dmet,ofthedisdaininhisvoice.“Andwhyis
thatexactly?Whytheanti-Sentinelsentiment?”
Hesmirked.“It’snotsomuchanti-Sentinel—”
“Asanti-Merit?”Ifinishedforhim.
“Iknowyoursister,”hesaid.“Charlotte.Wehavemutualfriends.”
Charlottewasmyoldersister,currentlymarriedwithtwochildrenandengagedasafull-timecharity
soireeattendeeandfund-raiser.Ilovedmysister,butIwasn’tapart—bychoice—ofthefancycirclesshe
ranin.Soitdidn’texactlyimpressmethatheknewher.
“Okay,”Isaid.
Hesighed,thenlookedupatmealittleguiltily.“I’dassumed—yourbeingaMerit—thatyouwereher
clone.”
Ittookmeamomenttogatherupananswer.“What,now?”
“Ijustfigured—sinceyou’resistersandall.AndbothMerits...”Hetrailedoff,butdidn’tneedto
finishtherestofit.Jonahwasn’tthefirstvampirewho’dconfessedhe’djudgedmebasedonmyfamily
name—andthebaggagethataccompaniedwealthandnotoriety.I’mnotsayingmoneydoesn’thaveits
advantages,butbeingjudgedonone’sownmerits—punverymuchintended—isn’toneofthem.
Ontheotherhand,thatdidexplainwhyhe’dbeensocoldthefirstcoupleoftimeswe’dmet.He’d
expectedabrattynewvampirefromnew-moneyChicago.
“Ilovemysister,”Itoldhim.“ButI’mfarfrombeingherclone.”
“SoIsee.”
“Andnowyoubelievewhat?”
“Oh.Well.”Hesmiled,andtherewasprideinhiseyes.“NowI’veseenyouinaction.I’veseenthis
avengingangel—”
“IpreferPonytailedAvenger,”Idrylysaid.ThatwasthenicknameascribedtomebyNick
Breckenridge(aka“theblackmailer”).
Jonahrolledhiseyes.“Thisavengingangelofavampire,”hecontinued,“comingtotherescueof
humansandroaringthroughthefolkswhocrossher.AndnowI’mwonderingifyouwouldn’tbesucha
badadditiontotheRG.”
“AsopposedtothetrainwreckIwouldhavebeenacoupleofmonthsago?”
Hehadthegracetoblush.
“Iknowyouweren’timpressedbyme.Youdidn’texactlyhideit.AndIwouldn’tcallmyselfan
avengingangel.I’mSentinelofmyHouse,andIdowhatIcantoprotectthem.”
“Toprotectonlythem?”
Imethissteadygaze.“Fornow,onlythem.”
Westoodthereforamomentandletthephrasestandbetweenus.Iwasagainpassingupthe
opportunitytobecomehispartner,butadmittingthatIwasn’trulingitoutcompletely.Immortality,after
all,lastedalongtime.
Henodded.“Ishouldprobablygetyoubacktoyourcar.”
“Thatwouldbeagoodidea.Ineedtogethome.”BacktotheHouse,backtoEthan.Backtoaroutine
thatdidn’tinvolvemyfightingcrazedvampires—butnowinvolvedlyingtohimaboutthem.
Jonahgrabbedupkeys,andwelefthisroom.
Thesightoutsideitwasunbelievable.
GreyHousewaslocatedinaconvertedwarehousenearWrigleyField,andthey’ddefinitelymadeuse
ofthespace.Hisdoorwasoneofmanyalongthewall,eachevenlyspacedlikeinahotel.Thehallway
wasopenontheotherside,arailingmadeofsteelpostsandthinwiregivingwaytoafour-storyatrium.
Acrosstheatrium,atthesamelevelonwhichwestood,wasanotherlineofdoors.Bedrooms,I
supposed.
Iwalkedtotherailingandglanceddown.Themiddleofthespacebelowuswasfilledbyaforty-foot-
talltreeandalushislandofgreenery.Therewerealsoplantsandtreesalongapaththatwoundthrough
thespace.Blackpostsstoodatintervalsalongthepath,eachbearingaverticalflagofaChicagosports
team.
ItwasunlikeanythingI’dseenbefore—andcertainlyunlikeanythingI’dseenintherealmofvampires.
“Thisisspectacular,”IsaidwhenJonahjoinedmeattherail.Iglancedupattheceiling,whichwasall
glass.Butthatcouldn’tworkinaHouseofvampires.“Howdothetreesgrow?Imean,don’tyouhaveto
closeuptheskylightsduringtheday?”
Jonahmadeacirclewithhishands.“Theroofhasaparaboliccanopythatrotatestocloseduringthe
day.”Heswiveledhisfingers.“Theyclosejustlikeacamerashutter,soitleavesagapinthemiddlefor
thetree.Andthemechanismisphotosensitive,sothecirclefollowsthesunastheearthrotatestoensure
thetreealwayshaslight.”
“Thatisamazing.”
“Thetechnologyisprettyimpressive,”heagreed.“Scott’stakenthetimetotrynewthings,whichwe
can’talwayssayaboutMasters.”
“Theydotendtobealittlestodgy.”
Hemadeavaguesoundofagreement.“Therestofthefoliagegetslightastheshuttersturn.”
“Andifavamphasanemergencyandneedstomovethroughtheatriumduringtheday?”
“Theydon’t,”Jonahsaidsimply.“TheinteriorarchitectureoftheHouseisorganizedsoyouneverhave
tocrosstheatriumspacetogettoanylivingquartersorexits.”Hepointedbelow.“Theroomsonthe
sidesoftheatriumarenonessential—officesandthelike—andthereareshadedwalkwaysinanyevent.”
Heturnedandbeganwalkingdownthehallway,andIfollowedhimtoanelevatorandabasement
parkinglevelthatwasprettysimilartoours:longconcretevault,lotsofexpensivecars.
Istoppedshortwhenwepassedaplatinumsilverconvertible.Itwassmallandcurvy,withround
lights,ahoodvent,andwirewheels,anditlookedexactlylikethekindofcarJamesBondwoulddrive.
“Isthis—isthatanAstonMartin?”
Heglancedover.“Yeah.That’sScott’scar.He’sbeenalivefornearlytwohundredyears.Aman
accumulatesprizesinthattime.”
“SoIsee,”Isaid,clenchingmyhandstofightbacktheurgetorunmyfingersacrossthespotlesspaint.
I’dneverseenoneinperson.Neverseenoneatalloutsidethemovies.Butitwasstunning.Ididn’t
considermyselftobeacarperson,butitwashardnottolikelonglinesandsweetcurves.AndwhatI’d
imaginewasaprettyfastengine.
“Lotsof,youknow,horsepowersorwhatever?”
Hesmiledandunlockedhishybrid’sdoor,andwasstillgrinningwhenweclimbedinside.“Notmuch
ofacarbuff?”
“Icanappreciateabeautifulthing.Butcarsareonlyaskindeepinfatuationforme.”
“Dulynoted.”
WedrovefromWrigleyvillebacktoMagnificentMileandmycar.AndItotallyluckedout—mycar
hadbeenparkedinthesamespotfornearlytwenty-fourhours,butwhiletherewasaticketunderthe
wiper,therewasnobootonthetire.StreetparkinginChicagowasahazardousactivity.
“Areyougoingtogethassledforsleepingover?”heaskedthroughtheopenwindowasIunlockedmy
door.
OnlyifEthanthinksI’msleepingwithNoah,Ithoughttomyself.
“I’mgood,”ItoldJonah.“Besides,it’snotlikeyoucouldescortmehome.You’dblowyourcover.”
“True.Weshouldprobablyplantotalkagain.Iexpectthisisn’tthelasttimewe’llhearaboutwhat
wentdownlastnight.”
“Probablynot.”Mystomachturnedover.Iwasn’tthrilledatthepossibilityofheadingbackinto
another“rave,”ifthat’swhatwewerecallingit.Ihadtheskillsforwar,butnotthestomachforit.Itwas
easytohelpsomeoneinneed,butitwouldhavebeenniceriftheneeddidn’texistinthefirstplace.
“I’lltalktothebartendersatTempleBar,seeifthey’venoticedanythingsuspicious.AndI’llletyou
knowifIfindoutanythingaboutthephonenumber.I’llalsotalktothemaboutthedrugs.They’llwantto
knowifillegalsubstancesarebeingspreadaround,andwhattheeffectsare.”
“Soundslikeaplan.Keepmeposted.”
“Iwill.Thankyouagainforthehelp.”
Jonahsmiledthinly.“That’swhatpartnersarefor.”
“Don’tjumpthegun.Wearen’tpartnersyet.”
Withafinal,knowingsmile,hepulledawayfromthecurb,leavingmeonthesidewalkbesidemy
lonelyVolvo.WhathadMallorysaidaboutnotwantingtogobacktoyourlifeagain?AndwhathadItold
her?Somethingaboutacceptingthechoicesyouwerepresentedwithandgettingthenastystuffdone
regardless?
IclimbedintotheVolvoandshutthedoorbehindme,blowingthebangsfrommyforeheadasIstarted
thecar.
“Goodtimes,”Imuttered,asIturnedthewheelintotraffic.“Goodtimes.”
WhenIwasparkedinfrontoftheHouse,Itookamomenttogetthenextpartoftheinvestigationin
motion.IdialedupJeff’snumber.
Hisanswerwasenthusiastic.“Merit!Weheardsomeshitwentdownlastnight.Youokay?”
“Hey,Jeff.I’mgood.I’llfillyouinlater.ButfornowIneedafavor.”
“TheJeffabides.What’sup?”
IrattledoffthephonenumberJonahhadgivenme.“It’sthenumberthatsentoutatextabouttheparty,
whichmayormaynothavebeenarave.Canyoutraceit?”
“Onit,”hesaid,andIheardtherhythmicclackofkeys.“Nothinginthefirstround,”hesaidaftera
moment.“Givemealittlebitoftime.I’llfindit.”
“You’readoll.”
“YouandIbothknowit.I’llcallyou.”
“Thanks,Jeff.”
Thatdone,andthephonetuckedawayagain,IglancedupattheHouse.Probablybesttogetthehard
partoverwith.Iheadedinside—thistimethroughagauntletofpersonalepithetsfromtheprotesters—and
straightforEthan’soffice.
Theofficedoorwasopen,andhesatathisdesk,aphoneathisear.
Iwaiteduntilheputthephonedown,andthenstartedin.Thewordscameoutinarush.
“Itwasinahigh-riseinStreeterville,butitwasn’tanintimaterave,notlikewethinkofthem.Thiswas
atleasttwodozenvamps.Alotofmagic,alotofglamour,andalotoffighting.Everyonewasonahair
trigger,liketheywerewaitingforanexcusetorumble.Therewereplentyofhumans,andsome
bloodletting.There’salsoapossibilitythey’rebeingdruggedtomakethemsusceptibletoglamour.”
Ethan’seyesshiftedtosomethingbehindme.
“Sire,”hesaidafteramoment,“thisisMerit,SentinelofCadoganHouse.Merit,DariusWest.Headof
theGreenwichPresidium.”
Oh,snap.
CHAPTERTEN
LIKEABOSS
Ifroze,realizingforthefirsttime—andmuchtoolate—thatweweren’taloneintheoffice.Iclenchedmy
eyesclosed,embarrassmentrisingonmycheeks.Somuchforkeepingourinfiltrationoftheravesunder
wraps.
Afewsecondslater,Ifinallyopenedmyeyesagain,expectingtoseefuryinEthan’s.Instead,heoffered
agentlychastisinglook.
Maybehehadchanged.
“I’msosorry,”Imouthed,beforeturningtoDarius.HestoodwithMalikandLuc,intheoffice’ssitting
areainfrontofleatherfurniturethathadn’tbeenthereonmylastvisit.Helendidefficientwork.
Dariuswastallandlean,withashavedheadandblueeyes.Hisfeaturesweresharpandnearly
arrogant—straightnose,widemouth,aristocraticchinmarkedbyaperfectcleft.
“That’saveryinterestingtaleyouweave,”hesaid.Darius’saccentwasclearlyEnglish;hisdiction
wouldhavemadethequeenproud.“Comehaveaseat.Ethan,won’tyoujoinus,aswell?”
Ihadasensetherequestwasactuallyanorder,soItookaseatononeoftheleatherchairsthatfaced
thecouch.AsEthanfollowedmeover,LucandMaliktookseatsontwoendchairs.Ethantookthechair
besideme.
Dariussatonthecouch,thenreachedintohispocketandremovedaslim,silvercase.Hepoppedit
openandpulledoutathinblackcigarette.Itwasn’tuntilhe’dliftedittohismouththathelookedatEthan
forpermission.
“Bemyguest,”Ethansaid,butitwasclearhewasn’tthrilledaboutDariussmokingintheHouse.
Cigaretteatthecornerofhismouth,Dariustuckedthecasebackintohispocketandpulledoutabook
ofmatches.Helitone,leavingasulfurousstingintheair,andtouchedittotheendofthecigarettebefore
puttingitoutwithaflickofhiswrist.Hedroppedthewastedmatchintoaheavycrystaldishonthecoffee
tablethatsatinthemiddleoftheringoffurniture.
Hepuffedforamoment,thenliftedasingleeyebrow—IguesswenowknewwherethatticofEthan’s
hadcomefrom—andblewastreamoffragrantsmokefromthesideofhismouth.
“Inthispoliticalclimate,”hebegan,“withthesechallenges,yousentyourSentineltoarave?”
“I’mnotsureitwasarave,”Iputin,tryingtosalvagewhatIcould.“Webelieveditmightbearave—
orsomethingcallingitselfarave—butthisisonadifferentscale.Verylarge,andveryviolent.”
“Ravesarealwaysviolent,”Dariussaid.“Thatisthenatureofarave.”
Iopenedmymouthtodisagree,butthoughtbetterofit.Afterall,sinceI’dseenonlyonerave,he’d
definitelyknowbetterthanIwhetherthebloodlustwasunusual.
“Whatisatypical,”hecontinued,“isanofficialHousestaffmemberbeingutilizedtoinfiltratesuch
things.”
“Infiltrationwasouronlyoption,”Ethansaid.
Darius’sfaceradiateddisbelief,andhistonewasdeadpan.“Youronlyoption.”
Ethanclearedhisthroat.“SethTateinformedusthathe’dlearnedoftheallegedmurderofthreehumans
byvampires.Hehasawarrantformyarrestinhand,andhasthreatenedtoexecutethatwarrantwithinthe
weekifwedon’tsolvetheproblem.Theopportunitytoinvestigatearose,andwetookit.”
“Didheexecutethewarrant?”
“Notyet,buthe—”
“Thenyouhadoptions,”Dariussaid,inatonethatbrookednoargumentandremindedusallthatwhile
EthanwasMasteroftheHouse,DariuswasmasteroftheHouses.
Andthenheturnedhiscoldbluegazeonme.“You’retheSentinel.”
“Iam,Sire.”
“Youlookratheramess.”
Ihadtoworknottosmoothdownmyhairandmywrinkledtanktop.I’dsleptinmyclothes,andwhile
I’dcleanedupalittleatGreyHouse,I’msureIstilllookedprettyawful.Ontheotherhand,Ilooked
awfulbecauseI’dbeenworking,notbecauseIlackedbasichygieneskills.
“Iwasonanassignment,Sire.”
“Suchasitwas,”Dariusmuttered.“Andyou’rejustnowreturningtotheHouse?Youhavetraversed
Chicagolookinglikethis?”
IwaitedtogiveEthanachancetooffersilentsuggestions,totellmewhatIwasorwasnotsupposedto
tellDarius—althoughthecatwasmostlyoutofthebag.Whenhestayedsilent,Iassumedthatwas
permissionenoughandtoldthetruth—andnothingmore.
“Itwaslate,Sire.Wewererunningclosetosunrise.”
Thecigaretteinhisfingers,Dariuswethislips,andslowlyshiftedhisgazetoEthan.“Nowisthetime
toperfectthepublicimage,tosweetenandsharpenit,notsenditrumpledandtrashedthroughthecitylike
somekindofwell-usedpartygirl.”
Iwentstiffattheinsult;Ethanstirredinhischair.“Sheisasoldier.Thatherbattlefieldisunusual
doesn’tmakeitanylessabattlefield,nordoesitmaketheuniformanylessauniform.”
Iappreciatedthathe’dtakenthehitforme,stoodupforwhatsomebelievedwasmy“mere”statusasa
soldierfortheHouse.And,honestly,whatmorehonorableservicewasthere?Makingdecisionsfroma
continentawayinadressshirt,smokingcigarettesfromasilverbox?
IliftedmychinandmetDarius’sgaze.“Iamasoldier,”Iconfirmed.“AndIhavenoqualmsabout
that.”
Hiseyebrowsliftedwithinterest.“Andyou’vereturnedfromabattle.”
“Inamannerofspeaking.”
Dariussatbackinhischairagain.“Yousaidtonight’sevent,whateveritmighthavebeen,was
unusuallyviolent.”Hetookanotherpuff,thesuspicionclearonhisface.“You’vebeentoanotherrave?
Youhaveabasisforcomparison?”
“Ihaven’t,”Iadmitted.“Thecomparisonisbasedoninformationfromothersources,andtheonesiteI
visitedafterthefact.OurintelligencesaysravesinChicagoarefewandfarbetween,andthat—perhaps
toavoidriskofdetection—they’reusuallyveryintimateaffairs.Afewvampiresatmost.That’snotwhat
wesawlastnight.”
“AlthoughIdisagreewithyourconclusions,that’snotabadreport.”HeturnedtoEthan.“Icanseewhy
youlikeher,Ethan.”
“She’smorethancapable,”Ethanagreed.“ButIassumeanupdateonourSentinel’sworkisnotwhat
broughtyouacrossthepond?”
Dariusleanedforwardandmashedtherestofthecigaretteintotheashtray.“MattersinChicagoare,as
youknow,escalating.Shifters.Rogues.TheattackonyourHouse.”
Ethancrossedonelegoveranother.“Asyou’veseen,thosethingsareinhand.”
“ThosethingssuggestadecidedlackoforganizationandpoliticalcontrolamongtheIllinoisHouses.
WhenCelinawasremoved,youbecamethemostseniorMasterinChicago,Ethan.Itisyour
responsibility,yourdutytothePresidium,tomaintainstabilitywithinyourdomain.”
Andhewouldhave,Ithought,ifyou’dmanagedtokeepCelinainEnglandwhereshebelonged.
“Whatdoesthatmean?”Ethanasked.
“Itmeansthere’sasignificantchancethatCadoganHousewillbeplacedintoreceivershipbythe
PresidiumuntilChicagoisundercontrol.”
Ididn’tneedtoknowthedetailsofa“receivership”togetthegeneralidea—theGPwasthreateningto
takeovertheHouse.
Theroomwentsilent,asdidEthan.Theonlysignhe’devenheardDarius’sthreatwasthetelltaleline
ofconcernbetweenhiseyes.
“Withallduerespect,Sire,there’snoneedforimpetuousaction.”Ethan’stonewascarefullyneutral,
hiswordscarefullymodulated.Iknewhewasburstingwithemotion—therewasnowayEthanwasn’t
boilingoveratthepossibilitythattheGPwasgoingtostepinandtakeoverhisHouse.Buthewasdoing
animpressivejobofkeepinghisemotionsundercontrol.
“I’mnotentirelysurethatwasdulyrespectful,Ethan.AndasI’msureyou’llappreciate,placingoneof
theAmericanHousesintoreceivershipisn’tsomethingthePresidiumtakeslightly.Itraisesuncomfortable
memories.”
“Uncomfortable?”Iasked.Iprobablyshouldn’thavespoken,beingtheleast-rankingvampireinthe
room,butsometimescuriositywonout.
Dariusnodded.“TheAmericanRevolutionwasadifficulttimefortheBritishandAmericanHouses,
asyoumightimagine.TheGPhadn’tyetbeenformed—thatwasstilldecadesdowntheroad—andthe
ConseilRougeretainedpower.BeingFrench,theConseilsupportedthecolonies’freedom.BeingBritish,
wedidnot.”
Inoddedmyunderstanding.“Andimmortalitybeingwhatis,someofthosecolonistsarestillalivein
theAmericanHouses.”
“Indeed.”
“Anexcellentreason,”Ethanputin,“toprecludediscussionofreceivership.”
“Thediscussionisalreadyunderway,Ethan.Iknowyoudon’tapproveofthePresidiumortheactions
we’vetaken,butwehaverulesandprocessesforareason.”
SoCelinacanignorethem?Iwondered.
Therewasaknockatthedoor,whichopenedalittle.Amantidilydressedincuffedtrousers,button-up
shirt,andsuspenders—onlyhiswavybrownhairaskew—lookedinside.“Sire,yourcallwithNewYork
Housesisready.”HisvoicewasequallyBritishandposh;hemusthavebeenpartofDarius’sretinue.
Dariusglancedupandover.“Thankyou,Charlie.I’lljustbeamoment.”
Charlienodded,thendisappearedthroughthedooragain.Whenhewasgone,Dariusstoodup.Therest
ofusdidthesame.
“We’llchatlater,”Dariussaid,thennoddedatme.“Goodluckwithyourcontinuedtraining.”
“Thankyou,Sire.”
Whenhewasgone,andthedoorwasclosedagainbehindhim,silencereigned.Ethanputhiselbowson
hiskneesandranhishandsthroughhishair.
“Receivership,”Lucrepeated.“Whenwasthelasttimethathappened?”
“NotsincethefinancialmeltdownbeforeWorldWarII,”Malikanswered.“Many,manyyears.”
“He’sbeingunreasonable,”Isaid,glancingaroundatthem.“NoneofthisisCadogan’sfault.It’sAdam
Keene’sfault.It’stheGP’sfault—Celina’sfault.We’rereapingtheconsequencesoftheirbadacts,and
nowhewantstoputtheGPinchargeoftheHouse?”
Ethansatupstraightagain.“That’sthelongandshortofit.AreceiverwouldcomeintotheHouse,
beginaninvestigationofHouseprocedures,andhavetheauthority—theGP-grantedauthority—to
approveeverydecisionthat’smadeinthisHouse,regardlessofhowbigorsmall.Areceiverwould
reporteverydecisionbacktotheGP,includingDarius,includingCelina.”
Ethanlookedupatme,hisgreeneyesicycold.“AndIhavetowonderwhetherhe’dberaisingthe
issueifourSentinelhadn’tjustinformedhimthatChicagowasheadingtohellinahandbasket.”Sothe
calm,unruffled,forgivingEthanhadbeenanactforDarius.
Unfortunatelyforhim,we’dcometoofarformetobeintimidatedbyasnarkyphraseornastylook.I’d
goneoutandfaceddangerforhimandtheHouse,andIwasn’tabouttoshrinkawaybecausehedidn’tlike
theconsequences.Igavehimbackthesamestare.
Theroomwentsilent,untilEthanbarkedoutanorder,hisgazestillonme.“Excuseus,please.”
Whennoonebudged,heglancedaroundtheroom.“Iwasn’taskingforpermission.”
ThatwasenoughtosendLucandMalikscurryingoutthedoor,bothofthemofferingmesympathetic
looks.
Itwasn’tuntilwewerealone,thedoorshutbehindthem,thatEthanfinallylookedaway.Forafull
minute,hesatquietly,hisbackrigid.
Finally,hewalkedbacktohisdeskandsettledhimselfbehindit,puttingspace—andfurniture—
betweenus.
I’dknownhimlongenoughtocallit“typicalSullivan.”Itwasthekindofactionwecouldhaveadded
totheEthanSullivandrinkinggame,fallingsomewherebetweenhisimperiouseyebrowarchingandhis
habitofreferringtoanyNovitiateinhisHousebyposition,ratherthanbyname.
“Sentinel,”hefinallysaid,linkinghisfingersonhisdesk.
Itookastepforward,intentonmakinghimbelievehowmuchIregrettedwhatI’dinadvertentlytold
Darius.“Ethan,Iamsosorry.Youwereonthephone,anditdidn’tevenoccurtometoseeifanyonewas
behindme.”
Heheldupahand.“Youtoldhimwhereyou’dbeen.Iamnotsurewhethertothrottleyounowor
simplyhandyouovertothePresidiumandletthemdoit.”
IfIwerehim,I’dthrottleme,too.Ijustnodded.
WhenEthanfinallylookedatmeagain,therewasdesperationinhiseyes.
“Areceiver.InmygoddamnedHouse.AHouseIhavewatched,guided,parentedwhennecessary.Do
youknowwhataninsultthatis?Tohaveanadministrator—someorganizationalspecialistwhocouldn’t
guidevampireswithamapandcompass—replacingme?TellingmewhatI’vedonerightorwrong,howI
should‘fix’thethingsI’vebroken.”
Myheartclenchedsympathetically.Itmusthavebeenhardtohearthatnotonlywasthesupremeleader
ofvampsnothappywithyourwork,buthewasconsideringsendingsomeoneacrossthepondtomake
suretheworkwasdonecorrectly.Itwouldn’thavethrilledme,either.
Andtheworstpart?Thiswasatleastpartlymyfault.Imean,itseemedunlikelyDariuswouldhave
traveledthisfarifhedidn’thaveconcernsabouttheHouse,butthatdidn’tmeanIhadn’tpushedhimover
thereceivershipedge.
“ThisHouseisold,Merit.ItisarespectableHouse.Theappointmentofareceiverisaslapinthe
face.”Helookedaway,shakinghisheadruefully.“HowcanInottakethatasaninsulttoallthatI’vedone
sincePeter’sdeath?”
ThatPeterwasPeterCadogan,theHouse’snamesakeandfirstMaster.Themanwho’dheldthereins
untilhisdeath,whenEthantookover.
“Iwouldtakeitpersonally,too.”
Ethanbarkedoutalaugh.“It’shardlythatItakeitpersonally,Sentinel.It’sthatit’saslapagainstme
andMalik,Luc,Helen—theentirestaff.EveryInitiateCommended,everyNovitiatewhohasserved.
Everysacrificemade.Youessentiallytoldhimwedon’thavethingsinhand.”
“Wedon’tifwhatwesawlastnightiscommonplace.Thiswasn’thalfadozenvampiresandacouple
ofhumans,Ethan.Thereweredozensofvamps,dozensofhumans.Thepartywashuge,anditwasloud,
anditwasn’tjustaboutalittleprivatesip.”
“Soitwasn’tarave.”
“Notthekindofravesweknewaboutbefore.Thevampswereonedge,themagicthick.Vampswere
pickingfightsallovertheplace.”
“DidyouandNoahhavetodefendyourselves?”
IhatedlyingtoEthan.Hatedit.Butitwasn’tfairofmetoclearmyconscienceatJonah’sexpense,soI
suckeditupandplayedoutthestory.
“Defendourselves,yes.Weweren’tinvolvedinanyfightingofconsequence,althoughthingsgotnasty
whenwemadeourexit.I’dfoundahumanwhoneededhelp—druggedorglamoured;I’mnotsurewhich.
Sheneededout,andtherewereafewvampswhoweren’thappytoseehergo.Noahspilledbloodasa
distraction,andthevampswentcrazy.Theplaceeruptedwithfighting,butwegotheroutandsenther
home.Shewasgratefulenough—embarrassedenough—thatIdon’tthinkshe’llcauseusproblemsdown
theroad.”
Isighedandlookedaway.“Ihatesayingthat,Ethan.ItmortifiesmethatIhavetothinkaboutawoman
who’sbeeninabadpositionasaliability.Shewasmadeacommoditybythosevampires.Thatshouldn’t
happentwice.Notbyus.”
Ilookedbackathim,andappreciatedthesympathyinhiseyes.
“Youareaveryhumanvampire,”heaffectionatelysaid.
“Soyousay.”
“Ionceconsidereditaliability.Andforsomevampires,Istilldo.Butforyou—letushopetheydon’t
bleeditoutofyou.”
Wewerequietforamoment,justlookingateachother.Ifinallybrokethesilence.Ireachedintomy
pocket,pulledouttheenvelope,andhandedittohim.“Thisiswhywethinkthehumansmayhavebeen
drugged.”
Ethaninspectedtheenvelope,thendroppedthepillsintohishand.“What’sV?”
“Don’tknow.I’massumingitstandsfor‘vampire.’Andthepunchline?Thehumanwhogavethisto
me,Sarah,hadlearnedabouttheraveatTempleBar.”
Hisgazewentcold.“SomeoneisusingtheCadoganHousebartosolicithumans?”
“Thatwouldappeartobethecase.”
Amuscleinhischeektwitched,butafteramoment,heseemedtorelaxagain.
“AtleastyoumanagednottotellDariusaboutthat.”
Therewasasmirkinhiseyesthatmademesmile.
“We’llthankGodforsmallmiracles,”Iagreed.“Sarahsaidsheheardabouttheravefromashortguy.
..andawomannamedMarie.”
Ethanfroze,beforeslippingthepillsbackintotheenvelope.“Thereareprobablythousandsofwomen
inChicagonamedMarie.”
“Thatistrue,”Iagreed.
Hehandedtheenvelopebacktome.“There’snowaytoknowthatitwasCelina.Shehasn’tgoneby
thatnameintwocenturies.”
“Thatisalsotrue,”Isaid,tappingmyfingersagainsttheenvelope.
“You’reusuallymuchmoreargumentativeatthispoint.”
“Iusuallyhavemoreevidencetogoon.”
Hesmiled.“WemaymakeaSentineloutofyouyet.”
Ofcourse,whileIdidusuallyhavemoreevidencethatCelinawasinvolvedinsomethingobnoxious,
thatdidn’tchangethefacts....“Itisstillquiteacoincidencethattheravepusherwasusingoneof
Celina’sformeraliases.”
“Analiasthatledustoasaboteurthelasttimesheusedit,”Ethanremindedme.Hehadapoint—
Celinasentincriminatinge-mailmessagestoPeteras“MarieCollette.”Buthe’dforgottenakeyfact.
“Celinadoesn’tknowwetracedthatparticulare-mailaddress;shewasusinghalfadozenothers.And
shedoesn’tknowthat’showwefoundoutaboutPeter.Shejustknowshestoppedshowinguptodohis
bidding.And,moreimportant,sheprobablydidn’tthinkshe’dgetcaught.Whataretheoddsthat
particulargirlwouldtellmethatsomeonecallingherself‘Marie’wassolicitinghumansoutsideabar?”
“WhataretheoddsCelinawoulduseanaliaswecouldidentifyoutsideabarweown?”
Okay,putlikethat,itdidn’tsoundsoconvincing.
“JustbecauseIdon’tcurrentlyhavealltheevidencedoesn’tmeanthereisn’tevidencetobefound.”
“Andsoitbegins,”hemuttered,thenliftedhisgaze,nolongeramused.“Merit,theheadoftheGPis
stepsawayfromusrightnow.Iamorderingyounottobringuphernameagain—”
WhenIopenedmymouthtoobject,heheldupahand.
“Untilyouhavemoreevidencethananameshemayormaynothaveused.Inowconsiderthesubject
tobedropped.Understood?”
“Understood,”Isaid,thenwetmylips.“Doyoutrustme?”
HisgazewentalittlemoreseductivethanIcaredfor.“DoItrustyou?”
“Itdoesn’tsoundlikeDariuswantsmegettingmyhandsdirty.Butthisismyjob,andfrankly,I’mkind
ofgoodatit.”
“Muchtoeveryone’ssurprise.”
Igavehimapetulantface.“Weknowsomethingweirdisgoingonoutthere.Iftheravesceneisthe
waywegetinandshutitdown—thewaywemakesurevampsaren’toutthereslaughteringhumansen
masse—thenwegotheraveroute.Ineedtogetoutthereagain,andweneedtokeeppullingthisstring.”
“YoucannotmakeanenemyoftheGP.Andnotjustbecauseyou’reamemberofthisHouse,”he
preemptivelyaddedatmynarrowedgaze.“IunderstandyourimpatienceandIhonoryourcommitment.
Butiftheybelieveyoustandagainstthem,theywillbringyoudown,Merit.Theirsovereigntyis
important.Celinalivesbecauseshehasn’tchallengedthatsovereignty;ifyouchallengeit,youposea
directthreattoDariusandtheothers.Andthatwillbethebeginningoftheendofyou.”
“Iknow.Butthat’snotreasonenoughtoallowthemtotearthecityapart.”
Hisexpression—halfsorrowfulresignation,halfpride—mirroredmyownemotions.“Ididn’ttrain
you,investinyou,sothatyoucouldgiveyourselfovertotheGPassomekindofWindyCitysacrifice.”
Hisvoicewassoft,earnest,buttherewasemotioninhiseyes.Realemotion.
“Idon’tintendtobeasacrifice.AndIdon’tintendtoletyoubeone,either.”
Helookedaway.“TheyhaveaneyeontheHouse.They’llknowwhatwe’redoing.”
Herecomesthekicker,Ithought,bracingmyself.“Notifyou’renotinvolved.”
Hepaused,obviouslystartled,thenleanedbackinhischair.Hemightbenervousabouttheidea,but
I’dpiquedhisinterest.“Meaning?”
“MeaningIhavepowerfulfriends.Mallory.Catcher.Gabriel.Mygrandfather.Noah.”Nottomention
JonahandtherestoftheRedGuard.“IcanworkwiththemtoaccomplishwhattheGPwon’tallowyouto
do.”
Frowning,Ethansatupagainandabsentlyshuffledpapersonhisdesk.Afteramoment,heshookhis
head.“Ifyou’reworkingoutsidemyauthority,youalsoworkoutsidemyprotection.Andifyoudoget
caught,theGPwon’tliketheideaofanuncontrolledSentinelrunningaroundChicago.”
“Butthey’llallowanuncontrolledformerMastertorunaroundChicago?”
“Sheonlykilledhumans,”hedrylyremindedme.“You’retalkingaboutchallengingtheGP.”
“I’mtalkingaboutdoingwhat’snecessary,andwhat’sright.We’vegothumanspicketingoutsideanda
mayorwho’sgoingtotryGodknowswhatagainstyouandtheHousesohecanmakeanameforhimself.
We’vealsogotreallypissed-offvampswho’llstartafightwithoutprovocationjustforthefunofdoingit.
DoyouwantthemrunningaroundChicago?Besides,”Iquietlyadded,knowingwhatheneededtohear,
“I’mstrongernowthanIwasbefore.I’mmoreskillednowthanIwasbefore.”
Helookedupatme,worrytighteninghiseyes.
God,Ihatedtoseethatworry.IhatedwhatI’ddonetoputitthere.AndsoIwenttohim,allreasonsto
thecontrary.Islippedbetweenhischairandthedesk,andwhenheleanedtowardmeandrestedhis
foreheadonmyabdomen,Islidmyfingersintothethickgoldensilkofhishair.
“I’llbecareful.”
Ethangruntedandwrappedhishandsaroundmywaist.Iranmyfingersthroughhishair—thesame
motionoverandoveragain—andthentracedmyfingertipsdownhisback.Gradually,Ifeltthetension
leavehisshoulders.
Helookedupagain,hiseyesnowlambentpoolsofgreen.
Ismileddownathim.“Youlookdrunk.”
“Ifeel...relaxed.”
Ididn’ttrustthatIwouldn’tcrossanymorelinesthanI’djustvaulted,soIloosedhishandsand
steppedaway,thenmovedaroundhisdeskandtookaseatontheotherside.
IfiguredI’dseeirritationinhiseyeswhenIlookedbackathim.Forthesecondtime,hesurprisedme.
Hewassmiling—akindofhonest,humbled,sweetsmile.
“MaybeI’mgettingbetteratthis?”heasked.“Betteratwooingyouinthemannerinwhichyoushould
bewooed?”
Icrossedonelegovertheotherandmethisgaze.“MyjobistoensurethesanctityofthisHouse.
EnsuringthesanityofitsMasterseemedlikeagoodstart.”
“Isthatthestoryyou’restickingwith?”
“That’smyanswer.”
“Idon’tbuyit.”
Ismiledthinly,eyeshalf-hiddenbeneathmylashes.“Youdon’thaveto.”
“Hmmph,”hesaid,buthewasclearlypleasedbytherepartee.
Thistime,hewastheonewhotooktheoffensive.Hestoodandmovedaroundhisdeskandtowardme.
Istraightenedup,everynerveinmybodyonalertasheapproached.Whenhereachedme,hetookmy
hands,thesamemoveMayorTatehadusedacoupleofnightsago.
“I’mself-awareenoughtoadmitthatIprefertobeincontrol,”hesaid.“Itisaconsequence,Ithink,of
theresponsibilityofmaintainingthisHouse.ButItoldyouhowIfeltaboutyou—”
“Youdidn’t,actually.”
Heblinked.“Excuseme?”
Igavehimasmile.“Youtoldmeyouwerebeginningtorememberhowitfelttolovesomeone.You
didn’tmakeaconfessionspecifictome.”
Hislipstightened,buthewassmartenoughtoaskthepertinentquestion.“WillitmakeadifferenceifI
saythat?”
“No.Butagirllikestofeelappreciated.”
TheonlywarningIhadwastheflashinhiseyesbeforehemoved,gotdownonhisknees.
Ifroze,mystomachseizing.Myteasingaside,aboyonhiskneesmeantstuffIwasn’tgoingtobe
preparedtohear.
Ethanreachedforwardandslidahandaroundmyneck,histhumbtracingthepulsepointhefound
there.“Merit,Ilo—”
“Don’t.”IknewI’dgoadedhimtoit,butthatdidn’tmeanIwasreadyforthewords.Icouldhearthe
pleadinginmyvoice,butImanagedtostophimbeforehegotouttheLword.“Don’tsayit.Puttingitout
thereisonlygoingtomakeitharderforbothofustoactuallydoourjobs.”
“I’mnotflatteredbythefactthatyouaren’tsurewhetherImeanitornot.”
“Doyou?”
Hegavemeaflatlook,butthenhisexpressionchangedtosomethingmuchmoreappraising.Andthat
mademeworry.
“What?”Iaskedhim.
“We’revampires.”
“I’maware.”
“Asvampires,webargain,wenegotiate,andwehonorouragreements.”
Iliftedmyeyebrows.“Andwhatagreementdoyouintendonforming?”
“Iwantakiss.Onekiss,”headded,beforeIcouldquestionhim,“andI’llkeepthedeclarationsto
myself.Onekiss,andthenI’llceaseallflirting,asyoucallit,unlessanduntilyoucometomewithyour
owndeclarations.”
Islidhimaglancetocheckhisexpression.Reversepsychologywasn’tbeyondhim,andthedealdidn’t
makemuchsenseotherwise.Iwouldn’tdenytheattractionbetweenus,butIfeltprettyconfidentIcould
managenottomakesexualoverturestomyboss.
“Onekiss?”Ireiterated.
“Onekiss.”
“Deal,”Isaid.Hopingtojumpthegun,Iclosedmyeyesandofferedpuckeredlips.Ethanchuckled,but
ignoredmelongenoughthatIopenedoneeye.
“Don’tthinkyou’regoingtogetbythateasily.”Thehandonmynecksliddown,histhumbrestinginthe
hollowatthebaseofmyneck,therestofhisfingerssplayedacrossmycollarbone.Hiseerilygreeneyes
stayedtrainedonmine,atleastuntilhistangledlashesdroppedandhemovedin.
Buthedidn’tkissme.
Hismouthhoveredjustbeyondmine,outofreachonlysolongasIrefusedtomakethatplungeforward
—andherefusedtoexecutethebargain.
“You’recheating,”Imurmured.IwastornaboutwhetherIwasgladofitornot.Iwasafraidthatifhis
lipstouchedmine,I’dlosethewilltoresist,andIwasafraidthatifIgavein,I’dlosemyheartagain.
Ethanshookhishead.“Isaidonekiss,andImeantit.Onekiss,myterms,tobeclaimedwhenthetime
isright.”
Suddenly,heshiftedhismouthtomyear,histeethgrazingthelobe.Ishudderedatthesparkthattrilled
downmyspine,myeyesrollingbackattheridiculouspleasureofit.
“Thisisn’takiss,”hewhispered,hislipsatmyear.
“Norisitinthespiritofthebargain.”
“Let’snotfocusontheformalities,Merit.”Andthenhislipswerebackagain,hoveringagainstmyjaw,
teasingmewiththepossibilityofwhathemightdo.
Withtheanticipationofit.
Ifoughtbacktheurgetostepforward,topushmylipsagainsthistobedonewithit.Topushmylips
againsthisbecausehe’dincitedmetoit.
“I’llhaveyouinmybedagain,Sentinel.Andatmyside.Thatisapromise.”
“Youmeantoteasemeintoaseduction?”
“Isitworking?”
Myanswerwaslessawordthanafrustratedgrumble.Iwasself-awareenoughtoknowthattheonly
thingIenjoyedmorethangettingwhatIwantedwasnotgettingwhatIwanted.Inmyexperience,wanting
wasoftenmorefunthanhaving.
Ontheotherhand,thiswasagamethatcouldeasilybeplayedbytwo.
Iliftedahandandpushedalockofhairbehindhisear,thentracedthelineofhiseyebrowandjaw
withafingertip,mygazedrinkingineachpartofhisface,fromperfectcheekbonestolonglips.
Thistime,hefroze.
Flushedwithfemininepower,Itracedthelineofhisneck,thencurledafistintothetopofhisshirtand
tuggedhimforward.
Hiseyeswidened;Ibitbackasmile.
Thistime,Itorturedhim,skimmingmylipsalongthelineofhisjaw,andthentohisear.Ibithim
delicately,justenoughtohearhisheavysigh.Iwasn’tsureifImeantit,ifIwastorturinghimbecauseI
thoughthedeservedtobeteasedjustlikehe’dteasedme,orifIwantedthejoyofdoingitonmyown.
Myheartpounded,therhythmspedbyfearandtrepidationandsimpledesire.
“Doyoulikebeingteased?”Iwhispered.
“Ienjoypreviews,”hesaid,thewordsconfident,buthisvoiceroughwitharousal.
Itookthegravellyedgetohisvoiceasmycue.Iwantedtoteasehim,notpushusbothpastthepointof
noreturn.IputmyhandflatagainstEthan’schestandpushedhimbackward.Heroseunsteadilytohis
feet,lookingdownwithmewithfrustrationinhiseyes.
Atasteofhisownmedicine,Ithought.Tobesoclosetosomethingyouwanted...andyetsofaraway.
Istoodupandwalkedaroundmychairandtowardthedoor,thenblewoutabreathandstraightenedmy
ponytail.
“That’sit?”
Myheartwasbeatinglikeatimpanidrum,thebloodrushingthroughmyveinsfasterthanitshould
have.“Onekiss,youtoldme.Youhadyourchancetotakeit.”
Ethanwethislips,straightenedhiscollar,andmovedbacktohisdesk.Hesatdowninhischair,then
lookedupatme,somethingsoftinhiseyes.“Onekiss,”hepromised.“Andafterthat,thenexttimewe
touch,itwillbebecauseyouaskme.”
Iwasn’tnaïveenoughtotellhimIwouldn’task,todenythatI’deverseekhimoutagain.Iknewbetter;
webothknewbetter.
“I’mafraid,”Ifinallyconfessed.
“Iknow.”Hisvoicewasquiet.“Iknow,anditkillsmethatIputthatfearintoyoureyes.”
Wewerebothsilentforamoment.
“Nextsteps?”Iasked,turninghimbacktobusinessonceagain.
“Astiffdrink?”
Iopenedmymouthtorespond,butthensomethingoccurredtome.IthoughtaboutwhatSarahhadsaid,
andthengesturedtowardhisshinynewfurniture.“Youknow,astiffdrinkmaynotbesuchabadidea.”
“HaveIfinallydrivenyoutoalcohol,Sentinel?”
Igrinnedbackathim,asparkleinmyeyes.“We’renearingtheendoftheconstruction.MaybeIshould
roundupsomeNovitiatesforadrinkatTempleBar.”
Hiseyeswidenedappreciatively.“Offeringanopportunitytocasuallyinvestigatewhethersomeoneis
usingmybartorecruithumanvictims.Goodthought,Sentinel.”
“Idon’tknowwhatyou’retalkingabout,Sullivan.I’mjusttalkingaboutafewdrinkswithmy
girlfriends.”
Wesatquietlyforamoment,thenewdealbetweenussolidifying.IwasEthan’seyesandears,histool
tosolvetheproblemTatehadpresented.Butinordertokeephimsafe,hecouldn’thaveanymore
informationthannecessary.Iwasn’tcrazyabouttakingontheGP,andIhadn’thadmuchexperience
playingSentinelwithoutEthanatmyside,butIdidliketheideaofplayingSentinelwithoutconstantly
fightingthechemistrybetweenmeandEthanandthedangerthatbroughtwithit.
Heglanceddownathiswatch.“Incaseyou’revaguelycurious,Dariuswillundoubtedlybebackfor
additionalthreats,buthe’lleventuallyretiretotheTrump.Somecombinationofjetandvampirelag.If
youweretoheadtothebarat,let’ssay,threeo’clock,you’dprobablymisshimentirely.”
“Howunfortunate.”Thedealstruck,Iheadedforthedoor.“I’llkeepyoupostedonanypertinentdrink
specials.”
“Sentinel?”
Iglancedback.
“Nexttimeyou’refeelingchatty,don’tforgettochecktheroomfirst.”
CHAPTERELEVEN
PARTYGIRLS
Itwasn’thealthy,Icouldadmit.Iknewspongecakeandmarshmallowcreamweren’tthecurefor
physicalfrustration,thatalongrunthroughHydeParkoratrainingsessionwithLucwouldhavecuredme
betterthancaloriesmighthave.
Butthatdidn’tmakemyfourthMallocake—aprocessedandhydrogenatedlogofchocolatespongecake
filledwithmarshmallowcreamsosugaryitleftyourteethgritty—anylessdeliciousthanthethirdhad
been.
MalloryhaddiscoveredMallocakesonenightataconveniencestoreinBucktown.Therewereonlya
fewstoresinChicagothatsoldthem,whichmadeherburgeoningloveforthethings—sparkedinpart
becauseofthesimilaritiesintheirnames—thatmuchmoreinconvenient.Mallocakesweremadebya
mom-and-popbakeryinIndianathatshippedthemoutonlyonceamonth,whichmadethemhardertofind.
Butpainintherearthattheyweretoacquire,Icouldn’tfaulthertaste.
Theywereridiculouslygood.
Thechocolatespongecakewasjusttherightbalanceoftangychocolateandnot-too-sweetcake,which
matchedupperfectlyagainstacreamfillingthatreekedofsugar.Therewereafewhundredcaloriesina
singledose,andeachboxboastedhalfadozencellophane-wrappedcakes.Theywereaself-pityseshjust
waitingtohappen.
Ontheotherhand,Iwasavampire.Theycouldn’thurtme.Whatevercriticismsyoumightlevelagainst
Ethanformakingmeavampire,Ihadacrazy-fastmetabolismandnoobviousmeansofweightgain.
Asmartervampiremighthavetriedblood,satiatedtheneedwithabagortwooftypeOorAB.But
Mallocakesweresoveryhuman.Andsometimesagirlneededtostayintouchwithherhumanity.
Sometimesagirlneededbreakfastthatdidn’tinvolveflaxorwheatgrassororganicfree-rangecruelty-
freewholegrains.Besides,weweretheonlybeingsalivewhocouldeatprocessedsugarandcarbswith
impunity—whynotgoforit,right?
Mallocakes,itwas.
Really,itwasacelebrationpromptedbythefactthattheday’spaperdidn’trevealwordoneaboutlast
night’srave.ThingsmaynothavegonesmoothlyintheHousewhenI’dreturned,butaquietpresswas
stillavictoryweneeded.
Andso,onesmallvictoryandtwothousandcalorieslater,Istuffedemptycellophanewrappersintothe
trashandgrabbedmyphonefromthenightstand.I’dhadmysnack,soitwastimetogetbacktowork.
Jeffansweredbeforethefirstringwascomplete.“Merit!”
“Talktome,Jeff.Anynewsonthatphonenumber?”
“Notadamnthing.Itwasassignedtoadisposablephone,andtheaccounthasnootheroutgoing
messagesorcalls.Justtheonetext.AndIdidn’tfindanyrecordofpurchaseinmymerchant-datafilefor
theminutesorthephoneitself,soitwasprobablycashonboththosetransactions.”
“Hmm.That’sabummer.Andfortherecord,I’mverydisturbedyou’vegotmerchant-datarecords.”
“It’sonlymildlyillegal.Hey,youwantmetomakeyoudisappearfromthefinancialsystem?Icando
that.EventheFedcouldn’tfindyou.Theyaresuchnoobsoverthere.”
