A normal person might have felt worry over the warning in his words. The one that said to walk very carefully if I didn’t want to court death. Ahrun was a vampire feared and respected by the council. Some of the most powerful members of our society.
Little old me had no chance against him if he wanted to discipline me for my hubris.
The thing was, I knew what Ahrun wanted more than anything.
“Consider it part of the amends you need to make to those closest to you,” I said.
“I was right. You would make quite the politician. You hone in on a person’s desires very easily.”
I straightened from the bar. “I’ll pass.”
One encounter with the council was more than enough for a lifetime. I liked my simple life too much to ever wade in those waters.
Ahrun threw his head back on a laugh, exposing the smooth column of his throat. “You should reconsider, my dear. How long do you think Liam will be content on such a small stage?” His expression sobered. “My son will soon crave the challenges that come with working for the council.”
“Liam is welcome to return to their employ at any time,” I said, not pointing out that the reason he’d left in the first place had more to do with Thomas than myself.
“He will not leave you behind.”
I shrugged. “His problem; not mine.”
Ahrun watched me carefully. “You feel no fear for me at all.”
“I’m terrified. Don’t you worry.” I turned to Dahlia and lifted my eyebrows. “Does this count as fulfilling our bargain?”
Ahrun drew closer. “You made a deal with a djinn?”
I ignored him, waiting for Dahlia’s answer.
Dahlia flicked a glance at him before nodding. “It does.”
“That’s a relief.” I hadn’t liked owing a favor. As payment went this was rather easy. “I’ll leave you two to discuss recompense.”
Dahlia set aside the glass she was holding as I moved toward the door, but not before Ahrun’s last words followed me outside. “Avoid it as long as you can, but fate has a way of drawing you in. And my son will be at your side when it does.”
I parked on the street in front of my parents’ house, glancing at the front door before reaching into the back seat to grab the bottle of sparkling juice I’d brought as a peace offering.
Mom had made good on her promise of inviting me to dinner. Since Dominick was dead and no longer a threat to my family, I’d agreed. I was even early for once as I climbed out of my car and headed up the driveway.
I slowed halfway up, a sense of wrongness intruding. The porch light was off. Mom never left that thing off if guests were expected.
Once I’d noticed one thing, it was easy to spot others. Like the darkened windows that made the house look empty, despite Jenna’s car in the driveway indicating her arrival.
I started walking again, skirting the side of the house and heading to the back where I hopped the fence. Discarding the bottle, I drew the Sig from its holster in my belly band and found the back door already unlocked for easy entrance.
I moved silently through the house, noting the pot roast in the oven as I headed for the front living room where I detected three heartbeats.
Reaching the end of the hallway, I paused to listen.
“We know you’re there,” someone called. “You might as well come out.”
I cursed silently in my head, holding still in case they were bluffing.
A pained cry came.
“The longer you delay; the more your sister suffers.”
I left my hiding spot, edging into the room with my gun raised. Jenna was tied to a chair. Her face bloody from a cut on her temple and her eyes wide and frantic. Duct tape had been placed over her mouth.
