“Good.”
What remained unsaid was that there would be terrible repercussions if I abused this information or if harm came to the innocent as a result of my having these names.
Now that the first part of my plan had been met, I asked, “I don’t suppose I could borrow your computer.”
“I’m afraid I don’t have a computer here, and I’m unwilling to extend further help without renegotiating our terms.”
Ah. Yeah, that wasn’t going to happen. It would be easy enough to find a computer to use. I had no need to dig myself further into this hole.
“Thanks for your help,” I told her.
*
The breeze was cool against my face when I stepped out of Elements. I pulled my jacket around me by reflex. The cold didn’t feel as cold these days, but it was hard to conquer the habits of a lifetime. I still felt the change in temperature even if it didn’t affect me as it once had. Or maybe it just wasn’t as big a deal as it had been before my transition. I used to hole up and hibernate as soon as fall turned cold. Now I could get by with a long-sleeved shirt if I didn’t care what a normal human would think of me.
I looked up as I headed back to Cherry, my feet whispering over pavement as the leaves crunched underfoot. The moon was nearly full and hung low and large in the sky. Stars winked in the night, more than I’d ever seen as a human.
A hand suddenly gripped my arm, spinning me around. I gaped up at Brax’s angry face. How did he find me?
“We need to talk, vampire,” he rumbled.
I grimaced. I’d really prefer not to.
“How did you find me?”
“One of my pack saw you slipping out the back after we confronted the vampires in their club. I put it together from there.”
Of course, he had.
“I do have to thank you for distracting them and giving me time to escape.”
His hand tightened, squeezing my arm painfully as he gave a small shake. “You lied to me. You’re not from Hermes. You’re part of the Davinish clan.”
I reached for his hand, digging my fingers into his thumb and jerked, twisting my arm out of his grip at the same time. Military combative training had taught me a thing or two about escaping holds. The thumb was the weakest part of a grip and easier to break if you had surprise and leverage on your side. Even super strength had its weaknesses.
Free, I rubbed my arm and took two steps away.
“I didn’t lie to you. I do work for Jerry and Hermes.”
“Vampires don’t let their yearlings work for people outside the clan, and you’re so young you still smell human.”
“What do vampires smell like?” I couldn’t help but ask, wanting to know if the smell was different for werewolves. I hadn’t noticed anything when I was at their club, and my nose was rather sensitive. Not as sensitive as a werewolf’s but way better than when I was human.
I waved my question away. “Never mind. It doesn’t matter. You could consider me an illegal alien. I’m not part of any of the clans.”
His eyes narrowed, but he didn’t make any move to attack, instead seeming to settle. He was still alert and stood perfectly balanced, ready to move at a moment’s notice. I had no doubt if I attempted to run he would chase me down like a lion would a gazelle. It was not a comforting thought.
“That shouldn’t be possible. For all that they’re arrogant pricks, they wouldn’t turn someone and then abandon them.”
I smirked. “Guess I’m special then. Lucky me. Woke up in a morgue and had to figure everything else out by myself.” I thought about it. “Well, myself and a few helpful individuals.”
“Why should I believe you?”
I shrugged. “I don’t really care if you believe me. You can call Jerry, and he’ll confirm it.”
“I plan to, but for now, you’re coming with me.”
I backed up as he started towards me. I really didn’t have time to be put back in his basement cage.