Therewastoomuchenthusiasminhisvoiceformycomfort.Iwasthegranddaughterofacop,afterall.
Ontheotherhand,Jeffworkedforthatcop.
“No,thanks.Andifyou’recommittingfelonies,let’smakesureit’sforthegoodofthecity.”
“You’renofun,”Jeffcomplained.
“Aw,that’snottrue.I’mplentyfun.”
“Vampsarereallyonlyliketenpercentfunatanygiventime.Theotherninetypercentislargely
fretting.Andbloodletting.”
“You’vebeenspendingwaytoomuchtimewithMr.Bell.Hey,whileI’vegotyouonthephone,canI
talktohim?I’vegotaquestion.”
“Absotively,”hesaid,andthenIheardhisrequest.“Catch,thegrandkid’sonthephone.”
Iheardshuffling,whichIimaginedwasthesoundofJeffcarryinghisphonetoCatcher.Thatgaveme
timetoadjusttothefactthatI’dbeendeemed“thegrandkid.”Somuchformyvampiresuaveness.
“Yogabbagabba,”Catchersaid.“What’sup?”
“Drugs.”
“We’reinthethird-biggestcityinthecountry.You’regoingtoneedtobemorespecific.”
Ipickeduptheenvelopeandlookeditover.“Whitetablets.Doseismaybetwoatatime,andthey’re
deliveredinalittlewhiteenvelope.There’saVonthepillandalsoontheoutsideofthepackage.”
Hewasquietforamoment.“I’llhavetocheckthedatabase,butitdoesn’tsoundfamiliar.Whydoyou
ask?”
Igavehimtherundown,substitutingNoah’snameforJonah’sagain,andhatingthatthelieswere
beginningtolayerontopofoneanother.PrettysoonIwasgoingtoneedanappjusttokeepeverything
straight.
“Isthereachancehumanswerebeingdopedwithit?”Iwonderedaloud.“Tomakethemmore
susceptibletoglamour?”
“Sothey’dbemorewillingtogivebloodataparty?Thatdoesn’tringforme.”Iimaginedhimleaning
backinhischair,handsbehindhishead,readytodishoutsomewisdom.“Kindofalotoftroubletodo
somethingglamourwoulddoanyway.Imean,thatisthepointofglamour,afterall.”
“True.”
“Andbesides,Idon’twanttoblamethevictimhere,butifthey’reshowingupatavampparty,they
probablyhavesomeideathatbloodletting’sgoingtohappen.Thatdoesn’tmeanthey’reconsentingtoit
happeningtothem—playingpro-vampatapartyisn’tthesamethingassittingdownandofferingupa
vein—butthepointistheymaynotneedadoubledoseofconvincing.Youknowaboutthewristbands?”
“Theredones?Yeah,Isawthem.Therewereafewthere.”
“Thenitdoesn’tsoundlikethevampsneededtoconvinceanyone.And,frankly,humanssittingdown
andpresentingaveindoesn’texactlyoffermuchchallenge.I’mnotsurethat’sthekindofthing
testosterone-lacedvampswouldevenenjoy.”
“Thisonedoesn’t,”Iconfirmed.“Therewasalotofmagicfloatingaround.Anychancethemagicwas
external?Notvampire,Imean?”
Hisvoicewentflat.“You’reaskingifasorcererwouldknockoutahumansoavampirecouldgoat
her?EveniftherewereOrderschlubsinChicagootherthanMalloryandhertutor,whichtherearen’t,no.
There’snowayasorcererwoulddothat.”
“Whataboutaggression?Wouldasorcererbeinterestedinmakingvampsmoreaggressive,givingthem
ahair-triggertemper,thatkindofthing?”
“Ihatetodashyourdreams,Merit,butyourtestosteronelevelsaren’treallyofinteresttotheOrder.”
SomuchforJonah’ssorcereridea,notthatI’dbeenabigfanofitanyway.“ThenI’mflummoxed.Iwas
hopingyou’dhaveinsights.”
“Ialwayshaveinsights.Yousaidtherewereviolence,glamour,anddrugs,right?”
“ItwasGhoulsGoneWildinthere.Thebitershadfangsout,andIsawalotofreallysilveredeyes.
Nottheusualirises-turned-silverbit.Therewasenoughmagic,enoughglamour,enoughbloodfloating
around,thattheirpupilswerenarroweddowntonothing.”InearlyoutedJonah,andhadtoremindmyself
tousehiscover—“Noahcreatedadistractionwithsomeblood,andthevampswentbatshitcrazy.”
“It’sblood.You’revampires.Batshitcrazyisprettybasicmath.”
“NotjustFirstHungerbloodlust.More,Idon’tknow,angry?”IthoughtaboutwhatEthanhadsaid.“It
waslikethewholeeventwasn’taboutsensuality;itwasaboutfighting.Aggression.Adrenaline.We’re
nottalkingafewvampsdrinkinginsomehole-in-the-wallhidingplace.We’retalkingabigpartywitha
lotofmagic,alotofglamour,alotofsusceptiblehumans,andalotofveryangryvampiresreadyfora
fight.”
Catchersighed.“Idon’tmeantobethebearerofbadnews,butmaybethat’sjustasideeffectofthe
popularity.Maybethat’sjusthowvampsarepartyingthesedays.”
“Ifso,they’redoingtherecruitingatTempleBar.Andthephonethatreceivedthetextwasfoundat
Benson’s.”
Iheardthecreakofhischair.
“They’rerecruitingatHousebars?”heasked.
“Fromwhatwe’veheard.Wordis,therecruitsatTemplewereashortguyandawoman.Wethinkher
namewasMarie.DidIevertellyouCelina’sgivenname?MarieColletteNavarre,”Isaid,without
waitingforhisanswer.
“Now,thatisinteresting.It’sshittyevidence,butit’sinteresting.”
“Ilivetoinfotain.”
“Idon’tsupposeyouhaveplanstoheadtoTempleBarandinvestigate?”
“I’mleavingwithinthehour.”
“Goodgirl.Inthemeantime,I’lltalktoourvampsourceandseeifIcanfindoutanythingaboutthe
recruiters.Besides,Ioweyouafavor.”
“Youdo?”
“Ido.”Heclearedhisthroatalittlenervously.“MalloryandItalkedlastnight.”
“Issheokay?”
“She’snotherbest.Butshe’sfeelingalotbetterafteralittleconscienceclearing.Youdidgoodbyher,
Merit,andIappreciateit.Alot.Italkedherdown,”heassuredme.“Therestwillcomewithtime.”
Myeyeswelledalittleatthecorners.“Thanks,Chief.Iwasworried.Iloveher,too,youknow.Just
notinthegrotesquelyphysicalwaythatyoudo.”
“Thesexisphenomenal.”
Imadeafauxgaggingsound.“Sparemethedetailsandcallmeifyoulearnanything.”
“Onit,”hesaid,andthelinewentdead.
Ihungupthephoneandstaredatthereceiverforaminute,notquitereadytomakethenextconnection
intonight’scallathon.
Ethanmightnothaveboughtmyargument,butIstillsuspectedCelinahadsomepartinthis:ata
minimum,hiringvamps—orperhapsashortguy—todoherdirtywork.Itwastoomuchofacoincidence
that“Marie”wasrunningaroundincitingvampstotreathumanslikedisposableconveniencefood.
Imademyselfapromise—whateverittook,shewasmine.She’dcausedmetrouble,she’dcaused
Ethantrouble,andshewaslininguptroublefortheHouseandthecity.EvenifIhadtohideitfromEthan
andtheGP,Iwasgoingtobringherdown.
Ofcourse,Istillneededevidence.Icouldadmittheuseofanoldaliaswasn’texactlystrongsupport
formytheory.AndifIwantedtoconfirmwhethershe’dbeeninvolved,whohadthebestaccessto
Celina?
MorganGreer.NewishMasterofNavarreHouse,former(brief)boyfriend,andformerCelinabooster.
Iwasn’texactlylookingforwardtothecall.Buthe’dbeenCelina’sSecond,andthatmadehimmybest
sourceforinfoabouthercurrentwhereabouts.Icouldn’ttrusthe’dvoluntarilycallupScottandEthanand
offertheminformation.
IpunchedinMorgan’snumber—whichwasstillinmyphonejustwaitingforadrunkdial—andhung
onforthering.
“Greer,”hethrewout.Therewassomethingpretentiousabouthisansweringwithhislastname.He’d
gaineditbackwhenhebecameMasterofNavarreHouse;apparentlyhewantedtoremindcallersabout
thatchangeinposition.
“Hey,Morgan.It’sMerit.”
“Oh.Hi.”Suspicionsnuckbackintohistone.
“I’msorrytocallyou,butIneedafavor.”
“Afavor?”
“Yeah,andIneedyoutopromisenottofreakout.”
“Nooneeversaysthatunlesstheoddsoffreakingoutareprettyhigh.”
“True.”Ipausedforcourage,thenspititout.“IneedtotalktoyouaboutCelina.”Igavehimthe
details,fromthewould-beravetothewomannamedMarieoutsideTempleBar.
Therewasalongpause.“Andwhat,exactly,doyouthinkshe’sdoing?”
“I’mnotsureyet.Maybesolicitinghumansforsomekindofvampanger-managementsessions?”
Hemadeadisdainfulsound.“Merit,evenifIconcededthepoint,whichIdon’t,theGPisn’tgoingto
putherbehindbars.”
“Maybenot.Butifwehaveenoughinformationaboutwhatshe’sreallydoinghere,wetiptheodds.
Andifnothingelse,wegainabetterunderstandingofwhatshe’suptoandhowwecankeepherfrom
destroyingthecity.”
“So,letmegetthisstraight—youwantmetohelpyouinvestigatemyMaster,thewomanwhomademe
avampire,whomIgavetwooathstoserve,againstthewishesoftheGP,andyoudon’thaveanyevidence
ofwhateveritisyouthinkshemightbeinvolvedin?”
“‘Investigate’isareallystrongword.Iprefer‘keepapprisedof.’”
Hewentquiet.
“Look,”Isaid,“Iknowit’salottoask,especiallyfromyou,especiallyfromme.Butshe’striedtokill
metwice,she’striedtokillEthan,andGodonlyknowsifshe’sreallystayingoutofNavarrebusiness.”
Thatlastonewasastretch,butgiventhequickhitchinhisbreath,IfiguredIwasontosomething.
“She’sgotfriends,”Iremindedhim.“AtleastacouplefromCadogan,andthat’snotevenherHouse.
Haveyoulostanymemberslately?”
Ihadtogiveittohim.Histonechanged,fromadolescentangsttovampireincharge.
“No,”hesaid.“Buttheylovedher.AndIhaven’tmadeanyvampsyet.Won’tuntilthespring,sotheir
allegiancesaretoher.Woulditsurprisemeifthey’dbeenintouch?Andthattheyhadn’ttoldmeaboutit?
Eh.Iwouldn’tputgreatoddsonit,butstrangerthingshavehappened.”
“Ifsheismixedupinthis—gettinghumanstovampparties—whywouldshedoit?Whatwouldher
motivationbe?”
“Well,shedidhavethecrownwhippedoutfromunderher,sotospeak.Ifshecan’tplaythevamp
heroine,maybeshe’sreadyforastintastheantagonist.”
“Thehumansdon’tlikeheranymore,soshe’llhappilyfeedthemtothewolves?”
“LikeIsaid,strangerthingshavehappened.ButIseriously,seriouslydoubtshe’splayingitthatloose.
ShowingupataCadoganbarwherefolksmightrecognizeher?Thatdoesn’tplayforme.”
AndnowMorganandEthanwerethinkingalike.Thatwasafrighteningdevelopment.Butthey’dboth
forgottensomethingimportantaboutCelina.
“Butthosefolksmightincludeme.Andshe’stakenthechanceforashowdownwithmewheneverit’s
presenteditself.”Thewomanhaditinforme,althoughIwasn’tentirelysurewhy.
“Idon’tknow.I’mjustnotfeelingthatargument.”
“Well,ifyoustarttofeelitanymorestrongly—ormaybeyouhearanythingconcreteaboutCelinaor
herwhereabouts—couldyougivemeacall?Andifyoudon’twanttodoitforme,considerthefateofthe
city.”
“Youthinkshewouldcausethatmuchtrouble?”
“Yes,Morgan,Ido.Celinaisverysmart,verysavvy,and,fromwhatI’veseen,veryunhappyaboutthe
waythingswentdown.Sheexpectedtoplaythemartyrwithhumansaswellasvamps.Shemighthavea
fewvampsonherside—”
“AndCadoganvampsatthat,”heinterrupted.
Irolledmyeyes,butcontinued.“Shemighthaveafewvampsonherside,butshedoesn’thavehumans
anymore.Andthat’sthethingthatbothersher.”
“Getmesomeevidence,”hesaid,“andwe’lltalk.”
Hehungupthephone.
Whydideveryonekeepdemanding“evidence”and“facts”?Iswear,copandcourtroomdramaswere
ruiningthegoodnameofgutinstinct.
Well,eitherway,Iwasgoingtohavetogetmoreinfo.Mightaswellgetstarted.
MyattemptatTempleBarespionagecouldn’tgetstartedwithoutalittleintroductorychat,soafterI
showeredanddonnedmoreclub-worthyclothes—myblacksuitpantsandanothertank,thisoneinred,
matchedwithredMaryJane–styleheels—Iheadedtothebasement.
TheHousewasfourstoriesofvampirewonder:dormroomsandEthan’ssuiteonthetopfloor.Dorm
rooms(includingmine),thelibrary,andtheballroomwereonthesecondfloor.Thefirstfloorheld
administrativeoffices,thecafeteria,andthesittingrooms.Thebasement,however,wasallbusiness:
trainingroom,theCadoganHousearsenal,agym,andtheOperationsRoom.TheOpsRoomservedas
Luc’sofficeandtheHQfortheCadoganHouseguards,includingLindseyand,onrareoccasions,me.
TheOpsRoomdoorwascrackedopen,andthistimeIhadthegoodsense—andthepatience—topeek
insidebeforestormingin.
JulietandKelleysatatcomputerstationsalongthewall,whichmeantLindseywasprobablyoutside
patrollingthegrounds.Lucsatattheconferencetablethattookupthemiddleoftheroom—buthewas
wearingasuit.
AcrossfromLucsatatall,slightlygawky-lookingmaninasuitatleastasizetoolarge.Hewastalking
atfullspeedabouthisvideo-gaminghobby.
“AndItrynottousecheats,butyoucan’talwaysrelyonthedesignerstohavecreatedagamethat
progresseslogicallythroughanyparticularportionoftheworld,sooccasionallyyouhavetocompromise
yourstandardsandfindacheatcodeinordertomoveforward,becauseyoureallydon’twanttolosethe
inertiaofforward,progressoryou’llcompletelyloseinterestinthequest.”
Whenhepausedforbreath,Ifoundmyselfsuckinginair,too.Thisguy,whoeverhewas,didnotknow
whentostop.
“Thankyou,Allan.Ithinkthat’saninterestinganswer,althoughitdoesn’tentirelyspeaktohowyou
couldcontributeasaHouseguard.”
Oh,myGod,Lucwasinterviewingthisguy.WewereamandownsincePeter’sbetrayal,sohemust
havebeenlookingforareplacement.IhopedthisonewasasafetypickandnotLuc’sfirstchoice;
otherwise,wewereintrouble.
Allan’sexpressionwaswithering.“ItgoestothetimesinwhichI,asaHouseguard,wouldneedto
relyuponmyownfightinginstinctsandoccasionallydisobeythestandardprocedure—thestandard
protocol,ifyouwill—ratherthanfollowingthedictatesofaGuardCaptainwho—”
“Wow,”Lucinterjected,“thatisanexcellentclarification,andIthinkthatwilldoitforustoday,since
we’vegotanothermeetingcomingup—oh,andlook,here’sourSentinelnow!”
Imutteredasilentcurse,butputonafakesmileandpushedthroughthedoor.“Hi,there.”
Lucjumpedupandheadedforthedoor,thenputahandatmyback.“ThanksweetChrist,Sentinel,”he
murmured,thensmiledbroadlyatAllan.
“Allan,haveyoumetourSentinel?Merit,Allanisinterviewingfortheopenguardposition.He’sa
CadoganvamplivingoutsidetheHouse,andhe’slookingtojoinourlittlefamily.”
ThatexplainedwhyI’dneverseenhimbefore.Iofferedalittlewave.“Nicetomeetyou,Allan.”
ButAllanhadnotimeforniceties.“IstherereallyareasontohaveaSentinelinthisdayandage,given
thestateofcurrentsecuritytechnology?”
“Okay,then,”Lucsaid,thenmovedAllantowardthedoor.“Justheadrightupthosestairstogetbackto
thefirstfloor.Thankssomuchforcomingin.”
“WhenwillIfindoutwhenIstart?”
“Well,we’rejustatthebeginningofourinterviewprocess,butwewillabsolutelyletyouknowwhen
we’rereadytofilltheposition.”
“I’llbeonvacationinaweek.I’mgoingtoBranson.Soyoumightnotbeabletoreachme.ButIhavea
sat-phone.Icouldtakethatwithme.”
“Thatisexceptional,”Lucsaid,allbutshovinghimouttheOpsRoomdoor.“I’llbesuretogetthat
information.AndsayhellotoAndyWilliamswhileyou’redownthere.”
Lucshutthedoor,thenproceededtobanghisforeheadagainstit.
“Interviewsnotgoingwell?”
Foreheadstillpressedagainstthedoor,heglancedover.“Iwanttostabmyselfintheeyewithapencil.
Thiskid’ssmart,buthishead’sinthewrongplace,andhedoesn’texactlyhavepeopleskills.”
“Thenmaybehe’dbegoodonthecomputers,”Ipointedout.“EvenJeffChristopherhasaWarcraft
fixation.”
“Youareevertheoptimist.AndI’mnotbustinghisballsforthegaming.Imayhavecutmyfangsina
differenttime,butIowneverycurrentgamingsystemontheU.S.market.”Heleanedin.“Andacouple
fromTaipeinooneknowsaboutyet.”
Heshookhishead.“Nah,Iobjecttotheattitude.We’reaskingthisguytostepinfrontofastakeforthe
restofusifnecessary,andhe’swaxingphilosophicalaboutwhenit’sokaytodisobeyorders?No,thank
you.Wouldyoutrusthimtodothatforyou?”
“Goodpoint.Andno.”
“Unlessaboothbabewasthrowingthestake,”Kelleydrylythrewout,hergazestillscanningthe
black-and-whiteclosed-circuitsecurityimagesonhercomputerscreen.
“Youhitthatoneonthehead,Kels,”Lucsaid.“Now,Sentinel,whatbringsyoudownstairs,otherthan
yourhellagoodtiming?DidDariusscareyoudownhere?”
“Actually,Ineedtogiveyouaheads-upaboutsomething.CouldyougiveMalikacall?Askhimto
comedown,aswell?”
Lucarchedaneyebrow.“Gotabeeinyourbonnet?”
“Notexactly.ButImighthaveaformerNavarreMastersolicitinghumansoutsideTempleBar.”
Luc’sbrowslifted.“Letmegethimonthephone.”
CHAPTERTWELVE
OVERTHERAINBOW
Tenminuteslater—andpresumablyanexcusetoEthanandDarius—MalikjoinedusintheOpsRoom.
WeputLindsey,who’dbeenoutsidepatrollingthegrounds,onspeakerphonesoshecouldlistenin.
“I’mon,”Lindseysaid.“Gettoit,HotShit.”
Shereallydidloveme.
“Soyouknowthebasics,”Itoldthem.“Wepreviouslysawsmallraves—ahandfulofvampires,afew
people,somedrinking.Nowwe’retalkingfull-onpartieswithlotsofvamps,lotsofhumans,andlotsof
potentialforviolence.Ididn’tseethekindofviolenceTatetalkedaboutwhilewewerethere—butwe
pulledtheplugasquicklyaswecould.Weknowhumansarebeingprettyseverelyglamoured,maybe
helpedinpartbyadrugbeingpassedaround.Andwethinkthehumaninvitesareoriginatingfromthe
Housebars.”
Theroomwentsilent,everyoneexchanginglooksofconcern.
“Yourevidence?”Malikasked.
“Thephonethatgotthetextaboutlastnight’sshindigwasleftatBenson’s,theGreyHousebar.And
anotherhumantoldusshefoundoutaboutthepartywhenshemetashortmanandawomannamedMarie
outsideTempleBar.”
Malik’slipcurled.“Someoneisusingourplacetohitonhumans.”
“Thatappearstobethecase.”
Therewasonlyonewordforthelookinhiseyes—determination.“Andwhat’syourplan?”
“Well,inaperfectworld,theplanwouldbenotpissingofftheGP.Butasweknow,thisisclearlynot
aperfectworld.”
Thereweregeneralgrumblesofagreementaroundtheroom.
“DariuswantsussafeandsoundinsideCadoganHouse—where,fornow,hecankeepaneyeonus—
notstirringuptroubleoutsidetheHouse.Butthere’salreadytroublebrewingoutthere,andifwedon’t
getahandleonit,thingsaregoingtogosouthveryquickly.Wecan’tjustsithereandwatchthecityfall
aroundus.
“IknowI’myoung,”Icontinued,“butIalsohaveanobligationtodothethingsIthinkarenecessaryto
protecttheHouse.EvenifDariusdoesn’tapprove...andevenifEthandoesn’tknowaboutthem.”
Iletthatimplicationsinkinforaminute,andthendroppedmyvoice.“I’vegivenhimageneralheads-
up,butI’mnotgivinghimdetails,andhe’snotgoing.Thelessheknows—”
“ThelessDariuscanusehimasascapegoat,”Maliksaid.
Inoddedinagreement.“Precisely.Theshortofitis,hegavemeathumbs-uptomakethebestdecision
Icould,andIwanttogiveyouallthesamecourtesy.TheGPisputtingenoughpressureontheHouse
withoutmeaddingtoit.IfyouwanttoknowwhatI’mdoing,I’lltellyou.Ifnot”—Iheldupmyhands
—“noworries.Youcandenyyouknewanythingwasgoingon,andhopefullythatwillshieldyoufrom
Dariusifworsecomestoworst.”
Mypiecesaid,Iglancedaroundtheroomagain.
Luckickedabootedfootontothetabletop.“Areyouseriouslyaskingusifwe’renotgoingtotakeyour
sideagainsttheGP?Seriously,Sentinel?IthoughtItaughtyoubetterthanthat.Weareateam—andyou’re
amemberofit.”
“Andyou’regettingbetteratthespeechifying,”Lindseysaid.“IthinkSullivan’sgoingtoyourhead.Oh,
andI’mtotallyin.”
JulietandKelleysmiledateachother,thenatme.
“We’reobviouslyin,too,”Kelleysaid.“We’veknownEthanalotlongerthanwe’veknownDarius.He
maynotbeperfect,buthe’sconcernedabouttheHouse,notjustthepolitics.”
“Agreed,”Julietsaid.
WealllookedatMalik,theonlyoneIwasn’tquitesureof.ItwasnotthatIdoubtedhisallegiances,but
hewasquietenoughthatIwasn’tentirelysurewhereIstoodwithhim.
“Yourheartisintherightplace,”hesaid.“That’sallIneedtoknow.”
Ismiledathim,thennoddedatthegroup.“Okay,then.Here’stheplan.”
Fast-forwardforty-fiveminutestoagaggleofvampiresemergingfromacabintothedark,muggystreetin
frontofTempleBar,notfarfromWrigleyField.Me,Lindsey,andChristine—ChristineDupree,before
shelosthernametojointheHouse,anothervampfrommyNovitiateclass—dressedtotheninesinchic
shadesofblack,gray,andredandmakeuppedwithinaninchofourimmortallives.
WeprobablylookedlikethenewcastofCharlie’sAngels.Iwasthespunkybrunette,Lindseywasthe
sassyblonde,andChristine—formerlyabrunette—wasnowrockingasleekbobofrussethair.
Christinewasn’taguard,andsheandIweren’texactlyclosefriends.Sincewewerebringingherinto
somethingthatcouldgetherintrouble—anddemandedherloyalty—Lucgaveheralectureonduty.We
didn’tgiveherallthedetailsabouttheraves;sheonlyknewthatwewerelookingintobadactsatTemple
Bar.Sheseemedeagertohelp,whichwasgoodenoughforme.
Asforthebaritself,I’ddecidedonanewplan—playingthebait.
TheCadoganvampsknewmeasSentinelandLindseyasguard.ButtheyalsoknewthatChristinewas
thedaughterofDashDupree,anotoriousChicagolawyer,andthatIwasthedaughterofJoshuaMerit,Mr.
ChicagoRealEstateBigwig.
I’drealizedattheStreetervillepartythatIcouldfakepartygirlprettywell,soIwasgoingtotryit
again.AndwithcredslikemineandChristine’s,noonewasgoingtoquestiontwosocialitesmixingitup
atTempleBar,askingquestionsaboutnewkindsofexcitement.
Therewasalineoutsidethedoor.Althoughhumanshadn’tbeenallowedintheHouse,Tatehadn’t
extendedthebantothebars.ColinandSeanhadgottencreative,installingneonsignsabovethedoorto
helpvisitorskeeptrack.Tonight,theHUMANSandCADOGANlightswerelit,whichmeantvampsfrom
NavarreorGreywereoutofluck.
Thehumanpartwasfinebyme,asitwouldhelpusaccomplishpartoneofmyTempleBarInfiltration
Plan,orT-BIP.Unfortunately,thebanonGreyandNavarrevampswasn’tgoingtohelp.I’dhopedIcould
usethenighttogetinfofromtheotherHousesabouttheravesanddrugs.Oh,well.Jonahcouldgetme
intoGreyHouse.AsforNavarre,I’dcrossthatbridgewhenIcametoit.
Christine,Lindsey,andIsaunteredinlikeweownedtheplace,thenstoodinthefrontofthebarfora
moment...toseeandbeseen.
Itookamomenttoappreciatethelocale.TempleBarwaspracticallyashrinetotheCubs,myfavorite
sportsteam.Thewallswerelinedwithuniformsandpennants,andCubsmemorabiliacoveredeveryfree
spotinthebar.Thebarwasrunbytworedheadedvampires,alsobrothers,SeanandColin.Theykeptall
thingsIrishandCubbiealiveandwellinWrigleyville.
“FirststopinT-BIP,”Itoldmyaccomplices,“identifyinghumanswhomighthavegottenaninvitetoa
onceorfutureravesowecanidentifythehost.”
“Orhostess,”Lindseyadded.“Let’snotforgettheCelinapossibility.”
“CanwepleasestopcallingitT-BIP?”Christineputin.“Igetthatyouenjoyacronyms,butthatsounds
ridiculous.”
“Unfortch,”Lindseysaid,“Ihavetoagree.Unlesstheacronymisahelluvalotmorerugged.Like
‘DANGER’or‘KILLFACE’or‘STUNGUN’orsomething.”
Islidheraquestioningglance.“Andwhat,exactly,would‘DANGER’standfor?”
“Um.”Shelookedupattheceilingwhileshemadeupananswer.“‘Dedicated,angstyNovitiategirls
examiningrisk’?Ormaybe,‘drugsarenevergoodentertainment,right?’”
“Lame,”Imuttered.
“Aw,sadface.Icameupwiththattotallyoffthecuff.Nopropsforoffthecuff?”
“Ladies,”Christinesaid,holdingupahand.“Let’sactouragesandstayontarget.”
LindseyandIexchangedaguiltyglance.I’mhonestenoughtoadmitthatsarcasmandsillinessweremy
preferredmethodsofdealingwithstress.ButIhadalotofit,anditwasn’tlikeIcouldjustbreakouta
Mallocakemid-katana-fight.
Coolly,Christinesurveyedthecrowdlikealioneyeingaherdofwaterbuffalo—dedicatedtofinding
theweakestlink.Wefiguredanyhumansatavampbarweremorelikelytorememberasocialiteturned
vampireandtrustherwiththeirvamp-partyinformation.
“There,”shefinallysaid,pointingwithacarefullymanicuredfingertoacoupleofhumanguysin
fraternityshirtswho,bythelookoftheemptypitcherontheirtable,hadalreadydonesomeimbibing.
“Istartthere,”shesaid,thensaunteredacrosstheroomtowardherunsuspectingvictims.Theguys’
headsliftedasshenearedthem,theireyesgoingalittleglazy,althoughIwasn’tsureifthatwasbecause
thetwoofthemhadfinishedapitcherorbecauseshewasthrowingoutsomeseriousglamour.
“StrongPsych?”IaskedLindsey.Thatwasthemeasureforavampwithalotofglamouringcapability.
“Nope,”Lindseysaid.“Thosedopeyexpressionsareonehundredpercentaboutherlovelylady
lumps.”
Ifso,thoselumpswereprovenwinners;oneoftheboyshoppedupandofferedChristineachair.She
tookit,demurelycrossingonelegoveranother,thenleaningforwardtochatwiththeboys.Iftheyhadany
pertinentinformation,Ihadnodoubtshe’dferretitout.
“Sheissurprisinglygoodatthis,”Isaid,glancingoveratLindsey.“IsLucinterviewingherforajob?”
“I’mnotsuresheworks,”Lindseysaid.“She’smorethetrustfundtype—whichcomesinveryhandyin
situationslikethis.Ontheotherhand,nocomplainingifwestarthavingdinnerintheDashDupree
MemorialCafeteriaadecadefromnow.”
Ichuckled,thenlookedoveratthebar.“Sinceherworkisunderway,let’sgetmovingonours.”
“Humans—check,”Lindseyagreed,movingherfingerintheshapeofacheckmark.“Now,shallwehit
upthebartender?”
Iwinkedatherandmovedtowardthebar.“Justtryandkeepup,okay?”
Lindseysnorted.“Honey,youmayhavethesteak,butIgotthesizzle.”
OnlyColin,whowasalittleolderandtallerthanSean,wasworkingthebartonight.
“Ifhe’ssolo,itmightnotbeagoodtimetotearhimaway,”Lindseysaidasshefollowedmeover.
Itookherpoint,butcounteredwithmyown.“We’renocturnal,andheprobablyworksthebaruntil
sunup.I’mnotsuretherewouldbeagoodtimetotearhimaway,andweneedtofindoutwhat’sgoing
on.”
Webypassedthetwo-deepcrowdofhumansandvampsinfrontofthebarandwentdirectlytotheend
ofit.IwaiteduntilColinmovedtowardus,wipinghishandsonatowelstuckintohisbelt,beforeI
poppedthequestion.
“Canwetalkinprivateforafewminutes?”
Withadubiousexpression,Colinturnedtograbtwobeersoutofasmallrefrigerator,thenputthemon
thebarandgrabbedthecashavamphaddroppedthere.“Busytonight.Canitwait?”
“Um,hello?”Lindseyasked,movingbesidemeandproppinganelbowonthebar.“I’mhere.Ican
watchthebar.”
Colinfrownedather.“Areyouupforit?”
“Honey,IspentadecadeofmyrathergloriouslifepouringshotsintheEastVillage.Thesepeoplewill
bebothdrunkandentertainedbythetimeyougetback,orI’mnotoneofthetoptenhottiesofCadogan
House.Seriously,”sheaddedwithaglanceatme.“There’salist,andwe’rebothonit.”
“Nice,”Isaid.Notbadforaformerlibrary-boundgradstudent.
Fromhottietobarmaid,Lindseydidn’twasteanytimesidlingbehindthebarandslappingawhite
toweloverhershoulder.
“Ladiesandgentlemen,”sheannounced,“whoneedsadrink?”
Whenthecrowdletoutanappreciativehoot,Colinputhishandatmybackandsteeredmetowardthe
otherendofthebar.“Let’sgototheoffice.It’salittlequieterbackthere.”
Ifollowedashemadealoopthroughthebar.Heworkedtheroomlikeaseasonedpolitician:checking
ondrinks,kissingprettygirlsonthecheek,recommendingpizzatoppingsatthejointnextdoor,and
inquiringaftertheparentsofapparentlyhumanfriends.Ididn’tknowColinmuchatall,buthewasclearly
wellliked,asmuchafixtureofthebarastheCubsgearandvampires.
Whenwemadeitacrosstheroom,westoppedinthephotograph-coveredbackhallway—andpasta
pictureofEthanandLaceySheridan,hisformerflame—andintoasmallroomattheend.
Colinpulledakeyringfromhispocketandunlockedthedoor.Theofficewassmall—barelylarge
enoughtoholdametaldeskandbeat-upfilecabinet.Everyfreesurfacewascoveredinpapers—
magazines,notes,checks,taxreturns,pagesfromyellowlegalpads,foldednewspapers,sportsprograms,
invoices,take-outmenus.
Thewallswerealsocovered,althoughthecontentwasmuchlesskid-friendly.Postersandcalendars
featuringpinupsfromthelastseventyyearswereplasteredlikewallpaperacrosstheroom,bustyblondes
andbrunettesintinyshortsandthree-inchheelssmilingdownatuscoquettishly.Itlookedliketheoffice
youmightfindinaservicestationorquick-lubeshop.Notexactlythekindofplacethatmadeit
comfortabletobeawoman,butthenagain,Iwasn’tthetargetaudience.
“Nicedigs,”Ipolitelysaid.
“Welikeit,”hesaid.“Getthedoor,wouldyou?”
Iclosedit,whichloweredthevolumejustenoughtoallowustotalkinsteadofscreaming.
Colinslidaroundthedeskandpulledopenthetopdrawerofthefilecabinet.Heslippedasmallmetal
flaskoutofthedrawer,unscrewedthecap,andtookasip.
“Booze?”Iwonderedaloud.
“TypeO.Myownspecialconcoction.”Heofferedittome,butIshookhimoff.Ineededaclearhead,
andIwasn’tconfidentColin’s“specialconcoction”wasgoingtokeepmeinabusiness-mindedplace.
“No,thankyou.”
Theflaskstillinonehand,hepulledoutanancientdeskchair,thebackcushioncoveredbymoreduct
tapethanfabric,andtookaseat.“Now,Ms.Sentinel,whatcanIdoforyou?”
“Haveyounoticedanythingoutoftheordinaryaroundherelately?”
Hemadeasarcasticsound.“Onceuponatime,thiswasabarforvampires.Forthefangedandtheir
kithandkin.Sincewecameoutofthecloset,I’vebeenservinghumanswhothinkmalevampsare
brooding,romanticheroesandfemalevampshaveasecretweight-lossformula.I’malsooccasionally
servinghumanswhothinkvampsaretrashandtheharbingersoftheapocalypse.Sooutoftheordinary?
Yes,Sentinel.I’dsayso.”
Bytheendoftherant,hiswordshadspedup,andthefasterhetalked,themorepronouncedhisaccent
became.I’dneverbeentoIreland,butIcouldheargreenhillsinhisvoice.
Healsohadapoint,butIwaslookingforsomethingalittlemorespecific,soIgottomine.“Wethink
vampsareusingthebartofindhumansforanewkindofrave.Anythinglikethatringabell?”
Hetookasipfromhisflask.“LikeIsaid,plentyofhumanswanttospendtimewithvampires.I’mnot
sureI’drecognizethedifferencebetweenavamphittingonahumanandavampinvitingahumantoattend
adrinkingpartyofsometype.”
“Fairenough.”Ignawedmylipforamoment,disappointedhehadn’tgivenmeanybreakthrough
information.“Okay,howaboutdrugs?SomethingcalledV?Itmightbeusedtomakehumanssusceptible
toglamour.”
Hisbrowsliftedwithinterest.“Youdon’tsay.Arewesounskilledatglamourthesedaysthatwehave
toresorttopharmaceuticalstodothejob?”
“We’renotsureyetabouthowitworks—justthatit’sbeenfoundataparty.”
Heshruggedoneshoulder.“Thisisabar;drugsareparforthecourse.Ihaven’theardaboutanynew
drugsbeingpassedaround,butthatdoesn’tmeanit’snothappening.”
StrikethreefortheSentinel,butItriedagain.“Whataboutfamiliarcharacters?Anyonehangingaround
thebaralotmorethanusual?Anyoneoutofplace,oranyonewhopopsupoverandover?”
Colinleanedbackinhischairandcrossedhisarmsoverhischest,theflasknestledbeneathhisarms
likeadoll.“Idon’twanttorainonyourparade,andIappreciateeverythingyoudofortheHouseas
Sentinel.Buttobefrank,Ispendmytimetryingtoensurethevampiresandhumansinthisbararewell
tendedandentertainedandhaveanopportunitytoburnoffalittleofthesteamthatbuildsupthroughthe
workweek.Butifyou’reaskingmeifI’veseenanythingsuggestingTempleBaristhenewHQforsome
kindofravemovement?Thenno,Ihavenot.”
Deflated,Isighed.I’dfiguredtheguywhospentmostofhistimeatthebarwasgoingtohavethebest
insightintowhatSarahhadthoughtwasgoingonatTempleBar.Buthehadapoint;hemighthavehadthe
access,buthealsohadplentyelsetodo.
Inodded.“Thanksforthehonesty.Getintouchifyouthinkofanything?”
Heofferedawink.“Restassured,Sentinel.”
Withnomoreinformationinhand,IexcusedColinandheadedbackintothebar.
AndthatwaswhenIgotsurprisenumbertwo.
IknewLindseyhadbeenborninIowa.Iknewherfatherwasaporkproducer.Iknewshe’dlivedin
NewYorkandhadanallegiancetowardtheYankeesthatI,asaloyalCubsfan,couldonlyassumewas
theresultofsomesortoflow-gradevampireinsanity.
Ididnotknowshewasbartenderextraordinaire.
IfoundLindseybehindthebarandacrushofvampsfourdeep,dollarsinhand,shoutinghernamelike
she’djustwonthemapennant.
Girlwasaphenomenon.Shespunacocktailshakerhorizontallyinonehandandabottleofblue
alcoholintheother.Thecrowdletouta“Woot!”whensheflippedthebottleoverhershoulderandcaught
itagaininthepalmofherhand,thendumpedthecontentsofbothcontainersintoamartiniglass.The
bottleandshakerhitthetopofthebar,andthentheglasswasinherhandandheadedforthevampirein
frontofher.Shetidilypluckedcashfromthevamp’sextendedfingersandpusheditintoajar.
Thecrowdaroundherletoutaroundofapplause;Lindseymadealittlebowandthenbeganpreppinga
drinkforthenextvampinline.Thevampsatthebarwatchedhermovementswithshiftingeyesasifthey
werewaitingforaonce-in-a-lifetimesipofrareandlimitedwine.Personally,Ididn’tunderstandthe
appeal,butIwasn’tmuchofadrinker.
IturnedatthetaponmyshoulderandfoundChristineatmyside.
“Anythingtoreport?”
Shegesturedtowardtheboys.“Ournewfavoritefraternitybrothersarehereatleastonceaweek,
usuallyonweekends.LastFriday,theyweresmokinginthealleywhenamanapproachedthem,made
someoverturesabouttryingoutanewvampireexperience.Asitturnsout,whileourfraternitybrothers
werebraveenoughtoventureintoavampirebar,theyweren’tquitebraveenoughforanythingmorethan
that.”Shegavemeaknowingsmile.“Drinkingatabarwithvampsapparentlygivesthematasteof
dangerwithoutthecalories,sotospeak.Theydidn’tgetagoodlookattheman,but—”
Iheldupahandtostopher,satisfactionwarmingmyblood.Ireallydidenjoythemomentwhenthe
puzzlepiecesbegantofallintoplace.“Letmeguess—hewasshort,older,darkhair?”
Hereyeswidenedinsurprise.“Howdidyouknow?”
“Mywitnesswastakingabreatheroutsidewhenshewasapproachedbyamanwiththesame
description.”
“Andhe’susingTempleBarashisownpersonalrecruitingground?”
“Thatmightbethecase.”
Rowdyapplausesplittheairnearthebar.IlookedoverjustintimetoseeLindseyfinishupanother
drinkandclapherhandstogetherlikeaVegasdealer.
“Andnow,formynexttrick,”shesaid,slidingmeaglance,“somethingvampiresnevergettosee.I
willmakeyourHousesocialchairdomybidding!”
Withtheencouragementofthecrowd,shebeckonedmeover.Irolledmyeyes,butthecrowd
apparentlyappreciatedthehumor,soIdidmypartandslidbehindthebar.
Sheimmediatelybeganbossingmearound,pointingtomedium-sizedglasses.“Givemesevenofthose
andline’emupalongthebar.”
WhenIdidasdirected,Lindseygrabbedacleancocktailshakerandbeganpouringalcoholintoit.
Aftershe’dlayeredfiveorsixkindsofbooze,sheputthebottlesdownagainandcappedtheshaker.
“YouknowwhatImiss?”sheaskedthecrowd.“Clouds.Sunshine.Thatweirdmomentwhenitrains
butthesun’sstillout.Sunrises.Sunsets—untilafterthefact,ofcourse.”
Thecrowdchuckledappreciatively.
“ButyouknowwhatImissmostofall?”shecontinued.“Rainbows,likeahandfulofSkittlesthrown
acrossthesky.SoforallofyoulovelyCadoganvamps,here’sarainbow,onecoloratatime.”
Withaflickofherwrist,Lindseybeganpouringtheliquidinacascadeovertheglasses.Shefilledthe
firstglasswithblueand,assoonaseachglasswasfull,switchedtothenext.Likemagic,thealcohol
she’dlayeredintothecocktailshakerbecamearainbowacrosstheglasses,fromturquoisetoabright
shadeofpink.Whenshewasfinished,thereweresevenglassesofliquidthatstoodonthebarlikea
perfect,wetrainbow.
“Andthat,”shesaid,puttingtheshakerbackonthebar,“ishowvampiresmakerainbows.”
Thebarburstintoapplause.Ihadtoadmit,itwasaprettysweettrick.Thedrinksmightnottaste
especiallygood—theylookedlikesci-fimovieprops,tobehonest—buttheylookedphenomenal.
Lindseyglancedoveratmeandgrinned.“NotbadforaYankeesfan,eh?”
“Notbadatall,”Colinsaid,steppingbehindthebaragain.“Youdidusproud.”
Heapparentlyhadn’tbeentheonlyoneimpressed.Thevampsalongthebar,amixofmenandwomen,
beganjostlingforpositiontogetatoneofthesevendrinks.
“It’sjustbooze,ladiesandgents,”Colinsaidwithachuckle,wipinguptheexcessalcoholLindseyhad
spilled.
“Thereisplentymorewherethatcamefrom,”sheadded,“andI’msureColinwouldbehappytotake
yourmoneyforit.”
Colinchuckled,butthejostlingforLindsey’sdrinkshitmeasodd.Essentially,theywereboozepoured
byamemberoftheHousewhomthevampscouldhaveseenanynightoftheweek—andinabarthey
couldhavevisitedanynightoftheweek.
Mysensesonedge,Imovedbacktotheendofthebar,andcaughtLindsey’sglancefromthecornerof
myeye.She’dwatchedmemove,andeverthesavvyguard,shegavethevampsthesameonce-over,saw
themnudgingoneanothertogettothealcohol.
Thatmeantwewerebothwatchingthemomentalittlepushingeruptedintoafull-blownfight.
CHAPTERTHIRTEEN
THEREVOLUTIONWILLBETELEVISED
“Isawitfirst,”saidavampattheendofthebarwithdreadlockspushedbackunderaberet-stylehat.
“Iwasreachingforitwhenyouputyourmeatyhandoutthere,”saidasecond,aslender,brown-haired
manwearingadarkT-shirtandkhakis.Theylookedmorelikepoetry-slamorcoffeehouseguysthan
TempleBarscrappers...untiltheybeganpunchingeachotherintheface.
“Whattheshit?”LindseyexclaimedasIjumpedaroundthebartopullthemapart.IgrabbedT-shirtby
hisarmandyankedhimbackward.Hestumbledafewfeetbeforehittingthebarflooronhisbutt.
Dreadlocks—stillintheheatofpassion—swungoutatme—butIcaughthisfistandswunghisarm
around,leveraginghisweightsothathewenttohisknees.
AndthenIlookedintohiseyes.Hispupilsweretiny,hissilveredirisesdiamond-brightringsaround
them.
Imutteredacurse.Theywereactingliketheravevampshadacted—trigger-happyandanger-prone—
andtheyhadthesameenlargedirises.Mystomachsankinwarning,andIfearedtheworst.Wasthisthe
nextstageofavampiremasshysteria?
IgaveDreadlocksashottotheneckthatcutoffsomeoxygenandputhimoutonthefloor.
Unfortunately,bythetimeImadeittomyfeetagain,adozenmorevampshadsuccumbedtowhatever
ailedthem.Furiousfistsandinsultswerehurledaround,thevampspoundingatoneanotherasiftheir
lives—andnotacheapglassofcheaperalcohol—wereontheline.
Theirritationspreadlikeavirus.Eachvampthatlashedoutandinadvertentlybumpedanotherstarteda
secondround,andtheviolencerippledthroughthecrowdaccordingly.
Withnobetteroptionthantojumpintothefray,IlookedatLindsey,sharedanodofagreementwithher,
andmademymove.Mygoalwasn’ttowinthefight,buttoseparatethefighters.Ibeganbyjumping
betweenthetwoclosesttome.Itookapunchintheshoulderformytrouble,butmanagedtoripthetwo
vampsawayfromeachother.Itossedtheminoppositedirectionsandheadedforthenextpair.
Lindseydidthesame,hoppingoverthebar—spillingtherainbowdrinksintheprocess—andpulling
vampsapart.
Unfortunately,theyweren’twillingtogo.Whateverhadpossessedthemtookthemover,keptthem
rakingtheirnailsatoneanother,eagertocontinueafightovernothingsubstantial.
Fortunately,theoneswhoweren’taffected—ahandfulofmenandwomenthatI’dseenaroundthe
House—helpedusseparatethecontenders.Webecameateam.Fightingagainstourown,unfortunately,
butstillfightingforthegoodofthecause.
Iappreciatedtheeffort,evenifitwasn’tenough.WitheachpairIseparated,anotherseemedtopopup,
untiltheswelloffightingvampirescrashedthroughthedoortothebar.Overthebackgroundroarof
brawling,Icouldhearthenearingwailofsirens.Someonehadcalledthecopsaboutthefight.Thiswas
abouttogetevenuglier;itwastimeforanewplan.
Iglancedaround,lookingforLindsey,andfoundheratmyleft,draggingasquallingvampirebythe
ankle.
“Lindsey,I’mgoingtogetthehumansoutofthebar!”Iyelled,pushingonevampoffmeandturningto
avoidanother’sbootstomp.
Copswouldn’tbethrilledifvampswerefightingothervamps,butthey’dbedownrightpissedif
humansgotcaughtinthecrossfire.WithTatealreadyonthewarpath,I’mnotsurewecouldmakeit
throughthatkindofscandalwiththeHouseintact,muchlesswithoutareceiver.
“I’monmyway,”shereplied,dumpinghervampafewtablesaway.AnotherCadoganvamptookover
forher,holdingthatvampbackwhilesherushedbacktomeandyankedbackthevampwho’dtriedto
kickmeintosubmission.
“You’readoll,”Itoldher,hurdlingaknotofwrestlingvampiresasIranforthedoor.Istartedby
buildingavampchutebygrabbingthenearesttableandslidingittowardthedoor.Threemoremadea
fauxretainingwallbetweentheexitandtherestofthebar,whichkeptthefightingvampscorralledand
gavethehumansaclearpath.
Ilookedbackatthecrowd,andfirstspiedacouplesqueezedbackintoabooth,eyeswide.Iranto
them,hustledthemtotheirfeet,andpointedthemtowardthenowpartiallysecuredexit.
“Outthatway,”Isaid,andastheyheadedforthedoor,Iroundeduptherestofthem.Thehumanswere
prettyeasytospot.Thefewvampswhohadn’tbeenaffectedbytheviolenceweretryingtohelp;the
humansmostlycowered,probablyshockedbytheviolenceandtryingtostayoutoftheway.Ilocatedas
manyasIcouldandsentthemtowardthedoor,policesirensgettinglouderastheyranoutside.
WhenI’dclearedoutthelastofthehumans,Imovedtothedoorandfoundthestreetawashinblueand
redlightsashumansranfromthebarlikehostagesreleasedfromabankrobbery.
Copsbegantoemergefromtheirvehicles,andIbegantofeartheworst—thatwe’dallbearrestedfor
incitingpublicmayhem.Ofcourse,thatwouldmakeTate’sarrest-warrantthreatmoot.
Imovedslowlytowardthesidewalk,noteagertobeshotbycopswhothoughtIwasanemergingperp.
