She looked at Danielle, then scowled. Of course, Grepper’s mistress of the month had no clue. So beautiful, yet so damned stupid. I couldn’t see the appeal.
“Oh! Here!” Gen called a moment later, pointing to a niche partially concealed by a floor-to-ceiling cabinet that housed Grepper’s tools.
I didn’t covet Grepper’s woman, but those tools…
It took everything I had not to stop for a closer look.
The floor of the next hallway sloped up while the ceiling sloped down, crushing in on us like jaws. Gen paused at the solid steel door at the end, then sniffed the air.
I did too. Nothing.
Slowly, she turned the knob and peeked out. Frigid air sliced through the gap, along with a burst of snow flurries.
“Four vampires,” she whispered, easing the door shut. “Searching the yard.”
My mind raced. If we waited, would the vampires pass or would more join them?
Gen glanced back toward the garage, then shook her head, and I agreed. No turning back now.
She slid her father’s painting into the inside pocket of her jacket, then gripped Danielle by the shoulders. “Okay, listen, and listen good. I need you to stick close to me. Very close. Do not say a word, and do not make any noise. If you do, you’re dead. You get that?”
Danielle bit her lip and nodded.
Still, Gen pressed on. “I mean it. If push comes to shove, I won’t hesitate to leave you behind — and believe me, death by vampire is not a good way to go.”
Danielle paled, nodding again. Rich warlocks might be to her taste, but vampires were definitely not.
Gen turned to me next, whispering, “You stick close too. No heroics.”
I let out a low snarl, not at all on board with that plan.
“Trust me,” she repeated, so fiercely, I nearly stepped back. “I have a plan, but it will only work if you stick close.” Then she grimaced. “And if it doesn’t work…Thenyou can try heroics. Not before. Okay?”
Not at all okay, because tigers and proud soldiers led from the front. But we were out of options.
Okay,I agreed.But if things go south, you need to run.
While you fight to the death?she retorted.
That was pretty much the plan. And it would be worth it to ensure she survived.
Gen rolled her eyes.How is death a better plan than “Stay close and don’t make noise”?
Just a backup plan,I promised.
She shook her head.Believing in me is better.
I took a deep breath, then nodded.I believe in you.
She turned to the door, frighteningly resolute. She listened for a moment, then glanced back at Danielle. “Like I said, stay close, and don’t make any noise.”
When she nodded, Gen eased the door open and headed out into the blizzard.
Fucking Grepper. Apparently, he could manipulate weather too.
Arctic wind stung my nose, and I squinted into the darkness.
There, there, there, and there.Gen pointed at four vampires fanned out around the yard.
