“Both of the victims we know of were college students.”
“So we could ask around and maybe find someone who’s selling,” Alex said. “Maybe talk to David Simms’s roommate.”
“It’s not a bad idea,” Malachi said. “If these pills get you high and horny all at once, I can see why they’d appeal to the college crowd. They try them once, not realizing what they actually do, and keep coming back for more until there’s enough in their system for the demon to take hold.”
“And somebody’s making money off of this shit, too,” Zachary said suddenly, his mouth twisted in distaste. “If these people like the high and go back for more, they’re definitely buying from somebody. Nothing like that could be free. It’d make people too suspicious.”
“We need to find out who’s selling it, then,” Alex said. “If they’re selling on campus, there’s a trail. We just have to find it. Zach, you and I can go to the college campus and ask around for the first victim’s roommate.”
“Whoa, wait,” Talon interrupted. “What do you mean, you and Zach?”
Alex rolled his eyes, fighting back a smile. “Talon, it’ll be broad daylight, and we’re just talking to his roommate. We’re not storming the lab where the pills are made.”
“Take someone who’s actually seen combat,” Talon said.
“Ouch,” Zachary deadpanned. “You guys are the ones who won’t let me patrol with you yet.”
“I’veseen combat,” Alex said with an exasperated laugh. “And the rest of these guys are too old to blend in on a college campus.”
“Ouch,” Ira repeated.
“Yeah, fuck you,” Luke said without heat, his mouth full, and Malachi leaned over with a grin to kiss his shoulder.
Nathan snorted out a laugh. “No offense taken here. I feel every bit of thirty-three, thank you very much.”
Alex gestured gratefully at him. “See? I’m twenty-three—although technically my body is still twenty-two, thanks to your blood. Zach’s eighteen. We’ll blend right in, because we’re the right age for college students.”
Talon opened his mouth to speak, but Nathan beat him to it.
“I’ll come along,” he offered. “I’m not passing for a college student, so you two can visit the roommate without me. But, this way I can have your backs and report our findings back to HQ.”
A low rumble drew Nathan’s attention to Storm, who was scowling at him. Who knew demons were so protective? He patted Storm’s leg reassuringly.
Talon studied him quietly for a moment, and then nodded. “Fine.”
* * *
Nathan offeredto drive and even stopped to get them all coffee on the way to the college campus. Storm’s bright smile from this morning lingered in his mind as he ordered a white chocolate mocha at the drive-thru window. Every sweet sip reminded him of the demon he’d left behind at the Rink.
“So, I know we’re pretending to be students,” Zachary said from the backseat, sucking on the straw of his frappuccino, “but what do we tell them about you, Nate? Are you an older student? A TA?”
Alex, in the passenger seat, shot Nathan a thoughtful look. “If anybody asks, you’re my older brother who’s come to visit.”
Nathan pressed a hand to his chest as though wounded. “Really making me feel my age, huh?”
Alex barked out a laugh. “I’m not responsible for however you feel, Cap. I’m just a frat guy hanging out between classes.”
He shook his head, chuckling. He eased the car into a parking spot near one of the regal brick buildings. “All right, whatever. Where is this guy’s roommate, anyway?”
“Well, David Simms’s obituary was in the local paper. It mentioned that his roommate was somebody named Jace Gellar. I couldn’t find his exact room number, but his social media mentioned the dorm hall he lives in. I figure if we head over there, it should be fairly easy to ask around for him,” Alex explained as they all fell into step together.
Nathan smiled to himself. He’d forgotten how good Alex was at his job. He’d always been a smart and capable young man. Blinded by the need for revenge, maybe, but even that was understandable. Nathan didn’t have any close family he would want to avenge like that, but when he thought of something happening to Storm, it made him want to do terrible things.
They fell into step together, pretending they belonged there amongst the carefully landscaped campus and carefree students passing them on the wide walkways. No one gave them a second look.
It occurred to him that Alex was in a uniquely similar situation as him, and if he wanted to learn more, here was the perfect person to ask. He glanced over, wondering where to begin, and Alex caught his gaze.
“What?” Alex asked.