AdrenalinebegantopulseagainasIpreparedtofaceroundtwo—theaftermath.Butwhenafamiliar
Oldsmobilerolledtothecurb,Ibreathedasighofrelief.
Mygrandfathersteppedoutofthecar’spassengerside,wearingkhaki-coloredpantsandabutter
yellow,short-sleevedbutton-downshirt.
Jeffsteppedoutofthebackseat,andCatcherpoppedoutofthedriver’ssideinadarkT-shirt
advertising“BangBangHomeRepair.”Hiswearablesmighthavebeenkitschy,buthisexpressionwas
allbusiness.
Thethreeofthemnoddedatthecopstheypassed.Iwalkedtheirway.
“Problems?”
“Violence,”Isaid.“Lindseywasmixingdrinksatthebar,andthevampsstartedfightingoverwhowas
goingtogetwhichdrink.Theaggressionspreadlikeavirusafterthat.”
“Samethingyousawattherave?”Catcherasked,andInoddedmyagreement.
“Lookslikeit.Somethingintheair,maybe,orslippedintotheirdrinks?Idon’tknow.”Igesturedtothe
clusterofhumans.“Wegotthehumansoutofthebar,butthingsarestilltenseinside.They’restillgoingat
it,andpullingthemoffeachotherhasn’treallyworked.”
“How’dyougetthemcalmattherave?”Jeffasked.
“Wedidn’t.Webasicallyfakedafirealarmandfledthescene.Sinceitdidn’tmakethenews,I
assumedthey’dcalmeddownontheirown.”
Abartablesuddenlyflewthroughtheopendoorwayandcrashedonthesidewalkoutside,rollingtoa
stopatthefronttireofoneoftheCPDcruisers.
“Wemaynothavethatkindoftime,”Catchersaid.
“Getinthere,”mygrandfatherprompted,gesturingtogettheattentionofoneoftheCPDcops.They
exchangedsomesortofsecretcopcode,theotherofficersstandingdownwhileCatcherjoggedtoward
thebaranddisappearedinside.
ItwasonlyamomentbeforeLindseyandtherestofthenonfightingvampswerejoggingoutontothe
sidewalk.Colinwaslastinline,adourexpressiononhisface.
“What’sCatchergoingto—”wasallImanagedtogetoutbeforethebarwentsilent.Nomorecrashing
glass,nomorescreamedepithets,nomoreflatpopsoffleshagainstflesh.
AlthoughIknewitprobablywasn’tpossible,myfirstthoughtwasthatCatcherhadsomehowtakenout
everyvampinthebarwithhismadfightingskills.ButJeffleanedinwithamorelikelyanswer.
“Magic,”hewhispered.“Catchergotthehappyvampsoutofthebar.Thatgavehimroomtoworkthe
Keysontherestofthem.”
“Byputtingthemtosleep?”Iasked.
“Nah,probablyjustalittlecalmingjuju.He’sgoodatthat—willingfolkstochilltheeffout.It’saskill
thatcomesinhandywithsupsonoccasion.”
Iwasn’tentirelysurehowIfeltaboutthatjuju.AlthoughItrustedCatcher,Iwasn’tthrilledasorcerer
wasusinghisabilitiestosedatevampires.Iwouldhavepreferredtobeintherewithhim,keepinganeye
onthingsandprovidingalittleoversight.
ButbeforeIcouldevengivevoicetotheconcern,itwasover.Catcherappearedinthedoorwayagain
andwavedahandtowardtherestofthecops.Bynow,therewereadozenmillingaroundourcornerof
Wrigleyville.Mostworeuniforms,butafewweredetectivesinbutton-downsandsuits,theirbadges
clippedtotheirwaistsoronachainaroundtheirnecks.
“We’llheadin,”mygrandfathersaid.“Myhopeisthatnoonewillbearresteduntilwesortthisout.
Theseofficersknowthisisn’tjustadrunkanddisorderlycall—butthatthere’smoregoingonhere
supernaturally.”
“Andwe’llkeepaneyeonthevampsuntiltheycometotheirsenses,”Jeffadded,puttingahandonmy
arm.“That’spartofourjobdescription—occasionallyplayingguardianangels.”
“Iwouldappreciatethat.”
“We’llbeintouchassoonaswecan,”mygrandfathersaid.“Youstayoutoftroubleuntilthen.”
Ilookedbackatthebarandthoughtaboutmyinvestigation.OurfratboysandSarahmighthavebeen
solicitedbythesameguy,atleastbasedontheirminimaldescriptions.Thatwasworthafewmore
questions.“Actually,IthinkI’mgoingtotakealookaround.”
Mygrandfatherfrowned.“I’mnotsureI’mcrazyaboutyourwanderingaroundoutherewhenthere’s
somethingstrangeintheair.”
“Ihaveadaggerinmyboot,andI’msurroundedbycops.”
“Fairpoint,babygirl.Justdomeafavor—becareful?I’lltakealotofheatiftheuniformsendup
arrestingmygranddaughter,nottomentionthephonecallI’dhavetoputintoyourfather.”
“Neitheroneofuswantseitherofthoseoptions,”Iassuredhim.
WhilemygrandfatherandJeffheadedbacktothebar,Iscannedtheblock.
LindseyandChristinehadcorralledtheunaffectedvampsatthecorneroppositeme.Thehumans,now
witnesses,weremillingaroundinsidetheperimeterofyellowtape.Paparazzihadalreadygatheredatthe
edges,snappingphotographsliketheyweregoingoutofstyle.Theclickoftheirshutterssoundedlikea
plagueofdescendinginsects.
DariusandEthanbothweregoingtohaveaconniptionaboutthisone.Andspeakingof,Ipulledmy
cellphoneoutofmypocket.Ihatedbeingthebearerofbadnews,butIneededtoupdateEthan.Isettled
foratextmessagewithaquickrecap(“FIGHTATTEMPLEBAR.COPSHERE.”)andawarning
(“PHOTOGSONLOOSE.DON’TLETDARIUSNEARATV.”).Atextwouldhavetodofornow.
Thatdone,Ilookeddownthestreetintheotherdirection.Theblockwassegmentedbyanalleythatran
alongsidethebar.IfourravesolicitorhadbeenscopingoutTempleBar,wouldhehavemovedthrough
thealley?Thatseemedasreasonableastepasany,soIdecidedtocheckitout.
IwrinkledmynoseassoonasI’dmovedafewfeetintothealley.Itwasawarmsummernight,andit
smelledlikemosturbanalleysprobablydid—garbage,dirt,andurinefromunknownsources.Itwasdark,
butwideenoughforacartopassthrough.AsignononewallthathadoncereadNOBIKESOR
SCOOTERSnowreadNOIKESORCOOTERS.Imanagedtoholdinajuvenilelaugh,butstillsmileda
little.
Abouthalfwaydownthealley,Ireachedthebar’sserviceentrance.Theheavymetaldoorwasredand
rustedandmarkedbyDELIVERIESONLYandPROTECTEDBYAZHSECURITYsigns.Flattenedbeer
boxeswerestackedinaneatpilebesidethedoor.Beyondthat,therewasn’tmuchtosee.
Forthehellofit,Iwalkedtotheotherendofthealley.TherewereacoupleofDumpstersandtwo
moreserviceentrancestootherbusinesses,butthatwasaboutit.
Ifrownedwithdisappointment.I’mnotsurewhatI’dexpectedtosee,althoughashort,dark-hairedman
standingbeneathafloatingneonarrowthatreadBADGUYHEREwouldhavebeennice.Asuspectand
quickconfessionwouldn’thavebeenamiss,either.
Thiswasalotharderthaninthemovies.
Oh,lightbulb.Thatwasit.
Myheartsuddenlypoundingwithexcitement,Ijoggedtothebar’sbackdoor.Sureenough,poised
abovethedoorwasasecuritycamera.Theareawasdarkandgrubby,sothecameramaynothave
capturedanythingOscar-worthy,butatleastitwasalead.Firstthingsfirst,IneededtofindJeff.
Iranbackthroughthealley,butJeffhadn’tyetemergedfromthebar.SinceIwasn’tabouttohead
insideandjumpintothemiddleofCPDdrama,IdecidedtocheckinwithLindsey.
Ihadn’tgonetwofeetwhenIfeltataponmyshoulder.
“Iseverythingokay?”
Thevoicewasfamiliar,buthe’dstartledmeenoughtomeritafull-bodyshiver.Iturnedaroundand
foundJonahstandingbehindmeinasnugT-shirtandjeans.TwovampiresIdidn’tknowstoodbeside
him.Oneworeablueandyellowjerseywithanumberonthefront.TheGreyHouseuniform,Iassumed.
Jonahwasherewithfriends,whichmeantwewereplayingSentinelandcaptain,minustheRG
connection.Andinthoseroles,sincenoonehadseenustogetheratGreyHouse,wehadn’tmet.Icould
playalongwiththat.
“You’reMerit,right?CadoganSentinel.”
“Yeah.Andyouare?”
“Jonah.Captain.GreyHouse.”Heglancedbackatthebar.“Youneedhelphere?”
“Ithinkwe’reokay.Therewasafightatthebar.”
Jonah’seyeswidened.“Afight?”
Iglancedbacktotheguysbehindhim.ImightgiveJonahinformation,butthesetwowerecomplete
strangers.“Idon’tknowyourfriends.”
“DannyandJeremy,”hesaid,pointingtoeachoftheminturn.“They’reGreyHouseguards.”
Dannysmiledandnoddedhishead;Jeremyofferedahalfwave.“What’sup?”hesaid.
“Youcanbecandid,”Jonahsaid,andIhadasensehewastalkingtomeasapotentialRGmember,not
justawitnesstochaos.
Inthatcase,“Therewerealotofvampsinthere.Theygotriledupoverrelativelynothing,thenwent
crazy.Thebarpracticallyexplodedwithit.”
“We’veheardthere’vebeensomegatherings.Violentones.”
“I’veseenitwithmyowneyes.”Iglancedfromhimtotheguysbehindhim.“Whatareyouguysdoing
outhere?”
“Wewereintheneighborhood,butwe’reheadingbacktotheHouse.”Hepulledawhitecardfromhis
pocketandhandedittome.Itwasabusinesscardwithhisname,position,andphonenumberonit.“My
landline’sonthere.Feelfreetocallmeifyouneedanything.”
“Thanks.Iappreciatetheoffer.”
“Nothinglikealittleinter-Housecooperation,”hesaid.“Bestofluck.”
“Iappreciateit.”
Withanod,thecaptainofGreyHouseandhisemployeesmovedonanddisappearedintothecrowd.It
wouldhavebeennicetoaskhimforhelpagain—butwhatcouldhehavedonetonight?
Ituckedthecardintomypocketand,whenIturnedaroundagain,foundCatcherbehindme.
“YouknowJonah?”
“Idonow,”Isaid,mystomachclenchingatthelie.“He’stheGreyHousecaptain.”
“SoI’veheard.”Hestaredatmeforamoment.
“What?”Iasked,myowncuriosityaroused.DidhesuspectIknewJonah?DidhesuspectJonahknew
morethanhewasadmitting?
ButCatcherstayedsilent,keepingwhateversuspicionshemighthavehadtohimself.
That’swhenIsawhim—onlyashadowattheedgeofmyeyesightatfirst,butthenadistinguishable
manstandingacrossthestreet,oneofhissoldiersbehindhim.
ItwasMcKetrick,dressedinblackrunningpantsandablackT-shirt.Noobviousweapons,butwithall
thecopsnearby,itwasimpossibletotellifhewascarryingsomethingconcealed.Hedidhaveasmall
pairofbinocularsinhand,andthemanbehindhimscribbledinasmallnotebook.Apparentlyourfriendly
neighborhoodanti-vampiremilitiamanwasworkingalittlerecontonight.Hescannedthecrowd,
apparentlyunawarethatIwasnearbywithacoupleofvampiresympathizers.Ican’timaginehe’dhave
hadanythingpleasanttosayaboutthat.
IleanedtowardCatcher.“Acrossthestreetonthecorner.That’sMcKetrickandoneofhisgoons.”
WithalltheslicknessofaCIAoperative,CatcherpointedatabuildinginMcKetrick’sdirection.“Did
youknowthatbuildingwascreatedbyamonkeythatlivedinthetopofTribuneTower?”
“Ididnotknowthat.Amonkey,yousay?”
“Fur,bananas,crapthrowing,thewholebit.”Heturnedbackagainandstuffedhishandsintohis
pockets.“Don’tknowtheface.Buthe’sinblack,andhe’sgotbinocularsandanunderling.Former
military?”
“Giventhewayhewasoutfittedtheotherday,thatwasmyguess.Whatdoyouthinkhe’sdoingout
here?”
“Heprobablyhasapolicescanner,”Catchersaid,thegrumbleinhisvoicegivingmealltheinfoI
neededabouthisopinionofthem.“Heprobablyheardthecallanddecidedtocomeoutandseewhatkind
oftroublevampsweregettingintotonight.”
“Damnvampires,”Imuttered.
“Alwaysgettingintosomething,”heagreed.“Sincehe’sfocusedonthevamps,I’llrunaChicago
Shuffleandgeteyesonhim.”
“ChicagoShuffle?”
“I’llheadintheoppositedirectionandcatchhimfromtheback.”
“Surething,boss,”Isaid.“Justwatchoutforthebrassandanydameswithnicegams.”
Catchergavemeadarklook.“Sometimes,Idon’tknowwhyIbother.”
“BecauseI’mawesome,andyousupplantedmeinmyownhome.”
Hesmiledslyly.“Thatdoeslessenthesting.Youkeepaneyeonhimfromhereandgivemeatextifit
lookslikehe’splanningonjoininginthefun.”
“Willdo.”
Catcherpulleddownhisballcap,thenslunkintothedarknessofthestreetintheoppositedirection.
“ChicagoShuffle,”Iquietlymurmured,justwantingtosaythephrasealoud.Idecidedallfuture
operationsneedednamesasslickasthatone.
JeffpoppedbackoverassoonasCatcherdisappeared.“Where’sheoffto?”
“WesawMcKetrick—thevamphater—acrossthestreet.Catcherwenttogathersomeintel.Whatdid
youfindoutinside?”
“There’realotofdopeyvampsinthere,andthecopsaren’tthrilledthey’recausingtroubleinpublic.
They’regoingtowanttopinthisonCadogan,youknow.”
“Iknow.I’mnotlookingforwardtotalkingtoEthanaboutit.”
“Iwouldn’tbe,either.ThecopsweretalkingtoChuckaboutcallingMayorTate,advisinghimof
what’sup.”
“Kindofasmall-beansmattertobotherthemayorwith,isn’tit?”
“Apparentlynotwhenvampiresareinvolved.”Hegesturedtowardthepaparazzi,stillsnapping
photos,nowofthehumanswho’dbeeninsidethebar.
“Notmuchwecandoaboutitnow,”Isaid.“Butthereissomethingyoucandoforme.”Iheldupa
handbeforehecouldremindmeaboutFallonagain.“Andit’snothingprurient.Butitwillrequireyour
technologicalprowess.”
“That’smysecond-favoriteprowess.”
“There’sacameraatthebackdoorofthebar.CanyoucheckwithColinandfindoutifthey’re
recordingthevideo?”
“Willdo.IfIfindit,whatamIlookingfor?”
“Anythingatall.Suspiciousactivity,drugkingpins,stufflikethat.”
“That’snotveryspecific.”
Ipattedhimonthearm.“That’swhyIcametoyou,Jeff.Becauseyouhavemadskills.Andkeepaneye
outforashortguywithdarkhair.Youfindhim,yougetthebigprize.”
Jeffrockedbackonhisheels.“Definebigprize.”
Ittookmeamomenttoimagineaprizethatwouldn’tgethimintroublewithFallon—ormeintrouble
withtheNorthAmericanCentralPack.ButJeffwasanall-American,red-bloodedshifter,soIhadan
idea.
“I’llcallmygrandfather’sfavoritebutcherandorderhisdeluxeholidayspecialfortheoffice.”
Hisbrowslifted,agleamofpredatoryappreciationinhiseyes.“We’renotsupposedto,youknow,
acceptgratuities—cityemployeesandall—”
“I’mprettysuretherearehalfadozenfiletsinthere,probablysomesirloins,burgers,chops,franks.
Butifyouthinkit’sinappropriate,I’llskipit.Idon’twantyoutogetintrouble.”
Jeffnoddedwithabsolutecertainty.“Ifthere’svideo,I’llfindit.We’llgetyouyourman.”
“Appreciateit.”
Assignmentinhand,Jeffheadedbacktomygrandfather’sOlds,whereheclimbedintothebackseatand
openedablacklaptop.
Ismiledattheenthusiasm,gladIhadfriendswhowereonthesideoftruthandjustice.BeingSentinel
wouldhavebeenmuchharderwithoutJeff,Catcher,mygrandfather,Mallory,andeveryoneelsewhokept
infomovinginmydirection.Youreallycouldn’tunderestimatethevalueofagoodteam.
AndnowIwasstartingtosoundlikeJonah.MaybehistalkabouttheRGwasgettingtome,afterall.
CHAPTERFOURTEEN
THEBUCKETLIST
Asdawnneared,therestofthevampiresbeganemergingfromthebar,stumblingalittleamidthe
strobelikelightsofthepolicecruisersandthesnapofcameraflashes.Theywerecoveredinbruisesthat
werealreadygreen,theresultofthespeedyvampirehealingprocess.Ibetthecommunitywoundswould
takelongertoheal,unfortunately.
MygrandfatherandCatchertalkedtothecops,probablysharingnotesandtheories.Jeffeventually
carriedthelaptopintothebar,probablytofindoutwhathecouldaboutthesecuritytapes.
Whenthepoliceremovedtheirtapeandthecruisersbegantodepart,Iheadedtothespotwhere
Lindseyandtheunaffectedvampswerewaiting.
ShestoodupasIapproached.“Doyouknowanything?”
“Notyet.Crimescenesapparentlyinvolvealotofwaitingandstandingaround.You?”
Lindseyglancedbackatthevamps,wholookedshell-shockedbythecombineddramaofcops,
detectives,rainbowalcohol,andpaparazzi.“Nothingyet.IheardfromoneoftheEMTsthatyour
grandfatherbroughtinacounselortotalktothehumans.”
“Itwasabarfight,”Igrumbled.Thehumanswerecertainlyentitledtotheirfeelings,butnoneofthem
hadactuallybeeninjured—theyhadn’tevenreallybeeninvolved.
“Butitwasabarfightwithcrazy,scaryvampires,”sheexaggeratedlysaid,wigglingherfingerslikea
menacingmonster.
Ihumphed,butrecognizeditwasn’tanargumentIwasgoingtowin,notwhenthehumanswere
surroundedbyreportersandcameras.Iglancedbackatthebar.“Maybeweshouldheadbackinside.
Cleanupalittle.Doyouwanttoroundupthetroops?”
“God,yes,please.Lucwantedustostayputuntilthecopsgaveustheallclear,soI’vebeenhereand
bored.I’mgoingtoconsideryourrequesttheallclear.”
Thatrationalizationworkedforme.“Givemeaminuteheadstart.Iwanttotakealookaround.”She
nodded,soIheadedbackinside.
Thefloorofthebarwasinshambles,notunlikeCadoganaftertheshifterattack,albeitwithmore
casualdecor.TheCubsmemorabilia,thankfully,madeitthroughtheonslaught,althoughthetablesand
chairsweremostlyupended.Iscannedtheroomforanythingthatmightgivemeaclueastowhyour
vampswerelosingit,butassumedanythingthatwouldhavehelpedhadlongsincebeenpickedupbythe
cops.Andtherewasnoshortmanwithraveinvitestobefound.
IfCelinawasinvolvedandshewassomehowleadingthevampiremasshysteria,she’dmanagedtoget
uskickedoutofourownbar.Itwasjustthekindofthingshe’dhaveenjoyed.AsIstoodtherealone,I
imaginedCelinapoppingupfrombehindthebar,awashinballoons,armsraisedinvictory.
“Ah,thepoweroffantasy,”Imurmured,andbeganpickingupoverturnedbartables.Lindseycame
throughthedoor,herflockofvampiresbehindher.
“Allright,boysandgirls,”shesaid.“Let’sgetthisplacebackintofightingshape.Sotospeak.”
Thevampiresgrumbledbutobeyed,rightingchairsandtables.Colingroanedashewalkedback
throughthedoorashesurveyedhisplace.Heglancedoveratme.“Yougonnafigurethisout?”
“I’mworkingonit,”Iassuredhim.“Andspeakingof,Ineedonemorefavor.Idon’tsupposeyoucan
whistle?”
Heputtwofingersinhismouthandletoutahigh-pitchedtrill.IttookonlyamomentbeforeIhadthe
attentionofallthevampiresinthebar.
“Discretionisthebetterpartofvalor,”Isaid,“soI’mgoingintothebackoffice.Ifanybody’sgot
information,thiswouldbeagoodtimetocometalktome.”
Likeanirritatedelementaryschoolteacher,IstaredthemdownuntilIbegantoseeafewsheepish
expressionscrossingtheirfaces.Thisprobablywasn’tgoingtodoanythingformypopularity,butit
neededtobedone.PlayingsocialchairwassecondarytoplayingSentinelandactuallykeepingtheHouse
intact.
IglancedoveratColinandheldoutahanduntilheoffereduptheofficekeys.WhenIhadtheminhand,
Iheadedbackfortheoffice.Iunlockeditandmovedimmediatelytothefilecabinet.Icoulduseadrink,
andIdidn’tthinkhe’dmindifIsampledhisflask.Ipoppedopenthetopdrawer,pulledouttheflask,and
gavethecontentsawarningsniff.
Mynosewrinkled.Whateverwasinhissecretmix,itsmelledpickled.Isqueezedmyeyesshutand
tookasip.
Itwas...notthatbad,actually.Itwasn’tatasteIcouldeasilydescribe—“pickled”cameclosest,but
therewerealsothetangofbloodandasweetedgethatbalancedoutthetaste,notunlikeraspberry
vinaigrette.Ofcourse,Ididn’twanttodrinkdownraspberryvinaigrette,soIputthecapbackonand
promisedmyselfanextraMallocakewhenIfinallymadeithome.
InoticedherinthedoorwayjustasIclosedthefilecabinetagain.ShewasavampI’dseenaroundthe
Housebutdidn’treallyknow,acutebrunettewithlong,wavyhairandacurvyfigure.
Shelookedrightandleftdownthehallwayasifafraidshemightbeseendarkeningtheteacher’sdoor.
“Youcanshutthedoorifyouwant,”Itoldher.
Shesteppedinsideandclosedthedoorbehindher.“I’mAdriana,”shesaid.“I’monthethirdfloorof
theHouse.”
“Nicetomeetyou.”
Shegotrighttothepoint.“Idon’tlikeplayingtattletale,butI’mloyaltomyHouse,andI’mloyalto
Ethan.”Therewasnodoubtingtheferociousnessofthataffectioninhergaze.“Andsomeonethreatens
that,ortheHouse,it’stimetospeakup.”
Inoddedsolemnly.“I’mlistening.”
“Isawitthefirsttimeafewweeksago.Iwasataparty—nohumans—andaGreyHousevampwas
usingit.Hetriedit,andtwentyminuteslaterhewaspoundingsomeonehesaidhadmadeapassathis
girl.”
Adrianapaused,seemedtogatherhercourage,andthenlookedupatmeagain.“Andthen,tonight,I
foundthisinthebathroom.”Sheheldoutaclenchedfist,andthenopenedherfingers.Inherpalmsata
smallwhiteenvelopewithaVinscribedonthefront.Ididn’tneedtolookinsidetoknowwhatitwould
hold.
Isqueezedmyeyesshut,irritatedwithmyownstupidity.Thedrugshadn’tbeenforthehumans.They
hadn’tbeenusedtomakehumansmorebiddable;thatwasjustgoodold-fashionedglamour.
Theywereforvampires.Itwasn’tthespillofmagicoravirusorsomesortofmasshysteriathatwas
makingthemaggressive—itwasadrugthey’dapparentlybeenstupidenoughtotake.Maybeitweakened
theirinhibitionstowardviolence;maybeitincreasedtheirtestosterone.Whateverthechemistry,thiswas
thereasonthevampsattheravehadbeenwillingtofightovermystumbling,thereasonthevampsatthe
barwerefightingoverrainbowbooze...andprobablythereasonwhyMayorTatethoughtthreehumans
hadbeenkilledinWestTown.
“Thanks,”Isaid,openingmyeyesagainandholdingoutmyhand.Shehandedoverthedrugs.
“Ifit’sanyconsolation,immortalitymakessomeofthembored,”Adrianasaid,“sotheydothings—
theytrythings—thattheywouldn’tordinarilytry.Butnowit’smakingtheroundsthroughTempleBar,and
Idon’twanttoseeitinfiltratetheHouse.”
“Excellentcall.Didyouevermeettheseller?”Iasked.
Sheshookherhead.“Thesethingsmovefromvamptovamp.Unlessyou’relookingtoscore,whichI’m
not,youdon’tevencomeincontactwiththeseller.”
Anothermiss,butatleastI’dputsomeinformationtogether.SomeoneouttherewassellingVto
Cadoganvampires.Anothersomeone—maybethesamesomeone?—wassolicitinghumansforraves.
Whoeverwasorchestratingit,putthetwotogetherandyouhadanexplosivesituation.
“Thanksforlettingmeknow.I’llseetoitEthanfindsoutabouttheVsowecanputastoptoit,butI
won’ttellhimwhotoldme.”
Icouldseethereliefinherface,butshequicklysquaredhershouldersagain.“Youfindout,”shesaid.
“Youfindoutwhoisputtingthisoutthere,whoisputtingusatrisk.”
“Iintendto,”Ipromisedher.
BythetimeImadeitbackintothebar,thechairsandtableswererightsideupagain.Christinewas
sweepingupbrokenglasswhileanothermemberofourNovitiateclassheldthepailforher.Colinwas
backbehindthebar,cleaningupoverturnedboozeandbrokenbeerbottles.
HeadsturnedasIwalkedin,vampslookingatmecuriously.TheyprobablywonderedwhatInow
knew—andhowmuchtroubletheyweregoingtobeinbecauseofit.
Itwasagoodquestion.’Causerightnow,onbehalfofme,Ethan,theHouse,Iwaspissed.Icouldhave
beensympathetictothebrawlerswhenI’dimaginedthiswassomekindoftravelinghysteria.Butthiswas
somethingthey’dchosentodo.Allthistrouble—thecops,thebadpresswewereinevitablygoingto
receive,Tate’srampage,theraves—wascausedbecauseidiotvampireshaddecidedtotakedrugs.
They’dmadeachoicetowreakhavoc,andIhadnosympathyforthat.
Istalkedtothebarandvaultedoverit,thengrabbedtheropeofthegiantbellthathungbehindit.Itwas
usedforvampiresilliness,usuallytosignalthestartofadrinkinggamebasedonEthan’sidiosyncrasies.
ButnowIusedittosignalsomethingmoreserious.
Igrabbedtheropeandslungitbackandforthuntilthebellpealedacrosstheroom.ThenIpulledanice
bucketfromashelfandputitsquareinthemiddleofthebar.Iscannedthecrowdtomakesureonly
vampswereinattendance,andwhenthemagiccheckedout,Iletthevitriolflow.
“Sothisisaboutdrugs,”Isaid,andfeltalittlebetterwhensomeoftheunaffectedvampireslooked
surprised;atleasttheyhadn’tbeenusing.Buttheywereapparentlytheonlyones.
“Someofyouhavebeenusing,”Isaid.“Idon’tknowwhy,andI’mnotsureIcare.Eitherway,you
couldn’thavepickedaworsetime.Dariusisintown,andEthanisalreadyintrouble.TheHouseisonthe
hotseatwithTate,andthiscertainlyisn’tgoingtohelp.”
Iletthatsinkinforamoment,takinginthehushedwhispersandworriedlooks.
“Thingsarechanging,”Isaid,mytonesofter.“OurHousehasbeenthroughhellrecently,andthefuture
isn’tlookingmuchbrighter.I’mnotgoingtotellEthanwhichofyouwereheretonight.”
Therewerelooksofobviousreliefaroundtheroom.
“Butwecan’tletthishappenagain.Wecannot—Icannot—allowVintotheHouse.Besides,sinceI
havetotellthecopsaboutthedrugs,there’saprettygoodchanceeveryonewillbefriskedbeforethey
leave.”
IhelduptheicebuckettoshowthemImeantbusiness,thenputitdownonthebar.“Ifyou’vegotVon
you,itgoesinthebucket.I’lltakeitoutofthebarmyselfandturnitovertothecops.Itwillbebetter
comingfrommethanallofyouindividually.Wecan’tletthingsgetworse.SoforthesakeoftheHouse,
dotherightthing.”
Iturnedandfacedthewall,givingthemtheprivacytomaketheirdeposits.Ittookafewseconds,butI
finallyheardfootstepsandshufflingofchairs,andthenthepingofatabletorthequietthushofan
envelopehittingthesideofthebucket.
Thesoundsofconscienceclearing.
Afteramoment,Colincalledmyname.“Ithinkthey’redone,”hequietlysaidwhenIglancedathim.
Inodded,thenlookedbackatthecrowd.“Thankyou.I’llmakesureheknowsthatyouhelped,thatyou
understoodyourresponsibilities.Andyoucanalways,alwayscometomeifyouhaveproblems.”
Withthatsaid,butstillfeelinglikeatotalnarc,Igrabbedupthebucketandheadedforthedoor.Inow
knewwhythiswashappening,knewwhytheraveswerebiggerandmeanerthanbefore.I’dhopefully
beenabletokeepthechaosoutofourHouse.
NowIhadtofindthepusherandputastoptothechaoseverywhereelse.
Imademywayoutsideandfoundmygrandfather,Catcher,andJeff.Mygrandfathersatatthecurb,his
expressionsomber.
HestoodupwhenIapproached.Iguidedhimbehindoneofthecruisers—andoutofthewayofthe
paparazzi—beforehandingoverthebucket.
“ThisisV,”Isaid.“ThesamestuffwesawattheStreetervilleparty.Apparentlyitspreadfrom
Benson’stoGreyHousetoTempleBar,whereCadoganvampswerestupidenoughtotryit.”Ilookedat
Catcher.“Thisiswhythey’vebeensoviolent.It’snottheglamourorthemagic—”
“It’sthedrugs,”heagreedwithanod.“Notforhumans,butforvampires.”
“I’dguessyou’reprobablyrightaboutthat,”mygrandfathersaid,pullingtwosmall,clearplastic
evidencebagsfromthepocketofhisjacket.Therewerepillsandenvelopesineach.
“Wheredidyoufindthose?”
“Onthefloorofthebar,”hesaid.“Someonemusthavedroppeditintheconfusion.MaybetheVstands
for‘vampire.’Or‘violence’?”
“Whateveryoucallit,”Catchersaid,“it’sbad.Visintheclubs,it’sintheparties,it’sinthe
vampires.”
Mygrandfatherglancedbackatthepaparazzi,whowereflashingpicturesfrombehindthepolicetape,
theirgrayandblacklenseszoominginandoutastheytriedtocaptureeachbitofthescene.
“Ican’tkeepthemfromtakingpictures,”hesaid,“butI’llholdontotheVissueaslongaspossible.At
thispoint,thedrug’sonlytargetedatvampires,andtheredoesn’tseemtobeanobviousrisktohumans.”
“Iappreciatethat,andI’msureEthandoes,too.”
Abeatcopapproachedmygrandfather,makingeyesatmeashedidit.Catcher,Jeff,andIweresilent
asmygrandfathersteppedaside,chattingquietlywiththeofficerand,whentheyweredone,passinghim
thebucket.
Whenmygrandfatherwalkedbackoveragain,hisbrowfurrowed,Iassumednothinggoodwasheading
myway.
“Howdoyoufeelaboutcomingdowntotheprecinctandgivingastatement?”
Mystomachcurled.Hewasdoingmeafavorbylettingmedothetalking—lettingmecontrolthe
House’sdestiny,sotospeak—butthatdidn’tmeanIwascrazyabouttheideaofgoingvoluntarilytoa
policestation.
“Notgreat,toberealhonest.Ethanwillhaveafit.”
“NotiftheotheroptionisarandomCadoganvampwithoutyourtrainingorallegiances.Weneedto
talktoaCadoganvamp,”hesaid,“andit’sbetteryouthananyoneelse.”
Isighed.NotonlywasInowthebearerofbadnews;Iwastheratfinktaskedwithreportingallthe
dirtydetailstotheCPD.Butmygrandfatherwasright—whatbetterchoicedidwehave?
Inoddedmyagreement,blewoutabreath,andpulledoutmycellphoneagain.
Imightnotbethebearerofgoodtidings,butatleastIcouldgivehimalittleforewarning—andhopeto
Godhewasn’twaitingtostripmeofmymedalattheendofthenight.
Irodeinthefrontseatofmygrandfather’sOldsmobile,adrenalineturningtoexhaustionaswedroveto
theCPD’sLoopprecinct.Heparkedinareservedspotandescortedmeintothebuilding,ahandatmy
backtokeepmesteady.Giventhetaskathand,Iappreciatedthegesture.
Thebuildingwasrelativelynewandprettysterile—thepeelingpaintandancientmetalfurnitureofcop
dramasreplacedbycubiclesandautomatedkiosksandshinytilefloors.
Itwasnearlyfourinthemorning,sothebuildingwasquietandmostlyemptybutforahandfulof
uniformedofficersmovingthroughthehallswithperpsinhandcuffs:awomaninashortskirtandtall
bootswithundeniableexhaustioninhereyes;ajitterymanwithgauntcheeksanddirtyjeans;anda
heavysetkidwhosestraighthaircoveredhiseyes,hisoversizedgrayT-shirtdottedwithblood.Itwasa
sadscene,asnapshotoffolkshavingundoubtedlymiserableevenings.
Ifollowedmygrandfatherthroughwhatlookedlikeabullpenfordetectives,rowsofidenticaldesks
andchairsfillingaroomborderedbyaringofoffices.Detectivesliftedtheirgazesaswepassed,
offeringnodstomygrandfatherandcurious—orjustplainsuspicious—glancesatme.
Ontheothersideofthebullpen,wemoveddownahallwayandintoaninterviewroomthathelda
conferencetableandfourchairs.Theroom,partoftherenovation,smelledlikeafurnitureshowroom—
cutwood,plastic,andlemonpolish.
Atmygrandfather’sgesture,Itookaseat.Thedooropenedjustashetookthechairbesideme.Aman
—tall,dark-skinned,andwearingapin-stripedsuit—walkedinsideandclosedthedoor.Hehadayellow
notepadandapeninhand,andheworehisbadgeonachainaroundhisneck.
“Arthur,”mygrandfathersaid,butArthurheldoutahandbeforemygrandfathercouldstandupin
greeting.
“Don’tbotheronmyaccount,Mr.Merit,”Arthursaid,exchangingahandshakewithmygrandfather.
Thenhelookedatme,alittlemoresuspicioninhiseyes.“CarolineMerit?”
Carolinewasmygivenname,butnotthenameIused.“CallmeMerit,please.”
“DetectiveJacobshasbeeninthevicedivisionforfifteenyears,”mygrandfatherexplained.“He’sa
goodman,atrustworthyman,andsomeoneIconsiderafriend.”
Thatwasundoubtedlytruegiventherespectfulglancestheyshared,butDetectiveJacobsclearlyhadn’t
madeuphismindaboutme.Ofcourse,Iwasn’theretoimpressanyone.Iwasonlyheretotellthetruth.
Sothat’swhatItriedtodo.
WereviewedwhatI’dseenattherave,whatI’dlearnedfromSarah,andwhatI’dseentonight.Ididn’t
offeranalysisorsuspicions—justfacts.Therewasnoneed,noreasonthatIcouldimagine,toinsert
CelinaorGPdramaintoeventsthatwerealreadydramaticenough.
DetectiveJacobsaskedquestionsalongtheway.Herarelymadeeyecontactaswetalked,instead
keepinghiseyesonhispaperashescribblednotes.Muchlikehissuit,hishandwritingwasneatandtidy.
I’mnotsurehewasanylesssuspiciousbytheendofmyspiel,butIfeltbetterforhavingtoldhim.He
mighthavebeenhuman,buthewasalsocareful,analytical,andfocusedondetails.Ididn’tgetthesense
thiswasawitchhunt,butratherhisearnestattempttosolveaproblemthatjusthappenedtoinvolve
vampires.
Unfortunately,hedidn’thaveanyinformationaboutVorwhereitmightbecomingfrom.LikeCatcher
hadsaid,asthethird-biggestcityinthecountry,Chicagowasn’texactlyimmunefromdrugproblems.
DetectiveJacobsalsodidn’tshareanystrategieswithme,soifhehadplanstodohisowninfiltrating,I
wasn’tawareofit.ButhedidgivemeacardandaskedmetocallhimifIdiscoveredanythingelse,orif
IhadanythingIthoughthecouldhelpwith.
IdoubtedEthanwouldwantmeinvolvingveteranCPDvicedetectivesintheinvestigationofourdrug
problem.
Butthat’swhyI’dbeennamedSentinel,Ithought,tuckingthecardintomypocket.
Ethansatinaplasticchairinthehallway.Hewasbentover,elbowsonhisknees,handsclaspedtogether.
Hetappedhisthumbstogether,hisblondhairtuckedbehindhisears.Itwasthekindofposeyou’dhave
seenonafamilymemberinahospitalwaitingroom—tired,tense,anticipatingtheworst.
Hisheadliftedatthesoundofmybootsonthetilefloor.Hestoodupimmediately,thenmovedtoward
me.“You’reallright?”
Inodded.“I’mfine.Mygrandfatherthoughtitwouldbebettertogetthestoryfromme.”
“Itseemedlikethefairestdecision,”saidavoicebehindme.
Iglancedbacktoseemygrandfathermovingdownthehalltowardus.Ethanextendedhishand.“Mr.
Merit.Thankyouforyourhelp.”
Mygrandfathershookhishand,buthealsoshookhishead.“ThankyourSentinel.She’safine
representativeofyourHouse.”
Ethanlookedatme,pride—andlove?—inhiseyes.“We’reinagreementthere.”
“I’mtired,”Isaid,“andIdon’thaveacar.CouldwegobacktotheHouse?”
“Absolutely.”Ethan’sgazeshiftedtomygrandfather.“Didyouneedanythingelsefromus?”
“No.We’redonefornow.Enjoytherestofyournight—totheextentpossible.”
“Unlikely,”Isaid,pattinghisarm.“Butwe’lldothebestwecan.”
Butbeforewecouldtakeasteptowardtheexit,thedoorsattheendofthehallwaypushedopen.Tate
walkedthrough,followedbyasquadronofsuit-cladassistants.Theylookeddrowsy,andIsympathized;it
wasacrappyjobthatrequiredhangers-ontowearsuitsatfivefifteeninthemorning.
Tatestrodetowardus,bothsympathyandirritationinhisexpression.Ifiguredtheirritationwas
offeredupbyhisstrategichalf,thepoliticalleaderanticipatingnastycommercialsabout“thevampire
problem.”Thesympathywasprobablyofferedupbyhisbaby-kissinghalf.
Helookedatmygrandfatherfirst.“Thesituationiscontained?”
“Itis,Mr.Mayor.Thingsatthebarareinhand,andMeritcameinandprovideduswithaverydetailed
statementsowecangetahandleontheissue.”
“Whichis?”
“We’restillfiguringthatout,sir.You’llhavemyreportassoonasIcantypeit.”
Tatenodded.“Appreciatethat,Chuck.”HeglancedatEthan.“IsthisrelatedtotheproblemIaskedyou
toaddress?”
“Itmaybe,”Ethanvaguelysaid.“Meritisspendingmostofherfreetimeinvestigatingit,includingthis
evening.”
Tate’sexpressionsoftenedandwentall-politician.“Ican’ttellyouhowmuchIappreciatethat.”
Oh,Icouldtell,Iblandlythought.Youprobablyappreciatedittentofifteenpointsinthepolls.
Tatereachedoutandshookmyhand,andthenmygrandfather’s.“Merit,let’sstayintouch.Chuck,I
lookforwardtoyourreport.”
HereachedouttoshakeEthan’shand,butinsteadofasimpleshake,heleanedtowardEthanand
whisperedsomethinginhisear.Ethan’sshoulder’sstiffened,andhestaredblanklyahead,barely
controllinghisanger,whenTatewalkedaway.
Ethan’scarwasparkedinasecuredlotbesidethestation.Ibarelymadetheshortwalk.Thedramawas
beginningtotakeacollectivetoll;forallmyextravampirestrength,Iwastired.Mybrainwasfuzzy,my
bodywasexhausted,andmytemperaturewasthatstrangedeep-seatedcoldthatyougetbeforetheflu
startsup.
EthanopenedthedoorformeandshutitagainwhenIwasinside.Icheckedtheclockonthe
dashboard;itwasnearlyfiveforty-five,abouttwentyminutesbeforedawn.Anotherlatenight—and
anotherraceagainsttherisingsun.
Silently,Ethanclimbedintothecarandstartedthemotor.
ImadeonefinalplayatbeingthedutifulSentinel.“Doyouwanttodebriefnow?”
Hemusthaveseentheexhaustioninmyeyes,becauseheshookhishead.“Lucfilledmeinonthemajor
points,andthemorningnewsprogramsarealreadyonthecase.Restfornow.”
Imusthavetakenthedirectionliterally,becauseIremembernoddinginagreement—butnottherestof
theridehome.Assoonashepulledoutofhisparkingspotandbeganspiralingbackdownthroughthe
parkinggarage,Idroppedmyheadontotheheadrest.Iwokeupagainasthecardescendedintothe
Cadoganparkinglot.
“Youaretired,”hesaid.
Iputahandovermymouthtohidetheburgeoningyawn.“It’snearlydawn.”
“Soitis.”
Wesatthereawkwardlyforamoment,likeacoupleattheendofafirstdate,neitherquitesurewhat’s
expectedoftheother.
Ethanmadethefirstmove,openinghisdoorandsteppingoutside.Ididthesame,wobblingalittleasI
exitedthecar,butstayingonmyfeet.Icouldfeelthetugofthesun,mynervesitchingwithexhaustion,my
bodyscreamingthatitwastimetofindasoft,darkplacetowaitouttheday.
“Yougoingtomakeitupstairs?”heasked.
“I’llmakeit.”Iconcentratedonputtingonefootinfrontoftheother,blinkingtokeepmyeyesfocused.
“Thesundoesanumberonyou,”Ethansaidashetypedinthecodetothebasementdoor,thenheldit
openwhileIwalkedthroughlikeanearzombie.Iwasconsciousenoughtorealizethathedidn’tseemto
havethesametrouble.
“You’relessaffected?”Iaskedaswewalkedtothestairs.
“I’molder,”heexplained.“Yourbodyisstilladjustingtothegeneticchange,tothedifferences
betweenbeingdiurnalandnocturnal.Asyougetolder,you’llfindthepulleasiertomanage.Morea
gentlesuggestionthanagrab-and-go.”
Iwascapableonlyofmutteringasoundofagreement.BysomemiracleImadeittothesecond-floor
landingwithoutfallingover.
“We’lltalktomorrow,”Ethansaid,andheadedforthestairs.ButIcalledhisnametostophim.He
glancedback.
“WhatdidTatewhisperinyourear?”
“Hesaid,‘Fixthis,goddamnit,orelse.’We’lltalkaboutittomorrow.”
Hedidn’thavetotellmetwice.
CHAPTERFIFTEEN
ALLTHATGLITTERS
AsEthanhadpointedout,oneobviousdownsideofbeingnocturnalwasthefactthatthesunexertedmore
poweronmethanIcaredtoadmit.Ontheotherhand,Ididn’tneedcaffeinetowakeup.Imighthave
spentafewminutesbeinggroggy,butthehazeblewoffquicklyenough,leavingawideawake(andusually
starving)vampireinitswake.
IstartedtheeveningwithabowlofcrunchycinnamoncerealandasmuchbloodasIcouldstomach.I’d
donealotoffightinglastnight,andmystresslevelhadbeenprettyhigh.Fightingandstressgenerally
trippedmyhungertriggerfasterthananythingelse.
Well,maybeotherthanEthan.Icouldconfirmthebaggedstuffdidn’tcompareintastetotherealthing,
butthatdidn’tmakeitanylesssatisfying.Nutritionwasallwellandgood,buttheemotionalcomfortalso
paidoff.
IshoweredanddressedinmyCadoganblack.Iwasn’tsurewhatthenightheldinstore,butIwas
confidentthatafterlastnight’sescapadesDariuswouldbeinvolvedatsomepoint.Itwasprobablybestto
dressabitnicerthanIhadbeenthelasttimehe’dseenme.
IbrushedmyhairuntilitshoneandaddedmyCadoganmedalandMaryJaneshoes.I’dbeensobusy
withvampiredramathatI’dforgottenaboutMallory’ssorcerydrama,sobeforeIwentdownstairsI
flippedopenmyphone.Ifoundamessagefrommyfather,probablyanotherentreatytoallowhimtohelp
CadoganHouse.JoshuaMeritwasnothingifnotpersistent.
IsentMalloryamessagecheckingin,andgotbackaquickresponse:“BETTERTONIGHT.
PRACTICUMONHEALINGMAGIC.FUN!”
Iwasn’tsureifher“Fun!”wassarcastic,but“healingmagic”soundedalotbetterthandarkmagic.
MyphonebuzzedagainjustasIwasshuttingmydoor.Thistime,itwasatextfromLindsey,andnota
promisingone.
“WENEEDTOTALK,”she’dtexted.
Ihatedhearingthat.Myfingerswerefastonthekeys.“HOUSETRAUMA?”
“BOYTRAUMA,”shereplied,andmyshouldersunknottedabit.“DRAMAOFMYOWNMAKING.”
Iwasn’tentirelysurehowshe’dmanagedtohaveboytraumaordrama.She’dbeenwithmelastnight,
anditwasn’tyetanhouraftersunset.Icouldn’tresistasking.
“HOWCOULDYOUHAVEBOYDRAMATHISEARLYINTHEEVENING?”
“JUSTFINDMELATER,”sheresponded.“THEDEVIL’SINTHEDETAILS.”
Wasn’tthatalwaystrue?
ApotentiallydistressingconversationwithLindseyonmyagendaforlater,Imademywaydownstairsto
Ethan’soffice.Ifoundhimalone,thedooropen,adjustingtheknickknackshe’dsalvagedfromthebattle
onhisnewbookshelves.
“Alittleinteriordecoratingtostartthenight?”
“Tryingtomakemyofficefeellikemyofficeagain.”
“Procrastinationcanbeverysatisfying.”
Helaughedruefully.“Asyoupointedout,itmaybeaveryhumanemotion,butthere’sundoubtedly
somethingsatisfyingaboutpretendingtheworldisfineandyourproblemswillkeepuntilyou’rereadyto
dealwiththem.”
“It’salovelycopingmechanism,”Iagreed.“I’mgladyou’vemadeittoourside.Where’sDarius
tonight?”
“Scottwonthelotterythisevening;DariusisatGreyHouse.”Heturnedandglancedatme.“Tellme
youlearnedsomethinglastnight.Tellmethismesswillhavesomegoodend.”
“HowmuchshouldItellyou?Imean,Idon’twanttoputyouintoanawkwardpositionwithDarius.”
Ethanmadeasarcasticsound.“Youclearlyhaven’tseenlastnight’slocalnews.”
Ihadn’t,andbythetoneofhisvoice,Iprobablywouldn’twantto.“Thatbad?”
“It’ssobad,Dariushasn’tcalledmeyet.”
Igrimaced.Theonlythingworsethanbeingyelledatbyabosswashavingscrewedupsoroyally,he’d
movedrightintosilenttreatment.
Idecidednottosugarcoatit.ThereweredetailsIdidn’tneedtogive—informationaboutthevamps
who’dactuallyboughtandusedthedrugs,forone—butIwasn’tgoingtogivehimafalsesenseofthe
problem.
“ItallcomesdowntoV,”Ibegan.“It’sadrugforvampires,nothumans.It’ssomehowmakingthem
moreaggressive.TheHousebars,atleastforGreyandCadogan,havebeenusedasdistributionpoints.
I’mnotsureaboutNavarre.”
Igavehimamomenttoprocessthatinformation;bythelookofhim,heneededit.Heputanelbowon
theshelf,thenrubbedhistempleswithahand.
“IhaveputupwithalotinthisHouse,”hesaid.“Unfortunately,vampiresaren’tanymoreimmuneto
stupiditythanhumans.”Hedroppedhishandandlookedaway,thecornersofhiseyeswrinkledwith
disappointment.“IwouldhavehopedthattheyrespectedtheHouse—andme—morethanthis.”
