But if Sadie is right and Alexander is in Edinburgh, it’s more dangerous to get involved with a human. He’s vindictive and liable to hurt anything I care about. It’s a risk, but I can check if Alexander’s still in the city easily enough, and Hester can shield me if he is until he goes away again.
Besides, it’s the middle of the night and the perfect time to do a little bloodseeking.
The castle has tight security after hours, so I don’t go up there. Scott Monument is a better alternative—it’s the tallest structure near our flat and my usual vantage point if we get word of Alexander lurking around. The height gives me better range. On the occasions I picked up on him, Hester shielded me until the coast was clear. But it's disturbing that he won’t stop hunting me—he’s like a dog with a bone.
From one of the drawers of the armoire I pull out a pair of black leggings, a long-sleeved black top, and a balaclava. After donning these, I pull on my boots.
Checking the street is empty, I slip out the back gate, shoot down Mound Place, and fly across the train tracks, moving too fast to be seen by the human eye. Technically, I could fly up Scott Monument, but I like climbing because it’s meditative.
Having scaled the sixty-metre structure, I walk around on the topmost balcony beneath the Gothic spire. Finding the most sheltered spot, I remove my balaclava and stand there with my eyes closed, focusing, the cold breeze lifting my hair. Bloodseeking is akin topushingmy senses out into the city, then farther into the suburbs and surrounding countryside, seeking to feel the tug of my blood bond with Alexander.
Absolutely nothing.
Unless he’s hiding out in Queensferry? I push west, to theedge of my limits, and there’s no sense of him there either.
I’m completely reassured by my bloodseeking sweep—he’s not here.
***
‘I couldn’t detect him anywhere in Edinburgh or in the near vicinity. If he was here, he isn’t now,’ I inform Sadie that night during our flat meeting. Hester and I are perched on the leather couch as Sadie presides over us in her revolving chair. We all have ‘Bloody’ Marys placed on the coffee table between us. As Hester says, ‘We need sustenance. Otherwise, we’ll get hangry.’ Sadie’s flat meetings are notorious for running overtimeandhaving multiple items on the agenda. Luckily for Hester and I, I’ve pre-empted Sadie’s request for me to bloodseek, so I can report confidently on the first item.
‘Good. Thank you, Floss,’ she says, making a note on her iPad. ‘But I’d like you on bloodseeking duty all next week please. Just to make sure. And Hester you can shield her.’
I resist a frustrated eye roll. She’s being super vigilant, but I suppose it’s in her best interests to do so. Sadie and Hester are accomplices, so all three of us are at risk.
‘Fine, if you think it’s necessary. But I’m pretty sure he’s fucked off back to London, where he belongs,’ I mutter.
‘Noted. Thank you for being so accommodating, Floss,’ Sadie says sarcastically. ‘On to the next item.’ She taps her iPad screen with a French-manicured index finger. As well as her newly polished nails, I note that she’s rather overdressed for a flat meeting: lime-green crop top, black barely-there leather skirt, sheer tights, and black stilettos.
‘Our blood is running low, so Elliott’s coming over soon with a fresh supply. That should last us for two to three weeks as long as we don’t guzzle it,’ she states.
Ah, right, so her hot thrall’s the reason she’s all dressed up …
Hester hears my thought and sniggers while Sadie shoots me a glare, having heard it too. She’s highly sensitive about her relationship with Elliott and hates us making snide comments.
Sadie drains her glass, avoiding our eyes. ‘That’s it for tonight’s meeting, so you can both go. Unless you want to tell us how youractinglessonwent last night, Hester?’ she says sharply.
Hester shakes her head, her long auburn plait brushing my arm. She’s also highly sensitive about her hobby, so she won’t be telling Sadie a thing. But she might tell me later, if I ask nicely.
I clear my throat. ‘I’d like to raise another item.’
I decided when I was descending Scott Monument that Ishould probably tell them my plans for Damian part 2 because they’ll find out anyway. But I’ll make it sound like it’s a second date and not mention the bloodsucking on date 1.
Sadie glances at the time on her phone and frowns. ‘Yes. What is it, Floss?’
Wow, OK. Elliott must be due any minute.
‘Ah, yeah, so about that dentist—’
The doorbell chimes, and Sadie’s face brightens momentarily before falling back into its usual droll expression.
‘It’s nothing important. It can wait, I suppose ...’ I start, but Sadie is already up and out of her chair to answer the door.
‘Send me a message, and I’ll add it to the next agenda,’ she throws over her shoulder.
‘Keen much?’ whispers Hester, and I giggle softly.
We listen as Elliott’s sultry London accent floats in from the hallway. ‘Fuck me, it’s cold out there. ’Ello, gorgeous.’
