“I’m here to swear something if you don’t get your skunk-smelling breath out of my face, you little pissant.”
Claude inched between them, towering over the bushy-faced Vampire. “What he means to say is that we’re here on business. I’m assuming Sparrow isn’t a leader who divulges his personal business with his… loyal subjects. Can you inform your master that the former residents of Keystone manor are here to speak with him?”
The Vampire walked away while whispering at the shadowy figure on the balcony, who then went inside.
While they waited, Shepherd scanned every window. Lights flickered in hallways that Kira didn’t usually light up at night. Sparrow was probably nosing through all the rooms, rifling through their things. Had he found Shepherd’s weapons? Would he go through Wyatt’s computers or toss them in a fire? Was Kira safe? How many Vampires did he have in there? Fifty? Five hundred?
Godfrey Sparrow opened the door and greeted them with a sardonic smile. “Gentlemen, I’d invite you inside, but we’re still planning renovations.” He closed the door behind him and stepped out.
Shepherd tried to assess this guy. Mage Creators chose strong, young men to protect them, but this guy must have paid someone off. He wasn’t built like a soldier, and he didn’t speak like a commoner. Sparrow’s long black duster gave Shepherd the impression that he hadn’t acclimated well to his new surroundings—the mansion was spacious, definitely not weatherproofed, and fireplaces served as their only heat source in winter. Shepherd couldn’t assess his true age. The seasoned look in his eyes indicated he was at least a hundred, but he didn’t come across as an ancient no matter how sophisticated he tried to sound. Usually if you looked close enough, an ancient Mage had minute flecks of light within their irises.
“I’m Shepherd Moon.”
“Ah, yes. The one who almost got himself killed tonight. What could be so pressing as to throw away your life?”
“You mean the life you already stole with your magical fucking wall?”
Sparrow clasped his hands behind his back. “Vulgarities belong with the simpleminded.”
Shepherd tamped down his anger and laced his tone with a little more reason. “You have everything you want. Our home, our things, our lives.”
“But I do not have your fealty. Is that why you’re here? I wasn’t expecting anyone so soon, but you never know.”
“I’m not here for that. There’s a kid in there, and we’ll take him off your hands. If he’s hiding somewhere, we’ll find him and be out of your hair.”
“He’s a Sensor, is he not?”
Shepherd stiffened.
Sparrow paced to the right. “I noticed the gloves. Is the woman his mother? Funny you’re not asking about her, but then again, maybe your son was an accident. Believe me, I understand the temptation of forbidden fruit. Servants are beneath our class and inferior in every way. Some of them have limited intelligence, and others are defective Breeds. That’s why they choose positions of servitude. It gives them security, income, and a warm bed. But now I’m sure you can appreciate how those bed warmers complicate matters.”
This guy was a real piece of work. If this were any other situation, Shepherd would have clocked the bastard, but instead, he kept his mouth shut.
“Quiet little thing.” Sparrow stopped pacing and cocked an eyebrow. “Didn’t even scream when I threw his dolly into the fire. He just gave me a defiant look.” Sparrow approached Shepherd and delivered a piercing gaze. “I see he gets that look from his father. Let’s hope he gets his obedience from his mother.”
“He’ll be in your way. Let me take him so you can finish working.”
“I’m afraid his mother is useful to me. She’s an excellent cook, and while I have many loyal subjects, they’re hopeless in the kitchen. Having the boy around keeps her… compliant.” Sparrow walked up a step toward the door.
“She’s a good maid,” Shepherd agreed. “But if you keep him here, it’ll distract her. She won’t be thinking about her duties as much if she’s worrying about him.”
“I think you’re lying, Mr. Moon. The boy is insurance.” Sparrow reached the door and pushed it open before turning around. “I know about your little outfit. I justhadto meet this Viktor Kazan that Lenore was so smitten over. While I can appreciate the money you pull in, a palace like this is a tragic waste for a group your size. But given the history, I suspect it’s more sentimental than practical.” He canted his head. “I admire men like you, more than others. You choose your own path. I could use soldiers like you. Consider it a lateral move with more growth potential. This is only the beginning. Tell Viktor to weigh his decision carefully. But in the end, you alone will live with your choice. Don’t let another man influence you. As I said before, there’s no bargaining and no extensions. If you come back again for the boy, Iwillkill you. And him.”
When Sparrow slammed the door, Shepherd lunged.
Claude seized his arms and held him back. “He’s alive—that’s all that matters.”
Shepherd knocked Claude away, his rage almost blinding. “I promised that I’d never let anything happen to him. How the hell am I supposed to leave without my son? Huh? You tell me that.How?”
Claude braced his hands on Shepherd’s shoulders and gave him an earnest look. “Because heisyour son. He’s smart, like his father. He survived Patrick. He knows how to lie low and stay out of trouble. He understands the consequences. Kira will watch over him. He’s not alone.That’show you walk away, Shep. You do it to save his life and to save yours. You do it because this isn’t over yet.”
Shepherd stalked toward the gate. He felt like an idiot for assuming it would be that easy to get his kid. “I should have broken in,” he grumbled. “Set the damn place on fire. Distracted them. Fuck!”
Claude caught up with him. “Funny he didn’t mention Niko the cat. I guess he must have gotten out when we left. Gem always leaves the door open.”
Shepherd slowed his pace. Claude was obviously concerned a Vampire might be listening. They hadn’t mentioned Niko to Sparrow. If Niko was hiding in the mansion, they wouldn’t want to put him in danger. Maybe he was looking after Hunter, and that gave Shepherd a measure of comfort. There were lots of soundproof and hidden rooms that would place him out of earshot from a Vampire.
“Maybe they killed the cat,” Shepherd blurted out. “They don’t seem like pet people to me.”