“I’msorry,Ethan.”
Heshookhishead,andshookitoff.“Tellmeaboutthebar.”
“Colinhadn’tseenanythingoutoftheordinary.IaskedJefftopullthesecurityfootagesowecanfigure
outhowit’sgettingin.It’sdefinitelygettingin,althoughIhadeveryonehandovertheirstashsothey
couldn’tbringitbackintotheHouse.”
“Andsoitwouldn’tbefoundonthemifthecopspattedthemdown.”
“Exactly,”Iagreed.“Butmygrandfatherhadalreadyfounditinthebar,sohe’dalreadyputtwoand
twotogether.Igavehimtherestofthedrugs,andthat’swhentheybroughtinDetectiveJacobs.”
“Yourtheory?”
“Stillworkingitout.Intermsoftheoverallpicture,we’venowhadtwoinstancesofextra-violent
vampsanddrugsinthesameplaceatthesametime.Asforthewhyofit...”Ishrugged.“Who’spushing
thedrugs?Someonewhowantsusintrouble?SomeonewhowantsvampsbringingdowntheHouseson
theirown?Someonewhowantstotakeusdownonepillatatime?”
“Thatdoesn’tsoundlikeCelina,”hepointedout.
“Notunlessshe’sdecidedallvampshavetosufferforhercrimes,”Iagreed.“Morgandidn’tthinkthat
waslikely,butIwouldn’tputitpasther.”
“Untilyouhavemoreevidence,I’mnotconcedingthatpoint.WhataboutMcKetrick?He’sfocusedon
forcingusoutofChicago.Perhapshe’spushingVtorileupvampiresandpressureTateintodeporting
us?”
“McKetrickwasoutsidethebarlastnight,”Isaid.“Isawhim,thenpointedhimouttoCatcher.Hewas
goingtotailMcKetrickandgetwhatinfohecould.”Imadeamentalnotetofollowupwithhimlater.
“Thatsaid,McKetrickmayhateus,butmakingvampsextra-aggressiverisksalotofcollateraldamage.I
don’tseeitbeingpartofhismasterplan.”
“Whoeverisbehindit,weneedtofindthemandstopthedistributionbeforethingsgetanyworse.”
“Coincidence—thosearethefirsttwothingsonmyto-dolist.”
“Ihaveitemthreeforyou.DinneratGreyHousethiseveningwithDariusandtheMasters.Dariusalso
invitedGabrielandTonya.Oneo’clock.We’llleavefromhere.Andit’sformal,ofcourse.”
SinceDariusseemedlikearulesstickler,theformalbitdidn’tsurpriseme.ButIwascuriousabouthis
invitationtoGabrielandTonya,Gabriel’swife.Vampiresandshiftershadahistoricallynasty
relationship—alotofdistrustandangstbyvampires,alotofeyerollinganddenialbyshifters.
“WhyinviteGabrielandTonya?”Iasked.
“IfIwasbeinggenerous,I’dsayDariuswasinterestedinimprovinginter-suprelations.Buthe’smore
likelyattemptingtomicromanageourrelationshipwiththePacks.ItwouldbebadfortheChicagoHouses
tocompletelyalienatethePacks.ButinDarius’smind,itwouldbealtogetherworsetobecometoocozy
withthem.There’veneverbeenofficialallegianceswithaPackbefore.Ifwepulleditoff,itwould
indicateadefiniteshiftinpowerinourdirection.”
AthismentionofthepotentialPackallegiance,Ilookedaway.Ethan’sfearthatourrelationship—or
ourfuturebreakup—wouldendangerourburgeoningfriendshipwiththeNorthAmericanCentralwasthe
reasonhe’dgivenforthebreakuphenowregretted.
“Comeon,”Ethansuddenlysaid,walkingtowardthedoor.
Iglancedupagain,movedfrommyreverie.“Wherearewegoing?”
“OpsRoom.Iwassupposedtohaveyoudownstairsfifteenminutesago.”
IfollowedhimobedientlytothebasementstairsandtowardtheOpsRoom.Thedoorwasopen;Luc,
Juliet,Kelley,Malik,andLindseywerealreadyassembledaroundtheconferencetable.Luc,inafaded
denimshirtandjeans,wasaninterestingcontrasttotherestoftheguards,whowerealldressedinblack.
Ethanclosedthedoor.Itookanemptyseatatthetable,andhetookthechairbesideme.
IglancedbetweenLucandLindsey,whosatonoppositeendsofthetable,tryingtoreadthetealeaves
regardinghermessageearlier.Butsheworeherusualexpressionofmildlyamusedboredom;Lucwas
scanningthepaperontheOpsRoomtable,asteamingmuginhishand.Iftheywereatodds,Icouldn’t
tell,andtherewasn’tanyobviouslynegativemagicintheair.
“Finally,theyjoinus,”Lucsaid,sippinghisdrink.Normally,thatkindofcommentwouldhavebeena
teasecomingfromhim.Thistime,itsoundedlikearebuke,andLucdidn’tnormallyerrtoward
grouchiness.MaybeheandLindseyhadgottenintosomething.
“Wewereonourbestbehavior,”Ethanadvisedhim.“Meritwasfillingmeinonlastnight’s
investigation.”
“Dotell,”Lucsaid.
“Longstoryshort,it’stheVthat’sbeencausingtheviolence.”
Lucfrowned,satup,andputhismugonthetabletop,handswrappedarounditlikeitwasproviding
necessarywarmth.I’dbeencoldasanewbievampire,andithadtakensometimetowardoffthatchill.
ButitwasAugustandprobablyninetydegreesoutside.Ididn’tunderstandpeoplewhodrankcoffeeinthe
heatofsummer.
“Whywouldsomelowlifeselldrugstovampsandgetthemtogetherforparties?What’shetryingto
accomplish?”
“MeritthinksMcKetrickmightbeinvolved,”Ethansaid,“thatmaybeit’saploytogetvampsoutofthe
city.”
Iputupahand.“ThatwasactuallyEthan’sidea,”Isaid,givingcreditwherecreditwasdue...or
distributingtheblameaccordingly.
Luctiltedhisheadbackandforthwhileheconsideredit.“Whoevercameupwithit,it’snotabadidea,
althoughmanufacturingthedrug,distributingit,organizingtheparties,andeverythingelseinthechain
meansalotofworkjusttogetridofapopulation.Thereareeasierways.”
“Agreed,”Maliksaid.“Andattheriskofjumpingononeofourfavoritebandwagons,thefirstwitness
sawawomannamedMarie.AnyvotesforCelina?”
“Butwehaven’theardanythingabouthersincethen,”Ipointedout.“Soifsheisinvolved,she’s
stayingundertheradar.I’mhavingJeffChristophercheckthebar’ssecuritytapes,soifthere’sanysignof
her—oranymoredetailsabouttheseller—we’llfindthem.”
Lucnodded,thenpickeduparemotethatsatbesidehismug.“Inthatcase,alittlemoregoodnewsto
brightenyourevening.”Hehelduptheremoteandmashedbuttonsuntilthecliponthescreenbeganto
play.
Itwasarecordednewsprogram.Wecaughttheendofastoryaboutinternationalwarfarebeforethe
headlineswitchedtoread,“VampViolenceinWrigleyville.”Thefemaleanchor—polishedinherjewel-
tonedsuit,herstiffhairahelmetaboveherhead—offereduptherest.
“Inthismorning’stoplocalnews,”shesaid,“anuptickinviolenceinthecityisdeemedtheresultofa
drugcalled‘V’that’scirculatingamongthecity’svampirecommunity.”
TheycuttoanimageofawhiteVtabletinsomeone’shand,andthentoashotofTempleBar.
“Onesucheventwaslastnight’sdisturbanceataWrigleyvillebarwithtiestoCadoganHouse.We
wereliveonscenelastnight,andhere’swhatonelocalresidenthadtosay.”
TheycuttovideoofthetwofratboysfromTempleBar.
“Oh,thosetraitorouslittleshits,”Lindseymuttered.“ThosearethehumansChristinetalkedto.”
“Itwasawfulinthere,”saidthetallerofthetwoboys.“Allthosevampsjustwailingoneachother.It
wasliketheyjustwentcrazy.”
“Didyoufearforyourlife?”askedanoffscreenreporter.
“Oh,absolutely,”hesaid.“Howcouldyounot?Imean,they’revampires.We’rejusthumans.”
“Theatombombwasinventedby‘justhumans,’”Malikmuttered.“WorldWarIIandtheSpanish
Inquisitionwereperpetratedby‘justhumans.’”
Wewereclearlynotareceptivecrowdformuckrakingjournalism.
“AldermenPatJonesandClarenceWalkerissuedstatementsthismorningcallingforinvestigationof
Chicago’svampireHousesandtheirroleinthisnewdrug.MayorTaterespondedtoeventsthismorning
aftermeetingwithhiseconomiccouncil.”
ThenewscastcuttoashotofTateshakinghandswithawomaninanunflatteringsuit.Besideaplain-
lookingbureaucrat,helookedthatmuchmorelikearomance-novelhero:seductiveeyes,darkhair,
wickedsmile.Youhadtowonderhowmanyvoteshe’dgottenbecausevotersjustwantedtobenearhim.
Whenreportersbeganpepperinghimwithquestionsaboutthebarfight,heheldupbothhandsand
smiledaffectionately.Thatsmile,Ithought,walkedathinlinebetweenempathyandcondescension.
“IhavemadeChicago’sHouseswellawareoftheirresponsibilities,andI’msurethey’lltakewhatever
precautionsarenecessarytoputanimmediatestoptothespreadofVandtheviolence.Iftheydon’t,of
course,stepswillhavetobetaken.Myadministrationisnotafraidtotakethosesteps.We’vedonealot
ofworktoremakethiscityintoonethatIllinoiscanbeproudof,andwewillcontinuetoensurethat
Chicagoremainsaplaceofpeaceandprosperity.”
Theanchorpoppedon-screenagain.“MayorTate’sapprovalratingremainsconsistentlyhighevenin
lightoftherecentviolence.”
Withthat,Lucreachedupwiththeremoteandstoppedthevideoagain.
Theroomwentsilentandheavywithconcern.IguessedInowknewwhymyfatherhadcalled.Hewas
probablydyingtoberatemeforbeingavampireandsullyingthefamilyname—despitethefactthatI’d
hadnosayinbecomingfanged,andIwastryingmybesttokeepthepeaceinChicago.
Unlesshistonehadchangedaboutthat,aswell.
“Well,”Ethanfinallysaid.“ItdoescomfortmesotoknowthatMayorTate’sapprovalratingsremain
strong.”
“Tatemustbefeedingtheanchorswithinformation,”Ioffered.“Weonlybarelyknowabouttheuptick
inviolence,andmygrandfatherpromisedtokeepVoutofthepress.”
“SoTate’susingvampstomakepoliticalhay?”Lucoffered.“Iguessit’snotthefirsttimeapolitician’s
takenadvantageofchaos,butitsurewouldbeniceifitwasn’tatourexpense.”
“Andifhedidn’thaveanarrestwarrantready,”Iagreed.
“Waytoputthecityfirst,”Lindseysaid.
LucglancedoveratEthan,concerninhisexpression.“AnythingfromDarius?”
“He’sstillonradiosilence.”
“It’snotgoingtogooverwell.”
“Drugsandviolenceinmybar?Drugsandviolencecoveredbylocalpaparazzithatwillprobably
spreadtonationalcoverage,ifithasn’talready?No,Idon’timaginehewillbepleased,andthere’sa
goodchancetheHousewillsufferforit.”
“Tellhimtheotherpart,”Kelleysaid.
“Theotherpart?”Ethanasked,hisgazeshiftingfromKelleytoLuc.
“Theotherpart,”Lucconfirmed,pickingupthetabletandtappingitsscreen.Theimageonthe
projectorshiftedfromthenewscasttoablack-and-whitelivefeedofadarkneighborhoodstreet.During
mystintasanon-dutyHouseguard,I’dseenthatfeedenoughtimestobefamiliarwithit.
“That’soutsideCadoganHouse.”
“Goodeye,Sentinel,”Luccomplimented.“Indeeditis.”Hetappedthetabletagainandzoomedintothe
feed,fixingonaboxysedanthatheldtwopassengers.Bothworesuits.
“Kelleywentforarun.Shenoticedthesedanwhensheleft,andshenoticedthesedanwhenshecame
back.”
“Twenty-sixmiles,”Kelleyputin.“Ittookmeanhourandtwenty-fourminutes.”
Notbadforamarathon-lengthrun.Chalkoneupforvampirespeed.
“That’salongtimefortwoguysinsuitstobesittinginacaroutsidetheHouse,”Ethansaid,then
lookedbackatLuc.“It’sanunmarkedCPDcar.”
“That’sourthought.NeitherthecarnorthesuitsseemedlikeMcKetrick’screw,sowefigured
detectives.WecalledtheOmbud’sofficetoconfirm,buttheyhadnoideaaboutthecar.”
Imutteredacurse.“TheyhadnoideaaboutMr.Jackson’srave,either.Tateisn’tbeingentirelycandid
withtheofficerightnow.”
“Alackoftrust?”Ethanwondered.
“OrperhapsafearthattheOmbud’sofficeistiedtoocloselytoCadoganHouse,”Isuggested.“Tate’s
officedoesn’tgivetheOmbud’sofficealltheinformation,whichactslikeacheckandbalanceonmy
grandfather.”
Lindseygrimaced.“That’saslapintheface.”
“Yes,itis,”Iagreed.“IguessthecopcarsignalsTate’slackoftrustinus,too?”
Ethanshuffledinhischair.“Giventhefactthathe’sgotawarrantformyarrestreadytogo,I’dsayso.”
Mycellphonebuzzed.IpulleditoutandcheckedthecallerID.“Speakofthedevil.It’sJeff.”Iflipped
itopen.“Hey,Jeff.Gotanythingforme?”
Jeffchuckled.“Ofcourse,Ido.ButI’mstrictlyoff-limitsnow.Youknow,’causeofthelittlelady.”
“Nodisrespectmeanttoyouoryours.Hey,I’mintheOpsRoomwithEthanandeveryone.CanIput
youonspeaker?”
“Knockyourselfout.Probablyhelpfulforalltohear.”
Iputthephonedowninthemiddleofthetable,thenpressedthespeakerbutton.“Okay.You’relive.
Whatdoyouhave?”
“Aw,ifonlyI’dpreparedamonologue.”
WeheardCatcher’svoiceinthebackground.“Focus,kid.”
“Well,”Jeffsaid,andIheardtheclackingofkeys,“itturnsoutthesecuritycamerasarelive,andColin
andSeandorecordthevideo.It’sstoredinthebaronadedicatedserver,andtherearealsoexternal
backupsjustincasesomebadstuffgoesdown.Iwasactuallyprettyimpressed.Youdon’texpectbarsto
havethatkindofsecurityprotocol.”
Fromthelooksofthecrustybackroom,TempleBardefinitelydidnotseemlikethekindof
establishmentwitha“dedicatedserver,”notthatIcoulddifferentiateadedicatedserverfroman
undedicatedserver.
“So,anyway,Igrabbedthevideoanduploadedit.”
Ileanedforward,linkingmyhandstogetheronthetable.“Tellmeyoufoundsomething,Jeff.”
“Ittooksomespooling,”hesaid.“Trucksusethealleyquiteabittomakedeliveries.There’salsothe
occasionalcatering-truckpickup,garbagetrucks,taxis,bardrop-offs,etcetera,etcetera.Butbeginning
twomonthsago,everycoupleofdays,usuallyintheweehours,avintageShelbyMustang—wickedcar—
pullsintothealley.Sometimesthecarsitsthereforafewminutes,nothinghappens,thecardrivesaway.
Sometimesadrivergetsout.”
Myheartbegantobeatinanticipation.Weweregettingcloser,Iknewit.“Whatdidthedriverlook
like?”
“Well,althoughthebackupsareimpressive,thevideoisforshit.Verygrainy.ButIdidmanagetopulla
stillforyou.I’mgoingtosendyouapic.”
“Usethise-mail,”Lucsaid,readingoffanaddresstoJeffandpickinguponeofthetabletsfromthe
desktop.“Thatwaywecanprojecttheimage.”
“Doneanddone.”JeffhadbarelygottenoutthewordsbeforeLuc’stabletdinged,signalinganew
message.Hisfingersdancedacrossthetablet,andanimagepoppedontothescreen.
Theguywasshort—maybefivefeetinshoes—olderwithslick,darkhairandbulbousfeatures.There
wasnothingespeciallyremarkableabouthisface,butIwouldhaveswornI’dseenhimbefore.
“Doeshelookfamiliartoanyone?”Iasked,butgotmuttered“no’s”aroundtheroom.
Theothersmightnothaverecognizedhim,butIhadasenseSarahwouldhave.
“HematchesthedescriptionoftheguySarah—thehumanattheStreetervilleparty—met,”Isaid.
“Makemynightandtellmeyougotalicenseplateonthecar,Jeff.”
“BecauseIam,infact,awesome,Iwasabletozerointothevideo.Igotthelicenseofthecar,thenran
itthroughtheDMVsystem.ThecarisregisteredtoonePaulieCermak.”Jeffreadoutanaddress.“The
interwebssayhisaddressisneartheGarfieldParkConservatory.”
ImadeplanstopayMr.Cermakavisit.Ialsoopenedmyeyesagainandsmiledatthephone.“Jeff,you
areaparagonofman.”
“Thefunnythingis,”Jeffcontinued,“thecar’stitleshowsarecentsale—onlyafewmonthsagotoour
Mr.Cermak.Butthere’snoinformationaboutthepriorownerorwhohepurchasedthecarfrom.”
Ifrownedatthephone.“Thatseemsweird.”
“Definitelyweird,”Jeffagreed.“Whenwe’relookingatrecords,toomuchdatausuallysignalsaplant.
Notenoughdatasignalsascrub.Vehiclesalesarealmostalwaysinthesystem;there’snoreasonnotfor
themtobe.Thisfilehadscruballoverit.Oh,andthat’snotall.”
“We’relistening.”
“BecauseIam,infact,notjustsupremelyawesome,butalsoallthatandabagofchips—preferably
kettle-cookedjalapeñoofsomekind—IcheckedMr.Cermak’scriminalrecordintheCookCountyDB.I
mean,probablynotsupposedtogointotheirsystemwithoutpermission,butwhatelseisaboytodo
whenhisfavoritevampmakesacall?”
“Indeed.Whatdidyoulearn?”
“Factually,notmuch.There’sonesealedcriminalrecordinthefile,andthat’sit.”
“Doyouthinkthatfilewasscrubbed,too?”
“Eh,notnecessarily.Youcansealcriminalfilesforallsortsoflegitimatereasons.Toprotectthe
victim,becausetheperp’sunderage,becausetheperp’sabrains-eatingmind-deadzombiewithnomens
reawhatsoever—”
“Sealedrecord?”Ethanprompted.
“Yeah.So,thefileissealed,andIcan’taccessanydata.They’reactuallyrockingsomeprettygood
encryptiononthesealedrecords.I’dneedtheaccesskeyorpassword,oryou’dhavetogetacourtorder
topullthefile.”
“Soadeadendthere?”
“Ha!Youmadeajoke.Butyes.Verydead.Deadasadoornail.Deadasadoorknobeven,althoughI’m
notsureIknowwhatthedifferenceisbetweenthosetwothings.”
“Wegotit.”
“Oh,onefinalthing.”Iheardmorekeytapping,thesoundoverlaidbyJeff’shumming.Itsoundedlike
“WhiteChristmas.”
“LittleearlyforChristmascarols,isn’tit,Jeff?”
“Neverhurtstogetintotheholidayspirit,Merit.Okay,sothevideoisn’tgreat,andthealleybythebar
doorisn’tverywelllit.Butoccasionally,onafullmoon,thelightshinesjustright....”Ashetrailedoff,
Iheardmoretapping.“Okay,”hesaidagain.“I’mgoingtosendyouanotherimage.”
Thisonewasafuzzyblack-and-whiteshotofacarinthealley.Jeffwasright—theimagewasgrainy,
butthevehicleitshowedwasundeniablyaclassicMustang,completewithracingstripesandsidevents.
Andthatwasn’tall.
Isquintedatthepicture,tryinginvaintobringitintofocus.“Isthatawomaninthepassenger’sseat?”
“Itappearstobeso,”Jeffsaid.“It’smoreofashadow,butitdoesappeartobeawoman.Curves,ya
know?”
“Weknow,”Ethansaiddryly.
“Anyway,Iwascheckingouttheshadowoftheladyinthevideo,right?I’mrunningthefilmatlikehalf
speed,andIfindsomethingelse.I’vegotaclose-up,andI’mgoingtosendittoyou.”
Again,thetabletbeeped,andanewblack-and-whiteimagereplacedthepreviousoneonourscreen.
Isquintedatit,butpredatoryeyesightornot,Istillcouldn’tgetagoodreadonthewomaninthecar.In
fact,Icouldn’tgetagoodreadonanythingotherthanpixels.
“Whatarewesupposedtobelookingat?”Iwonderedaloud.
“Checkthemiddleoftheimage,”Jeffsaid,“approximatelywherehercollarwouldbe.”
I’djustopenedmymouthtoprotestthatIcouldn’tseeanything—andthatwaswhenIsawit—around
herneck,anundeniableglintoflight.
“Jeff,thatlookslikeaHousemedal.”NotunliketheoneI’dseenCelinawearingthenightshereturned
toCadoganHouse.
“That’swhatIthought,too.”
“Canyouzoominanycloser?”Ethanasked.
“Unfortunately,Ican’tgiveyouanymoredetails.Thecamera’ssensorjustdidn’trecordanymoredata.
Butthat’ssomething,isn’tit?Itkindofsuggestsyou’vegotaHousevampinvolvedinthisdrugbusiness.”
MalikandEthanexchangedaheavyglance.
“Itdoessuggestthat,”Ethanagreed.“Butfornow,let’skeepthisbetweenus,shallwe?”
“You’retheboss,”Jeffpleasantlysaid.
“Thanks,Jeff.Weappreciateit.”
“Unfortunately,I’vegotbadnewstogoalongwiththegoodnews.”
“What’sthat?”Iasked.
“PaulieCermak’stheonlysuspectwe’vegotfordistributingV.Inarroweddownthevideolatelast
night,andhadtoturnitovertotheCPDthismorning.”
“Ofcourse,”Isaid.“DetectiveJacobswouldhavebeeninterestedinthevideo.”
“Isandwas.TheysentdetectivestoCermak’shousethismorning.”
Ethanfrownedatthephone.“Didtheyfindanything?”
“Notathing.Thehousewasclean.Thecarwasclean.They’restillprocessingsomeofthestuffthey
liftedfortraceevidence,butthere’snothingthattieshimtothedrugsortheraves.Asfarasweknow,
he’sjustaguyinapublicalley.Hehadeveryrighttobethere.”
Bethatasitmay,mygutsaidPaulieCermakwasmorethanapasserby,andI’dbetthatifwecalledup
everyCadoganvampirewho’dbeeninTempleBarinthelastmonth,theycouldpinhimastheguywho’d
beenloiteringoutsideandpushingV.Ofcourse,thatwouldrequirecallingouteachCadoganvamp.I
wasn’twilling,atleastatthispoint,todragtheindividualvampiresintoit.
“Thanks,Jeff.AnyobjectionsifIpayMr.Cermakavisitonmyown?”Atmysuggestion,Ethan’shead
shotup,buthedidn’tvoiceanobjection.
“Notfromus.AndCPDdoesn’thavetoknow.Hey,Chuck’spagingme,soI’vegottago.We’vegota
coupleoffairieswhowanthimtomediateapropertydispute,andIneedtouploadsomedocs.We’llbe
intouch.”
“Thanks,Jeff,”Isaid,thentappedoffthephone.
TheOpsRoomwasquietforamoment.
Ilookedupandaroundatthevampsintheroom.“AnythoughtsbeforeIvisitourapparentdrug
pusher?”
“Howopposedareyoutocapitalpunishment?”Lucgrowledout.
“I’dprefernottoplayjudge,jury,andexecutioner,”Isaid.“Butifyouhaveanystrategicordiplomatic
suggestions,I’mallforthem.”
Ethanpattedmybackgood-naturedly.“GoodSentinel.”
CHAPTERSIXTEEN
THEPERP
LindseyescortedmetomyroomsoIcouldchangebackintobootsandgrabmysword.Iusuallyskipped
bringingitalongonpublicoutings,butPaulieCermakwasquitepossiblyadrugkingpin,andIwas
headingtohishometurf.NowaywasIgoingonthatfieldtripwithoutsteel.
Itwasn’tuntilwewereinsidewiththedoorshut,LindseyonmybedwhileIsatonthefloor,sword
unsheathedbeforemetoensureitwasinfightingshape,thatshemadetheconfessionshe’dapparently
beenholdingin.
“Wemadeout,”shesaid.
Iwipedthebladedownwithasheetofricepaper.“Idon’trecallmakingoutwithyou.”
“ImadeoutwithConnor.”
Ilookedupatherandcouldn’thelpthedisappointmentthatcrossedmyface.Connorwasavampfrom
myInitiateclass,asweetkidwithwhomLindseyhadbeenflirtingsinceourCommendationintothe
House.Hewascuteandcharminginhisway...buthewasnoLuc.
“Whendidthathappen?”
“IgotbackfromTempleBar,andabunchofusweretalkinginthedownstairsparlor,andthen
everybodygottiredandleft.Everybodybuthim,Imean.Andthenonethingledtoanother....”
Thebladeclean,Iresheathedtheswordagain.“Onethingledtoyoumakingoutwithanewbie
vampire?”
“Thatwouldappeartobethecase.”
Whatwasnew,Ithought,wasthefactthatshewaschagrinedaboutit.Lindseywasn’tmuchofa
worrywart,anditwasn’therstyletoMonday-morning-quarterbackherowndecisions.MaybeLucwas
makingprogress.
Itiltedmyheadather.“Sowhydoyouseemweirdaboutit?”
Handsinherlap,shouldersslumpedforwardguiltily,Lindseylookedaway.
IthoughtoftheedgeI’dheardinLuc’svoiceearlier,andfiguredoutthereasonforit.“Lucfoundout?”
Shenodded.
“Crap,Linds.”
“Yeah,crap.”Whenshelookedbackatme,atearsliddownhercheek.Shewipeditaway
nonchalantly,buttherewasnomistakingtheguiltinhereyes.
“ThisthingwithConnor—wasitafling?Justbecauseyou’dhadareallylongnight?”
“Idon’tknowwhatitis.That’skindofmyproblem.I’mjust—Idon’tknow—I’mnotreadytobein
somebig”—sheswirledherhandsintheair—“committedrelationshipthing.”
“Notready?You’reoveracenturyold.”
“Thatissonotthepoint.Look,LucandImetalong,longtimeago.Hehadagirlfriend;Ihadabeau.
He’shot,sure.Obviouslyhe’shot.Butwestartedofffriends,andI’djustratherwestayfriendsthan
becomesomekindofmortalenemies.”
Igaveheradubiouslook.“HowcouldyouandLucbecomemortalenemies?I’mnotsureheevenhas
mortalenemies.Well,otherthanCelina.AndPeter.”
“DefinitelyPeter,”sheagreed,thenshrugged.“Idon’tknow.It’sjust—immortalityisalongtime.I
couldbealivealongtime,andI’mhavingahardtimeimaginingonlyoneguybeingapartofthat.”
Myswordinhand,Istoodup,movedtothebed,andsatdownbesideher.“Sobottomlineis,nobig
commitmentthingrightnow.”
“Yeah,”shesaidsadly.
Ihatedthatforbothofthem—herfortheguilt,himfortheheartache.“Sowhatareyougoingtodo?”
“WhatcanIdo?Breakhisheart?TellhimI’mnotinterestedinsettlingdown?”Shefloppedbackon
thebed.“ThisiswhyIavoideditforsolong.Becausehe’smyboss,andifwetrieditanditdidn’twork
—”
“Itwasthatmuchmoreawkwardforeveryone.”
“Precisely.”
Wesattherequietlyforamoment.
“So,howaboutthemCubbies?”shefinallyasked,fakecheerinhervoice.
“NameonecurrentCubsplayer.”
“Um,thathotonewiththebroadshouldersandthesoulpatch?”
“Andthat’swhatIgetforbeingfriendswithadamnYankeesfan.”
“Iamuseless,”shemuttered,thenpulledapillowoverherface.Amuffled,frustratedscreamescaped
it.
“You’renotuseless.Hey,ifnothingelse,you’reoneofthetoptenhottiesinCadoganHouse,right?I’d
putyouatleastinthetopthree.”
Sheliftedacornerofthepillowandblewhairfromherface.“Really?”
“Really.”
Shesmiledalittle.“You’rethebestSentinelever.”
Yeah,sometimesIwondered.
LucandEthanmetmeonthefirstflooragain.
“You’vegotyourphoneincaseyouneedus?”
“Ido,”Iassuredhim,pattingmyjacketpocket.“Ifthecopsdidn’tfindanythingathishouse,he
probablywon’tbeterritorialenoughtostartanything.ButIwilldefinitelycallyouiftheneedarises.
Don’tworry—”
“Sheratherlikesbeingalive,”Ethanfinishedforme.
“Ido,”Isaidwithasmile.
“Keepaneyeoutforaccomplices,”Lucoffered.“Ifhe’strulyclean,someonemustbedoingthedirty
workforhim.TheycouldbeonalertaftertheCPDsweep.”
“It’salsopossiblehechangedprotocolsafterwards,”Ethansaid.
“I’llgetagoodlookbeforeIgoin.Heknowshe’sonthewatchlist,soheprobablywon’tbethat
surprisedtoseeme.Thebiggerquestionis—ifIfindhim,whatdoIdowithhim?”
Ethanarchedasuspiciouseyebrow.
“I’mnotsuggestinghomicide,”Iexplained.“ButiftheCPDcouldn’tfindanything,it’snotlikeIcould
bringhimin.”
“Justgettheinformationyoucan,”Ethansaid,“andstaysafe.Don’tworryaboutengaginghim.We
knowwhereheisandhowtofindhim.”
“Atleastuntilhebolts,”Lucsaid.
“Anddobebackintimefordinner,”Ethanremindedme.
“Iremember.I’llevenbebackintimetocleanupanddressrespectably.”Ihadto—Iwasheadinginto
ameetingwiththreeHouseMastersandtheheadoftheGP.There’snowayIwasgoingintherewithout
beingdolledup.
Ethansmiledback.“Thatwouldbemuchappreciated.”
Atthesoundoffootstepsonthehardwoodfloors,weallturnedaround.Malikstoodattheedgeofthe
hallway,hisexpressionwan.
“Dariusisonthephone,”heannounced.“He’dliketospeaktous.”
LucandEthanexchangedaglancethatmademenervous,eventhoughitwasoneofthoselooksthat
commandingofficerssharesotheydon’thavetospeakthewordsaloudandfreakoutthesoldiers.“My
office,”Ethansaid,thenglancedatme.“Workyourmagic,Sentinel—andclosethisthingdown.”He
followedMalikbackdownthehallway,andtheybothdisappearedintoEthan’soffice.
IglancedatLuc.“Youwannawalkmetomycar?”
“Happyto.”
IledthewaydownthesidewalktotheCadogangate.Asperusual,twofairiesstoodatattentionaswe
passed,butthistime,oneofthemwasagirl.Shehadthesamestraight,darkhairasthemalemercenaries,
andherfacewassculptedandgauntinaEuropeansupermodelkindofway.Shealsoworethesameblack
ensembleashercounterpartandgavemethesamelookofdisinterestasIpassed.
“Havethemercenaryfairiesgoneegalitarian?”IaskedLucasweheadeddownthestreet,ignoringthe
screamsoftheprotesters.Thereweremorecampedoutthisevening,probablybecauseofthemorning’s
newsreport,andtheyledwiththenewclassic:“Nomorevampires.Nomorevampires.”
“Apparentlywe’dpreviouslyhadmalefairiesbecausenowomenappliedforthejob.Shedid.”
“What’shername?”
“Notaclue,”Lucsaid.“Idon’tevenknowthenamesoftheguyswhostandthere,andwe’vehadthe
mercsoncontractforyears.Theyprefertostayprofessional.”
WewalkedpastaboxysedanparkedacrossthestreetfromtheHouse.Bothguysinthefrontseat
munchedonsandwiches.Binocularsandpapercoffeecupswerestashedonthedashboard.Iassumed
thosewereourcops.
“Notexactlysubtle,arethey?”ImurmuredtoLuc.
“AboutassubtleasvampiresonV.”
“Ouch.”
“Toosoon?”
“Let’swaituntilwearen’tunderthreatofindictment.”Andspeakingofuncomfortabletopics,“About
Lindsey...”
“She’skillin’me,Sentinel.”
“Iknow.I’msorry.”
“Isawherkisshim.”
“Honestly?Idon’tthinkshehasfeelingsforConnor.Ijustdon’tthinkshe’sreadytosettledown.”
Hestoppedonthesidewalkandlookedatme.“Doyouthinkshe’llcomearound?”
“Icertainlyhopeso.Butyouknowhowstubbornsheis.”
Luclaughedmirthlessly.We’dreachedmyorangecar,andhepoppedafistgentlyonthetrunk.“I
definitelyknowthat,Sentinel.IsupposeIdecidetowaitherout,orIdon’t.NotawholelotelseIcan
do.”
Igavehimasympatheticsmile.“Iguessso.”
“Bytheway,doyouhaveanyplanstotellmewhichvampswereusingV?Theyneedtobe
interviewed.”
Ishookmyhead.“Nodice.Iturnedmybackwhentheyhandedoverthedrugs,andIpromisednotto
offeruptheiridentitiesiftheydid.Imadeapromise,andIwon’tbreakit.Iwon’trevealmysource.”
I’dexpectedirritationoralectureaboutdutytotheHouseanditsvampires,butIdidn’tgetone.He
almostlookedproud.
“Wellplayed,Sentinel.”
Inoddedathim,thenadjustedmyswordandsteppedintothecar.“WhileI’mgone,makesureEthan
doesn’tmurderDarius.”
“I’lldomybest.Goodluck,”Lucsaid,closingthedoor.
IhopedIwouldn’tneedit.
Iwasn’tfancyenoughtohaveaGPSunit,whichwouldhaveseemedoddintheVolvoanyway.SoIfound
PaulieCermak’shousetheold-fashionedway—withastreetaddressanddirectionsprintedfromthe
Internet,offeredupbyKelleybeforeIlefttheHouse.
Jeffhadbeenright—Cermak’splacewasn’tfarfromtheGarfieldParkConservatory.Theconservatory
wasanamazingplace,butthisareahaddefinitelyseenbetterdays.Somechunksoftheblockwereempty
ofhouses,thelittleremaininggrassstrewnwithtrash.Manyofthebuildings—grandstoneapartment
housesandWorldWarII–erahomes—hadseenbetterdays.
Cermak’shousewasnondescript—anarrow,two-storybuildingwithgrayshinglesandahighlypitched
roof.Theyardwasneat,thegrassclipped,butwithnoreallandscapingtospeakof.Theremainsofa
paperfast-foodbagweresprinkledacrossthelawn,probablycaughtinamowerblade,andnoonehad
caredenoughtocleanup.
Hewasluckyinonerespect—unliketherestofthehousesonthissideoftheblock,Cermak’shada
sidegarage.Itwasn’tattached,butitwasagaragenonetheless,anditgavehimawaytoavoidwhat
thousandsofotherChicagoanshadtofaceeveryday—residentialon-streetparking.
Iparkedmycarafewhousesdowntheblock,thengrabbedmyswordandasmallblackflashlightfrom
theglovebox.Onceoutside,Ibeltedonmyswordandpushedtheflashlightintomypocket.Ilockedup
thecar,tookagoodlookaroundforanyerrantMcKetricksorunmarkedpolicecars,andstartedwalking.
I’dbeenstandingSentinelforafewmonthsnow.WhileIwasn’tthrilledaboutthebattles,Iwasgetting
usedtothem.Butthepartoftheworkthatstillmademenervouswasthewalk-up.I’dbeennervous
walkingdownMichiganwithJonah,butatleastI’dhadsomeonetokeepmecompanyandkeepmymind
offthetaskahead.NowIwasaloneinadark,quietneighborhoodwithnothingbutmythoughts.
Ihatedtheanticipationofviolence.
Istoppedbesidethehouse’sblackplasticmailbox.Theredflagwasraised,butIresistedtheurgeto
opentheboxandseewhathewasmailingout.Ihadenoughproblemswithoutaddingmailtamperingto
thelist.
Cermak’sgaragewasdark,aswasthetopfloorofthehouse.Thefirstfloorglowedwithlight.The
securitydoorwasopen;thescreendoorwasclosed.
“Startwiththegarage,”Imurmured,tiptoeingthroughthegrassonthefarsideofthelot.Thedriveway,
suchasitwas,consistedoftwothinlinesofconcrete,justenoughtogiveacartireabitofprotection
fromthemud.Istucktothegrasstomufflethesoundofmyboots.WhileIplannedtoknockonthefront
dooratsomepoint,Iwantedtocheckoutthelayofthelandfirst,andthatrequiredsneakiness.
Thegaragewasnarrow,anoldstylewithapull-updoorandarowofwindowsacrossthetop.Ipulled
outmyflashlight,twistediton,andpeekedinside.
Athrillshotthroughme.
AgleamingMustangwasparkedinside,thesamecarwe’dseenonthesecurityfeed—acoupewith
whiteracingstripesandthetelltaleMustangsidescoops.Thecarwasgorgeous.WhateverCermak’s
problems,Icouldn’tfaulthistasteinvehicles.
Isnappedanimagewithmycameraphone,andconsideredthe“confirmvehicle”boxchecked.Next
stop,thehouse.
Icrossedthelawnandheadedforthesmallconcreteporch.Atelevisionshowfromtheeighties—
completewithlaughtrack—blaredthroughthescreendoor.
WhenIreachedtheporch,Iwrappedmylefthandaroundmyswordhandle,squeezingitforcomfort.I
couldseethroughthehousetothekitchenandtheavocadogreenstoveandrefrigerator.Thehouseinside
wassimplydecoratedwithmotel-stylefurniture.Plainandthrifty,butserviceable.
“CanIhelpyou?”
Iblinkedwhenamansteppeduptothedoor—themanfromtheTempleBarvideo.HeworeaYankees
sweatshirtthathadseenbetterdaysandapairofwell-wornjeans.Hesmiled,revealingamouthfulof
straight,whiteteeth.AndhemighthavelivedinChicago,buttheaccentwasallNewYork.
Idecidedtogettothepoint.“PaulieCermak?”
“Yougothim,”hesaid,headtiltedtothesideashetookinmyfeatures...andthenmysword.“You’re
Merit.”
Hemusthaveseenthesurpriseinmyeyes,ashechuckled.“Iknowwhoyouare,kid.Iwatch
television.AndIexpectIknowwhyyou’rehere.”Heflippedthelockonthescreendoorandpulledit
openalittle.“Youwannacomein?”
“I’mgoodwhereIam.”Imighthavebeencurious,butIwasn’tstupid.I’dratherstayoutherewiththe
cityatmybackthanwillinglygointothehomeofasuspect.
Heletthedoorshutagainandcrossedhisarmsontheothersideofit.“Inthatcase,whydon’twegetto
it?Youwerelookingforme—nowyoufoundme.Whatdoyouwantwithme?”
“You’vespentsometimeatTempleBarlately.”
“Thataquestionorastatement?”
“Sincewebothknowyouparkedyourcaroutsidethebar,let’ssayit’sastatement.”
Heshruggednegligently.“I’masmallbusinessman,justtryingtomakemywayintheworld.”
“What’syourbusiness,Mr.Cermak?”
Hesmiledgrandly.“Communityrelations.”
“IsWrigleyvilletherelevantcommunity?”
Paulierolledhiseyes.“Kid,Igotinterestsalloverthiscity.”
Allthesequestions,andIwasbeginningtofeellikeacrossbetweenacopandaninvestigative
reporter—withnoneofthecredentialsorauthority.“Isitanycoincidencethatyoustartpoppingup
outsideTempleBarandanewdrughitsthestreets?”
“Incaseyouain’talreadyaware,themenandwomeninbluehavebeenthroughmyhousefromtopto
bottom.YouimplythatI’vebeendistributingdrugs,butdon’tyouthinktheywouldhavefoundsomething
ifIhadbeen?”
Isizedhimupforamoment.“Mr.Cermak,wouldyouliketoknowwhatIthink?”
Hesmiledslowly,likeaneagerhyena.“Asitturnsout,yeah.Iwouldliketohearwhatyouthink.”
“YouhadtheforethoughttokeepanytraceofVoutofyourhouse.Ithinkthatmakesyouanincredibly
smartandresourcefulman.Thequestion,then,iswhereyou’rekeepingthedrugs...andwhoyou’re
gettingthemfrom.How’dyouliketofillmeinonthat?”
PaulieCermakstaredatme,wide-eyed,foramomentbeforeeruptingwithlaughter,thebelly-aching
kindthatsoonhadhimcoughinguncontrollably.
Whenhefinallystoppedguffawing,hewipedtearsfromthecornersofhiseyeswithfingersthatwere
longerandmoredelicatethanI’dthoughtthey’dbe.Likethefingersofapianist,butattachedtoashortish,
barrel-chesteddrugpusher.
“Oh,Jesus,”hesaid.“Youaregonnagivemeanembolism,kid.Butyouareakick,youknowthat?And
youaren’texactlyshy,areyou?”
“Isthatano?”
“Thebusinessworldisaverydelicateplace.You’vegothigherups.Middlemen.Andeveryday,run-of-
the-millvendors.”
“Suchasyourself?”
“Asyousay.Now,ifIdrawtoomuchattentiontothoseotherlevels,theentirebalancegetsthrownoff,
andthatmakesmanagementunhappy.”
“IsMcKetrickyourmanagement?”
Hewentquietforamoment.“Who’sMcKetrick?”
Icouldn’tbecertain,butIhadasensehisconfusionwaslegitimate,thatCermakreallydidn’tknow
whoMcKetrickwas.Besides,he’dallbutadmittedhewassellingdrugs.Whystartlyingnow?
Athoughtoccurredtome—andnotthekindofthoughtthatwasgoingtohelpmesleepbetteratnight.I
wasthegranddaughterofacop,andavampirewithconnectionstoCadoganHouse.Whywouldn’thelie
tome,unlesshethoughtvampirescouldn’ttouchhim...orwhomeverheworkedfor?Andwhowasthe
onlywomantheGPwouldn’tletustouch?
Ihadtoinquire,butIdidn’twanttomakehim—orCelina—skittish.
“Doyouworkalone?”Iaskedhim.
“Mostofthetime,”hecarefullysaid,asifnotsurewherethequestionwasheaded.
“Withvampires?”
“Honey,I’vegotacarotid.Giventhenatureofthemerch,Iprefertogetinandgetoutwithasfewfangs
aspossible.”
“YouwerespottedwithavampnamedMarie.”
Pauliestaredbackatme,refusingtorespond.Maybehehadn’tnoticedthesecuritycamera.
BraveashemighthavebeenabouttheV,Cermakapparentlywasn’twillingtoadmittoCelina’s
involvement.Iwasn’tsurewhatthatsignaled,ifanything.AndIwasrunningoutofideas.
“Iknowwhatyouthinkitstandsfor,”Pauliesaid.
“What?”
“V,”hesaid.“Thenameofthedrug.Youthinkitmeans‘vampire,’right?”
Ipausedforamoment,surprisedhewaswillingtobethatovertaboutit.“Ithadoccurredtome,”I
finallygotout.
Hepointedafingeratme.“Thenyou’dbewrong.Standsforveritas.That’saLatinwordmeaning
‘truth.’Ideais,it’ssupposedtoremindvampswhatbeingarealvampirefeelslike.Theold-school,
flying-bats,Transylvania,horror-filmbloodlust.Thegoodkindofbloodlust.Andbattling.Nowussy,
pansyhumanbullshit.Gettingoutthereandmixingitup.It’sagift,V,tothevampires.Veritas.Truth,”he
repeated.“Personally,Iappreciatethat.”
Thatwasanawfullyphilosophicalexplanation.“Andwhatmakesyousogeneroustowardvamps?”
“I’mnotgenerous,kid.I’mnotsayingI’veseenV,butifIhad,itain’tthekindofthingI’dgetinvolved
inoutofthegoodnessofmyheart.It’smorethekindofthingI’dconsidermakingalivingfrom.”
“Whowould?”
Pauliesnorted.“Whodoyouthinkwouldhavethemotivationtodosomethinglikethat?Tomake
vampscrazyforblood,tomakethemwanttoactlike‘realvampires’?”Heshrugged.“AllIcansayis,
yougottagohigherinthechainthanme,doll.”
AnotherhintaboutCelina?Ormaybeanotherhigher-upinChicago’sHouses?Ineededmoreinfo.“You
wannapointmeintherightdirection?”
“Andtakethechanceofreducingmyincome?No,thanks,kid.”Anold-schooltelephonerangfrom
somewhereinthehouse.Paulieglancedbackatit,andthenatme.“Youneedanythingelse?”
“Notatthemoment.”
“Inthatcase,youknowwheretofindme.”Hesteppedawayandclosedthedoor,andthehouseshooka
bitonitsfoundationsashewalkedbacktothephoneandsilenceditsringing.
Iclosedmyeyesandclosedoutsomeoftheextraneousneighborhoodnoise,focusinginonthephone
call.
“Wrongnumber,”Iheardhimsay,thephone’sbellringingasheputitbackonitscradleagain.
Iwalkedbackdownthestairsandacrosstheyardtothedriveway,thenturnedbacktofacethehouse.I
gnawedmylipforamoment,tryingtofigureoutmynextmove.Eveninthedark,itwasobviousthepaint
waspeelinginsizablechunksawayfromtheshingles.Therooflookedawful,andthescreeninthedoor
wasrippedacrossthebottom.
Iglancedbackatthegarage.Paulie’shousewasinprettymiserableshape—buthehadaperfect
vintageMustang?Ifhecouldn’tevenaffordtofixupthehouse,howcouldheaffordtopayforthe
Mustang?
Ididn’tknowtheanswer,butIthoughtitwasworthexploring.Ipulledoutmyphoneandsenta
messagetoJeff.“NODICEATTHECERMAKHOUSE.KEEPLOOKINGATTHECAR.”
I’djustgottenbackintothecarwhenJeffcalledback.
“Thatwasfast,”Isaid.
“Wewereonthesamewavelength.I’vebeenporingthroughdatabasessincewetalkedearlier,andI’ve
gotnothingaboutthesaleofthecar.Ifthisthingwasactuallysold—Imeanifmoneyexchangedhands—it
wasanoff-the-gridsale.Theonlywaywe’regoingtobeabletotraceitnowisifCermakhappenedto
tellyouwhosoldittohim.”
“Negatoryonthatone.Iguessthatmakesthecaradeadend.”
“UnlessyourandomlybumpintotheguywhosoldittoCermak.”
“Inacityofnearlythreemillion?Unlikely.”Buthedidgivemeanidea.WhileIcouldn’texactly
cuddleuptoCelinaandaskherifsheknewPaulieCermak,Iknewsomeoneelsewhomight.
Icheckedmywatch.Itwasonlyeleveno’clock.Ihadtimeforalittletripeast...andsomeZendeep-
breathingexercisesbeforeIgotthere,becauseIwasgoingtoneedallthepatienceIcouldmuster.
“Domeafavor,wouldyou,Jeff?E-mailmethepictureofCermakfromthevideofootage?”
“Yougotit.”
OnceI’dreceivedhise-mail,Iputawaythephone.IconsideredcallingEthantogivehimanupdate,
buttheideamademystomachroil.He’djustbeenonthephonewithDarius,andIreallydidn’twantto
knowhowthatconversationhadplayedout.
Ethanprobablyalsowouldn’thaveapprovedofmynexttrip.No—avisittoNavarreHouseseemed
likeoneofthosethingsforwhichitwouldbeeasiertoapologizelaterthangetpermissioninthefirst
place,especiallywithagrouchyGPleaderinthecity.
Decisionmade,Ipulledawayfromthecurb.ItwastimetovisittheGoldCoast.
CHAPTERSEVENTEEN
TWOMASTERSANDONEBADATTITUDE
IwashalfwaytoNavarreHousewhenthephonerangagain.ItwasJonah,soIflippeditopenandnestled
thephonebetweenmyearandshoulder.
“Hi,Jonah.What’sup?”
“Justcheckingin.How’stheinvestigationprogressing?”
“Well,wewereabletoIDtheshortmanSarahsawoutsidethebar.Foundvideowithhiscaronit.Guy
namedPaulieCermak.Ijustpaidhimavisit.”
“Getanythinginteresting?”
“Notreally.He’sgotacrappyhouseandafabulousvintageMustang.He’snotexactlyshyabouthis
work,buthisstoryisthathe’sabitplayer.Hesayshe’sgotmanagementrunningtheshow.Thepolice
didn’tfindanythingtopinonhim,soIdon’tthinkwe’llhavemuchluck,either.”
“AnychanceMcKetrick’sincharge?”
“HeseemstohavenoideawhoMcKetrickis.HealsosaysVstandsforveritas.”
“Truth?”
“Theverysame.”
“That’sawfullydeepforapillpusher.”
“That’sexactlywhatIthought.”
“Greatmindsandall,”hesaid,withanamusingtoneinhisvoice.“Youcomingtotheshindigtonight?”
“Iam.You?”
“Withbellson...andafineItaliansuitIhavenochoicebuttowear.”
“Justbegladyouonlyhavetopullitoutonspecialoccasions,”Itoldhim.“Youguysgetjerseys—we
getfineItaliansuitseverynight.”
Hechuckled.“Verytrue.Hey,speakingofEthan,aheadsup—mystoryisthatwemetforthefirsttime
outsideTempleBaraftertheincident.”
“Finebyme.HaveyoutalkedtoDariusthistrip?”
“Notyet.I’vebeenwiththeguardstoday.Weweretraining.Why?”
“Justaheads-up,he’skindofanass.”Iregrettedthewordstheinstanttheywereoutofmymouth.Sure,
Jonahhaddonemeasolid,butdidIreallyknowanythingabouthim?Otherthanhispretty-boylooksand
ridiculousoverabundanceofgraduatedegrees?
“Wellaware,”Jonahsaid.“HeandScottwentaroundaboutthejerseys,actually.Dariusfoundthem
unbecomingofHousedvampires.”
Icouldn’thelpbutchuckle.“Thatdoessoundlikesomethinghewouldsay.IguessScottwonthebattle
eventually?”
“Iwouldn’tsayhewonitperse.Morelikehewouldn’tgiveinandDariuseventuallylostinterestin
theargument.”
“That’sariskystrategywithanimmortal,”Isaid.“They’vegotallthetimeintheworldtoargue.”
“Speakingonyourownbehalf?”
“Me?Ofcoursenot.I’mnotatallstubbornandcompletelyflexible.”
“Liar,”heslylysaid.“Well,I’llstopharassingyouandletyougetbacktoit.Callmeifyouneedme.”
“Willdo.Thanks.”
Ituckedthephoneawayagain,alittleweirdedoutbythephonecall.ItwasniceofJonahtocheckin—
toworkfromtheassumptionVwasaproblemvampsneededtofacetogether.Allhandsondeck,asit
were,insteadoftheSentinelgoingitsolo.
Ontheotherhand,theconversationhadsoundedalittle...datey.Hewascheckingin,askingwhatI
wasdoinglater.Maybehehadn’tmeantanythingbyit.Maybehereallywaswarminguptomeandmy
variouscharms.Buttherewasaflirty,friendlyedgetohisvoicethatIhadn’theardbefore...andI
wasn’tentirelythrilledtohearnow.Flattered?Yes.ButIdidn’tneedthecomplication.
Ialsowasn’tthrilledthatI’djustgivenJonahanupdateIhadn’tyetprovidedtoEthan.Ididn’tlike
deception,especiallynotwhenitcametodeceivingsomeonewho’dsavedmylifeonceuponatime.I
knewwhyIwaswithholdinginformationfromhim,butthatdidn’tmakeitanymorecomfortable.
Theirony?I’drailedagainstEthanforwithholdinginformationfromme.Notthatithadstoppedhim,
butitstilldrovemecrazy.AndhereIwas,doingthesamething.Weremyreasonsanybetter?Hadhis
beenanyworse?
Andalthoughweweren’tacouple,thedishonestyfeltwrong.Likeabreachofthetrustwe’dearned,a
kindoftrustthatwentbeyondSentinelandMaster.IwasalsomissingoutonusingEthanasasounding
boardaboutJonahandtheRG.Iftherewasanypossibilityhecouldbeneutral,asecondopinionwould
havebeenhelpful.
ButasaMaster,hecouldn’tbeneutral.SoasmuchasIdidn’tlikeit,therewasnoclearpathtothe
truthrightnow.
Inibbledonthatconclusionforawhile,workingitoverandoverinmymind.Ilostmyselfinmy
thoughtsandthedrive.
Itwasn’tthatvampireswereantitheticaltomansions.Thevampiredesignaestheticwasfarfromchains,
skullcandles,andblacklace,anditwasn’tasifCadoganHousewasahovel.Ithadbeenelegantbefore
theattack,anditwasbecomingelegantagain.
ButNavarreHousesetanewstandardforvampireopulence.First,itwastuckedintotheGoldCoast
neighborhood,oneofChicago’sritziestareas,fullofGildedEramansionsandcelebrityretreats.Second,
theinteriorwasaweinspiring.Giantspaces,weirdart,andthekindoffurnitureyousawindesign
magazines.(Thekindoffurnitureyouthoughtwasneatinamuseumkindofway,butwouldn’tactually
wanttositonwhenwatchingagameontheflatscreenonaSaturdayafternoon.)
DidImentionNavarrehadareceptiondesk?
HavingparkedtheVolvoandfreshenedupasmuchaspossibleintherearviewmirror,Iwentinside
andpreparedtofacethethreedark-hairedwomenwhocontrolledaccesstoNavarreanditsMaster.
EthanandIhaddubbedthemthethreeFates,àlaGreekmyth,becausetheyexercisedasimilaramount
ofpower.Theylookedpetite,butIhadthesensethatonefalsemove—oroneunauthorizedsteppastthe
receptiondesk—andyou’dbeintrouble.
Todaytheymostlyseemedoverwhelmed.TheHouse’slobbywasswampedwithpeople.Nonefitinto
obviouscategories—noreporters,novampires,noonewhoseemedlikeamemberofMcKetrick’screw
doingalittlein-Housesurveying.Mostworestandardblacksuits,moreoftheaccountantvarietythanthe
CadoganHousevariety,andtheycarriednotepadsornondescriptblackbags.
ImaneuveredthroughthemtothereceptiondeskandwaiteduntilIgottheattentionoftheFateonthe
left.
Afteramoment,shelookedupatme,obviouslyfrazzled,herfingersflyingacrossthekeysevenasshe
madeeyecontact.
“Yes?”sheasked.
“Merit,Sentinel,Cadogan,heretoseeMorganifhe’savailable?”
Sheblewoutabreath,finallyglanceddownatherscreen,andcontinuedhermarathontyping.Aman
bumpedbesidemeatthedeskandlookeddownather.
“Ihadanappointmentfifteenminutesago.”
“Nadiaisworkingasquicklyaspossible,sir.She’llbewithyoushortly.”Shepointedalong-fingered
nailatthebenchesbehindthedesk.“Haveaseat.”
Themanclearlydidn’tlikeheranswer,buthebithistongueandsqueezedbackthrough.
Ileanedforwardabit.“What’sgoingoninheretoday?IthoughtTatewasn’tallowinghumansinthe
Houses?”
Sherolledhereyes.“He’sofferedanexceptiontothatrule.We’reintheprocessofselectingour
vendorsforthenextcalendaryear.ThemayorsuggestedNadiatalkwithrepresentativesofthehuman
businessesintowntogettheirbids.”
NadiawastheNavarreSecond,Morgan’svicepresident.Shewasalsosupermodelgorgeous,which
wasashockingthingtolearnthefirsttimeyouwalkedintoyourex-boyfriend’sabode.
TheFatecastanunhappyglanceoutacrossthecrowd.“Iseriouslydoubttheycanmeetourneeds.”
I’dassumedwehadacleaningcrewandagroundsstaff,andIknewoneoftheHousechefs.Butit
hadn’toccurredtomethatvampiresneededvendors.ButsomeonehadtostocktheHousekitchens,keep
foldersandhighlightersintheOpsRoom,andensurethecrystaldecantersinEthan’sofficewerefilled
withfineliquor.Here,thatdutyfelltoNadiaandaboatloadofvendorsvyingfortheprivilegeofselling
theirwares.
IwonderedifMalikdidthesamethingforCadoganHouse,interviewingvendors,consideringbidsand
quotes,andreviewingcontracts.Itcertainlywouldhavemadesense.EthanwastheHouse’schief
executiveofficer,whichmadeMalikitschiefoperatingofficer.
Ablondewithtightlyhot-rolledhairandalotofblackeyelinersteppeduptothedesk.“IsMr.Greer
available?PerhapsIcouldjustspeakwithhimifNadiaistoobusy?”
Expressionflat,theFateglancedatme.“Doyourememberwherehisofficeis?”
“Icanfindmywayup,”Iassuredher,walkingawaytotheunhappysquealsofthewomanI’ddisplaced
inline.
Notthatshe’dhadanychance.
IwalkedacrosstheHouse’sgiganticfirstfloortothearchingstaircasethatledtothesecondfloor.
Morgan’sofficewasthere,amodernsuitewithagardenview.Thedoorwasclosed,soIrappedmy
knucklesagainstit.
“Comein.”
Isteppedinside...andnearlylostmybreath.
Morganwashalf-naked,cladonlyinblacktrousers,pullingashort-sleevedwhiteundershirtoverhis
head,themusclesinhisstomachclenchingandbunchingwiththeeffort.Whenhewasclothed,hepulled
hisdark,shoulder-lengthhairbackandtieditathisnape.
Itwasn’tuntilthenthatheglancedoveratme.“Yes?”
Iopenedmymouth,thenshutitagain,havingcompletelyforgottenthespeechIwaspreparedtomake.
HonesttoGod,mymindwascompletelyblank,allrationalthoughthavingfledatthesightofhisbody.
Godknew,physicalattractionwasnevertheproblem.NothingaboutMorganwastheproblem.Iwasthe
problem.Ethanwastheproblem.
Ihadtoshakemyheadtoclearit.Hisexpressionwentsmug;Iassumedhewashappyhe’dbeenableto
flusterme.
“Notexpectingcompany?”Ifinallymanaged.
Morgansatdownontheedgeofachair,pulledonsocks,thenliftedfancysquare-toedshoesfromthe
floorandslidhisfootintoone.“Ijustfinishedaworkout,andwe’vegotthedinnerinanhour.Whatdo
youneed?”
RealizingIwasstillstandinginthedoorway,dooraskew,Isteppedintotheroomandcloseditbehind
me.
“Iwantedtoupdateyouontheinvestigation.”
Halfwaythroughthesecondshoe,hishandsstilled,andhelookedupatme.That’swhenInoticedthe
blueshadowsunderhiseyes.Helookedtired.Itcouldn’thavebeeneasyforhimtofillCelina’sshoes,
especiallygiventheunrest.Ididn’tenvyaSecondforcedintotheroleofaMaster...andI’dhelpedput
himthere.
“Thenbyallmeans,updateme.”
Imanagednottorollmyeyes,andrepeatedwhatwe’ddiscoveredinStreeterville,whatwe’dlearned
atthebar,andwhatwe’dlearnedfromPaulie.BythetimeIwasdone,Morganwasfullyclothedandwas
sittingbackinthechair,fingerslinkedacrosshisstomach.
“Youcameacrosstowntotellmeallthat?”
“We’veidentifiedtheguywho’sbeensellingVtovampires.Hisname’sPaulieCermak.Ineedtoknow
ifhelooksfamiliar.”
“Yeah,well,Idon’tgenerallyhangaroundwithaddicts.”
Theattitudewasn’tunexpected.That’swhyI’daskedJeffforthepicture—thiswasaboutevidence,not
irritation.IpulledoutmyphoneandcalledupPaulie’spicture.“He’snotanaddict.He’sasalesman,at
leastasfarasIcantell.”
Iwalkedcloserandheldoutthephone,thenwatchedtomakesureheglancedoveratit.
I’dexpectedMorgantorollhiseyesandtellmehehadn’tseenCermak.I’dexpectedhimtowax
sarcasticaboutmyinvestigation.
Ihadn’texpectedthewide-eyedexpression.Hetensed,hisshoulderssquaring,hisjawclenching.He
knewsomething.
“You’veseenhim,”Isaid,beforehecoulddenyitormakehisfeaturesblankagain.Butitstilltookhim
aminutetoanswer.
“Sixmonthsago.CelinaneverallowedhumansintheHouse,evenbeforeTateissuedthemandate.I
wasonmywayupheretotalktoher—Idon’trememberwhatweweremeetingabout.He—Cermak—
wasonhiswayoutoftheoffice.Iaskedherwhohewas.Itwas...strangethathewasintheHouse.”
SoCelinahadmetwiththemanwhosoldVinherownHouse.Thatwasallwellandgood,butitwas
completelycircumstantial.
Circumstantialornot,Morganwasclearlyflustered,clearlybotheredbythelinkshewasbeginningto
puttogether.Morganclosedhiseyes,thenscrubbedhishandsoverhisfaceandlinkedhishandsoverhis
head.“Itreally,reallypissesmeoffwhenyou’reright.”
“Idon’twanttoberight,”Iassuredhim.“Iwanttobetheonewithludicroustheories.Idon’twant
Celinamakingyourjob—ormine—harder.”
Hegruntedandlookedaway,notreadytosharethedetailsofwhateverheknew.Igavehimspace,
walkingtotheothersideoftheofficewhereagiantwindowoverlookedasmartlydesignedcourtyard.
“WhatdidCelinasayabouthim?”Iaskedafteramoment.
“ThathewasavendorfortheHouse.”
Andthingshadcomefullcircle.“AndasSecond,selectingvendorswasyourjob,right?”
Morganglancedbackandnoddedruefully.“That’sanotherreasonitwasstrangethathewashere.Ijust
guesseditwasaspecialproject.Icheckedthebooks—theywerefine.AlltheHouse’sfundswere
accountedfor.Butthereweren’tanyextravendorslisted.”
“Soshehadn’tactuallygottenanythingfromhim.Onthebooks,anyway.”
Morgannodded.
“WhatelsewouldshewantwithPaulieCermak?Imean,eveniftheywereinthedruggametogether,
whywouldshewanttobeinvolvedinsellingdrugstovamps?Doessheneedmoney?”
Morganshookhishead.“ShegetsastipendfromtheGPforbeingamember,andshe’sbeenalivefora
verylongtime.”
“Compoundinterest?”
“Compoundinterest,”heconfirmed.
Nodicethere,then.“Maybeit’sthedrugitself,”Isuggested.“Cermaksaiditstoodforveritas,which
isLatinfor‘truth.’Hesaidit’ssupposedtomakevampiresfeelmorelikethemselves.”
Morganfurrowedhisbrow,considering.“Celinahasalwaysbelievedrelationsbetweenhumansand
vampiresweregoingtocometoacataclysmicend.Shejustthoughtshe’dcomeoutontop.”
“Whichiswhyshe’dworkedtoingratiateherselftohumans—tousherintheendoftheirreign?”
Heshrugged.“Maybe.ButasforV,Idon’tknow.Ifshewanted‘truer’vampires,whynotallow
Navarretodrink?”
Becauseifshe’dalloweddrinking,Ithought,shewouldn’thavebeenabletodemonizeCadogan.Inany
event,wecouldferretouthermotivationslater.Rightnow,weneededevidence.
Istaredatthefloorforaminute,tryingtofigureoutifIwasmissinganything.Butnothingoccurredto
me,asmuchasIwantedtheretobeanultimateanswertoallmyV-relatedquestions.WhenIlookedupat
Morganagain,Ifoundhisgazeonme,hisexpressionsurprisinglyunguarded.
“What?”Iaskedhim.
Hegavemeaflatlook,theimplicationbeingthathe’dbeenremindedoftheaffectionformethatI
didn’tshare.Notimelikethepresenttocutoffthattrainofthought.
“Ishouldgetgoing,”Isaid.“Ineedtogetchanged.”
“Youbringingadate?”
“Isthereevergoingtobeatimethatyoudon’taskmeaboutEthan?”
“Onlywhenitstopsirritatingyoutoask.”
“Unlikelytohappen.”
“Andthereyouare.”
Westoodthereforamoment,andIcaughtthehintofasmileonhisface.Ifhecouldmanagetowork
throughhisanger,Icouldmanagetohaveagoodattitudeaboutit.
Iheadedforthedoor.“You’resuchacomedian.”
“Itry,Merit.Ireallydo.”
“Goodnight,Morgan.”
“Onlyforanhour,”heremindedmeasIclosedthedoorandwalkedbacktothestairs.
WhenIreachedthefirstfloor,thecadreofvendorsstillstoodinthelobby,millingimpatientlyaboutas
theywaitedfortheirturnwithNadia.IhopedtheyhadmorepatiencewiththeNavarreHousestaffthanI
did.
WhenIreturnedtotheHouse,EthanandLucmetmeatthedoor.
IlookedatEthan,preparedtotellthetaleonelasttime.Frankly,beingaproactiveSentinelinvolved
repeatingthesameinformationoverandoverandoveragain.Butthetaleneededtobetold,soIsuckedit
upanddidmyduty.
“PaulieCermakisprobablyinvolvedinthedrugtrade,andhe’snotespeciallyshyaboutit.Hesays
he’sonlyabitplayer.Hisdigsareinprettybadshape,butthere’sashiny,vintageMustanginthegarage.”
Ialmostspilledouttherest,butthoughtaheadenoughtoglanceatEthan,aquestioninmyeyes:CouldI
tellhim?CouldIimplicateamemberoftheGPafterthetongue-lashingIassumedhe’dreceivedfrom
Darius?OrwasIputtinghiminanevenworseposition?
“Atthispoint,”hesaidquietly,“there’snoharmincandor.”
“Inthatcase,IwenttoNavarreHouseandshowedMorganthepictureofCermak.Sixmonthsago,
MorgansawPauliecomingoutofCelina’soffice.Shecalledhima‘vendor.’”
IwatchedEthan’sexpressioncarefully,andI’mstillnotsurewhetherIsawrelieforanxietythere.The
newswasequallybadandgood—wehadawitnesswhocouldlinkCelinatothemanwhosoldV,butit
wasCelina.Shewashands-offasfarastheGPwasconcerned.
Lucglancedaroundwarily,thenloweredhisvoice,asifexpectingDariustocomewaltzinginatany
moment,receivershippapersinhand.“SoCelinaandPaulieareacquaintances,”Lucsaid.“Thatmakesit
morelikelyCelinawasthe‘Marie’seenbythehuman,andthewomaninthecar.”
“Butwecan’tprovethat,”Ethansaid,tuckinghishandsintohispockets.“Andasmuchasitpainsme
tosayit,thatPaulieandCelinahadameetinghalfayearagodoesn’tmeanshe’sactivelyinvolvedin
settinguptheravesordistributingV.”
“Andit’sunlikelyshe’sgoingtocomeforwardandoffertheevidenceonaplatter,”Lucsaid.
“True,”Iagreed,aplanalreadyforming.“Whichispreciselywhyweneedtodrawherout.”
Ethan’sgazesnappedtome.“Drawherout?”
“ProvethatPaulieandCelinaareconnected.UsehimtogettoCelina,todrawherout,andtoprove
thatshe’sinvolvedindistributingVandorganizingtheravestohelpthatendeavor.”
“Andhowdoyouproposetodothat?”Ethanasked.“Whatbaitcouldweofferthatwouldentice
Celina?”
Theanswerwaseasy.“Me.”
Silence.
“Youhavecertainlygrownintoyourposition,”Ethandrylysaid.“Andyourwillingnesstotakeriskson
behalfoftheHouse.”
“I’mwellawarethatshecanthoroughlykickmyass.Thatmakesitlessarisk—ifmoreofan
inevitability.”
“Youarestrongerthanthelasttimeyoumet,”hepointedout.“You’vebestedshifterssincethen.”
“Sheknockedmeoutwithasinglekicktothechest,”Ipointedout,myribsachinginsympathy.“But
that’snotthepoint.Forwhateverreason,aswe’vediscussed,she’sfascinatedbyme.IfPaulietellsher
I’llbewaiting,she’dprobablytakeadvantage.”
Ethanfrowned.“Thatisprobablytrue.”
“Ihavetodoit,”Itoldhim.“We’veidentifiedPaulie,andweknowhe’sinvolvedwithCelina.Butwe
can’tclosedownV—haltthedistribution—untilwehaveproof,atleastenoughevidencetotaketoTate.
Wedon’thavetotakeittotheGP,”IremindedEthan.“WeonlyneedtogiveTateenoughinformationto
nailPaulieandCelinasotheCPDcanclosetheloop.Ifwecan’trelyontheGPtobringherdown,”I
quietlyadded,“thenlet’shelpTatedoit.”
“Shehasapoint,hoss,”Lucquietlyagreed.“She’sourbestmeanstopullCelinaout.”
Afteramoment,Ethannodded.“Workyourplan,Sentinel.”Hetappedhiswatch.“Butfirst,goget
dressed.”
Ionlyjustrealizedthathewasalreadypreppedfordinnerinaslim-fitblacksuitandnarrowblacktie.
Thatmeanthe’dbewaitingonme.
“I’llgochange,”Iagreed.IwasalsogoingtoheadupstairsandusethephonenumberJeffhadgiven
metosendamessagetoPaulieCermak.
Onewayoranother,Iwasgoingtofindher.GPbedamned,Iwasgoingtobringherdown.
Muchtomysurprise,IfoundnodresshangingonmydoorwhenIreturnedupstairs.Thelastcoupleof
timesI’dhadtomakesocialappearanceswithEthan,he’dgivenmedecadentcouturegowns,presumably
soIwouldn’tembarrasstheHousewithmyusualjeansandtanktops.Atfirst,I’dbeenoffendedbythe
gesture.ButevenagirlwhocutherfangsondenimandPumascouldappreciategooddesignwhenit
presenteditself.
Thistime,thedoorwasemptyofallbutitssmallbulletinboard,andtheclosetboreonlytheusual
piecesofmywardrobe.
Oh,well.Itwasprobablyforthebest.Ididn’treallyhavetimetobethegirlwhoneededLanvinjustto
leavetheHouse.
Withoutanewoption,IcleanedupandsteppedintooneoftheotherdressesEthanhadsupplied.Itwas
aknee-length,blackcocktaildress,withasleevelessbodiceandswingyskirt,thefabrictuckedinto
horizontalpleatsfromtoptobottom.
IoptedfortheblackheelsEthanhadprovidedwiththedress,aswellasaholsterthatwentbeneaththe
skirtandheldmydaggerinplaceagainstmythigh.MyCadoganmedalwasmyonlyaccessory,andIleft
myhairdown,mybangsadarkfringeacrossmyforehead.
WhenIwasmadeup,IsentamessagetoPaulieCermak.
“TELLMARIEI’MREADYTOMEETHER.”
Themessagesent,Islippedthephoneintoasmallblackclutch.Itwastimetogoplaywiththeboys.
CHAPTEREIGHTEEN
VISFORVALOR
EthanwaswaitingonthefirstfloorbythenewelpostandlookedupasIsteppedontothefinalstair.
“Youlooklovely.”
“Thankyou.”Ismoothedmyhandsovertheskirtself-consciously.“NoobjectiontothefactthatI’m
wearingthisdressagain?”
Ethan’ssmilewasteasing.“Don’ttellmeyouwerelookingforwardtoreceivinganotherone?”
“Thatwouldberidiculous.I’mwellabovesuchjuvenileconcerns.”
Hissmileturnedalittlemorephilosophical.“Youlikethethingsyoulike.Youtakegreatjoyinthose
things,andyoushouldneverbeashamedofthat.Thepleasurethatyoutakeinsimplethings—food,
clothing,architecture—isaveryattractivequality.”
Ilookedawayfromthewarmthinhiseyes.“Areweready?”
“Youhaveyourdagger?”
“Irarelyleavehomewithoutit.”
“ThentotheBatcave,Sentinel.”
Hewasinarare,jovialmood,amoodlighterthanIwouldhaveexpectedgiventheeventwewere
abouttoattend.Ethancoulddefinitelydoformal;helookedgoodinatuxandknewhowtoschmoozea
crowd.Buttheaudiencewasn’tlikelytobereceptive.
Whenwewereinthecarandbucklingourseatbelts,ourgazescaught.
“DoyouthinkMcKetrickwillattempttowaylayusthistime?”
Hesnortedandstartedthecar.“Givenourluck,quitepossibly.”
Fortunately,hewaswrong.WemadeittoLakeShoreDrivewithoutincidentotherthananastysnarl
thatslowedtraffictoacrawl.Itwaslate,butthatdidn’tprecludeasolidcaseofgaper’sblock—thenear
standstilloftrafficcausedwhendriversslowedtocheckoutawreck.Inthiscase,therewasn’tevena
wreck,justacoupleofclub-goinggirlswhopoutedbesidetheircarwhileacopwroteupaticket.
WeweresomewherenearNavyPierwhenIbroachedthetopichehadn’tyet.“Areyougoingtotellme
aboutyourcallwithDarius?”
I’ddecidedI’dratherhavehimpunchingtreesthanholdingthingsback.AtleastwithtreepunchingI
couldgaugehowmuchtroublewewerein.Withsilence,Ihadnoclue.
IttookEthanamomenttoanswer.“There’snoneedtogetintoit.”
“NoneedtotellyourSentinelwhattheheadoftheGPthinksabouttheHouse?”
“Sufficeittosay,hehadchoicewordsaboutmyleadership.”
Iglancedoverathim.“Andthat’sallyou’regoingtotellme?Noventing?”
“TherearetimeswhenpoliticsinvadetheHouse.Sometimesit’sunavoidable.Butmyjob,asaMaster,
istoinsulateyoufromthosethings.Notfromtheconsiderationofstrategyandalliancesandthelike,but
frompoliticalpressurefromthetop.Youaretoundertakethetasksappropriatetoyourposition—and
worryingaboutmyjoborDarius’saren’tsomeofthosetasks.”
“Thankyou.Exceptitdoesn’texactlyhelpmepreparefortheinevitableGPkickintheface.”
Hepaused.“Sometimesyou’retoosmartforyourowngood,youknow.”
Ismiledtoothily.“It’soneofmybetterqualities.”
Hehumphed.“Well,tospareyouthesordiddetails,heisquiteconvincedourinvestigationoftheraves
isonlymakingtheproblemworse—anddrawingmoreattentiontoit.Heisoftheopiniontheseare
mattersfortheGPtohandle,andifandwhentheGPfeelsactionisappropriate,theywilldoso.”
“Wow,”Isarcasticallysaid.“That’snotatallshortsightedandnaïve.”
“AttentiontodetailhasneverbeenDarius’sstrongsuit.Callitthefarsightednessofimmortality—he
oftenmissesthetreesfortheforest.”Ethandrummedhisfingersagainstthesteeringwheel.“Idon’tknow
whattosaytoconvincehimotherwise,tomakehimunderstandthegravityofthesituation.”
“MaybeweshouldarrangeforMcKetrickandDariustohaveachat.”
Hechuckled.“Notanaltogetherbadidea.AlthoughI’mnotsurewho’dwin—theBritishbullyorthe
Americanone.”
“Iwonderif,fourmonthsago,you’dbethinkingsuchthings?”
Heslidmeaglance.“Meaningwhat,Sentinel?”
Ithoughtforamoment,tryingtofigureouthowtogivevoicetotheidea.“Onourgooddays,Ithinkwe
makeeachotherbetter.Atourjobs,Imean,”Iquicklyclarified.“YouremindmeoftheHouse,ofthe
thingwefightfor.”
“Andyouremindmewhatit’sliketobehuman.”
Inodded,nowfeelingalittlesillyforvoicingthesentiment.
“Weareagoodpair,”hesaid,andIdidn’tdisagree.
We’dreachedadétente.Weseemedtobeworkingwelltogetherrightnow—asifwe’dfoundthat
delicatebalancepointbetweenfriendsandlovers.
Ididn’twanttobeoneofthosegirlsthatbecamemoreattractedtothingsIcouldn’thave.Butthatwas
notreallywhatthiswas.Againstallodds—andeverybitofrelationshipadvicehandeddownbymothers
andgirlfriendsthroughthecenturies—hehonestlyseemedtobechanging.He’dmovedfromtaking
advantageofthechemistrybetweenustowooingmewithwords,withtrust,withrespect.
Thatwasn’tsomethingI’dexpected,butthatmadeitallthemoremeaningful...andfrightening.Asa
girlwithgoodsense,howwasIsupposedtoreacttoaboywho’ddonetheunthinkableandactually
grownup?
Itwasahardquestion.Whilethethoughtofourbeingtogetherwaskindofthrilling...Istillwasn’t
ready.WouldIbereadyeventually?Honestly,Ididn’tknow.ButasEthanhadoncetoldme,hehad
eternitytoprovemewrong.
Hefoundon-streetparkingoutsideGreyHouse.Itwasweirdtoapproachthebuildingforthesecondtime
intheguiseofadinnerguestwho’dneverseentheinside.Idecidedtoplaysurprisedandimpressed—but
howeverItriedtospinit,itwasstillalietoEthan.
WithaMasteratmyside,IwalkedbackintoGreyHouse.Charlie,Darius’sassistant,stoodjustin
frontofthelushgreeneryintheatrium.Heworenavyslacksandakhakiblazer,apaleblueshirtbeneath.
Hisfeetweretuckedintoloafers,nosocks.ItwasanoddensembleforAugustinChicago,butthe
formalitysuitedhim.
Charliedidn’tleavehistasktotheimagination.“Dariuswouldliketospeakwithyou.”
EthanandIexchangedaglance.“Where?”heasked.
Charliesmiledgrandly.“Scotthasoffereduphisoffice.Thisway,”hesaid,extendinganarm.
Wefollowedhimthroughtheatriumtooneofthedoorsbeneaththewalkway—oneoftheroomsJonah
hadsaidwasnonessential.Heopenedthedoorandwaitedwhilewewalkedinside.
Theroomwasgigantic,nearlyaslargeasafootballfield.Itlookedlikeanoldwarehouse—withwell-
wornplankfloorsandpaintedbrickwalls,apost-and-beamceilingoverhead.Thereweredesks
sprinkledthroughoutthespace.IguessedScottandhisstaffsharedanoffice.
Butifso,theyweren’tinsightnow.DariussatbesideScottonalow,moderncouch.Bothofthemwore
suits.Jonahstoodbehindhimandgavemeasmallnodofacknowledgment...andthenwhatlookedfrom
thecornerofmyeyelikeamorelingeringglance.Iwasprobablyimaginingit,butwhenIinvoluntarily
methisgaze,helookedswiftlyawaylikehe’dbeencaughtmidstare.
LikeI’dsaid,complications.
Morganstoodafewfeetaway,armscrossedoverhischest,wearingtheshirtandtrousersI’dseenhim
in—andnotin—earlier.Heglancedupwhenwewalkedin,butwouldn’tmakeeyecontact.
Mystomachsank,andIknewexactlywhatwascoming.IriskedmakingtelepathiccontactwithEthan.
Beready,Itoldhim.IthinkMorgantoldDariusaboutPaulieCermak.
Charliewalkedoutagainandclosedthedoorbehindhim.Dariusstartedinassoonasthedoorwas
closed.
“Mr.Greerhasadvisedmethatyou’vebeeninvestigatingCelina.”
Thistime,itwasmymentalconnectionwithMorganthatIactivated—itwasn’taconnectionwewere
supposedtohave,sincehehadn’tmademeavampire,butitwashandywhenheneededabitof
surreptitiousberating.
Itrustedyou,Itoldhim.Itrustedyouwithinformation,andyoudecidedtotakeittoDarius?
Hedidn’trespond,justshookhishead.Itwasthemoveofacoward—orachild.Anditdidn’texactly
helpdiminishmyownanger.
EthanmighthavebeensurprisedthelasttimeDariushadgoneontheoffensive,butthistimehewas
preparedfortheonslaught.“Asyouknow,Sire,wearerequiredbyCanontofollowthelawsanddictates
ofthecityinwhichweareHoused.MayorTaterequiredustoinvestigatethenatureofthenewraves.We
havedoneso.”
“YouhaveimplicatedamemberofthePresidium.”
“Wehavefollowedtheinformationwhereitled.”
“AnditledtoCelina?”
Eversoslowly,EthanturnedhisfrostygazeonMorgan.“IbelieveMr.Greerwasthevampirewho
confirmedCelina’srelationshipwithamanbelievedtobedistributingVacrossthecity.”
MorganlookedbackatEthan,teethbared,magicsuddenlyspillingintotheroomashisangerobviously
blossomed.
Ethan’sreactionwasnearlyinstantaneous.Hiseyessilvered,hisownfangsdescended,andhisown
magic—coolerandcrisperthanMorgan’s—spilledout,aswell.Ethantookastepforward,menaceinhis
eyes,andmeathisback.
I’dseenEthanpissedbefore—evenatMorgan—butneverlikethis.
“Youwillrememberyourplace,”Ethansaid,callingonthefactthathe’dbeenMasterlongerthan
Morganhadbeenalive.Hell,I’dbeenavampirelongerthanMorganhadbeenMaster,andthatwasn’t
sayingmuch.
Butthistime,Morganwasn’tswayed.Hetookastepforwardandstabbedafingerinhischest.“My
place?MineistheoldestAmericanHouse,Sullivan.Anddon’tyouforgetit.AndI’mnottheone
embarrassingalltheHousesbystirringupdramathatdoesn’tneedtobestirred.”
“Areyouinsane?”Ethanasked.“Doyouunderstandwhat’sgoingonoutthererightnow?Thetrouble
—therisks—theHousesarefacingbecauseofwhatyourformerMasterdid?Orbecauseofwhatshe’s
doingrightnow?”
“Enough!”Dariussaid,jumpingtohisfeet.“Enoughofthis.YouareMastersofyourHouses,and
you’reactinglikechildren.ThisconversationisanembarrassmenttoallAmericanHousesandtheGP—
withoutwhosegenerositytheywouldnotexist.”
Thatwasputtingitabitstrongly,Ithought.
“Asofthisinstant,youwillbothbegintocomportyourselveslikeMasters.Liketheprincesyouwere
meanttobe.Notsquabblinglikehumanchildren.”
Dariuslookedup,icyeyesdrillingintome.“YourSentinelisoffthestreets.Sheisnottobeengagedin
anyfurtherinvestigationofwhateverissuesyourmayorimaginestoexist.”
Ethan’seyescouldhardlyhavebeenwider.“Andifthewarrantformyarrestisexecuted?”
Darius’sgazeslippedbacktoEthan.“ThemayorofthecityofChicagoissurelyintelligentenoughnot
tothinkthataman-madeprisoncanholdyou.Howevermuchhemayenjoyusingthethreatof
incarcerationtocoerceyouintosolvinghisproblemsforhim,thoseproblemsarestillhistosolve.And,
moreimportant,haveanyofyouseenevidencethatthethreegirlsyourmayorbelieveswerekilledare
actuallydead?HaveyouseenanyevidencethreegirlsweremissinginChicago?”
Catcherhadpromisedhe’dlookintothegirls’deaths,buthadn’tpassedanyinformationalongtome.
Butjustbecausetheyhadn’tsolvedthecrimedidn’tmeanacrimehadn’tbeencommitted.
Ispokeup.“Theeyewitnessbelievedthatthreewomenwerekilled.Andthethingshedescribedwere
accurate—vampireswhoweretrigger-happy,dopedonviolence,readytofight.”
“Inotherwords,”Dariusbegan,hismannersupremelysmug,“justlikevampires?”
Letitbe,Sentinel,echoedEthan’svoiceinmyhead.Battlingsixhundredyearsofentrenchedbelief
isnotafightyoucanwin.
He’swrong,Iprotested.
That’sasmaybe.ButourfightisforChicago,notDariusWest,whateverhispower.Fightthefight
youcanwin.Fornow,headdedinclassicEthanstyle,bestill.
“Andthefactthatravesarebecominglargerandmoreviolent?”Ethanasked.
“Vampiresareactingasvampireshavealwaysacted.Ifafewerrantvampiresbreaktherulesoftheir
homecity,letthecityrespond.”
“Andifthat’snotenough?”
“ThentheGPwilldiscussit,andtheGPwillact.MaintaincontroloveryourownHouse,Ethan,and
leavetheGPtoitswork.Youarenottoconsiderthisissueanyfurther.”
Aheavysilencefilledtheroom.
“Sire,”Scottsaid,finallyspeakingup.“I’minformedourguestshavearrived.Asyouhavepresented
yourdirectives,perhapsEthancanacknowledgereceiptandwecanmoveintodinner?”
DariustiltedhisheadatEthan,themovemorecaninethanvampiric.“Ethan?”
Ethanmoistenedhislips,andIknewhewasstalling.Giventhespielhethenofferedup,Iknewwhy.
“Sire,Iacknowledgereceiptofyourdirectivesand...willactascommanded.”
Hemightaswellhavebeencrossinghisfingersbehindhisbackforalltherebellioninhisbody
language.Butyoucouldn’tfaulthisanswer.Hesoundedcompletelyobedient—inwordandtone.
Thosewords,probablyholdoversfromsomefeudalritual,wereenough,forDariusnodded.“Letus
eat,drink,andbemerry.”
HewalkedtoEthan,armextended.InamovesimilartooneI’dseenEthanandMalikmake,Ethan
extendedhisarm,aswell,andtheygraspedforearmsandsharedamanlyhalfhug.Whisperingfollowed,
quietenoughthatIcouldn’tmakeoutthewords.
Whenthegesturewascomplete,EthanandDariusexitedtheoffice.Morganfollowed,thenScott.Iwas
lastoutthedoor,butIdidn’tmakeitveryfar.
Morgancorneredmeinthehallway,puttinghishandonmyarmtostopme.“ShewasmyMaster.Ihad
totellhim.”
Ipulledmyarmaway.“No,”Iwhispered,“youdidn’thavetotellhim.Youknewwewerehandlingit,
thatwewereinvestigating.Whatyouapparentlyhadtodowassellme—andmyHouse—downtheriver
becauseourrelationshipdidn’tworkoutandyou’restillpissedaboutit.”
Hiseyeswidened,buthedidn’tcomment.
“I’mdonehelpingyou,”Itoldhim.“We’retheonesfightingtokeeptheHouses,thecity,together.I
thoughtIcouldcountonyouasanally,whichiswhyIgaveyoutheinformation.Ithoughtitwouldhelpif
wewereallonthesamepage.Iwasobviouslywrongaboutthat,becauseyou’dratheractlikeastung
fourteen-year-oldthanagrown-up.”
“IamstillaMaster,”hesaid,puffingouthischestalittle.
“ForNavarre,thatremainstobeseen,’causeyou’relettingCelinakeepcontrol.Andasforme?”I
leanedforwardalittle.“You’renotmyMaster.”Iwalkedaway,undoubtedlyleakingatrailofmagic
behindme.
I’dthoughtwhenMorgantookoverNavarrethatatleastwewouldn’thaveanenemyinplace,someone
whousedpeoplewheneverthewhimstruckher.ButaswasthecasewithsomanyotherthingssinceI’d
becomeavampire,I’dbeenwrong.
CHAPTERNINETEEN
RED,REDWINE
Ourdinnerpartywasassembledinanotherroomaccessiblethroughtheatrium,aspaceinthewarehouse
nearlyaslargeasthejointofficehadbeen.Thisonelookedlikearoomforspecialevents;tonight,a
single,rectangulartablewassetinthemiddleoftheroom,ahandfulofmodern-stylechairssurrounding
it.
GabrielKeene,headoftheNorthAmericanCentralPackofshape-shifters,stoodbesidethetablewith
hiswife,Tonya.TheMasterswerealreadymovingtowardtheirchairs,havingapparentlyalreadyoffered
theirintroductions,whichlefttheshifterstome.
Iwalkedtowardthem,ignoringthevampirebehindmeandtheothersintheroom.Iwouldn’tcall
GabrielandTonyafriendsperse,butGabrielcertainlyhadmoreforesightthanDarius,whichIcould
respect.
“Iunderstandcongratulationsareinorder,”Isaid,offeringthembothasmile.
Gabrielwasasmanlyastheycame—big,brawny,tawny-haired,andhoney-eyedwithaloveofleather
andfineHarleys—buthisfacebeamedwithpaternalpride.“Wehaveabeautifulbabyboyathome,”he
confirmed.“Weappreciatethesentiment.”
“Itwasniceofyoutojoinustonight,”Isaidwithateasingsmile.“Ican’timagineyou’dnormally
prefervampirecompanytoyournewbornson’s.”
GabrielcastasuspiciousglanceatDariusandtheothers.Iunderstoodthefeeling.“Therearethingsin
lifeweneedtodo,”hesaid,“andtherearethingsinlifewemustdo.AlthoughIdon’tanticipatewe’ll
stayverylong.”
Smiling,Tonyafishedatinywalletoutofherclutch.“Whocouldleavethisfaceforlong?”Sheheld
outasmallphotoofanadmittedlyadorablebabyinablueonesie.Gabrielsmiledatthesightofthe
picture.Hewasclearlysmitten.
Therewasawealthofprideandloveinhiseyes,butwhenheraisedhisgazetome,Icouldseethehint
offearbehindit.Thefearthatcomesfromlovingsomethingsomuchyoufeelweighteddownwithit,
nearlycrushedbyit.Thefearofpotentialloss,ofpotentialheartbreak,thatyoumightfailthethingyou
workedsohardtobringintotheworld.
Parentalfear,Isuppose,madeworsebythefactthatbeingleader—Apex—ofthePackwashereditary.
Connorwasbornaprinceamongwolves.He’dbeenbornbeneathamantleofpower,butalsobearingthe
mantleofaresponsibilityhecouldn’tevenbegintofathom.ItmusthavebeenalotforGabrieltobear,
knowingtheresponsibilityhe’donedayhoistuponhischild’sshoulders.
“You’lldorightbyhim,”Iwhispered.Iwasn’tsureifthewordswereelegantenough,buttheyseemed
rightenough.AndGabriel’ssmallnodtoldmeI’dsaidjusttherightthing.
“Howarethingsotherwise?”
“Well,wearen’tbeingusedasscientificexperiments,”Gabrielsaiddryly.“That’sasmallvictory.”
Oneofhisconcernsaboutannouncingshifters’existencetotheworldwasthefearthey’dbecomefodder
formilitaryormedicalresearch—thekindsofthingsyousawinmonstermoviesandhorrorflicks.It
wasn’texactlyapleasantthought,andIwasgladtohearithadn’tcometopass.
“It’snotthatIthinkhumansdon’tbelievewe’rethreats,”headded.“Theyjustaren’tentirelysurewhat
todowithus.”
Shiftersweregenerallyconsideredthemostpowerfulsupernaturalbeings,atleastofthegroupsIknew
aboutsofar.Iconsideredhumans’ignoranceonthatpointabenefit.
“AndtheshifterswhoattackedtheHouse?”
Hisexpressiondarkened.“They’reworkingtheirwaythroughthepenalsystemjustlikeanyaverage
humancriminal.”
WhileIgrimaced,Scottclappedhishandstogether.“Welcome,all,toGreyHouse.Iappreciateyour
attendancehere,andhopethiscanbeasteptowardfriendshipamongus.Shallwedine?”
Beforewecouldanswer,menandwomeninchef’swhitesbeganpouringintotheroombearingsilver
dome-toppedtrays.ItookaseatbesideEthanasthetraysweredepositedbeforeus.Twovampires
traveledaroundthetablewithcarafesoflemonwaterandbottlesofadeepredwine,pouringasthe
vampiresrequested.OnlyEthan,Jonah,andIoptedforthewine;Iguessweneededadrinkworsethan
theothers.
Othervampiresliftedthedomes,revealingamealthatmighthavebeendescribedas“Predator’s
Delight.”Loins,roasts,cutlets.Sausages,steaks,filets.Alllaidoutwithartisticperfection.Oh,tobe
sure,thereweresides,aswell.Smallfingerlingpotatoes,corn,andagrainsaladofsomekind.Butina
roomofvampsandshifters—predatorsamonghumans—thecarnivorousurgewasundeniable.
Mystomachchosethatmomenttogrowlinarumblethatnearlyechoedacrosstheroom.
Asmycheeksheated,alleyesturnedtome.Ismiledlightly.
Gabrielsmiledback,thenliftedhiswaterglasswhenthechefsdisappearedfromtheroomagain.
“Thankyou,Mr.Grey,fortheopportunitytosharegrainandbeastwithyou.Thisisameaningfulgesture
tous,andwehopeourfamiliescancontinuetocommuneinpeaceintheyearstocome.”
“Hear,hear,”Dariussaid,raisinghisglass,aswell.“Wearenowneighborsinthisfinecity,andwe
hopethatourdaysofstrifearebehindus,andthatwecanworktogetherinpeaceandallegiancefor
millenniatocome.”
Gabrielofferedapolitenodandgesturedwithhisglassagain,butdidn’texactlycommittothe
“allegiance”bit.Vampscollectedformalallegianceslikebaseballcards;shiftersweren’texactlycrazy
aboutthatkindofthing.
“AndsinceI’dtrulyratherMeritfocusonhermealthanonme,”Gabrielsaidwithawink,“let’sstop
talkingandstarteating.”
But,ofcourse,thatwouldhavebeenmuchtoosimple.
Idon’tknowwhyitsurprisedmethatScottofferedupameanfeast.ThemanlovedtheCubs,hehadan
amazingwarehouseturnedHouse,andBenson’swashisHousebar.Thosefactsscreamed“Quality
Master.”
Thefoodwasnoexception.Themeatswerechoicecutsthatevenmyparticularfathermighthave
servedtodinnerguests.Theyweretenderenoughtomakeaknifeirrelevant,andsearedtoperfectionon
theoutside.Hecouldn’thavedonebetter,especiallyforagroupofpredators.
Honestly,ifI’dbeenaguy,Iwouldhavefinishedmyplate,relaxedinmychair,andunfastenedthetop
buttonofmypants.Foodthatgooddeservedundisturbeddigestion.
Unfortunately,itwasn’ttobe.
I’djusttakenanothersipofwine—grimacingathowdryitwas—whenthedooratoneendoftheroom
burstopen.Fivevampiresrushedin,someinblackstreetclothes,butacouplewearingblueandyellow
hockey-stylejerseyswithGREYHOUSEincapitallettersacrossthefront.Theyallhadswordsinhand
andmaliceintheirexpressions.
“Thisishowyoutreatus?”askedoneGreyHousevampwhoworenumberthirty-two.“Somefucking
shifterandhisbitchgetfedlikekings?”
TheGreyHousevampontheothersideworenumbertwenty-seven.“AndtheGP,too?Shitisfalling
downhereintheStates,andwe’reservingsteaktoavampfromtheUK?Doesthatseemrighttoyou?”
Withinseconds,mydaggerwasinhand.AndIwasn’ttheonlyoneonalert.
ScottGreyjumpedoutofhischairandmarchedtotheendofthetable.“Matt,Drew,backthefuckoff.
Droptheswords,andmarchrightbacktothedoor.”
TheGreyHousevampswavered,probablytheresultofsomementalMasterjujuScottwasthrowing
theirway.Buttherestofthemdidn’tseemtobeaffectedatall.
Icarefullygottomyfeetandmovedtowardthem,spinningthedaggerinmypalmastheanticipation
built.Allfivevampswobbledalittleontheirfeet,theirmovementserratic,theireyesdartingaroundthe
room.AsImovedincrementallycloser,Icouldseethecauseintheireyes—theywerealmostwholly
silver.
“Scott,it’sV,”Iwarnedhim.
“Anyeasysolutionforhandlingthem?”hecalledback.
“Notwithoutasorcerer,”Itoldhim.“We’llhavetoknockthemouttheold-fashionedway.”
“Thenthat’swhatwe’lldo,”Ethansaid,steppingbesideme,aknifefromthetableinhishand.
“Niceofyoutojoinus,Sullivan,”Iteased,mygazefollowingthevampsastheyspreadoutinaline,
readytorumble,whateverthecost.AndwithDarius,anApex,andthreeMastersintheroom,thecost
wouldbehigh....
“Let’sgo,oldman,”Thirty-twosaid.“Youwanttofightyourownvampires?Youwanttotakehisside
overtheirs?”
“Liege,”Jonahsaid,“asyourcaptain,I’mgoingtorequestyoumoveintoasaferposition.”
“Requestitallyouwant,Red,”Scotttoldhim,amirthlesssmileonhisface.“Butthat’snotgoingto
stopmefromputtingthesedumbshitsintheirplaces.That’swhattheygetfordoingV.”
Dittowhathesaid,Sentinel,Ethansilentlytoldme.Isupposehewasn’tgoingtoletmearguehe
shouldjustsitthisoneout.
TheGreyHousevampsseemedequallyeagertobrawl.“Oh,gotohell,man,”Twenty-sevensaid.
“Onlyifyoujoinme,”Scottsaidpleasantly,andbeforeanothersecondpassed,theroomeruptedinto
violence.JonahandScotttooktheGreyHousevamps.Gabriel,Darius,andTonyaweresittingthisone
out.ThatlefttheRoguestome,Ethan,andMorgan.
“Igottheoneinthemiddle,”Icalledout.
“Thatleavestheothertwoforus,”Ethansaid.“Greer,taketheoneontheleft.”
Andwiththat,wemoved.Islippedbetweenthein-Housesquabbletotheangry-lookingRoguebehind
them,hiseyesjustassilverastheGreyvamps’hadbeen.Hewasabigguy,andbeadsofsweatformedat
histempleashefoughttherushofthedrug.Butthisguydidn’tcarewhetheritwasrageordrugsfueling
hisattack.Hebaredhisteethandmovedin.
Ihadtogivehimcredit—hewasfasterthanIwouldhaveimaginedgivenhisbulk.Hemovedlikea
spider—hisweightcarrieddelicatelyonsmall,mincingfeet.
Heslashed,steppingintothemovementlikeatrainedfighter.Iblockedtheknifewithmydagger,but
miscalculatedhisspeedandfeltthecoldburnofpainonthebackofmyhand.Myownbloodscentedthe
air,pushingmyvampiricinstinctsintooverdrive.
Iglanceddownandsawthethinlineofcrimson.Onlyacoupleofincheslongandnotterriblydeep.It
wasaglancingblow,butthatdidn’teasetheburn.
“Notcool,”Isaid,movingintoaspin,thedaggerinmyhandslicingthroughthefrontofhisshirt.He
mutteredafewchoicephrasesbutjumpedbackagain.Istayedontheoffensive,myintenttomakethisguy
asuncomfortableaspossible—tokeephimasoffbalanceaspossible—whilewatchingforachanceto
knockhimout.
“Youthinkyou’reanybetterthantherestofthem?”hemuttered,raisingtheswordoverhisheadand
slashingdown.Ijumpedbackandoutoftheway,butmyheelcaughtinaknotinoneoftheplanks.I
stumbledbackwardandintooneoftheroom’sgiantwoodenposts,catchingmyselfwithahand.
Ethan’sconcernedvoiceechoedthroughmyhead.Sentinel.
I’mfine,Iassuredhim,thenkickedoffmyshoes.Avampdidn’tneedtofightinstilettos,anyway.
WhenIwasuprightagain,Irecenteredthedaggerinmyhandandstaredbackatthevamp.“Youwere
saying?”
“Bitch,”hecalledout,swinginghiskatanainanawkwardcross-bodyslicethatwouldhavebeenbetter
suitedforabroadswordthanfineJapanesesteel.AndIcringedonitsbehalfasIducked,andfeltthe
echoingshudderofthecolumnashiskatanamadecontact—andstuckthere.Whatawaste.
Ispunoutfrombeneathhimasheloosenedhisgriponthehandleandbegansteppingbackward,eyes
wideningasifsuddenlyawarethattheSentinelfromCadoganHousewasonhiscase.
Maybethedrugwasbeginningtowearoff.
“I’mgoingtodoyouasolid,”Isaid,holdingmydaggerouttotheside.“I’mgoingtotossthisaway,so
wecanhaveafairfight.”
IsawthereliefinhisexpressionasIchuckedthesteel.Andwhenhiseyesshiftedtowatchitspin
acrossthefloor,Imademymove.Ithrewoutaroundhousekickthatconnectedwithhishead.Hewent
downhard,likeasackofvampirepotatoes,thenbouncedalittlebeforefinallyrollingtoastop.
Sure,roundhousingsomeonewhilewearingacocktaildresswasn’texactlyladylike,butitcertainly
waseffective.
WithmyRogueoutofcommission,IglancedoveratEthan.Hewasintheprocessofputtinghisonthe
floorwithatwistingjudostyledropthatrattledthefloorboards.Whenhewasdown,Ethanusedanelbow
atthenecktoknockhimout.
Whentheguywasstill,helookedupatme,thennoticedmyguywasdown.Roundhouse?hesilently
asked.
Itisaclassic,Isaid,glancingup.Therestofthepartycrashershadbeenbested,aswell,allfiveof
themoutcoldonthefloor.
Jonahlookedaroundtheroom,hisgazestoppingwhenhereachedme.“Youokay?”hemouthed.
Inoddedback.Thatdefinitelyseemedpersonal.
“Scott,”Dariuscalledout,“Whatthefuckwasthat?”
BeforeScottcouldanswer,Ifilledintheblank.“Withallduerespect,Sire—thoseareyourerrant
vampires.”
Scott’sguards,includingJonah’sfriendsJeremyandDanny,stormedtheroomnotamomentlater,pulling
outtheunconscioususers.Buttheyleftthekatanainthecolumn—avisiblesigntoothersintheHouse
whomightbestupidenoughtotryV.
WesaidgoodbyetoGabrielandTonya,who,understandably,lefttheHouseassoonasthecoastwas
clear.Scottescortedtherestofusintotheatriumwhiletheremainsofdinnerwerecleanedup.Charlie
andDariusstoodquietlytogether;Morganstoodalone.IwasstandingnearEthanwhenScottandJonah
movedourway.
Scottlookedbetweenus.“Thanksfortheassist.”
Ethannoddedgraciously.“Ithappenstothebestofus,unfortunately.”
“Howarethevampsdoing?”Iasked.
“They’restillout.They’reintheinfirmaryunderguardforthemoment.Whenthey’reawakeagain,
we’llhavealengthyconversationaboutdrugsandresponsibility.”
“Didyouknowthemwell?”Iasked.
“OnlyasapplicantstotheHouse,”Scottsaid.“They’rerelativenewcomers.MembersofyourInitiate
class.”
“What’sa‘newcomer’inimmortalterms?”Iasked.
AsmileperkedatonecornerofScott’smouth.“Anythinglessthanadecade.”
Whichmademeababyvamp.
EthanslidaglancetowhereDariusstood,nowofferingupsomesortofinstructionswhileCharlie
tappedatatabletcomputer.“Doyouthinkhe’llconsiderthethreatanymorerealnow?”
“TheGPhasanoddattitudeaboutthingslikethis.I’mstillnotsureheseesusasanythingotherthan
troublemakersatthispoint.SqueakywheelstakinghimawayfromrealbusinessintheUK.”
“Areyougoingtoinvestigate?”
Scottblewoutabreath.“That’satoughone.ThisisaprobleminmyHouse.Ithastobeaddressed.”
“AndifyoudiscoverCelinahadanythingtodowithit?”
“Thenwedidn’thavethisconversation,buttheChicagoHousesagreedtoquietlydealwiththe
problemasitexists.”
ScottandEthanlookedateachotheruntilScottextendedahand.Ethanshookit,thedealstruck.
Scottgesturedtowardhisoffice.“I’mgoingtohaveachatwithmyguardsforamoment.Iassume
Dariuswillwanttospeakwithusbeforeyouleave.”
“We’llwaithere,”Ethanagreed.
“IthinkLucwasright,”headdedwhentheywereoutofearshot.“Icanhardlytakeyououtanymore.”
“Ijusttookoutavamptwicemyweightwhilewearingacocktaildressandthree-inchheels.IthinkI
deservesomecreditforthat.”
“Isthatso?”heasked.
That’swhenIfirstfeltit—thatrumbleofwarningfromsomewheredeepinmybones,tellingme
somethingwasn’tright.ButIignoreditandchallengedhimanyway.
“Yes,”Ibaldlysaid.“You’refortunateIwastheretohelp.”
“Fortunate?IbelieveIbestedmyownfoe,Merit.Perhapsyoushouldthankmeformyassistance.”He
rakedhisgazeupanddownmybody.“I’msureIcansuggestsomesmallmeasureofgratitude.”
Thebloodbegantopoundinmyears,myskinpricklingwithsuddenheat.Ihadnodoubtmyeyeswere
silver,butIdidn’tcare.Islippedafingerintooneofthebeltloopsonhistrousersandtuggedhimcloser.
“Whatdidyouhaveinmind?”
Hiseyeschanged,hispupilsmerepinpricksofblackagainsttheswirlingquicksilverofhisirises.He
beganmovingforward,pushingmebackward,andhedidn’tstopuntilmybackwasliterallyagainstthe
brickwalloftheatrium.
BeforeIcouldobject,hishandswereonmyface,hismouthagainstmine.Hislipspulledatmymouth,
kissingmehungrily,greedily.
Insomesatellitepartofmybrain,itoccurredtomethatitwasoddthatEthanwaskissingmein
someoneelse’sHouse.Andyet,evenasIthoughtitwasweird,mybloodbegantowarmandboilwitha
heatI’dneverexperiencedbefore.Ititchedbeneathmyskin,adrenalinepushingthroughmyveinsasifI
werestillmidbattlewiththeGreyHousevampires.
“Ethan,”Imanaged,callinghisnameinwarning,evenwhileIlethimkissmethereinthemiddleof
GreyHouse.Hechangedtacticsandkissedmeslowly,languorously,beforefinallyopeninghiseyesand
lookingatme.Therewasanapologyinhiseyes.
“Somethingis...wrong.”
Inoddedmyhead,knowingthathe’dmeantthiswasn’tjustloveorlust,butadifferentkindofforce,
butthethoughtwasdistant,andtheburningneedwashereandnow.
Itwasimmediate.
Intense.
Irolledmyheadtotheside,myeyelidsfluttering,theinvitationovert.
“Doyouneedsomethingfromme?”Hisvoicewaslow,morelikethewarninggrowlofatigerthanthe
questionofavampire.
Iswallowed...andnodded.Ifeltlikeateenageratafirstdance.Ididn’tknowthemusic,wasn’t
savvytothesteps,buttheemotionsweresobasic,sofundamental,thatitwasn’tpossibletodancethem
incorrectly.
Ethanliftedahandtomyneck,thebaretouchofhisfingertipsnearlybucklingmyknees.AndbeforeI
couldaskwhyhewasapologizing,hekissedme.Hiskisswasfirm,insistent,andquesting.Hemoved
closer,wrappinghisarmsaroundmybackanddeepeningthekiss.Histongueexploredashepressed
harderagainstme,thesuddenlengthofhisunmistakableerectionpressingagainstmystomach.
Ishouldhavebeenshocked.Shouldhaveremindedhimthatthiswasneitherthetimenortheplace,that
we’dseenhowbadthingscouldget.
Butwitheachpossessiverumbleinhisthroat,ourownmagicstwinedtogether.Iwasdrawnin—bythe
magic,bythekiss,bythepossessivebiteofhisfingers.Ipulledhimtowardme,myfingersslippinginto
thebeltloopsonhistrousers,andleaneduptodeepenthekiss.IwasashungryforhimasI’deverbeen
forblood,butthishungerwasnow.Itwasimmediate,anditdemandedtobesated.
Lovewasadangerousdrug.
Oh,God.Thatwasit.Ethanwasn’toverpoweredbyloveorlustorthesudden,romance-novel-esque
realizationthatHeHadtoHaveMeNow.Thiswasunpromptedaggression,albeitofaslightlydifferent
varietythanwe’dseenbefore....
“Ethan,Ithinkwe’vebeendrugged.”
Heignoredme,insteadgrowlingandtanglinghisfingersintomyhair.Myhearttripped,notoutoflust
thistime,butoutoffear,becausethegrowlhadchanged,becomemeaner.
Iswitchedtactics,givinghimatelepathicorderthatIhopedwouldpushthroughthehazeofdrugstothe
partofhisbrainthatwasstillfunctioning.Ethan,stop.
Heliftedhishead,andIsawtheconflictinhiseyes.Hisbrainorderedhimtostop,buthisbodywas
propellinghimforward—evidencedbyhiseyes.Theywerenearlyallsilver.
“What?”heasked.
“Ithinkwe’vebeendrugged.SomeoneslippedusV.Maybeinthefood?”
Awaveofhot,itchyangerrushedthroughme.Isqueezedmyeyesshutandmyfingersintofists,
pressinguntilthepaininmypalmshelpedslowthespinningofmymind.
“Theangerfoundadifferentoutlet,”hesaid,hisvoicehoarse.“Perhapsadifferentdose.Maybeinone
ofthemeats?”
Ishookmyhead.“Thewine,”Ianswered.“Ithinkitwasinthewine.Ithadanoddtaste.Really,really
bitter.”
“Whoelsedrankthewine?”
Ithoughtback.I’dhadwine,ashadEthan.Andtheonlyotherpersonwho’dhadwinewasJonah.ButI
wassavedthetroubleoftellingEthan.
WebothlookedupasJonahburstthroughthefoliageinfrontofus.Hiseyes,alreadysilver,became
fierceashestaredEthandown.
“Itisn’tnicenottoshare.”
Ethangrowled,lowinhisthroat,awarningtoJonah.“Idon’tshare.”
Jonahcluckedhistongue.“Youshould.Lifeissomuchmoreinteresting,don’tyouthink,whenallofus
getataste?”I’dheardofgirlsbeingthrilledtobefoughtoverbefore,butIdidn’tlikefeelinglikeapiece
ofproperty.
“I’mnoone’stoofferup,”Isaid.
“Butyoucoulddosomuchbetter,”wasJonah’sretort.
It’sjustV,IsilentlyremindedEthan.Hehadthewine,too.
“Regardlessthecause,he’dbestbehavehimself,”Ethangrittedout.HestaredJonahdown,fangs
bared.Theywerenearlythesameheight,closetothesamebuild.EthanwasfairerthanJonah,butthey’d
havemadeequallymatchedopponents,ifnotforEthan’sposition,whichsurelywouldhavereapedJonah
moretroublethanthefightwouldhavebeenworth.
“Jonah,”Iwarned,standingup,aswell.“Backoff.”
Butinsteadofbackingoff,hebaredhisfangsatEthan,hissinginwarningthathe’dfoundaprizeand
didn’tplantogiveitup.
Iwasn’tsurewherethesuddeninteresthadcomefrom,butseriouslydoubtedithadanythingtodowith
me.Morelikely,JonahhadbeendrawninbythemagicthatEthanandIhadspilledintotheroom.Andin
classicVfashion,he’dbecomeunreasonablyangry.
“Jonah,comeon,”Iurged.“Youneedtobackoff.Youdon’twanttofightaMaster,especiallynotwhen
Dariusishere.”
Myvoicewaspleading,andhethrewmeaglance.Hisbrowsweredrawntogether,asifhewastrying
topuzzleoutexactlywhyhewasstandingintheatrium,readytofightforagirlhe’donlyrecentlycometo
respect,muchlessactuallylike.
ButEthanapparentlyhadn’tnoticedtheself-reflection,andtookamenacingstepforward.“Sheis
mine.”
Jonahshookoffrationalityandfacedhimdown.“Thatdecisionisherstomake,anditdoesn’tlooklike
she’smadeityet.”
“Shesureasfuckwon’tbechoosingyou,”Ethangrowledout.
Jonahliftedhisarm.Myowninstinctskickedin,protectingEthanatthetopofmylist.
“Stepback,Jonah,”Iwarnedhim,buthestillhadn’tmanagedtopushthroughtheV.Hecockedbackto
swing.Ireachedforwardtopullhimoff,butheswungblindlyout.Asiftimehadsloweddown,I
watchedhisfistmovetowardme,aswattopushmeaway.Hemadecontact.
Thelightswentout.
CHAPTERTWENTY
THEHANGOVER
Iblinkedandwaitedfortheroomtostopspinning.Iwaslookingupatanindustrialceiling,thefrondsof
plantsandfernsattheedgesofmyvision.StillGreyHouse,Iguessed.
Greeneyesappearedinmyframeofvision.“How’syourhead?”
“Throbbing.”
Ibegantositup,butEthanputahandonmyshoulder.“You’vebeenoutforafewminutes.Takeit
slow.”
“Whathappened?”
“YoutriedtokeepJonahfrompunchingme,andheinadvertentlynailedyou.”
NowIremembered.I’dgotteninthewayofJonahandEthan’sbattle,andI’dendeduptheworseforit.
Ethanheldoutahand.“Givemeyourhand,”hesaid,thenslidhisotheronebehindmyback.Isatup,
closingmyeyesuntilthevertigopassed.
WhenIfinallyopenedthemagain,Ethantippedbackmychin,gazingintomyeyes.“Looktotheleft,”
hesaid,andwhenIdid,added,“Andtheright.”Ididthat,too.
“Herangmybell,”Isaid,touchingafingergingerlytotheknotonthebackofmyhead.Giventhespeed
ofvampirehealing,itwouldn’tlastmuchlonger,butfornow,itsmarted.
“Yes,hedid,”Ethanagreed.
“Whereishe?”
“Jonah?Scott’sgothimlockeddownuntilhe’ssatisfiedthedrug’swornoff.Itwasthewine,”Ethan
added.“AccordingtotheGreyHousevamps,theyobtainedtheVfromBenson’s,wheretheycollegially
shareditwithagroupofRogues.”
“Undoubtedlyinthenameofinter-Housecooperation,”Isaiddryly.
“I’msure.TheGreyHousevampsalsopassedalongthatDariuswouldbediningheretonight.They
thenmanagedtorileeachotherupabouttheinjusticesoftheGP.”
“ProbablyaneasyargumentforRoguevampstomake,”Iobserved.“Especiallyifthey’reallonV.”
Ethannodded.“TheycamebacktotheHouseintentongivingDariusapieceoftheirminds.Theyalso
snuckintothekitchenwithanextradoseandhitupthewine.Theywantedhimtoexperiencetheeffectsof
beingatruevampire.”
“IronicthatDariusdidn’tdrinkany.”
“Very.AlthoughheisnowkeenlyawareofV’seffects.”
Alongshadowappearedoverme,andthenanEnglishvoicespoke.“Howisshe?”
Iglancedup.Dariusstoodatmyside.
“She’llmakeit,”Ethanconcluded,“althoughIthinkbedrestwouldbeagoodwayforhertospendthe
restoftheevening.”
“Ithinkthat’sacapitalidea,”Dariusagreed.“Afewpintsofbloodmightalsospeedthehealing.”
Ethannodded.“AndourinvestigationofV?”
“I’vemadetheGP’spositionclear.”
“Sire—,”Ethanbegan,butDariussilencedhimwithahand.
“Thereismoretoconsider,Ethan,thanthegameyouareplayingwithyourmayor.Youtakecareof
yourHouse;allowMr.GreyandMr.Greertotakecareoftheirs.Therestisnoneofyourconcern,and
thatincludesanycurrentGPmembers.Isthatclear?”
Ethan’sjawtwitched,buthemanagedanod.“Ofcourse,Sire.”
Dariusnoddedofficially,thenofferedaweaksmileforme.“Healquickly,Merit,”hesaid,andthenhe
wasoffagain,Charliesteppingintolinebehindhim.
“I’dliketogohome,”Iquietlysaid.
“Thesentimentisdefinitelymutual,”Ethansaid,hisgazestillfollowinghispoliticalmasterashe
disappearedintotheman-madejungle.“Let’sgohome.”
Ethaninsistedoncarryingmetothecar,whichfeltequalpartsridiculousandromantic.Asaself-assured
woman,itwasn’texactlycomfortablebeingcarriedlikeachild.Ontheotherhand,Ethanhadmademea
vampire,andthelinkbetweenusremained.Thescentandfeelofhimwassoothing,andImanagedto
enjoybeingsweptupinhisarms,nomatterhowguiltythepleasure.
WhenwereachedtheHouseagain,Iprotestedenoughthatheletmewalkbackupstairstomyroom,but
herefusedtoletmeleaveit.WhileEthanretrievedbloodfromthekitchen,Ichangedintoyogapantsand
aCubsT-shirtandlaydownonmybed,apileofpillowsbehindmytenderhead.
Ethanreturnedcarryingagiantplasticcupwithahandle,thekindatruckermightbuytoprovideanall-
daydoseofcaffeinefortheroad.
“Wasthatthesmallestcontaineryoucouldfind?”
“Iprefernottounderestimateyourpotentialforgrumpiness,”hesaid,sittingdownontheedgeofmy
bedandofferingthevessel.
Ihumphed,butacceptedthecupandbegantosipthroughthehardplasticstrawstuckthroughitstop.
Afteramoment,Ipulledback.“Istherechocolatesauceintheblood?”
Hischeekbonespinkedabit.“Sinceyouweren’tfeelingwell,Ithoughtalittlechocolatemightdoyou
good.”
Unfortunately,chocolateandbloodweren’tatastycombination.Buthe’dgonetosuchtroublethatI
couldn’tbeartodisappointhim.
“Thankyou,”Isaid,takinganotherhearteningsip.“Thatwasreallythoughtful.”
Henodded,thensatquietlywhileIdrank.IsippeduntilIfeltthelatenthungerease,thenputthecupon
thenightstandbesideme.Iclosedmyeyesandsankbackintothebed,myheadagainstthebackstopof
pillows.AssoonasIwasstillagain,exhaustionoverwhelmedme.
“I’mtired,Ethan.”
“It’sbeenanotherlongevening,”hesaid.
ButIshookmyhead—justalittle,somyheaddidn’tthrobwithit.“It’snotjusttheconcussion.It’sthe
work.Iwouldn’twantacop’sjob.I’mnotentirelysureIwantmyjobrightnow.”
“Andmissallthefunandexcitement?Thechancetoreviewsecurityfootageandfightdrug-addled
vampires?”
“Don’tforgetaboutpissingofftheheadoftheGreenwichPresidium.”
“Ah,yes.Who’dhavethought,lessthanayearagowhenyouweregradingpapers,thatyourlifewould
cometothis?”
“Certainlynotme,”Isaid.Iopenedmyeyesagainandlookedoverathim.“Arewegoingtofinish
this?Orarewegoingtodoasheasked?”
“Idon’tknow.IcertainlyprefernottoputmyfateinTate’shands.”Ethansighedandrolledhis
shoulders.“TatecalledtheHousewhileweweregone.InformedMalikhewastiredofthedelay,and
saidIhadforty-eighthoursbeforemywarrantwasissued.”
“Awesome,”Imuttered.
Helookedbackatme,hiseyesglowingemeralds.“Weshouldtalkaboutthekiss.”
Thistime,Iwastheonewhoblushed.“Isthereanythingtotalkabout?Wewerehigh.”
Hegavemeaflatlook;Ilookedaway.
“Atleastadmitthatthere’smoretoitthandrugs,”hequietlysaid.
Ilookedaway,gnawedtheedgeofmylip,andponderedtheirony.I’dkissedEthan,andhewantedto
discussourrelationship.We’dnowcompletelyswitchedroles.
“There’smoretoit,”Ifinallyagreed.“ButyouknowhowIfeel.”
“Andyoustillaren’tconvincedmyintentionsarenoble?”
Iwasbecomingmoreconvinced,Ithoughttomyself,buthowcouldItellhimthat?HowcouldI
confessitwithoutsoundingcruelfornotbelievinghimcompletely—andwithoutriskingmyheartby
tellinghimhe’dmanagedtohalfwayconvinceme?
Anawkwardsilencedescended.Thankfully,hechangedthesubject.“Inmyposition,whatwouldyou
doaboutV?”
“I’mnotinyourposition.”
“Assumethatyouwere,”hesaid.“AssumethatyouhadaHouseofvampiresunderyourprotection.
Assumethatabureaucrathaddecidedyouweren’tallowedtosolveanimmediateproblemfacingyour
Houseforfearitwoulddrawundueattentiontotheexistenceoftheproblem.”
Isatup,crossingmylegsbeneathme.“You’veansweredyourquestion,haven’tyou?Youhavean
immediaterisktothesafetyofyourvampires,andapoliticalriskthatmightoccurdowntheroad.Solve
theimmediateriskfirst.Apologize,insteadofaskingforpermission.”
“AndiftheendresultistheHouseinreceivership?”
“ThenwehopethereceiverhasmoresensethantheleaderoftheGP.”
Finally,Ethancrackedahalfsmile.Iwasstruckbytheurgetolifthisburden,tomakethesmile
complete,togivehimthekindofreliefhe’dtriedtogiveme—howeverunsuccessfully—withchocolate-
flavoredblood.
“Ihaveanidea,”Isaid.
“What’sthat?”
Ipaused,stillthinkingitthrough,beforeoffering,“Meetmeoutsideinfiveminutes—outnearthe
fountain.”
Hearchedacrispeyebrow.“Because?”
“BecauseIsaidso.Trustme.”
Hedebatedforamoment,thennodded.“Verywell.Fiveminutes.”Hestoodupandwalkedtothedoor,
glancingbackbeforewalkingout.“Andneverdoubtit,Merit—Idotrustyou.”
Hedisappearedthroughthedoor.Iclimbedoffthebed,myheadachebeginningtodissipate,andsetto
work.
TheCadoganHousegardenswerespectacular,fromtherunningtrailtothebrickbarbecuepittothe
formalFrenchgardenbehindtheHouse.Afountainsatinthemiddleofthegarden,bubblingwaterforthe
enjoymentofanyvampireswhomightbeseatedonthebenchesaroundit.
ItookoffmyshoesafterIcrossedthebrickpatioatthebackoftheHouse,closingmyeyesatthe
luxuriousfeelofsoft,coolgrassbeneathmyfeet.
Yourfiveminutesaredrawingtoaclose,Ethansilentlysaid.IsmiledasIpaddedbacktothefountain.
Aren’tyoualwayslecturingmeaboutpatience?
Anoverratedvirtue,hereplied,andIcouldallbuthearthesarcasminthethought.
Ifoundhiminagenteelsprawlononeofthebenches,theonlyvampireinthevicinity,andclearly
doingalittleluxuriatingofhisown.Eyesclosed,hewasslouchedcomfortablyacrosstheseat,onefoot
onthebench,theotherontheground.Onearmwasslungacrossitsback,hisotherhandontheflatofhis
stomach.Inhiswhitebutton-downandtrousers,helookedmorelikeaRegencyrakethanaMasterof
vampires.
Maybehewasrelivinghistory.
Isatcross-leggedonthegroundbesidehim,theboxinmylap.
“Whatdoyouhavethere?”heasked,notbotheringtolookup.
“Quidproquo,”Isaid.“Chocolateforchocolate.Buttherewillbeapricetopay.”
“Isthetreatworthit?”Hisvoicewasalow,amuseddrawl.
Iansweredinthesamehoneyedtone,bothofusknowingfullwellthataflirtationinthemiddleofthe
backyardwasjustthat—anenjoyableflirtation.“Itabsolutelyis.”
Ethanchuckled.“Inthatcase,Sentinel,bemyguest.”
“Whatwasyourfavoritetimeperiod?Whatperioddidyouenjoythemost?”
Hisbrowslifted,asifsurprisedbythequestion.Heopenedhiseyesandshuffledabitonthebench,
thenstilledashethoughtitthrough.“There’snodenyingtoday’smechanicalconveniences.Humansareon
thecuspofmomentousdiscoveriesthatwouldhavebeenimpossibleeventwentyyearsago.Andyet,”he
began,thenquietedagain.
“Andyet?”Ipromptedafteramoment.
Hesighed.“Therehavebeentimesthatweredangerous,butinvigorating.ScenesfromhistoryIwas
fortunateenoughtowitnessfirsthand.Thebirthofthisrepublic—thevigorofthedebate,thefervencyof
thebeliefthatmancoulddobetterthanmonarchy.MomentsduringtheCivilWarinwhichmenand
women—evenintimesofgreatperil—werebraveenoughtoremindusofthebestofourselves.D-dayin
London,whenWhitehallwasfilledwithheart-burstingjoy...andgrief.”
Ethansighed.“Immortalityaffordsyoutheopportunitytowitnesshistoryinthemaking.Humanity’s
triumphsanditscruelties,both.Itisbothahighpricetopayandapricelessgift,tocarrytheweightof
thatknowledge.”
Heturnedoverabit,proppinghisheadonhisfistandglancingdownatme.“Now,havingwalked
throughmylifetime,Sentinel,what’smytreat?”
Iliftedtheboxforhimtoseeandthoroughlyenjoyedthevaguelydismayedexpressiononhisface.
“You’rejoking.”
“IneverjokeaboutMallocakes.Situp.”
Hedidn’tlookanylesssuspicious,buthedidasIasked,shufflingdowntotheendofthebenchtogive
meroomtojoinhim.ButIwasfineontheground.Itputspacebetweenusandkepttheinteractioncasual.
ItletmepretendtheemotionalboundariesI’dputbetweenuswerestillfirmlyintact...evenasIsaton
thegroundquizzinghimabouthislifeandpreparingtofeedhimcream-filledspongecake.
Butwhendenialwasyoursafetynet,denialwaswhatyouworkedwith.
Ipulledoffthepaperzipstripontheboxandpulledouttwocellophane-wrappedsnacks.Ihandedone
tohim,puttheboxaside,andcradledmineinmyhands.
“Beholdthegloriousmarriageofcakeandcream.”
EthanlookedunimpressedbythesugarlogI’dplacedinhishand.“Really,Sentinel.”
“Trustme.Youwon’tregretthis.”Iopenedmypacketandheldupthecake.“Now,therearevarious
theoriesofthebestwaytoeataMallocake.”
Finally,ahintofasmile.“Arethere,now?”
“Ourfavoritesorceress,MalloryCarmichael,preferstodunkthemwholeinmilk.It’snotabad
treatment,butIthinkitmakesthemsoggy,andIhavethisthingaboutwetbread.”
“Youareaconstantsourceofwonder.”
“AndthusappropriatethatIpreferthe‘fishesandloaves’method.Behold,”Isaid,pullingthecakein
halflengthwise,thenholdingupthetwochocolateslabs.“I’vedoubledthenumberofcakes!”
“Youhaveastrongtendencyforsilliness,youknowthat?”
“It’soneofmybetterqualities,”Isaid,nibblingontheedgeofthecake.Andasifthechocolatesponge
wasadrugitself,theflavoralmostinstantlysentacalmingpulsethroughmyblood.
Ethantookhisownbite.“Notbad,Sentinel.”
“Ihaveanynumberofissues,”Iadmitted.“Tasteinfoodisnotoneofthem.”
Foramoment,weateoursnackssilentlyinthegarden.
“Itoldyouoncethatyouweremyweakness,”hesaid.“Butalsomystrength.Isaiditbeforebetraying
yourtrust.Iknowthatnow,andIamsoverysorry.”Hepaused.“WhatwouldIhavetodotoconvince
youtogivemeanotherchance?”
Hisvoicewasjustmorethanawhisper,butthesentimentwasstrongenoughthatIhadtolookaway,
tearsbrimminginmyeyes.Itwasalegitimatequestion—butnotoneforwhichIhadaneasyanswer.
WhatwouldittakeformetobelieveinEthanagain?Tobelievethathe’dchosenme,forbetterorworse,
andregardlessofthepolitics?
“I’mnotsureyoucouldconvincemeotherwise.I’mtoofastalearner.”
“AndItaughtyouthatIwouldbetrayyouiftheopportunityarose?”
Thistime,Imethisgaze.“You’vetaughtmethatyouwillalwaysbeconcernedwithnextstepsand
appearances,withstrategyandalliances.You’vetaughtmethatIcouldneverbesureyoureallywanted
meforme—andnotjustbecauseIhelpedyoumeetsomeend,orbecauseitwasconvenient.You’vetaught
methatIcouldneverbesureyouwouldn’tchangeyourmindifbreakingthingsoffgaveyouastrategic
advantage.”
Ethan’ssmiledrooped,andforthefirsttime,hefacedthepossibilitythathisactionswouldhave
unalterablerepercussions.“Youdon’tthinkIcanchange?”
Isoftenedmytone.“Idon’tthinkarelationshipisanygoodifIhavetoaskyoutochange.Doyou?”
Helookedaway,thensighedhaggardly.“ThisfeelslikeabattleIcannotwin.”
“Loveshouldn’tbeabattle.”
“Andyet,ifitwasn’tworththefight,whatwouldbethepoint?”
Wewerequietlongenoughthatcricketsbegantochirpinthegardenplotsaroundus.
“Isthereanythingyou’dliketotellmeaboutJonah?”
Inearlyjumpedatthequestion,myheartsuddenlythuddingatthepotentialmysecrethadbeen
discovered.“No,”Ianswered.“Whydoyouask?”
“Heseemstohavesomeinterestinyou.Areyouwellacquainted?”
ThankGodIalreadyhadatleastpartofananswerprepared.“WetalkedoutsideTempleBarthenight
oftheattack.”Absolutetruth.
“Anythingelse?”Hisgazewassuspicious,hiseyestrackingacrossmyfaceasiftryingtogaugemy
sincerity.
“No.”
“Don’tlietome,Merit.”
“Areyouaskingmenottolietoyoubecausewe’refriends,becausewewerelovers,orbecauseI’ma
vampireofyourHouse?”
Hiseyeswidened.“Iexpectyourhonestyforallthreereasons.”
“Youexpect—youareowed—myloyalty.That’snotentirelythesamething.”
Thistime,hiseyesnarrowed.“What’sgoingon?Whathaven’tyoutoldme?”
“NothingthatIcansharerightnow.”Andthereitwas.ImaynothavetoldhimabouttheRedGuard,
theirinvitationtome,andJonah’sroleintheorganization,butI’dnowconfessedthatIhadn’tbeenhonest
withhim,thatI’dheldthingsback.
Heblinkedbackshock.“Youhaveinformationyouwon’tsharewithme?”
“Ihaveinformationthatisn’tminetoshare,”Iclarified.“Theinformationbelongstoothers;Iknowit
onlycoincidentally,andIwon’tdothemthedisserviceofmakingthedecisiontoshareit.Notwhen
they’vechosennotto.”
Hisgazewascalculating.Evaluating.Afteramoment,henodded.“Sobeit,”hesaid.Whilehis
capitulationwasavictoryformeasSentinel,IstillfeltlikeI’dlostsomething,likeI’dbrokensome
personalbond.I’dplacedbeingHouseSentineloverbeinghisfriendandconfidante.
I’ddonethesamethingforwhichI’dchidedhim.
Ethanstoodupandballedthecellophaneinhishand,movingaroundmeandsteppingbackontothe
path.Hestoppedforamoment,beforeglancingbackoverhisshoulder.“It’sadifficultbalance,isn’tit,to
putothersbeforeyourownneeds?”
Ididn’tcaretohavemyownhypocrisypointedouttome.Ilookedaway.
WhenIglancedbackatthepathagain,hewasgone.Mymoodwasn’tanybetterwhenIreturnedtothe
secondfloor.Myheadwasbeginningtothrobagain,thistimefordifferentreasons.Iputtheboxof
Mallocakesbackinthekitchen,thenwalkedbacktomyroom.MyhandwasonthedoorwhenIhearda
voicebehindme.
“He’snotascoldasheseems,youknow.”
Iglancedback.Charlie,Darius’sassistant,stoodinthehallway,armscrossedoverhischest.
“Excuseme?”Iasked.
Hegesturedtowardthedoor.“Canwegoinside?”
“Um,sure,”Isaid,thenopenedthedoor.Charliewalkedinside.Ifollowed,thenshutthedoorbehind
us.
Hesatontheedgeofmybedandlinkedhishandsinhislap.“DariusisdedicatedtotheHouses,andhe
hasnogreaterinterestindramahereintheStatesthanhedoesintheUK.Theproblemis,”Charliesaid,
lookingdownatthefloor,“heisastrongbelieverinhierarchy.TheMastersshouldcontroltheHouses.
ProblemsbeyondtheHousesaretheconcernsoftheGP,andonlytheGP.”
IlikedCharlie’shonesty,butIhadnodoubtsaboutwherehisloyaltieslay.“Bethatasitmay,theGP
hasn’tactuallytakenanystepstocontrolCelinaorkeeppeaceinChicago.Wearedoingwhatwecanto
keepthecitytogetherinspiteofwhatshe’sdoing.”
Charlieshookhishead.“Hasitoccurredtoyouthatyou’replayingintoherhands?Thatby
acknowledgingCelinaandbringingheractivitiestolight—insteadofignoringherantics—youendup
givinghertheverythingshewants?”
“Whichis?”
“Attention.BytheHouses,theGP,humans,thepress.Celinawantstobeseen,tobeheard.Shewasn’t
gettingsufficientattentionasaMaster,soshesabotagedthatrelationshipinordertoexchangeitfor
somethingdifferent—theattentionofhumans.Andwhenshelearnedthatshewasn’tthebelovedof
humankind,sheactedoutagain.Eachtimeyouseekherout,eachtimeyoufightback,yougivehera
reasontocomebackagain.”
“You’resayingweenableCelina?”
Heansweredwithnothingmorethanachallenginglook.Thequestioninhiseyeswasobvious—Don’t
you?
Shakingmyhead,myarmscrossed,Ileanedbackagainstthecloseddoor.“Thattheoryassumesthatif
weignoredCelina,shewouldn’tactout.That’ssimplynottrue.EachtimethingssettledowninChicago
—likewhenwegetaconfessionfromherabouttheparkmurdersandsendheraway—shepopsupagain.
Believeme,Charlie,sheforcesustoact.”
Thistime,heshookhishead.“I’msorry,Merit,butwehavetodisagreewithyou.Ihavetodisagree
withyou.”Hefrowned,thenlookedupatme.“Idon’tlikesayingthis,makingthisaccusation.Darius
won’tsayit—it’snothispositiontodoso—butIthinkitbearsconsideration.”
“What’sthat?”
“NoneofthisstarteduntilafteryoujoinedCadoganHouse.”
Myheartbeatlikeatimpanidruminmychest.“Excuseme?”
Heheldupahand.“Hearmeout.Forbetterorworse,Celinaseemstohaveanobsessionwithyou.
YoumoveintotheHouse,youelicitaconfessionfromher,andasaresultsheapparentlydecidesyou,and
perhapsEthan,arehernewtargets.”
Iforcedmyselftobitemytongue.Ethanclearlyhadn’ttoldhimthatI’dbeenCelina’sintendedvictim,
thathe’dbroughtmeintotheHousebecauseaRogueshe’dhiredhadn’tdonehisjobcompletely.Iwasn’t
surewhyhe’dmadethatcall,butIwasn’tgoingtobetheonetobreakthenewstotheGP.Ihadno
objectiontotheGPknowingaslittleaboutmeaspossible.
“We’reawareoftheBreckenridgesituation,”Charliecontinued,“ofthefactthatsheattackedyou
outsidetheHouse.Wouldyoudenythatyouappeartobeoneofherkeenesttargets?”
“No,”Isaid.Itwouldbeimpossibletodenythat.Ontheotherhand,“I’mnottheonlytarget.Cadogan
Houseisatarget.Chicagoisatarget.”
Hewassavedaresponsebysudden,high-pitchedbeeping.Heliftedhiswrist,revealingasquare
calculatorwatchcirca1984.
Aftertappingitsbuttons,hesmiledguiltily.“Iwasamazedbythetechnologywhenitwasrevealed,and
Ihaven’tfoundanythingthatcomparessincethen.Simple,efficient.”
“Kudos,”Isaid,tryingtostuffthesnarkasfardownaspossible.
Charliestoodupagainandwalkedtowardme,headingforthedoornowthathe’dconcludedhis
lecture.“Ihopeitdoesn’tseemthatI’mtryingtoirritateyouorblameyouforheractions.Clearly,sheis
awomanwithfreewillandtheabilitytomakedecisionsforherself.Butconsiderthepossibilitythatthe
actionsyouundertake—asSentinelofyourHouse,withallofitsappurtenantresponsibilities—bearupon
heractions,aswell.”
Isteppedaside,givinghimaccesstothedoor.
“WedotrulywishyouthebestwithyourHouse.WewantalltheAmericanHousestosucceed,to
flourish.”
“IwillrelaythatsentimenttoEthan,”Isaidpolitely.Althoughmysilentthoughtsweremuchlesspolite,
asIguessedwouldbethecaseforEthan’s,aswell.
“Excellent.Goodevening,Merit.”
“Goodevening,Charlie.”
Hewalkedoutagain,anefficientsmileonhisfaceandahopinhisstep.Andinhiswake...
insecurity.
Washeright?HadwepromptedCelina’santicsbyrespondingtothem?Werevampiresdruggedand
humansdeadbecausewe’dencouragedhertoactout,torebelagainstCadoganHouselikeanangsty
adolescent?
Itwasn’tfairtolaytheresponsibilityforCelina’sactionsatourdoor.We’dtriedtodorightby
CadoganandChicago,andultimatelyshewastheonewho’dsolicitedthemurdersofhumans,who’d
blackmailedus,andwhowasnowprobablybehindsellingdrugs.Thosedecisionswereherown.
Still.Charlie’saccusationgnawedatme.Evenifshe’dperpetratedtheacts,itwasn’tunfathomableto
thinkshe’ddoneit,atleastinpart,becauseshewasreactingtomeandEthan,tryingtorileusup,tryingto
scoreinthevampiricchessgameshe’dcreated.
Ihatedtheideaofit,hatedthethoughtthatthebattleswefoughtonadailybasisweresomehowour
fault,nomatterhowgoodourintentions.
Ontheotherhand,whatelsecouldwehavedone?Wecouldn’texactlyleavehertoherowndevices,
creatingchaosacrossChicagojusttofulfillherchildishcravingforattention.Wecouldn’thaveignored
theblackmailattemptorTate’sthreatsagainstusevenifwewantedto.Itwasn’tlikeEthanandIwereout
andaboutsearchingforsomethingtorailagainst.
Ofcoursewewantedpeaceandquiet.Ofcoursewewantedtowakeintheeveningandspendourtime
training,researching,workingtoensurethesuccessoftheHouse—insteadofplayingdefenseagainstthe
maraudersatthegate.
Whateverthedrama,whateverhermotivations,therewasonlyonethingthatwasgoingtosolvethe
Celinaproblem.GettingheroutofChicago,onceandforall.
CHAPTERTWENTY-ONE
DEEP-FRIEDPLAUSIBLEDENIABILITYONASTICK
Ineededabreakfromvampires.Ialsohadn’tcheckedinonMalloryinawhile,andthatdefinitely
neededtoberemedied.SowhenIwokeanddressed,Itextedherforanupdateandlearnedthatsheand
Catcherweretrainingathisgym.Translation:I’dgettowatchCatchertorturesomeoneotherthanme,and
I’dgettoseeMalloryworkhermagic.
Easycall.IlefttheHouseandheadedtotheNearNorthSide,whereCatcher’sworkoutspacewas
tuckedintoanotheroldwarehouse.(Convertingformerwarehousesintoplayroomsforvampiresand
othersupswasapparentlythenewtrendinChicago.)
IhardlyneededtosneakoutoftheHouse.DariushadpulledusofftheVinvestigation,sotherewasn’t
goingtobemuchneedformetostickaround.AndmyconversationwithEthanlastnighthadraised
uncomfortablequestionsaboutmeandmyhypocrisythatIwasn’tkeentoface.Iknewwe’dtalk
eventually;therewaslikelynoavoidingit.Butitdidn’thavetoberightnow.
ButavoiderthoughImighthavebeen,Iwasn’tsoimmaturethatIdidn’ttakemybeeper;Ialsoputmy
daggerandswordinthecar.EvenifIwasoninvestigatoryhiatus,itwasn’timpossiblePauliehadpassed
alongmymessageto“Marie,”whoplannedonpayingmeanunscriptedvisit.Onthatfront,bettertobe
prepared.
ThedrivewasprettyquickbyChicagostandards—asurprisinglyspeedyjauntalongLakeShoreDrive
—butitdidgivemeafewminutestoreflectandgainalittleperspective.NotthatIwasgoingtofindalot
ofresolutioninafifteen-minutedriveorevenafewhoursawayfromtheHouse,butthespacewas
necessary.IneededtorechargearoundpeoplewhoknewmeonlyasMerit...notasSentinel.
I’dapparentlyburnedthroughmyparkingluck;anewbarhadopenedacrossthestreetfromCatcher’s
gym,sotheneighborhoodwasfulloflong-leggedgirlsandovercolognedboysreadytoheadintothebar
forflirtationsandoverpricedappletinis.Ifoundaspacethreeblocksawayandwalkedbacktothegym,
thenheadedinside.
TheinteriorofthebuildingwasshapedlikeagiantT,andthegym—theplacewhereCatcherhadtaught
metouseasword—wasdownthecentralhallway.IfelttheelectricsizzleintheairassoonasIreached
thedoorway.Rubbingtheuncomfortablepricklealongmyarms,Ipeekedinside.
Catcherworehisfancynewglasses,trackpants,andaT-shirt;Malloryworeyogapantsandasports
bra,whichwasactuallymoreclothingthanhe’dletmetrainin.Theluckyduck.
Thatsaid,hertrainingwasadifferentduckaltogether.I’dknownCatcherwasamazingwithasword,
andI’dknownsorcerers—inadditiontobendingtheuniversetotheirwills—couldthrowballsofwhat
lookedlikemagicalfire.ButI’dneverseenanythinglikethis.
Itwasalikeagameofmagicalhandball.Thetwoofthemstoodatoppositeendsoftheroom,throwing
anddodgingbrilliantlycoloredorbsateachother.CatcherwouldheftaballofmagictowardMallory,
andMallorywouldavoiditortossoutherownshot.Sometimestheshotswouldhiteachotherandburst
intoafallofsparks;sometimesthey’dmissandexplodeagainstthewallswithacrackleofsound.
Thatexplainedthetingleintheair—eachtimeaballexploded,itsentacloudofmagicpulsingthrough
theroom.Iguessthatwastheriskofwatchingsorcererspractice.
MallorylookedoverandofferedaquickwavebeforelobbingaballofbluefirebackatCatcher.
“Hey,you!”
Iglancedover.Jeffsatinaplasticchairontheothersideofthedoor,abowlofpopcorninhislap.
“Copasquat,”hesaid,pattingtheseatbehindhim.“Iwasactuallygoingtocallyou.”
“Noneedtocallnow,”Isaid,takingaseatandgrabbingsomekernelsofcorn.Itwaskettlecorn,
whichIadored.Alittlebitsalty,alittlebitsweet,andprobablyplentybetterformethanaboxof
Mallocakes.
“So,IdidalittlemorediggingintothecriminalrecordofourfriendPaulieCermak.”
“Ithoughtyousaidhisfilewassealed.”
Jeffthrewupapieceofpopcorn,thencaughtitinhisteeth.“Oh,Idid.But‘sealed’and‘nolongerin
thesystem’aretwodifferentthings.”
“Isthistheappropriatetimeforalectureoncomputerhacking?”
“NotifyouwantmetogiveyoutheinformationIfound.”
Iwasbecominglessofasticklerfortherules.“Layitonme.”
“So,toputitinlayman’sterms,whilethefilehasofficiallybeensealedforcourtpurposes,animageof
thefile’scontentswascachedbeforeitwassealed,soallthedata’sstilloutthere.Now,asitturnsout,
therewasonlyoneitemontheguy’srecord—hegotacitationforpunchingsomeoneintheface.Asimple
assaultkindofdeal.”
Itriedtoplaybackmymemory.IthoughtI’dseenPaulieCermakbefore.Haditbeenontelevision?A
reportoftheassaultontheeveningnews?ButIcouldn’trememberanythingspecific.“Whowasthe
victim?”
“Noclue.Theguyneverpressedcharges,andhisnamewasredactedfromthefilebeforeitwas
scanned.”
Isighed.“SoPaulieCermakpunchesaguy.Thecopsgetcalled,butthevicdoesn’tpresscharges,and
thefilegetssealedanyway.”
“Thatsumsitup.”
“That’sweird.Whysealhisfileifnoonepressedcharges?”
Jeffshruggedandtossedanotherpieceofpopcornintheair.Thisonebouncedoffhislipandhitthe
floor—orwouldhavehitthefloor,haditnotbouncedjustasapulseofmagicmovedthroughtheroom.It
hoveredforamomentafewinchesabovethefloor,andthenexplodedintotinypopcornshards.
JeffandIbothducked,thenlookedupatCatcher.Hestoodwithhishandsonhiships,staringusdown.
“Popcorn?Really?”
“What?”Jeffsaidslyly.“Thisislikethebesttennismatchever.Weneededasnack.”
Catcher’slipcurled,andhelobbedashotofbluethathadusbothdroppinginourchairs.Ithitthewall
behindusandburstintoashowerofsparks.Isatup,franticallybrushingsparksfrommyhair.
“Hello!I’mheretobesupportive.Let’six-nayonthehittingmewithagic-may.”
“Yeah,Catch,”Mallorysaid.“She’stryingtobesupportive.”Shethrewaballofmagicthathadhim
jumpingtoavoidthesparksandlettingoutastringofcurses.
“Goodtimes,”Isaid,givingMalloryathumbs-up.
“So,beforeweweresorudelyinterrupted,”Jeffsaid,“Iwasgoingtosaythatit’snotexactlya
commonthingtodo—tosealarecordwhenthere’snochargespressedorwhatever—buttherecouldbe
lotsofreasons.Mostlikely,PaulieCermakhadfriendsinhighplaces.”Hechuckled.
Imadeasarcasticsound.“Pauliedoesn’texactlyseemlikesomeonewhohangswithsuits.Maybe
Celinahadhimroughsomeoneup.”
“It’sanidea.I’llkeepdigging.”
“You’redoingagreatjob,”Itoldhim,bumpinghimwithmyshoulder.“Iappreciatethehardwork.”
Jeffblushedlittle.“EvenCatchersaidIwasdoingsomeprettygoodinvestigationonthisone.”
“Well,Catchernevermetatopichedidn’thaveanopinionon.Speakingofwhich,anydevelopments
ontheV?IassumetheCPDdoestestingandsuch.”
“Yeah—theydo,anddid.Turnsout,V’schemicalstructureissimilartoadrenaline.”
“Thatexplainswhyitgetsvampssohypedup.”
Jeffnodded.“Exactly.Butthat’snoteventhemostinterestingpart.Catcherdidalittlemagicalsniffing
ofhisown,andhethinksthere’sanothercomponenttothedrugbeyondthechemistry—magic.”
Ifrowned.“Whoelsecouldhaveaddedthemagic?”
“That’swhat’sgothimworried.”
Ithadmeworried,too.EvenifwecouldpinVonPaulieandCelina,wenowhadanunknownsource
whowasthrowinggratuitousmagicaround.Andspeakingofunknowns:“Didyouevergleananymore
informationabouttheassaultMr.Jacksonsaw?”
“Onlytheinfoyoualreadyknew.Therehaven’tbeenanydevelopmentsasfarasI’maware.Caseis
goingcold.”
Iwasn’tsureifthatwasbetterorworsethanbodieshavingbeenlocated.Thatquestioninmind,my
phonebuzzed,soIpulleditfrommypocket,expectingaquestionfromEthan:“Sentinel,whereareyou?”
orthelike.
Ididn’trecognizethenumber,butIanswereditanyway.“ThisisMerit.”
“Kid,IgotsomethingIthinkyou’llbeinterestedin.”
TheNewYorkaccentwasunmistakable.“Paulie.Whatdoyouwant?”
“Acertainsomeonewantstomeetwithyou.”
“Acertainsomeone?”
“Marie,”hesaid.“Youaskedherforameeting,anditturnsoutshe’samenable.”
Ofcourseshewas.WeknewCelinawouldn’tpassupthechance,andevenifthis“Marie”wasn’t
Celina,ameetingwouldalmostcertainlyanswersomeofourquestions.“Whereandwhen?”
“StreetFest.Tonight.MeetbesidetheTownbooth.”
TownwasachichicaféintheLoopthatregularlytoppedtheannual“bestof”lists.Itwasaplacefor
socialitestoseeandbeseen,aplacethatrequiredreservationsweeksinadvance—unlessyouknew
someone...oryouwerethedaughterofJoshuaMerit.Porksaltimbocca?Yes,please.
AlthoughIdidn’tfigureCelinaforaStreetFestparticipant,Townwasjustthekindofplaceshe’d
choose.
“Whattime?”
“Eleveno’clock.”
Icheckedmywatch.Itwasaquartertillten.StreetFestendedatoneo’clock,sothemeetingtime
wouldhitthecrescendoofbands,foods,andimbibingChicagoans.
“IassumeIwon’tneedtowearacarnationinmylapelsosherecognizesme?”
Pauliecoughedoutalaugh.“She’llfindyou.Elevenp.m.sharp.”
Thelinewentdead,soItuckedthephoneawayagainandnibbledonmythumbasIthoughtitthrough.
Celina—well,someoneIthoughtmustbeCelina—wantedameetinginapublicplace.Andnotjusta
publicplace—apublicplacewherethousandsofhumanswouldbemillingabout.Wasshehopingthe
crowdwouldgiveheranonymity,orwassheplanningoncausingtroubleinthemiddleofthem?
Shehadtohaveanulteriormotive,somethingshewantedtopulloff.Maybeatrapshehopedtospring.
Itwasjustamatteroffiguringitout—orplanningforallcontingencies.
WhenIfinallylookedupagain,IfoundCatcher,Jeff,andMallorystaringatme.
“PaulieCermak,”Iexplained.“‘Marie’wantstomeetmeatStreetFesttonight.”
CatcherandMallorywalkedtowardus.“You’regoing?”
“DoIhaveachoice?Dariusispissed,andso’sTate.”Irolledmyshoulders,musclesachingagainst
thejointirritationofmagicandtension.“Wecouldpretendthisisn’tourproblem,butthat’snotgoingto
makeVgoaway,andit’snotgoingtokeepourHousetogether.”
“Sowhat’sthedownsideofmeetingwithher?”Malloryasked.
“Otherthanthepossibilityshe’llkillme?DariusorderedmeandEthantostopinvestigating.”
Catcher’sexpressionwasincredulous.“Onwhatbasis?Vampsarefightinginpublic.Howcouldhe
possiblydenythatthere’saproblem?”
“Oh,heknowssomething’sgoingon.”IfilledtheminontheescapadeatGreyHouse.“Dariusjust
thinksit’sTate’sproblemtosolve.Healsoapparentlythinkswe’retheonescreatingtheproblem—that
Celina’sactingoutbecausewekeepgivingherattention.”
“NotimpressedwithDariussofar,”Mallorysaid.
“Tellmeaboutit,”Iagreed.
“AmIinterrupting?”
Allheadsturnedtothedoorway.AcuteguyinaT-shirtandjeanssmiledbackatus.
“Who’she?”Iwhispered.
“That,”Mallorytiredlysaid,“isSimon.Mytutor.”
I’llbehonest—whenMalloryhadsaidshehadatutor,I’dexpectedthenerdytype.Someonewithan
academicbentandmaybeapocketprotector.
Simonwasaboutasfarfromthestereotypeastheygot:buffandcuteinaboy-next-doorway,withnary
apenciltobeseen.Hishairwascloselycropped,withblueeyespeeringoutbeneathastrongbrow.
“Welldone,”Iwhisperedtoher.
“Youwouldn’tsaythatifhewasmakingyoulevitateatwo-hundred-poundleadweightforthesixty-
seventhtime.”Butshesmiledpolitely.“Hi,Simon.”
“Mallory,”Simonsaid,thenlookedatCatcher.“It’sbeenawhile.”
Catcher’sexpressionstayedblank.Heapparentlywasn’tinterestedinawarmreunionwithamember
oftheOrder.“Simon.Whatbringsyoutothecity?”
SimongesturedtowardMallory.“We’regoingtotakeaghosttour.”
IglancedatMallory.“You’regoingonaghosttour?”It’snotthatMallorywasn’tinterestedinthe
occult.ShewasthegirlwiththeBuffyfixation,afterall.Butshe’dalwaysrefusedwhenI’daskedherto
go,callingtheideaofaghosttourthe“fauxcult.”
“Simon,”Mallorysaidwithanabsentwaveofthehand,“thisisMeritandJeff.She’savampire,but
I’mstillfriendswithherbecauseI’mawesomethatway,andhe’sacomputernerdlingextraordinairewho
workswithCatcher.”
Simonsmiledatme,buttheeffectwasn’tnearlyasfriendlyasyoumighthaveimagined.“So,you’re
Sullivan’sSentinel.”
“I’mtheCadoganHouseSentinel,”Ipolitelycorrected.
“Ofcourse,”hesaid,inatonethatsuggestedhedidn’tquitebuymyclarification.
“Soyou’regoingonaghosttour?”Jeffasked.“Isthatsomekindofmagicalresearch?”
“Inamannerofspeaking,”Simonsaid.“Thehauntingsaren’tallwives’tales.Someofthelocalesare
legitimatelyinfested.Mallory’stasktonightwillbetoseparatefactfromfiction.It’spartofher
practicum.”
Malloryfrowned.“Isthattoday?Ithoughtthatwastomorrow.”
“Doyouneedtoreschedule?TherearesomeotherthingsIcouldtakecareofwhileI’mintown.”
Mallorywavedhimoff.“No,today’sfine.It’sgoingtobeontheexam,soImightaswelldoit.”
“Oh,myGod,youareHarryPotter,”Isaid,pointingafingerather.“Iknewit!”
Sherolledhereyes,thenlookedatCatcher.“IguessIneedtogetcleanedupandgo?”
Catcherfrowned,clearlynotcomfortablesendingMalloryoffintothecitywithSimon.Icouldn’ttellif
theanimuswasallOrderrelatedornot.
CatcherlookedatSimon.“Couldyougiveusaminute?”
“Ofcourse,”Simonsaidafteramoment.“I’llwaitinthecar.Jeff,nicetomeetyou.Merit,we’llhave
totalksometime.I’dlovetohearmoreaboutCadoganHouse.”
Igavehimanoncommittalsmile.
Simonwalkedoutagain.IlookedbackatMalloryandCatcher.“Heseemspleasantenough.”
“He’samemberoftheOrder,”Catchergrimlysaid.“They’realways‘pleasantenough’untilthey’re
callingyouatroublemakerandstrippingyouofyourmembership.”
“SoundsliketheOrderandtheGPhavethingsincommon,”Isaid.
Catchergruntedhisagreement.
“Simon’s...okay,”Mallorysaid.“ButspeakingoftheGP,youneedtogetoutthereandmixitup.”
Shereachedoutherarms,andIsteppedforwardintoherhug.“Justlikeyoutoldme,”shesaid,“youdo
whatyouhavetodo.Youknowrightfromwrong,andyourinstinctsaregood.Trustthem.”
“AndifIstillcan’tpullitoff?”
Shepulledback,herexpressionfierce.“There’snothingyoucan’tdoifyouputyourmindtoit.You
justhavetodecidethatyoucan.YougoandfindCelinaDesaulniers,andyoukickherassthistime.”
Let’shopeitendedthatway.
TherewasalimoparkedoutsidetheHousewhenIreturned,aswellastheusualgaggleofprotesters.I
recognizedtwoorthree—thesameprotesterswerecampedoutnightafternight,theirhatredofus
apparentlytakingpriorityoveranyotheractivities.
IfiguredthelimobelongedtoTateorDarius,whichdidn’tthrillme.Neitherwasgoingtomakemy
currenttaskeasier.Idouble-parkedinfrontoftheHouseandmovedcarefullyinside,tiptoeingtoward
Ethan’soffice.
NoEthan.ButMalikstoodinthemiddleoftheroom,reviewingpapers.Dariuswasinthesittingarea,
chattingonacellphone.
IsmiledpolitelyatDariusandwalkedtowardMalik.HisgazeliftedasImovedcloser,andhemust
havenoticedmyfrazzledexpression.“Whatnow?”
IslidmygazetowardDarius.“InlightoftheGP’sdirective,IthoughtI’dtaketheeveningoff.Headto
StreetFest.Meetsomefriends.”
Malik’sexpressionwasblankonlyforasecondbeforerealizationdawned.
“IthoughtI’dseeifEthanwantsmetobringanythingback.Youknowhowmuchhelovesgreasyfood.
Themancannotgetenoughofbatteredandfried.”
Maliksmiledslyly.“Thathedoes,Sentinel.Ibelieveyou’llfindhiminhisapartment.HeandDarius
plantomeetinafewminutes,butperhapsIcouldentertainhimwhileyoudiscussthemenu?”
Atmynod,MalikwalkedtowardDarius.Iheadedforthedooragain.Dariusmusthaveendedhiscall,
asIheardMalikask,“Sire,haveyouhadachancetoseethegrounds?Thegardensarespectacularinlate
summer.”
Goodman,Ithought,takingthestairstwoatatimeuntilIreachedthethirdfloor.
EthanwasjustwalkingintothehallwaywhenIreachedhim.Withoutbotheringtoaskpermission,I
movedpasthimintohisbedroom.WhenIturnedaroundagain,hewasstillinthedoorway,eyebrow
arched.
“MalikistakingcareofDarius.Ineedfiveminutes.”
“IhavethedistinctsensethatI’mnotgoingtoenjoythosefiveminutes.”
“Quitepossiblynot.”
Eitherway,hewalkedinsideandshutthedoorbehindus,thencrossedhisarmsoverhischest.
“Tonightwillbetricky,”Isaid.
“Because?”
“Becauseshemaybewreakinghavocinaverypublicplace.”
Hedroppedhisarms,alarminhisexpression.“Howpublic?”
“StreetFest.”
Ethanclosedhiseyesforamoment.“Dowehavedefenses?”
“Yourstruly.”
Ethan’seyesflashedopen.Heopenedhismouthtoobject,thencloseditagain.
“Wisedecision,”Icomplimented,“sinceI’mtheonlydefenseyou’vegotatthemoment.”
“Isthisatrap?”
“Quitepossibly.Anditmaybethekindoftrapthatputsussquareinthepubliceye.ButI’mgoingtodo
everythingIcantopreventthat—oratleastmakesureit’stherightkindofpublicity.”
Westoodtherequietlywhilehereachedhisverdict.
“Iassumethat’sallyou’regoingtotellme?”
“Foryoursakeandmine.Twowords,Sullivan:plausibledeniability.”
“IthinkIlikedyoubetterwhenyouwereanerdygraduatestudent.”
“Youdidn’tknowmeasanerdygraduatestudent,”Iremindedhim.“Well,notwhileIwasconscious,
anyway.”Technically,he’dknownmeasanunconsciousgraduatestudent,sincehe’dnursedmeforthree
daysfollowingmytransitiontovampire,butIdidn’trememberit.“Anyway,ifyou’vegotabetteridea,
I’mallforit.”
Helookedatmeforamoment,thatlineofworrybetweenhiseyes.“Unfortunately,Idonot.”
“Yourconfidenceisinspiring,Sullivan.”
Hegavemeaflatlook.“Youknowbetterthanthat.Itrustyou,Merit—implicitly—evenifyoudon’t
tellmeeverything.Iwouldn’tletyouleavetheHouseifIdidn’t—there’stoomuchatstake.”
“Atstake.Ha-ha.”Athisfrown,Iwinced.“Sorry.IkidwhenI’mnervous.”
“Areyounervous?”
Isighedandcrossedmyarms.“WearetalkingaboutCelina.AmIstrongerthanbefore?Yes.Butshe’s
stillhundredsofyearsolderthanme,andI’vebarelyseenwhatshe’scapableof.Plus,we’llbeinpublic.
EvenifIcantakecareofmyself,howamIgoingtotakecareofeveryoneelsewho’sthere?”
“Wecouldgiveyouaperimeterofguardsaroundthefestival,”Ethansuggested.
“No,”Isaid,shakingmyhead.“That’stooriskyfortheHouse.IfDariusfindsoutIwasthere,youcan
sayIactedalone,wentoffonawhim.AndIdohaveaplaninmind.”
I’dcalledonJonahbefore;ifCadoganHousewasbarredfromacting,maybeNoahwouldbewillingto
plantafewRedGuardsintothecrowd.
“Anythingyoucanshare?”
IglancedupatEthan.Therewascuriosityinhiseyes,butnorebuke.HewantedtoknowwhatIhadin
mind,buthe’dleavethedecisiontome.
“Plausibledeniability,”Iremindedhim.“YoumastertheHousefromhere.Letmeprotectusoutthere.”
Ethansighed,thenputahandonmycheek.“Idon’ttellyouthisenough,butIamincrediblyproudofthe
vampireyou’vebecome.Iwantyoutoknowthat.”
Heleanedhisforeheadagainstmine.Iclosedmyeyesandbreathedinthecottonyscentofhiscologne.
“Becareful.”
“Iwill.Ipromise.”Ipulledbackandsawtheflashofguiltinhiseyes,butIshookmyhead.“You’re
doingyourjob,”Iassuredhim.“Nowletmedomine.”
IofferedalittleprayerthatIhadthechancetodoitrightthistime.
ItwasunrealistictothinkI’dfindparkingnearStreetFest,andIdidn’thavetimetowaitfortheEl.While
IgaveLucthefive-minuteprécis,Lindseycalledacabandpromisedtomovemycar.They’dallheard
aboutDarius’sbanonmyactivities;they’dallagreedtohelpmecarrythemoutregardless.Therewere
timeswhentheworkneededtobedone,theconsequencesbedamned.Thiswasoneofthosetimes,and
theywereallonboard.
Onceinthecar,ImessagedNoahandaskedhimforbackup.Noahagreedalmostinstantaneouslyand
toldmethecrewofguardswouldberecognizablebytheirclothing:they’dbewearingfaux-retro
MIDNIGHTHIGHSCHOOLT-shirts.
Cleverboy.
I’dconsideredcallingJonah,butthiswasapublicevent.ThatriskedoutinghisRGmembershipand
puttinghiminthesamepositionasme—bearingthewrathofDariusWest.No,thankyou.
Thecabdriverdidn’tstopglancingbackatme,hisbrowneyespoppingupintherearviewmirrorevery
fewsecondsasifhewaswaitingformetobreachtheplasticwallbetweentheseatsandchomponhis
neck.
I’lladmit,theideaoftauntinghimoccurredtome.ButIwasn’tCelina.Ihadaconscienceandajobto
do,andfang-teasingthecabdriverwasn’tpartofthatjob.
“Thisisfine,”Itoldhim,slidingcashintothesmalldoorintheplasticwhenhereachedthesouthern
edgeofGrantPark.Islippedoutofthecab,wavingthedriveroffwhenhecontinuedtostareatme
throughthewindow.
“Humans,”Imuttered,andsetofftowardthetentsandcrowds.Thispartoftheparkwasempty,which
gavemethechancetoprepare...andgetpanicky.
IwaswelltrainedenoughtoputonabravefronttoEthan,Luc,andMalik.Butlet’sfaceit—Iwas
scared.Celinawasmorepowerfulthanme,andI’dagreedtomeetherinaplaceandatatimeshe’d
selected.Thiswashergame,andtherewasagoodpossibilitythatIwasn’tgoingtowin...ormakeit
outinonepiece.
Iwalkedthroughthetrees,daggerinmyboot,mystomachchurningwithnerves,evenasthesmellsof
fooddrewnearer.
Ireachedanorangevinylfencethatsurroundedthefestival.Ihoppedit,thenmingledintoagroupof
drunkenbachelorettepartygoersastheymadetheirwaytowardthemainthoroughfare.Thatgavememy
firstviewofthebattleground.ColumbusDrivewaslinedwithwhitetents.Peoplewalkedinthewide
lanebetweenthem,foodanddrinksinhand.Theairwasthickwiththesmellsofbatterandbeerand
peopleandsweatandtrash,andthesoundofathousandconversationsandsizzlingfoodandthecountry
bandonthemake-dostagewasnearlyenoughtooverwhelmmysenses.
Imaneuveredoutofthelaneoftrafficandstoppedbesideabooth,closingmyeyesuntiltheworld
settledbackdowntoadullroar.
“Coupons?”
Iopenedoneeye.
Awomanbalancingawailing,pink-cheekedtoddlerononehipheldoutastackoffoodcoupons.“We
haveextra,andit’sgettinglate,andKyleisjustfreakingout,soweneedtogo.”Shesmiledsheepishly.
“Wouldyouwanttobuythembyanychance?They’restillgood.”
“Sorry,”Ikindlysaid.“Idon’tneedanything.”
Obviouslydisappointed,shesighedheavilyandlumberedawkwardlyaway,thebabynowbeginningto
squall.
“Goodluck,”Icalledout,butshewasalreadylookingforsomeoneelsetotempt.
Ididn’talwaysgettoplaythehero.
Iwalkedaroundthetentandbackintotheflowofpeople,andIwasnearlyoverdoneagain.My
stomachgrowledatthesmells;therewasonlysomuchblockingthatavampirecoulddo.Isilently
promisedmyselfadeep-friedcandybarandapapertrayofbacon-wrappedTaterTotsifImadeitthrough
thenightunscathed.Notagoodnutritionalcombo,butIfiguredtheoddswerelowanyway.
Iwalkedtoasignthatidentifiedthetents’locations,foundtheTownbooth,andcheckedmywatch.It
wasabouttenminutesuntileleven.Tenminutesuntilshowtime.
Ahandsuddenlygrippedmyarm.Ijerked,expectingtoseeCelina.Forbetterorworse,Igota
differentkindofsurprise.
“Hello,there,”saidthemanatmyside.
ItwasMcKetrick,havingtradedinhisfatiguesforjeansandasnugblackT-shirt.Thebettertoblendin
withthehumans,Iassumed.Hesmiledgrandlyatme.Hemighthavebeenhandsome,buttheeffectwas
stillcreepy.
Ipulledbackmyarm.“Ifyou’resmart,you’llwalkawayrightnowandgoaboutyourbusiness.”
“Merit,youaremybusiness.You’reavampire,andI’dbewillingtobetyou’recarryingaweaponhere
inthispublicplace.Itwouldbeirresponsibleofmetoletyougoonaboutyourmerryway,don’tyou
think?”
Itwouldsavemealotoftrouble,Ithought,becausetherewasnowayIcouldexplainwhyIneeded
himtoleavemealone.He’dgoballisticifheknewIwasheretoentertainCelina.Andspeakingof,time
wastickingdown,andIneededtogettotheTowntent.
“Ifyou’resmart,”Itoldhim,“you’llbeonyourownmerryway.”
Hetiltedhishead.“Youseemalittlepreoccupied.Youaren’tplanningtostarttrouble,areyou?That
wouldbemostunfortunate.”
“Ineverstarttrouble,”Iassuredhim.Itjustusuallyseemedtopopupinmyvicinity.Caseinpoint:
“SinceIwasmindingmyownbusinessbeforeyougrabbedme,you’retheonecausingtrouble.”
“Ifyoumindedyourownbusiness,”McKetrickretorted,“you’dbehomeamongyourownkind.”
Iwassavedthetroubleofrespondingtohisprejudicedidiocybythesoundofanargumentmoving
towardus.Ilookedup.Amanandwomanbickeredastheywalked,eachclearlyirritatedbytheother.
“Really,Bob?Really?”askedthewoman.“Youthinkthebestcourseofactionistospendanentire
week’ssalaryonfoodtickets?That’swhatyouthink?Becauseyouwanttoeatgyrosandfriedcheesecake
fortherestoftheweek?NotthatIshouldbesurprised.It’sjustthekindofharebrainedthingyou’ddo.”
“Oh,yeah,Sharon.Layiton.Layitonthick.Righthereinpublicwhereeverybodycansee!”Theman,
whowasonlyacoupleoffeetfromme,liftedhisarmsandmovedinacircle.“Didanyonenothearmy
lovelywifeberatingme?Anyone?”
Thepeoplearounduschucklednervously,notsurewhethertheyshouldstepinandputanendtothe
dramatics,orignorethem.
Ihadthesamequestion—untilthemanmadethefullturnandIcouldseetheredT-shirtbeneathhisthin
jacket.MIDNIGHTHIGHSCHOOLwaswritteninfadedwhitelettersacrossthefront.Theseweremy
RGhelpers.
Theguywinkedatme,thensteppeddirectlybetweenmeandMcKetrick.“Imean,really,sir,isthisthe
kindofbehavioryou’dexpectfromyourwife?Whathappenedto‘forbetterorworse’andallthat?”
Thewomansteppedupandpokedafingerintotheguy’schest.“Oh,justanotherthingforyouto
criticizemeabout,huh,Bob?I’mshocked.Reallyshocked.Ishouldhavelistenedtomymother,you
know!”
“Oh,yeah,Sharon.Bringyourmotherintothis.Yourpoor,woebegonemother!”
Acrowdbegantogatheraroundthecouple,creatingathickerhumanbarrierthatputmorespace
betweenMcKetrickandme.Twosecurityguardsalsoambledover,addingtwomorehumans—andtwo
moreweapons—tothefray.
Igotwhilethegettingwasgood.
IfoundtheTownboothandcampedbesideit,butfifteenminutes,andthenhalfanhour,passedwithno
action.IcursedMcKetrick,positivethathe’dscaredCelinaaway.
Forthetwentiethtime,Istoodontiptoestogetabetterlookatthegrounds,nearlyfallingoverwhena
dark-hairedwomannudgedpastme.
Absently,Iwatchedherdarkponytailbobasshewalked,butitwasn’tuntilshewasnearlygonethatI
feltthetingleofmagicintheair.Ihadn’trecognizedher—andwouldn’thave,butforthepowerthat
lingeredbehindher.Myheartbegantothudwithanticipation.
Beforeshecouldescape,Igrabbedherwrist.
CHAPTERTWENTY-TWO
DEVILINABLUEDRESS
Celinaslowlyturnedtofaceme.Sheworeaone-piece,royalbluejumperwithankleboots,herhairina
ponytail.Hereyeswidenedinapparentshock.
Okay,nowIwasconfused.Whydidshelooksurprisedtoseeme?
Herarmstillinmyhand,shemovedastepcloser.“Ifyou’resmart,child,you’llletgoofmyhand
whileyoustillhaveyourstouse.”
“Iwastoldyouwantedtomeetme,”Iinformedher.“Byamutualfriend.”
Almostinstantaneously,herexpressionchanged.Hereyesnarrowed,hernostrilsflared,andhermagic
roseinanangry,pepperycloud.Thehumansstillmovedpastwithfairfoodandplasticcupsofbeerin
hand,completelyoblivioustothemagicalreactorwhowasthrowingoffenoughpowertolighttheLoop.
“Thatlittleshit,”shemuttered,followedbyafewchoicecurses.
IassumedshemeantPaulie,butifshehadn’tbeenexpectingme...
“Whodidyouthinkyouweremeeting?”
Herexpressionwenthaughty.“Asyouarewellaware,andastheGPhasremindedyou,mylifeisnone
ofyourconcern.”
“Chicagoismyconcern.CadoganHouseismyconcern.”
Shescoffed.“You’reavampireinafourth-rateHouse.AndsleepingwithitsMasterisn’texactlya
coup.”
IresistedtheurgetodothenailrakingandhairpullingI’dcomplainedaboutonlyafewdaysago.
Instead,Igavebackthesamepretentiouslookshegaveme.Itwasn’tthatIwasnaïveaboutCelinaorher
power—orthedamageshecoulddotome.ButIwastiredofbeingafraid.AndiftheGPwasgoingtoact
likeshewasn’tathreat,thenIwas,too.
“Mylifeisnoneofyourconcern,either,”Icountered.“AndIdon’tcarehowwellyou’vemanagedto
convincetheGPyou’reagoodcitizenandhavenothingtodowiththehavocinthiscityrightnow.Iknow
it’sbullshit,andIamnotafraidofyou.Notanymore.I’malsonotafraidoftheGP,soI’mgoingtogive
youonechancetoanswerthisquestion.”Ipressedmynailsintothefleshofherarm.“DidyouputVon
thestreets?”
Celinalookedaround,seemedtorealizethatthepeoplearounduswerebeginningtostare.Andofall
thereactionsImighthaveimagined,theoneshehandedbackwasn’tevenonthelist.
“MaybeIdid,”shesaid,loudenoughforalltohear.“MaybeIhelpedputVonthestreets.Sowhat?”
Mymouthopenedinshock.Celinahadjustannouncedtoafewthousandhumansthatshe’dhelpedput
Vonthestreet.Itwasacoupforme,buttherewasnowayshe’dmakethatkindofannouncementifshe
didn’tthinkshehadanout.Whatwashergame?
Thehumansaroundusstopped,nowstaringfullout.Acoupleofthempoppedoutphonesandwere
tapingthescene.
“What’syourconnectiontoPaulieCermak?IknowyoutalkedtohimatNavarreHouse.”
Shebarkedoutalaugh.“PaulieCermakisalittleworm.He’sgotawarehouseinGreektownthat
housestheV,andhe’sbeenhandlingthedistributionfromthere.That’swhytherewasn’tanyVinhis
house.”Shegavemeanappraisinggaze.“What’smoreinterestingishowyoulearnedaboutit.Morgan
toldyou,no?”Shelookedmeupanddown.“Didyouofferyourselfforalittleinformation?”
Inadditiontofeelingdisgustedbythesuggestion,IfeltalittlesympathyforMorgan.Celina’scraziness
didn’texcusethefactthatMorganwasn’treliable,butitsuredidexplainwhyhewasn’ttrustworthy.If
he’dlearnedtobeaMasterbyfollowinginCelina’sfootsteps,there’dprobablybeennohopeforhim.
“Andtheraves?”
“Theraveswerethelinchpin,”shesaid.“Thekeytotheentiresystem.TheyweremeanstogetV—and
humans—intothehandsofvampires.”
Celinalookedaround,realizedshehadacaptiveaudienceofhumanswho’drecognizedwhoshewas
—andthefactthatshewassupposedtobelockedawayinEngland,notstandinginthemiddleofStreet
FestconfessingtocrimesagainstthecitizensofChicago.
IfI’dbeeninherposition,Iwouldhavebalked.I’dhaveloweredmyheadandduckedthroughthe
crowd,seekingescape.ButCelinawasn’tyouraveragevampire.Withnothingclosetoregretorfearin
hereyes—andwhileIstaredather,shockedatheraudacity—shebegantoaddressthecrowd.
“Fortoolong,Iboughtintothenotionthathumansandvampirescouldsimplycoexist.Thatbeing
vampiremeanttampingdowncertainurges,workingincommunionwithhumans,leadinghumans.”
Shebegantoturninacircle,offeringhersermontothecrowd.“Iwaswrong.Vampiresshouldbe
vampires.Truly,completelyvampires.Wearethenextevolutionofhumans.Vremindsuswhoweare.
Andyou,too—allofyou—couldhaveourstrength.Ourpowers.Ourimmortality!”
“Youkilledhumans!”shoutedoneofthehumans.“Youdeservetodie.”
Celina’ssmilefaltered.She’dchangedpositionsinasecondattempttoingratiateherselfwithhumans,
anditstillhadn’tworked.Sheopenedhermouthtocountertheassertion,butthenextwordsweren’thers.
FouruniformedCPDofficerssteppedaroundher.Threepointedweapons;thefourthgrabbedher
wristsandcuffedthembehindherback.
“CelinaDesaulniers,”hesaid,“youhavetherighttoremainsilent.Anythingyousaycouldbeused
againstyouinacourtoflaw.Youhavetherighttoanattorney.Ifyoucannotaffordone,onewillbe
appointedtoyou.DoyouunderstandtherightsI’vereadtoyou?”
Celinastruggledonce,andshewasstrongenoughthatthemanwho’dcuffedandrestrainedherhadto
fighttokeepherontheground.Butafteramomentshestopped,herexpressiongoingpleasantlyblank.
Thatwasn’tagoodsign.
“She’lltrytoglamouryou,”Iwarned.“Stayfocused,andfightthroughit.Shecan’tmakeyoudo
anything;she’lljusttrytoloweryourinhibitions.YoumightwanttohavetheOmbudsmanmeetyouatthe
station.He’sgotstaffwhocanhelpyou.”
Threeofthecopsignoredme,butthefourthnoddedwithappreciation.Itcouldn’thavebeeneasytoget
alecturefromaskinnyvampwithaponytail.
“There’snoneedtoglamourthem,”Celinasaid,herblue-eyedgazeonme.“I’llbeoutbeforeyoucan
warnyourloverthatyoufoundmehere.Oh,andenjoyyourconversationwithDarius.I’msurehe’llbe
thrilledtofindoutaboutthis.”
Shewentwillingly.Afteramoment,thecrowdcompletelydissipated,leavingnoevidenceofCelina’s
recaptureortheproselytizingspeechshe’djustgiven.
Thatgavemeaminutetofocusonthebiggerquestion:Whatthehellhadjusthappened?
Istoodthereforamoment,stilltryingtowrapmymindaroundCelina’sconfessionandarrest.
Longstoryshort:Ihadtobemissingsomething.Theentirethingwaswaytooeasyandfeltlikeagiant
setup.Celinaclearlydidn’tknowshewasgoingtomeetme,butshe’dneverthelessconfessedtotheentire
crowdthatshe’dbeenhelpingPauliedistributedrugsandarrangetheraves.Andthenshetriedto
convincethemtojointhevampirebandwagon.
Howdidthatmakesense?
Itsimplydidn’t.WhileIwasn’tunhappyCelinawasoffthestreetsandbackinthehandsoftheCPD,I
couldn’tfigureoutherangle.Shehadtohaveone.TherewasnowayawomanasegotisticalasCelina
makesaconfessionwithoutthinkingshe’llgetsomethingoutofit.Maybethatwasit.Didshethinkshe
couldgetoutofit?DidshethinkshewasimmunefromtroublebecauseshehadGPprotection?
Unfortunately,thatpossibilitywasn’tentirelyunrealistic.
Ididn’tknowwhatgameshewasplaying,butIknewthiswasn’ttheendofthestory.Vampiredrama
rarelywrappedupsoeasily.
Isighedandpulledoutmyphone,preparingtogiveEthanaquickupdatebeforeIsearchedforacab.
I’mnotsurewhatmademeglanceuporover,buttherehewas—rightinfrontofme.Pauliesatatasmall,
plasticcafétableinsideabeertent.Twoemptyplasticcupssatonthetableinfrontofhim,andathird,
half-fullcupwasinhishand.Heliftedittome,atoasttomyparticipationinwhateverconhewas
running.
AtleasttoPaulie,thishadbeenagame.He’dsetupCelina,butwhy?Togetheroutoftheway?Sohe
couldlosethevampiremiddleman—thewomanbringingunwanteddramatotheentireoperation—and
gainaccesstohershareoftheprofits?
Ishiftedmybodyweightforwardtolaunchmyselftowardhim.ButbeforeIcouldmove,Iwasstopped
bythesamethingthathadkeptMcKetrickfromme—humans.
Thistime,afamilymovedinfrontofme.Motherandadoublestrollerofsleepingchildreninthelead;
fatherwithasleepinginfantonhishippullingaredwagonthatheldathirdsleepingtoddler.Theentire
familywastetheredtogetherwithribbon.Itwasawagontrainoffamily.
Bythetimethey’dmovedtheircaravanoutofthewayandIlookedupagain,Pauliewasgone.
CHAPTERTWENTY-THREE
DEMERITS
Iwasn’tentirelysurehowtobreakthenewstoEthan.Howdidyoutellyourbossthatfornoapparent
reason,yourenemyhadconfessedherevildoingsandgonewillinglyintothearmsoftheChicagoPolice
Department?
Turnedout,Ididn’tneedto.AfterpickingthroughtheprotesterstogetintotheHouse,Ifoundhalfthe
House’svampiresinthefrontsittingroom,eyesgluedtoaflat-screentelevisionthathungabovethe
fireplace.
Tatestoodinfrontofapodiuminacharcoalgraysuit,everyhairinplace,andasoothingsmileonhis
face.
“We’vediscoveredtodaythatCelinaDesaulniers,thoughttobeinthecustodyofofficialsintheUK,
madeherwaybacktoChicago.Whilehere,shecontinuedtocreatethechaosshe’dbegunbeforeherfirst
capture.We’vealsolearnedthatshewasresponsiblefortheincreaseinviolencewe’veseeninthecity.
Now,finally,thecityofChicagocanbreatheasighofrelief.Lifecanreturntonormal,andvampirescan
returntobeingapartofthecity,notantagonists.Restassured,Ms.Desaulnierswillstayinthecustodyof
theChicagoPoliceDepartmentinafacilitywecreatedjustforthepurposeofkeepingthepublicsafe
fromsupernaturalcriminals.IalsoneedtogivecredittoMerit,theSentinelofCadoganHouse.”
“Oh,shit,”Isaidaloud,halfadozenofthevampsintheroomturningtostareatme,finallyrealizing
I’dsteppedintotheroombehindthem,probablysmellingofkebabbedmeatsanddeep-friedcandybars.
“Shewasacrucialpart,”Tatecontinued,“ofeffortstolocateandapprehendCelinaDesaulniers.
Whateveryouropinionsofvampires,Iask—onbehalfofthecity—thatyounotjudgealltheindividuals
basedontheactionsofafew.”
Mybeeperbegantobuzz.Iunclippeditandglancedatthescreen.Itread,simply,OFFICE.
Iblewoutabreath,thenlookedupatthevampsintheroomandofferedasmallwave.“Itwaslovely
knowingyou,”Iassuredthem,thenturnedonaheel.
Ihustleddownthehallway.Theofficedoorwascracked,soIpusheditopenandfoundDarius,Ethan,
andMalikinside.Theywereallseatedattheconferencetable—Dariusatthehead,MalikandEthanon
thewindowside.
Ididn’tlikethesymbolismthere,andmyalready-rawstomachbegantochurnagain.
“Comein,Merit,”Dariussaid.“Andclosethedoor.”
IdidasIwastoldandtookaseatoppositeEthanandMalik.Ethan’sexpressionwascompletelyblank.
Mystomachtightened,butI’dalreadydecidedIwasn’tgoingtobeafraidanylonger.Itwastimetotalk.
“Sire,”Isaid,“mayIspeakcandidly?”
IheardEthan’swarninginmyhead,butIignoredit.Therewasatimetobemeek,andatimetotakea
stand.Atthispoint,Ihadnothingtolose.
Dariusregardedmeforamoment.“Speak.”
“Vwasmovingthroughthecity.Itwashurtingourvampires,itwashurtinghumans,anditwashurting
ourrelationshipwiththecity.WithallduerespecttotheconcernsoftheGP,wehavetolivehere.We
don’thavetheluxuryofreturningtoanothercontinent,andwecouldn’tsimplyignoretheproblem.
Shiftersandhumanswerealreadyturningagainstus.Ifwedidn’tact,we’dbeinthemiddleofthewarthe
sorcerershavepredicted.IstandSentinelforthisHouse,andIactedinamannerconsistentwiththe
House’sbestinterest,evenifthatinterest,inyouropinion,doesnotcoincidewiththatoftheGP.”
WhenIwasdone,DariuslookedatEthan.“Tonight’seventsdonotreflectwellupontheNorth
AmericanHousesortheGreenwichPresidium.Weshouldnotbeinvolvedinaltercationsinapublic
festivalinoneofthelargestcitiesintheUnitedStates.”Helookedupatme.“Wedonotneedthe
publicity,northeheroics.Whatweneedisrespectforauthority,forhierarchy,forchainofcommand.
Assimilationishowwe’vedonethatforcenturies.Assimilationishowwe’llcontinuetodoit.”
Hisgazewentice-cold,asdidthebloodinmyveins.
“Merit,consideryourselfofficiallyreprimandedbytheGP.Yourfilewillbeannotatedtoreflectwhat
you’vedonetoday.Ihopeyouappreciatetheseriousnessofthataction.”
Iactuallydidn’thaveanycluehowseriousitwas,butthatdidn’tmatter.ItfeltlikeI’dbeenslappedin
theface,everysacrificeanddecisionI’dmadesincebecomingavampirecalledintoquestion.
ItriedtoobeythewarninglookEthanshotmefromacrossthetable,butIwasdoneplayingGP
doormatandblamemagnet.
Istoodupandpushedbackmyshoulders.“WillmyfilebeannotatedtoreflectthefactthatIfollowed
theleadstoCelina,andthatsheadmittedspreadingVaroundthecity?Willitreflectthefactthatshe
helpedarrangetheravessoshecouldinstitutehernewworldorder—whichitsoundslikesheplansto
institutewithouttheGP?Willitreflectthefactthattodayweclosedherdownandsavedthecityandthe
GPalotoftroubledowntheroad?”
Dariuswasmotionless.“CelinaisamemberoftheGPandmustbeaffordedtherespectduetoa
memberoftheGP.”
“Celinaputdangerousdrugsintothehandsofvampires,drugsthatcouldonlyleadtotheirdestruction
andincarceration.Sheisamurdererandanaiderandabettorofmurder.GPmemberornot,sheneededto
bestopped.IwasaChicagoanbeforeIwasavampire,andwhenIhaveanopportunitytohelpthiscity—
todorightbythiscity—I’mgoingto.GPbedamned.”
Silence.
“Yourfilewillbeannotated,yourdemeritsnoted.AndwhileIfindyourbravadointriguing”—heslid
hisgazetoEthan—“IstronglyrecommendyoulearntocontrolyourHouseandyourvampires.”
WhenIlookedbackatEthan,hisexpressionwasstony,hisgazeonDarius.
“Withallduerespect,Sire,”hebitout,“Idonotcontrolmyvampires.Ileadthem.Merithasacted
withmypermissionandinthemannerbefittingaCadoganvampireandaSentinelofthisHouse.Shehas
actedhonorablytodefendCadogan,itsMaster,anditsvampires.Shehasactedtoprotectthiscityfrom
thecriminalstheGPhasseenfittoletroamfree.Ifyouhaveaproblemwithheractions,thenit’smyfile,
nothers,thatshouldbeannotated.Itrusther,fullyandcompletely.Anyactionofhersbearsonmy
leadership,notherabilitiesasaSentinelnorherloyaltytothePresidium.”
Helookedatmewitheyesthatwereradiantlygreen,thismanwho’djuststoodupforme,defiedhis
ownmasterforme,trustedinme.
Iwasfloored.Speechless.Movedtotears,andsuddenlyvery,verynervous,bothatthesentimentand
itspoliticalcost.
ButregardlessofthesurpriseofEthan’swords,theirgenerosity,hisdefenseofmyactions,Darius
wasn’tbuying.Hemaintainedthepartyline,andtheHousewouldsufferforit.
“Appointmentofareceiverisclearlyaninevitability,”hesaid.“ThereisnowaytoavoidGPoversight
ofCadoganHouseatthisjuncture.Iexpectyouwillgivethereceiverthesameaccessandrespectthat
youwouldgiveme.Isthatunderstood?”
Ethanbitoutwords.“Yes,Sire.”
“Inthatcase,CharliehasacarwaitingandIneedtogettotheairport.”Hepushedbackhischairand
rose,thenstartedforthedoor.“Icanseemyselfout.”
Theroomwassilentashecrossedit,butafewfeetfromthedoor,hestoppedandlookedback.“One
wayortheother,withyourapprovalorwithoutit,thereceiverwillputthisHouseinorder.Isuggestyou
getusedtothatidea.”
Andthenheturnedandwalkedoutthedoor,closingitfirmlybehindhim.
Ethanputhiselbowsonhiskneesandranhishandsthroughhishair.“Wedidwhatwehadtodo.The
GPwillactasitdeemsappropriate.”
“They’reactinglikenaïvechildren.”WebothlookedatMalik.Hisexpressionwasfierce.“I
understandyouraccordingthemduerespect,Ethan,butthisiscompletelyirrational.Theyshouldbe
thankingMeritforwhatshe’sdone.DariusshouldbethankingtheHousefortakingathreatoffthestreets.
Andinstead,they’resendinginareceiver?They’repunishingthisHouseforCelina’sacts?”
“Notforheracts,”Ethansaid.“Forthepublicationofthoseacts.It’slesstheactionthanthe
embarrassmentheapparentlybelieveswe’vecausedtheGP.”Heblewoutabreath.“Ifonlyyou’dstaked
herwhenyouhadthechance.”
Ihadstakedher,Ithoughttomyself.Ijusthadn’thitherheart.
“Thisisn’ttheendofit,”Iwarned.“Celinaconfessedtooeasily,andPaulieisstillonthestreets.I’m
sureshe’sgivenhimuptothecopsatthispoint—shedoesusuallyloveascapegoat—buteitherway,it’s
notover.”
“It’soverenough,”Ethansaid.“We’vedoneallwecandoforthiscityonthisparticularissue.Tatehas
beensatisfied,andthatwasthepoint.”
Inearlyarguedwithhim,butIcouldseetheexhaustionanddisappointmentinhiseyes,andIdidn’t
wanttoaddtohisburden.
“Taketherestoftheeveningoff,”hesaid,risingfromtheconferencetablewithoutmakingeyecontact.
“Sleepthisoff,andwe’llregrouptomorrowandcreateaplantogetthroughthereceivership.”
Wenoddedobediently,watchingashemovedacrosstheroomandthroughtheofficedoor.
I’ddonenothingmoreandnothinglessthanmyjobhadrequired.ButwhydidIfeelsomiserable?
Itriedtofindspace.IjoinedLindseyinherroomforaroundofmindlesstelevision.Thathelpedfillthe
evening,butitdidn’tcalmthenervesinmystomach,ortheflutterinmychest.
Twohourslater,silently,Istoodup,pickedthroughthecrowdofvampireswhofilledthefloor,and
wentforthedoor.
“Goingsomewhere?”sheasked,headtiltedcuriously.
“I’mgoingtofindaboy,”Isaid.
IwasnervousasImadethetriptohisroom,afraidthatifIsteppedinside—bothofusemotionally
drained—he’dbeabletoslippastdefensesIshouldkeepintact.Andworse—thatwe’dneverbethe
sameforit.ThattheHousewouldneverbethesameforit.
Istoodoutsidehisdoorforafullfiveminutes,clenchingandunclenchingmyhands,tryingtobuildup
thenervetoknock.
Finally,whenIcouldn’tstandtheanticipationanylonger,Iblewoutabreath,pulledmyfingersintoa
fist,andwrappedmyknucklesagainstthedoor.Thesoundechoedthroughthehallway,oddlyloudinthe
silence.
Ethanopenedthedoor,hisexpressionhaggard.“Iwasjustabouttoheadtobed.Didyouneed
something?”
Ittookmesecondstospeak,tofindcouragetoaskthequestion.“CanIstaywithyou?”
Hewasstunnedbyit,clearly.“Canyoustaywithme?”
“Tonight.Notanythingphysical.Just—”
Ethanslidhishandsintohispockets.“Just?”
Ilookedupathim,andletthefear,frustration,andexhaustionshowinmyeyes.Iwastootiredto
argue,tootiredtocarewhattherequestmightmeantomorrow.TootiredtofightbackagainsttheGPand
him.
Ineededcompanionship,affection.Ineededtotrustandbetrustedinreturn.
AndIneededthatfromhim.
“Comein,Merit.”
Isteppedinside.Heclosedthedoorstohisapartmentsandturnedoffthelights,hisbedsidelamps
glowingthroughthedoorstohisbedroom.
Withoutanotherword,heputhishandsonmyarms,andpressedhislipstomyforehead.
“If‘just’isallyoucangivemenow,then‘just’iswhatwe’lldo.”
Iclosedmyeyesandwrappedmyarmsaroundhim,andIletthetearsflow.
“IfhedecidesI’mhisenemy?”Iasked.“Ifhedecidestakingmeout—orlettingCelinatakemeout—is
howhemaintainscontroloftheHouses?”
“YouareaCadoganvampire,bybloodandbone.YouhavefoughtforthisHouse,andyouaremineto
protect.MySentinel,myNovitiate.AslongasIamheretodoit,Iwillprotectyou.AslongasthisHouse
exists,youwillhaveahomehere.”
“AndifDariustriestotearitdownbecauseofsomethingI’vedone?”
Ethansighed.“ThenDariusisblind,andtheGPisnottheorganizationithassetitselfuptobe.Itisnot
theprotectorofvampiresitimaginesitselftobe.”
Isniffedandturnedmycheekintothecoolnessofhisshirt.Hiscolognewascleanandsoapy,likefresh
towelsorwarmlinens.Morecomfortingthanitshouldhavebeen,giventheknotoffearstillinmyheart.
Ethanpulledawayandmovedtothebarontheothersideoftheroom,thenpouredamberliquidfroma
crystaldecanterintotwochubbyglasses.Heputthetopbackonthedecanter,thenwalkedbackand
handedmeaglass.Itookasipandflinchedinvoluntarily.Theliquormighthavebeengood,butittasted
likegasolineandburnedlikedryfire.
“Keepdrinkingit,”Ethansaid.“You’llfinditimproveswitheachsip.”
Ishookmyheadandhandedtheglassbacktohim.“Soitfinallytastesgoodwhenyou’recompletely
drunk?”
“Somethinglikethat.”Ethandrainedhisglassanddepositedbothontheclosesttable.
Hetookmyhandandlacedourfingerstogether,thenledmetothebedroom,whereheclosedthe
bedroomdoors.Twosetsofdoors,offinelyhonedandpaneledwood,betweenusandhumansand
shiftersandtheGPanddrug-addledvampires.
Forwhatfeltlikethefirsttimeindays,Iexhaled.
Ethanpulledoffhisjacketandplaceditacrossasidechair.Itoedoffmyshoesandstoodtherefora
moment,realizingthatinmyhastetofindhimIhadn’tbotheredtothinkaboutclothing.
“WouldyoulikeaT-shirt?”heasked.
Ismiledalittle.“Thatwouldbegreat.”
Ethansmiledback,unbuttoninghisshirtashewalkedacrosstheroomtoatallbureau.Heopeneda
drawerandrifledthroughitbeforepullingoutaprintedT-shirtandtossingittome.Iunfoldedit,checked
thedesign,andsmiled.
“Youshouldn’thave.”
Itwasa“SaveOurName”T-shirt,printedaspartofacampaigntoensureWrigleyFieldkeptthat
name.Itwasalsoverymuchmystyle.
Ethanchuckled,thendisappearedintohiscloset.IslippedoutofmyclothesandintotheT-shirt,which
fellnearlytomyknees.Ichuckeddecorativepillowsfromhismassivebed,thenslidintocoolcottonand
closedmyeyesinrelief.
Itmayhavebeenminutesorhoursbeforehereturnedtotheroomandturnedoutthelights.Iwas
alreadyinandoutofsleep,onlyvaguelyawareofthepressofhisbodybehindmine.Hisarmsnaked
aroundmywaistandpulledmetightagainsthim,hislipsatmyear.“Bestill,mySentinel.Andsleep
well.”
He’dpromisedmethathe’dbepatient,thathe’dwaitforme,thathewouldn’tbetheonetokissmeagain.
Hefollowedthroughonhispromise.
Iwokeinthemiddleoftheday,themetalshuttersstillbankinganylightfromthewindows,but
unusuallyawareofhisbodybesideme...andofthecravingthatnearnessinspired.
We’dmovedapartinsleep,butIcurledintohimagain,vaguelyexpectinghimtoreacttothesensation
withakiss.Hetracedafingerthroughmyhair,theactmorecomfortingthanerotic.
Anditwasn’tenough.
“Ethan,”Imuttered,myheartsuddenlyracingevenasthesunglareddownfromitscradleinthesky.
ButasmuchasIwantedhim,Icouldn’ttakethatnextstep.Icouldn’tforcemyselftomove,tokisshim.
Someofthehesitationwasbornfromexhaustion,bythefactthatIshouldhavebeenunconsciousuntilthe
sunsankagain.Buttherestwaspure,unmitigatedfear.FearthatifImadeamove,kissedhim,I’dbe
offeringupmyheartagain,riskingheartbreakagain.
Instinctswarred,becauseequallyaspowerfulwastheurgetostepforward,totakewhatIwanted,to
makethemostofthekissevenifitwasn’tthesmartestthingI’deverdone.
Asifheknewmystruggle,hesmoothedahandovermyhair.“Sleep,Sentinel.Thetimewillcome
whenyou’reready.Untilthen,bestillandsleep.”
CHAPTERTWENTY-FOUR
CHERCHEZLAFEMME
IdreameditwasthefirstdayofhighschoolandIwasanawkwardlytalltwenty-eight-year-oldwalking
downahallwaywithanewnotebookandpeninhand.I’dsomehowforgottentoregisterforclasses,and
eventhoughIhadtwoandahalfcollegedegrees,I’dalsoapparentlyforgottentofinishtenthgrade.
Isatdownatadesktoosmallformeandstaredatachalkboardfilledwithhandwriting—quadratic
equationstoocomplicatedformetosolve.WhenIlookedaroundtheroom,everyoneelsewasbusily
fillingoutthestapledpagesofatest.
Onebyone,theotherstudentslookedupandatmeandbeganpoundingtheirfistsonthedesk.
Thump.Thump.Thump.
Agirlwithlongblondhairlookedoveratme.“Openthedoor,”shesaid.
“What?”
“Isaid,openthe—”
Ijoltedawake,sittingstraightupinbed,justintimetoseeEthandisappearfromtheroom.
IrubbedmyhandsacrossmyfaceuntilIwasinhisroomagain—notahelplesssophomoreoutofplace
inahighschoolIwastoooldtoattend.
Iheardhisdooropenandshut.ItriedtosmoothdownwhatI’msurewasaprettyseverecaseofbed
hair,andthenthrewbackthecoversandpaddedintotheotherroom.
“Whatisit?”
Ethanheldoutacordlesslandlinetelephone.“It’sJeffforyou.Apparently,it’surgent.”
Frowning,Itookthephonefromhim.“Jeff?What’sup?”
“Sorrytointerruptyou,butIwasabletodigupsomemoreinformationaboutPaulieCermakandhis
criminalhistory.”
Ifrowned.“YouknowCelina’salreadybeenarrested,right?”
“Andthatawarrant’sbeenissuedforMr.Cermakafterherlittleconfessionlastnight.Oh—andIhear
Ethan’swarrantwastornup,socongratsonthat.Butthat’snottheissue.”
“So,whatdidyoulearn?”
“Ifoundtheoriginalpolicereport—anditlistedthevic’sname.Well,alastnameandfirstinitial,
anyway.Guyorgalnamed‘P.Donaghey.’AlsofromChicago—”
Shakingmyhead,Icuthimoff.“Jeff,Iknowthatname.”Isqueezedmyeyesclosedbutcouldn’tplace
it.“CanyouGoogleit?”
“Oh,sure.”Iheardfingersflowingacrossthekeys.“Oh,thisisbad.”
“Tellme.”
“‘P.Donaghey’standsfor‘PorterDonaghey.’HewasSethTate’sopponentinhisfirstmayoral
election.”
NowIrememberedwhereI’dseenPaulie’sphotographbefore.“PaulieCermakpunchedSethTate’s
opponentintheface.”
Ethan’seyeswentasbigassaucers.
“Wait,there’smore.I’vegotpictures.Campaignevents.Tate’sonthepodium,andyoucanseePaulie
inthebackground.”
“SendtheimagestoLuc,”Itoldhim.“Samewayyoudidbefore.”Somethingelseoccurredtome.
“Jeff,inthatfileyoufound,diditsayanythingaboutwhorepresentedPaulie?Theattorneythatgotthefile
sealed,Imean?”
“Um,letmescan.”Hewentquietforamomentbutforalittlenervouswhistling.
“Oh,crap,”hefinallysaid.
Onlyonelawyermadesense.“ItwasTate,wasn’tit?”
“ItwasTate,”Jeffconfirmed.“CermakpunchedTate’sopponent,andTategothimoff.PaulieCermak
andTateknoweachother.”
Thephonestillpressedtomyear,IlookedatEthan.“Idon’tthinkthat’stheendofit,Jeff.IfPaulie’s
involvedwithdrugs,raves,andCelina,andPaulieandTateknoweachother,thenhowmuchisTate
involvedwithdrugs,raves,andCelina?”
“What’sthetheory?”Ethanquietlymouthed.
“Tate’sunderpressuretoreassureChicagoansaboutvampires.Hedecidestobeproactive—hehelps
createaproblem;hehelpssolvetheproblem.Wham,bam,thankyou,ma’am,andhispollnumbersareup
bytwentypercent.”
“Oh,IgottatellChuckaboutthis,”Jeffsaid.
“CanyougetanarrestwarrantforTate?”
“Onthislittleevidence?No.Youdon’thaveanythingthattiesTateto,asyousaid,drugs,raves,or
Celina.It’snotenoughthatPaulieknowshim.”
“Notenough?Whatmoredoyouwant?”
“You’retheSentinel.Findsomething.”
IhungupthephoneandlookedatEthan,apologyinmyexpression.
“Iknewitwasn’tover,”hesaid.“Iknewjustaswellasyoudidyesterday.Ijustwantedto
momentarilybaskinthepossibilitythatwecouldfindafewhoursofpeace.”
“Wehadafewhours,”Ipointedoutwithasmile.“OtherwiseIwouldn’tbestandinginyourapartment
inaT-shirtandwithsomeseriousbedhair.”
“Thatistrue.Yourbedhairisratherserious.”
“You’refunnyatdusk,Sullivan.”
“Andyou’readorable.Iassumeit’stimeforyoutowreakhavocagain?”
“Myfile’salreadyannotated.BettermoredemeritsinmyfilethanmorepressureontheHouse.”I
movedupontiptoesandpressedmylipstohischeek.“CallLucandMalikandgetthemreadyforthe
fallout.I’mgoingbacktoPaulie’shouse.”
“Onemoment,”hesaid,andbeforeIcouldaskhimwhy,hewastuggingmyT-shirttopullmecloser.
Hekissedmebrutally,andthenpulledbacksoabruptlyInearlystumbledbackward.
“Whatwasthat?”Iasked,myvoicesuddenlyhoarse.
Hewinked.“Thatwasthekissyouowedme.Nowgogetyourman,Sentinel.”
TwentyminuteslaterIwasdressed,katanaed,andonmywaytoGarfieldPark.Ethan,Luc,andMalik
wereintheOpsRoom,readytosendouttroops,buthopingtosavetheHouseanymoreinvolvementthan
necessary.They’dalsoconferencedinJeffintheeventIneededcomputerassistance.
Unfortunately,IknewsomethingwaswrongwhenIpulledintoCermak’sdriveway.Thegaragedoor
wasopenandtheMustangwasgone.Thehousewasdarkandempty,eventhecheaplacecurtains
strippedfromthewindows.
Ipulledmycartothecurbjustpastthehouse.
“Iwasthisfreakin’close,”Icursed,pullingoutmycellphoneanddialingupthecrew.
“He’sgone,”ItoldhimassoonasLucanswered.“TheMustang’sgone,andthehouseisempty.”
Butthen,myluckchanged.
“Holdon,”Isaid,turningoffthecarandslinkingdownintheseat,myeyesontherearviewmirror.The
Mustangpulleduptothecurve.Pauliehoppedoutofthecarandhustledtowardthegarage.
“What’sgoingon,Sentinel?”Ethanasked.
“He’sback.He’srunningintothegarage.Maybeheforgotsomething.”
Sureenough,nottensecondslater,Pauliehustledoutofthegaragewith...asteeringwheelinhand.
“Heforgotasteeringwheel,”Idrylyinformedthecrew,wonderingifPauliehadanyideahe’dsoonbe
broughtdownbyacaraccessory.Ah,well.Hisloss,mygain.
Afteramoment,hepulledtheMustangbackintothestreet.Iwaiteduntilhe’dpassedme,thenturned
onthecarandpulledoutbehindhim.
“He’sleavingagain,andI’monhistrail,”Itoldthem.“I’mabouttwoblocksback,sohopefullyhe
can’tseeme.”
“Whichdirection?”
“Um,eastfornow.MaybetowardtheLoop?”
IheardMalik’svoice.“Maybehe’stryingtobustoutCelina?”
“IfheandTatearefriends,hewouldn’tneedtodoanybusting.Inanyevent,I’llkeepyouposted.”
Ihungupandputthephonedownagain,andthenconcentratedontailingPauliethroughthecity.He
wasthekindofdriverthatirritatedthecrapoutofme:hehadafinecarwithundoubtedlyasolidengine,
buthedrovelikehislicensewasontheline.Tooslowly.Toocarefully.Ofcourse,therewasawarrant
outforhisarrest,soitmadesenseforhimtoavoidgivingthecopsanyreasontopullhimover.
IttooktwentyminutesforhimtoreachtheLoop,buthedidn’tstopthere.Hekeptmovingsouth,and
thatwaswhenIgotnervousagain.
Idialedupthecrew.
“We’rehere,”Lucsaid.
“Sendoutsomebackup,”Isaid.“He’sheadingforCreeleyCreek.”
Ididn’tbotherenteringCreeleyCreekthroughthefrontgate;Ididn’twanttogivethemayorandhis
apparentcronythatmuchwarning.Instead,Iparkedafewblocksup,buckledonmykatana,jumpedthe
fence,andsnuckacrossthegrounds.I’msuretheremusthavebeensecuritysomewhere,butIdidn’tsee
any,soImovedaroundthehouse,peekingthroughthelow,horizontalwindowsuntilIsawthem—Tate
behindhisdeskwhilePauliechattedanimatedlyfromtheothersideofit.
Buttheyweren’talone.WhowasperchedontheedgeofTate’sdesk?
CelinaDesaulniers.
Iclosedmyeyes,ruingmynaïveté.WhywouldCelinahaveconfessedtohorribleactsinfrontof
humans?Becauseshehadarelationshipwiththemayorthatensuredshe’dgetoffscot-free.
Thismusthavebeenpartofherbigplan.Seducethemayor,makefriendswithadrugdistributor,and
createadrugintendedtoremindvampiresoftheirpredatoryroots.Whentheshithitthefan,shecould
takecreditforgivingvampsthetimeoftheirlives,andinvitehumanstojointheparty.Andshecoulddo
itallwithimpunity.
Itwouldn’tsurprisemetolearnthatshe’dglamouredTateintodoingit.Hewasapolitician,sure,but
hehadseemedtogenuinelycareaboutthecity.HadCelinacreatedtheentireruseandwooedhimwith
pollingdata?
Ireally,reallyhatedher.
Irritationpushingasidemyfear,Imovedbacktoanearbypatio,crosseditassurreptitiouslyas
possible,andtriedthedoor.Myluckheld—itwasunlocked.Ipaddedquietlydownthehallwaytothe
roomwhereI’dseenthem,thenpushedmywayinside.
Theyallglancedatthedoor.
Pauliewasthefirsttomove.Hebackedupafewfeet,movingclosertothecorneroftheroom—and
fartherfromtheangryvampire.
Isteppedinsideandshutthedoorbehindme.“Thislookslikeacozymeeting.”
Tatesmiledlazily.“Theseyoungvampireshavenomannersthesedays.Didn’tevenwaitforan
invitation,didyou?”
Thefauxcheerworriedme—andmademewonderifhewasstillundertheinfluenceofCelina’s
glamour.Iflippedthethumbguardonmysword,unsheathedit,andmovedcloser.Nopointinpretending
wewerehereforfun.
IpointedthekatanaatCelina.“Yousetusup.”
Celinapickedatafingernail.“Ididtherightthing,astheGPhasmadecleartoyoutimeandtimeagain.
Whyareyouevenhere?”Sherolledhershoulders,asifirritated.
Isquintedatherinthemoodlighting.“Liftyourhead,Celina,andlookatme.”
Remarkably,shedidasshewastold.Icouldfinallyseehereyes—whichwerewide,heririsesalmost
completelysilver.Shewasn’trunningtheshow—she’dbeendrugged.
I’dhaditwrong.Again.
IlookedupatTate.“You’recontrollingherwithV?”
“Onlypartially.Iassumedyou’dcomecallingwhenyoufiguredouttheconnectionbetweenMr.
Cermakandme.Whenthepolicereportwasaccessed,Ireceivedanalert.Inthemeantime,Ithoughtwe
mightampupthedramaabit.IunderstandMs.Desaulnierswasquiteawarrior;IdecidedtotestV’s
effectsonawomanalreadyknowntobeskilled.Doesitmakeherabetterfighter?Aworseone?Asa
formerresearcher,youmustappreciatemyapproach.”
“You’recrazy.”
Tatefrowned.“Notevenalittle,unfortunately.”
Celinahoppedoffthecornerofthedeskandwalkedalongitslength,trailingafingertipacrossthe
desktop.Ikeptmyswordtrainedonher,andoneeyeonTate.
“YousaidyouwereonlypartiallycontrollingherwithV.Howelseareyoucontrollingher?”
Hejustsatthereandsmiledatme—andinthatmomentIfeltthetelltaleprickleofmagicintheair.But
notthemildlyirritatingstuffMalloryandCatcherthrewoff.Thiswasheavier—oilier,almost,intheway
itsuffusedtheroom.
Iswallowedbackaburstoffear,butsolvedanotherbitofthepuzzle.“Youaddedthemagicalbinderto
theV.”
“Verygood.Iwonderedifyouandyourswoulddiscoverthat.Callitasignature,ofsorts.”
“Whatareyou?”Iasked,althoughIknewpartoftheanswer:hewasn’thuman.Idon’tknowwhyIhad
neverbeenabletofeelitbefore,butnowIknewitwastrue.Theleadenmagichewasthrowingoffwas
nothinglikeMallory’sorCatcher’s.
Frowning,hesatforwardandlinkedhishandsonthedesktop.“Attheriskofsoundingincredibly
egotistical,Iamthebestthingthat’shappenedtothiscityinalongtime.”
Wastherenoendtothisguy’sego?“Really?Bycreatingchaos?Bydruggingvampiresandputting
humansatrisk?”IpointedatCelina.“Byreleasingafelon?”
Tatesatbackagainandrolledhiseyes.“Don’tbemelodramatic.Andyou’llrecallCelinatookthefall
forthedrugs.Verytidyhowthatwrappedup.TheleastIcoulddowasrewardherabit—hereinthe
privacyofmyownhome,anyway.”
Iguesshe’dbeeninontheplantofakeCelinaintoameetingatStreetFest—andtomakeaconfession.
SheconfessedbecausesheknewTatewouldletheroffthehook;theconfessionservedTateby“solving”
theVproblem.Iglancedoverather.SheseemedtobecompletelyunawareTatewastalkingabouther.
She’dstoppedmovingatthesideofTate’sdeskandbegundrummingherfingersnervouslyacrossthetop.
ItlookedliketheVwasbeginningtokickin,togiveherthatirritatingbuzz.
“Frankly,Merit,I’msurprisedyoudon’tappreciatethetremendousboonthatVofferstovampires.”
“Itmakesyoufeellikeavampire,”Celinaintoned.
“Shehasapoint,”Tatesaid,drawingmygazebacktohim.“Vlowersinhibitions.Youmaythinkme
callous,butIbelievedVwouldhelpweedoutthelessagreeableportionofthevampirepopulation.
ThosewillingtouseVdeservetobeincarcerated.”
“Sonowyou’reentrappingvampires.”
“It’snotentrapment.It’sgoodurbanplanning.It’sself-selectionforpopulationcontrol.Iunderstand
youaren’tsusceptibletoglamour.Doesn’tthatmakeyoudifferent?Better?Youdon’thavethesame
weaknesses.You’restronger,withbettercontrol.”
IswungthekatanainCelina’sdirection.“Makeyourpoint,Tate.”
“Doyouknowwhatkindofteamwecouldmake?Youarethepostergirlforgoodvampires.Yousave
humans,evenwhentheGPwouldseektobringyoudown,topunishyouforyourdeeds.Theyloveyoufor
it.Youhelpkeepthecityinbalance.Andthat’swhatweneed,ifthere’sanyhopeforvampiresand
humanstosurvivetogether.”
“ThereisnowayinhellthatI’dworkwithyou.Youthinkyou’regoingtowalkawayfromthis?After
settingupvampiresandcontributingtothedeaths—totheendangerment—ofhumans?”
Hisstarewentcold.“Don’tbenaïve.”
“No,”Isaid.“Don’tjustifyyourevildoingwithsomebogus,trite‘thisisjustthewaytheworldworks’
lipservice.Thisisnotthewaytheworldworks,andmygrandfatherisproofofit.You’reegotisticaland
completelycrazy.”
Celina’sfingerdrummingincreasedinpace,butwhatevermagicalcontrolTatehadonherwas
effective.Shewouldn’tactwithouthispermission.“CanIkillhernow,please?”
Tateheldupasilencinghand.“Waityourturn,darling.Andwhataboutyourfather?”heaskedme.“He
isn’tcrazy,ishe?”
Ishookmyhead,confusedbythenonsequitur.“Thisisn’taboutmyfather.”
Hiseyeswidewithsurprise,Tateletoutabelly-raucous,mirthlesslaugh.“Notaboutyourfather?
Merit,everythinginyourlifesinceyoubecamefangedhasbeenaboutyourfather.”
“Whatisthatsupposedtomean?”
Hegavemealookbestsavedforanaïvechild.“Whydoyouthinkthatyou,ofallpeopleinChicago,
weremadeavampire?”
“Notbecauseofmyfather.Celinatriedtokillme.Ethansavedmylife.”ButevenasIspokethewords
aloud,mystomachknottedwithfear.Confused,Idroppedtheswordbacktomyside.
“Yes,you’vetoldmethatbefore.Repeatingtheliesdoesn’tmakethemtruth,Merit.Awfully
coincidental,wasn’tit,thatEthanhappenedtobeoncampuswhenyouwere?”
“Itwasacoincidence.”
Tatecluckedhistongue.“You’resmarterthanthat.Imean,truly—whataretheodds?Don’tyouthinkit
wouldhavebeenbeneficialforyourfathertohaveavampireinhispocket—hisdaughter—whentheriots
ended?Whenhumansbecameusedtotheconceptofthefangedlivingamongthem?”
Tatesmiledtightly.Andthenthewordsslippedfromhismouthlikepoison.
“WhatifItoldyou,Merit,thatEthanandyourfatherhadacertain,shallwesay,business
arrangement?”
Bloodroaredinmyears,myknuckleswhiteningaroundthehandleofthekatana.“Shutup.”
“Oh,comenow,darling.Ifthecat’soutofthebag,don’tyouwantthedetails?Don’tyouwanttoknow
howmuchyourfatherpaidhim?HowmuchEthan,yourfather’spartnerincrime,tookfromyourfatherto
makeyouimmortal?”
Myvisiondimmedtoblackness,memoriesoverwhelmingme:thefactthatEthanandMalikwereonthe
UofCquadattheprecisemomentI’dbeenattacked.ThefactthatEthanhadknownmyfatherbeforewe
methimtogether.ThefactthatEthanhadgivenmedrugstoeasethebiologicaltransitiontovampire.
Ithoughthe’ddruggedmebecausehefeltguiltyIhadn’tbeenabletoconsenttotheChange.
Hadheactuallyfeltguiltybecausehe’dchangedmeatmyfather’sbidding?
No.Thatcouldn’tberight.
LikeI’dimaginedhimintobeing,Ethansuddenlyburstintotheroom,furyinhiseyes.He’dcometo
backmeup.
Tatewasstillintheroom,butheallbutdisappearedfromview.MygazefellonEthan,thefear
powerful,blinding,deafeningasbloodroaredthroughmyveins.
Ethanmovedtome,andscannedmyeyes,butIstillcouldn’tfindwordstospeakthequestion.“Are
youallright?”heasked.“Youreyesaresilvered.”HelookedbacktoTate,probablysuspectedmyhunger
hadbeentripped.“Whatdidyoudotoher?”
Igrippedthehandleofmyswordtighter,thecordingbitingintotheskinofmypalm,andforcedmyself
tosaythewords.
“Tatesaidyoumetwithmyfather.Thathepaidyoutomakemeavampire.”
Iwantedhimtotellmethatitwasalie,justmorefalsehoodsthrownoutbyapoliticiangraspingat
straws.
Butthewordshesaidbrokemyheartintoamillionpieces.
“Merit,Icanexplain.”
TearsbegantoslidedownmycheeksasIscreamedoutmypain.“Itrustedyou.”
Hestutteredout,“That’snothowitwent—”
Butbeforehecouldfinishhisexcuse,hiseyesflashedtotheside.
Celinawasmovingagain,asharpenedstakeinhand.“Ineedtomove,”sheplaintivelysaid.“Ineedto
finishthisnow.”
“Down,Celina,”Tatewarned.“Thefightisn’tyetyours.”
Butshewouldn’tbedissuaded.“Shehasruinedenoughforme,”Celinasaid.“Shewon’truinthis.”
BeforeIcouldcountertheargument,she’dcockedbackherarmandthestakewasintheair—andheaded
rightforme.
Withoutapause,andwiththespeedofacenturies-oldvampire,Ethanthrewhimselfforward,historso
infrontofmine,blockingthestakefromhittingmybody.
Hetookthehitfullon,thestakeburstingthroughhischest.
Andthroughhisheart.
Foramoment,timestopped,andEthanlookedbackatme,hisgreeneyestightwithpain.Andthenhe
wasgone,thestakeclatteringtothegroundinfrontofme.Ethanreplacedby—transformedto—nothing
morethanapileofashonthefloor.
Ididn’thavetimetostoporthink.
Celina,nowfullyfeelingtheeffectsoftheV,wasmovingagain,asecondstakeinhand.Igrabbedthe
stakeshe’dthrown,andprayingforaim,Ipropelledit.
Myaimwastrue.
Itstruckherheart,andbeforealongsecondhadpassed,shewasgone,aswell.JustasEthanhad
fallen,therewasnothingleftofherbutapileofashonthecarpet.Myinstinctforpreservationreplaced
byshock,Iglanceddown.
Twotidyconesofashlayonthecarpet.
Allthatwasleftofthem.
Shewasdead.
Hewasdead.
Therealizationhitme.Evenasothersrushedintotheroom,Icoveredmymouthtoholdbackthe
screamandfelltomyknees,strengthgone.
Becausehewasgone.
Malik,Catcher,mygrandfather,andtwouniformedofficersburstintotheroom.Lucmusthavecalled
them.IlookedbackatTate,stillbehindhisdesk,apepperybiteofmagicintheairbutnoothersignthat
hewasevenvaguelyworriedbywhathadgonedowninhishome.
NowaywasIlettingthisgounpunished.“TatewasdistributingV,”Isaid,stillonthefloor.“He
druggedCelina,letheroutofjail.She’sgone.”Ilookeddownattheashagain.“ShekilledEthan—he
jumpedinfrontofme.AndthenIkilledher.”
Theroomwentsilent.
“Merit’sgrieving,”Tatesaid.“She’sconfusedthefacts.”HepointedatPaulie,whowasnowrushing
towardawindowontheothersideoftheroom.“AsIbelieveyoualreadyknow,thatmanwas
responsiblefordistributingV.Hejustconfessedasmuch.”
Pauliesputteredastheofficerspulledhimawayfromthewindow.“Yousonofabitch.Youthinkyou
cangetawaywiththis?Youthinkyoucanusemelikethis?”Hepulledawayfromtheuniforms,whojust
managedtowrestlehimtothefloorbeforehejumpedonTate.
“Thisishisfault,”Pauliesaid,chest-downonthefloor,liftinghisheadjustenoughtoglareatTate.
“Allofthiswashisdoing.Hearrangedtheentirething—foundsomeabandonedcitypropertyforthe
warehouse,foundsomeonetomixthechemicals,andsetupthedistributionnetwork.”
Tatesighedhaggardly.“Don’tembarrassyourself,Mr.Cermak.”Helookedoveratmygrandfather,
sympathyinhisexpression.“Hemusthavebeensamplinghisownwares.”
“YouthinkI’mdumb?”Cermakasked,eyeswild.“Ihavetapes,youasshole.Irecordedevery
conversationwe’veeverhadbecauseIknew—Ijustknew—thatifworsecametoworst,you’dthrowme
tothewolves.”
Tateblanched,andeveryoneintheroomfroze,notquitesurewhattodo.
“Youhavetapes,Mr.Cermak?”mygrandfathersaid.
“Dozens,”hesaidsmugly.“Allinasafe-depositbox.Thekey’saroundmyneck.”
OneoftheuniformsfishedinsideCermak’sshirt,thenpulledoutasmallflatkeyonachain.“Foundit,”
hesaid,holdingitup.
Andtherewastheevidenceweneeded.
AlleyesturnedtoTate.Headjustedhiscollar.“I’msurewecanclearthisup.”
MygrandfathernoddedatCatcher,andtheybothsteppedtowardTate.“Whydon’twediscussthis
downtown?”
Fourmoreofficersappearedattheofficedoor.Tatetooktheminandnoddedatmygrandfather.
“Whydon’twe?”hesaidpolitely,eyesforwardashestrodefromtheroom,asorcerer,anombudsman,
andfourCPDofficersbehindhim.
ThefirsttwouniformsledPaulieaway.
Silencedescended.
ProbablyonlyminuteshadpassedsinceI’dthrownthestake.Buttheminutesfeltlikehours,whichfelt
likedays.Timebecameablurthatmovedaroundme,whileI—finally—hadbecomestill.
Istayedonmykneesonthelushcarpet,handslooseinmylap,completelyhelplessbeforetheremains
oftwovampires.Iwasvaguelyawareofthegriefandhatredthatrolledinalternatingwavesbeneathmy
skin,butnonecouldpenetratethethickshellofshockthatkeptmeupright.
“Merit.”Thisvoicewasstronger.Harsher.Thewords—thebase,flat,hopelesssoundofMalik’s
words—drewupmyeyes.Hiswereglassy,overlaidwithanobvioussheenofgrief,ofhopelessness.
“He’sgone,”Isaid,inconsolable.“He’sgone.”
Malikheldmeastheashesofmyenemyandmyloverwerecollectedinblackurns,astheywere
sealedandcarefullyescortedfromTate’soffice.
Heheldmeuntiltheroomwasemptyagain.
“Merit.Weneedtogo.There’snothingmoreyoucandohere.”
Ittookmeamomenttorealizewhyhewasthere.WhyMalikwasonthefloorbesideme,waitingto
escortmehome.
He’dbeenSecondtoEthan.
ButhewasSecondnolonger.
BecauseEthanwasgone.
Griefandrageoverpoweredshock.I’dhavehitthefloorifMalikhadn’tputhisarmsaroundme,
holdingmeupright.
“Ethan.”
Istruggled,tearsbeginningtostreamdownmyface,andpushedagainstthemtogetaway.
“Letmego!Letmego!Letmego!”Iwhimpered,cried,madesoundsbettersuitedtothepredatorthan
thegirl,andthrashedagainsthim,skinburningwherehishandsclampedmyarms.“Letmego!”
“Merit,stop.Bestill,”hesaid,thisnewMaster,butallIcouldhearwasEthan’svoice.
CHAPTERTWENTY-FIVE
LETTINGGO
Thatnightwemournedpublicly:eightenormousJapanesetaikodrumslinedthesidewalkoutsidethe
House,theirplayersbeatingapercussivedirgeasEthan’sashesweremovedintotheHouse.
Iwatchedtheprogressionfromthefoyer.Outofrespect,andtoguardEthan’sprogressionintothe
afterlife,ScottandMorgantookthelead,Malikbehindthem,anewMasterengagedinhisfirstofficial
act—transportingtheremainsofhispredecessorintoasecuredvaultintheCadoganbasement.
Whentheurnswereplacedinsideandthevaultwasclosedandlockedagain,therhythmofthedrums
changedfromfastandangry,toslowandmournful,coveringtherangeofemotionsIslippedthroughasthe
nightworeon.
Thegriefwasheavyandexhausting,butitwasequallymatchedbyangerandfear.AsmuchasIgrieved
Ethan’sloss,Iwasafraidthathe’dcommunedwithmyfather,soldmeintoalifeofvampirismtoease
somefinancialconcern.
Iwantedtorailathim.Screamathim.Cryandyellandbangmyfistsagainsthischestanddemandthat
heexoneratehimself,takeitback,provehisinnocencetome.
Icouldn’t,becausehewasgone.
Life—andmourning—wentonwithouthim.
TheHousewasdrapedinlongsheetsofblacksilklikeaChristosculpture.ItstoodinHydeParklikea
monumenttogrief,toEthan,toloss.
Wealsomournedprivately,inaHouse-onlyceremonybytheshoresofLakeMichigan.
Therewerecirclesofstonesalongthetrailbesidethelake.Wegatheredatoneofthem,allwearingthe
blackofmourning.LindseyandIstoodbesideeachother,holdinghandsaswestaredoutattheglassy
water.Lucstoodatherotherside,hisfingersandhersintertwined,griefbreakingdownthewallsLindsey
hadbuiltbetweenthem.
AmanIdidn’tknowspokeofthejoysofimmortalityandthelonglifeEthanhadbeenfortunateenough
tolive.Regardlessofitslength,lifeneverquiteseemedlongenough.Especiallywhentheendwas
selected—perpetrated—bysomeoneelse.
Malik,wearingamantleofgrief,carriedbloodredamaranthtothelakeshore.Hedroppedtheflowers
intothewater,thenlookedbackatus.“MiltontellsusinParadiseLostthatamaranthbloomedbythetree
oflife.Butwhenmanmadehismortalmistake,itwasremovedtoheaven,whereitcontinuedtogrowfor
eternity.EthanruledhisHousewisely,andwithlove.WecanonlyhopethatEthanlivesnowwhere
amaranthblossomseternally.”
Thewordsspoken,hereturnedtohiswife,whoclutchedhishandinhers.
Lindseysobbed,releasingmyhandandmovingintoLuc’sembrace.Hiseyesclosedinrelief,andhe
wrappedhisarmsaroundher.
Istoodalone,gladoftheiraffection.Lovebloomedlikeamaranth,Ithought,findinganewplaceto
seedevenasothersweretakenaway.
Aweekpassed,andtheHouseanditsvampiresstillgrieved.Buteveningrief,lifewenton.
MaliktookupresidenceinEthan’soffice.Hedidn’tchangethedecor,buthedidstationhimselfbehind
Ethan’sdesk.Iheardrumblingsinthehallsaboutthechoice,butIdidn’tbegrudgehimtheoffice.After
all,theHousewasabusinessthatheneededtorun,atleastuntilthereceiverarrived.
LucwaspromotedfromGuardCaptaintoSecond.Heseemedmoresuitedforsecurityandsafetythan
executiveofficerorwould-bevicepresident,buthehandledthepromotionwithdignity.
Tate’sdeputymayortookoverforthecity’sfallenplayboy,whowasfacingindictmentforhis
involvementwithdrugs,raves,andCelina.
NavarreHousemournedherloss.ThedeathofCelina,asaformerMasterandthenamesakeofthe
House,wastreatedwithsimilarpompandcircumstance.
IgotnospecificrebukefromtheGPforbeingthetoolofherdemise,butIassumedthereceiverwould
havethoughtsonthat,aswell.
Thedramahadnoapparentend.
Throughallofit,Istayedinmyroom.TheHousewasvirtuallysilent;Ihadn’theardlaughterina
week.Wewereafamilywithoutafather.Malikwasundoubtedlycompetentandcapable,butEthan,as
Master,hadturnedmostofus.Wewerebiologicallytiedtohim.
Boundtohim.
Exhaustedbyhim.
Ispentmynightsdoinglittlemorethanbobbingintheseaofconflictingemotions.Noappetitefor
bloodorfriendship,noappetiteforpoliticsorstrategy,nointerestinanythingthatwentonintheHouse
beyondmyownemotionsandthememoriesthatstokedthem.
Mydayswereevenworse.
Asthesunrose,mymindachedforoblivionandmybodyachedforrest.ButIcouldn’tstopthe
thoughtsthatcircled,overandover,inmymind.Icouldn’tstopthinkingabouthim.AndbecauseI
grieved,becauseImourned,Ididn’twantto.Eventsandmomentsreplayedinmymind—frommyfirst
sightofhimonthefirstfloorofCadoganHousetothefirsttimehebeatmeinafight;fromtheexpressions
onhisfacewhenI’dtakenbloodfromhimtothefuryinhisexpressionwhenhe’dnearlyfoughtashifter
tokeepmefrompresumedharm.
Themomentsreplayedlikeafilmstrip.AfilmstripIcouldn’t,howeverexhausted,turnoff.
Icouldn’tfaceMalik.Idon’tknowwhathe’dknownbeforefollowingEthanontocampusthatnight,but
Icouldn’timaginehedidn’twonderaboutthestrangenessofthetask—oritsorigin.Iwouldn’tdenyhim
therighttoruntheHouseashesawfit,butIwasn’treadytomakedeclarationsofhisauthorityoverme.
Notwithoutmoreinformation.Notwithoutsomeassurancethathehadn’tbeenpartoftheteamwho’d
soldmetothehighestbidder.Myangerbecameacomfort,becauseatleastitwasn’tgrief.
Forsevennights,Mallorysleptonthefloorofmyroom,loathtoleavemyside.Iwashardlycapableof
acknowledgingherexistence,muchlessanythingelse.Butontheeighthnight,she’dapparentlyhad
enough.
Whenthesunslippedbelowthehorizon,sheflippedonthelightsandrippedtheblanketoffthebed.
Isatup,blinkingbackspots.“Whatthehell?”
“You’vehadyourweekoflyingaround.It’stimetogetbacktoyourlife.”
Ilaydownagainandfacedthewall.“I’mnotready.”
Thebeddippedbesideme,andsheputahandonmyshoulder.“You’reready.You’regrieving,and
you’reangry,butyou’reready.LindseysaidtheHouseisdownanotherguardsinceLuctookoveras
Second.Youshouldbedowntherehelpingout.”
“I’mnotready,”Iprotested,ignoringherlogic.“AndI’mnotangry.”
Shemadeasoundofincredulity.“You’renot?Youshouldbe.Youshouldbepissedrightnow.Pissed
thatEthanwasincahootswithyourfather.”
“Youdon’tknowthat.”Isaidthewordsbyhabit.Bynow,Iwastoonumbandexhaustedwithgriefand
ragetocare.
“Andyoudo?Youwerehuman,Merit.Andyougaveupthatlifeforwhat?Sosomevampirecouldput
alittleextracashintohiscoffers?”
Ilookedupasshepoppedoffthebed,holdingupherarms.“Doesitlooklikehe’shurtingformoney?”
“Stopit.”
“No.Youstopmourningfortheguywhotookyourhumanity.Whoworkedwithyourfather—your
father,Merit—tokillyouandremakeyouinhisimage.”
Angerbegantoitchbeneathmyskin,warmingmybodyfromtheinsideout.Iknewwhatshewasdoing
—tryingtobringmebacktolife—butthatdidn’tmakemeanymorehappyaboutit.
“Hedidn’tdoit.”
“Ifyoubelievedthat,you’dbeoutthere,notinthismustyroomstuckinsomekindofstasis.Ifyou
believedhewasinnocent,you’dbemourninglikeanormalpersonwiththerestofyourHousemates
insteadofinhereafraidofthepossibletruth—thatyourfatherpaidEthantomakeyouavampire.”
Istilled.“Idon’twanttoknow.Idon’twanttoknowbecauseitmightbetrue.”
“Iknow,honey.Butyoucan’tlivelikethisforever.Thisisn’talife.AndEthanwouldbepissedifhe
thoughtyouwerespendingyourlifeinthisroom,afraidofsomethingyou’renotevensurehedid.”
Isighedandscratchedatapaintmarkonthewall.“SowhatdoIdo?”
Mallorysatbesidemeagain.“Youfindyourfather,andyouaskhim.”
Thetearsbegananew.“Andifit’strue?”
Sheshrugged.“Thenatleastyou’llknow.”
Itwasbarelyafterdusk,soIcalledaheadtoensuremyfatherwashomebeforeIleft...andthenIdrove
likeabatoutofhelltogetthere.
Ididn’tbothertoknock,butburstthroughthefrontdoorwiththesamelevelofenergyI’dappliedtomy
weekofdenial.IevenbeatPennebaker,myfather’sbutler,totheslidingdoorofmyfather’soffice.
“He’soccupied,”Pennebakersaid,staringdourlydownfromhisskeletalheightwhenIputahandon
thedoor.
Iglancedoverathim.“He’llseeme,”Iassuredhim,andpushedthedooropen.
Mymothersatonaleatherclubchair;myfathersatbehindhisdesk.TheybothstoodupwhenIwalked
in.
“Merit,darling,iseverythingokay?”
“I’mfine,Mom.Giveusaminute.”
Shelookedatmyfather,andafteramomentofgaugingmyanger,henodded.“Whydon’tyouarrange
forsometea,Meredith?”
Mymothernodded,thenwalkedtome,putahandonmyarm,andpressedakisstomycheek.“We
weresorrytohearaboutEthan,darling.”
IofferedupasmuchgratitudeasIcould.Atthispoint,therewasn’tmuch.
Whentheslidingdoorclosed,myfatherlookedatme.“Youmanagedtogetamayorarrested.”
Hisvoicewaspetulant.He’dbeensupportingTateforyears;nowhehadtobuilduparelationship
withthenewdeputymayor.Iimaginehewasn’tpleasedbythat.
Iwalkedclosertohisdesk.“Themayormanagedtogethimselfarrested,”Iclarified.“Ijustcaughthim
intheact.”
Myfatherhumphed,clearlynotmollifiedbytheexplanation.
“Inanyevent,”Isaid,“that’snotwhyI’mhere.”
“Thenwhatbringsyouby?”
Iswalloweddownalumpoffear,finallyliftingmygazetohim.“TatetoldmeyouofferedEthanmoney
tomakemeavampire.ThatEthanaccepted,andthat’swhyIwaschanged.”
Myfatherfroze.Fearrushedme,andIhadtogripthebackofthechairinfrontofmetostayupright.
“Soyoudid?”Ihoarselyasked.“Youpaidhimtomakemeavampire?”
Myfatherwethislips.“Iofferedhimmoney.”
Icrumpled,fallingtomykneesasgriefoverwhelmedme.
Myfathermadenomovetocomfortme,buthecontinued.“Ethansaidno.Hewouldn’tdoit.”
Iclosedmyeyes,tearsofreliefslidingdownmycheeks,andsaidasilentprayer.
“YouandIdon’tgetalong,”myfathersaid.“Ihaven’talwaysmadethebestdecisionswhenyouwere
concerned.I’mnotapologizingforit—Ihadhighexpectationsforyouandyourbrotherandsisters....”
Heclearedhisthroat.
“Whenyoursisterdied,Iwasstruck,Merit.Deadenedbygrief.EverythingI’vedoneforyou,Iwasn’t
abletodoforher.”Heliftedhisgaze,hiseyessoverylikemine.“Iwasn’tabletosaveCaroline.SoI
gaveyouhername,andItriedtosaveyou.”
Iunderstoodgrieffirsthand,butnothiswillingnesstoplayGod.“Bymakingmeavampirewithoutmy
consent?Bypayingsomeonetoassaultme?”
“Inevermadeapayment,”heclarified,asiftheintentweren’tenoughonitsown.“AndIwastryingto
giveyouimmortality.”
“Youweretryingtoforceimmortalityuponme.Yousaidyoudidn’tpayanyone—butitwasCelina’s
vampwhoattackedme.Whyme?”
Helookedaway.
Realizationstruck.“WhenEthansaidno,youtalkedtoCelina.YouofferedtopayCelinatomakemea
vampire.”ShemusthavetoldEthanabouttheoffer,whichiswhyhe’dknownmetobeatUofC.
Ethanhadbeenkeepinganeyeonme.He’dsavedmylife...twice.Griefpiercedmyheartagain.
Myfatherlookeddownatme.“IdidnotpayCelina.AlthoughIunderstoodlaterthatshefoundout
aboutmyoffertoEthan.Shewas...displeasedthatIhadn’tmadethesameoffertoher.”
Mybloodrancold.“Celinasentthevampiretokillme,andshearrangedforthedeathofothergirls
wholookedjustlikeme.”
Thepuzzlepiecesfellintoplace.Celinahadbeenrebukedbyahuman,andshe’dtakenouther
embarrassmentonhisdaughter—andonthosewholookedlikeher.Ishookmyheadruefully.Oneman’s
arrogance,andsomanylivesruined.
“Ididtherightthingbymyfamily,”myfathersaid,asifreadingmythoughts.
Iwasn’tsurewhethertobeangryathim,ortopityhim,ifthatwaswhathebelievedoflove.“Ican
appreciateunconditionallove.Lovethat’sbasedonpartnership,notcontrol.That’snotlove.”
Iturnedonaheelandwalkedtowardthedoor.
“Wearen’tdone,”hesaid,buthisvoicewasweak,andtherewasn’tmuchpushbehindit.
Iglancedbackathim.“Fortonight,wemostdefinitelyare.”
Timewouldtellwhethertherewasanyotherforgivenesstobehad.
Thesunwasshining,soIknewitwasadream.Ilayinthecool,thickgrassinatanktopandjeans,a
crystalblueskyoverhead,thesunwarmandgoldenaboveme.Iclosedmyeyes,stretched,andbaskedin
thewarmthofthesunonmylong-deniedbody.Ithadbeenmonthswithoutsunlight,andthefeelofit
soakingthroughmyskin,warmingmybones,wasasgoodasanylanguidorgasm.
“Isitthatgood?”askedavoicebesideme,chuckling.
Iturnedmyheadtotheside,foundgreeneyessmilingbackatme.
“Hello,Sentinel.”
Eveninthedream,myeyeswelledatthesightofhim.“Hello,Sullivan.”
Ethanhalfsatup,proppedhisheadonhiselbow.Heworehisusualsuit,andItookamomenttoenjoy
thesightofthelong,leanlineofhisbodybesideme.WhenIfinallymademywaybacktohisface,I
smiledathim.
“Isthisadream?”Iasked.
“Aswe’venotbeenburnedtoash,Iwouldassumeso.”
Ipushedalockofblondhairfromhisface.“TheHouseislonelywithoutyou.”
Hissmilefaltered.“Isit?”
“TheHouseisemptywithoutyou.”
“Hmm.”Henodded,laidhisheadbackonthegrass,onehandbeneathit,andstaredatthesky.“But
you,ofcourse,don’tmissmeatall?”
“Notespecially,”Iquietlyanswered,butlethimtakemyhandinhis,entwineourfingerstogether.
“Well,Ibelieve,ifIwerealive,I’dbehurtbythat.”
“Ibelieve,ifyouwerealive,thatyou’dmanage,Sullivan.”
Hechuckled,andIgrinnedatthesoundofhislaughter.Iclosedmyeyesagainaswelayinthegrass,
handslinkedbetweenus,sunaboveus,bakinginthewarmthoftheafternoon.
Myeyeswerestillclosedwhenhescreamedmyname.
Merit!
Iwokegasping,thunderboomingasrainpeltedthewindow.Ijumpedoutofbedandthrewonthelight,
positivethevoiceI’dheard—hisvoice—hadcomefrominsidemyroom.
Ithadseemedsoreal.Hehadseemedsoreal.
Butmyroomwasempty.
Duskhadfallenagain,andhewasgone.Ifellbackinbed,myheartpoundingagainstmychest,and
staredattheceiling,bodyachingwiththeremembranceofloss.
Buteventheacheofremembrancewasfarbetterthantheemptyvacuumofgrief.Hewasgone.ButI
knewnowthathe’dbeenthemanI’dcometobelievein.Ihadthememoriesofhim,andifdreamswere
theonlywayIcouldrememberhim,bewithhim,sobeit.
Afterscrubbingmyfacecleanandpullingmyhairintoaponytail,Ipulledoncleanclothesandheaded
downstairs.TheHousewasquiet,asithadbeenfortwoweeks.Themoodwassomber,thevampiresstill
grievingfortheirlostcaptain.
Butforthefirsttimeintwoweeks,IwalkedthroughtheHouselikeavampirewarrior,notazombie.I
walkedwithpurpose,myheartstillrentbygrief,butatleastnowtheemotionwasclean,withoutthe
confusingadditionsofangerandhatred.
Thedoortotheofficewasclosed.
Malik’sofficenow.
Forthefirsttime,Iliftedmyhandandknocked.
Itwastimetogetbacktowork.
Lookforthenext
CHICAGOLANDVAMPIRESNOVEL,
DRINKDEEP
CominginNovember2011
fromNewAmericanLibrary
ABOUTTHEAUTHOR
ChloeNeillwasbornandraisedintheSouth,butshenowmakesherhomeintheMidwest—justclose
enoughtoCadoganHouseandSt.Sophia’stokeepaneyeonthings.WhennottranscribingMerit’sand
Lily’sadventures,shebakes,works,andscourstheInternetforgoodrecipesandgreatgraphicdesign.
Chloealsomaintainshersanitybyspendingtimewithherboys—herfavoritelandscapephotographerand
theirdogs,BaxterandScout.(Bothsheandthephotographerunderstandthedogsareincharge.)Visither
ontheWebat
.
ChloeNeillwasbornandraisedintheSouth,butnowmakesherhomeintheMidwest—justclose
enoughtoCadoganHouseandSt.Sophia’stokeepaneyeonthings.WhennottranscribingMerit’sand
Lily’sadventures,shebakes,works,andscourstheInternetforgoodrecipesandgreatgraphicdesign.
Chloealsomaintainshersanitybyspendingtimewithherboys—herfavoritelandscapephotographerand
theirdogs,BaxterandScout.(Bothsheandthephotographerunderstandthedogsareincharge.)Visither
ontheWebat
.
OTHERNOVELSBYCHLOENEILL
THECHICAGOLANDVAMPIRESNOVELS
SomeGirlsBite
FridayNightBites
TwiceBitten
THEDARKELITENOVELS
Firespell
Hexbound