Still uncertain but wanting to do more than nothing, Maxim decided that if he was to stay here, he had to do something that wasn’t just watch his fledge.He raced up the stairs again and pulled a book off its shelf in the reading corner without even thinking about it.
Downstairs, he took in the title.The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.Heath, Maxim knew, had read the book first, and presumably enjoyed it, but not that much.Yet, he’d gotten another copy and wrapped it prettily, then presented Maxim with it on Christmas Day of 1900.It said so in faded ink in the front of the book.Because you don’t have that one yet,his son had said.Then:It’s an odd book, and you’ll like it.Like to like.
And Maxim had enjoyed it, whether it was considered a children’s tale or not.Baum, as far as he knew, had had no supernaturals close to him, yet parts of the tale made Maxim feel seen.Seen and yet unseen.
He opened the book to the first page and started reading.
When Maxim was a little less than halfway through the book, and the light was thinning into dusk, his phone vibrated in his pocket.He pulled it out quickly so as not to wake the still-sleeping fledge.Heath had sent him a message.
You and your swords are needed at the Red Clover.
Owner calledhere.My office.
Don’t know how he has the number.Ask him.
Says some new vampire is making ppl uncomfortable and to come sooner rather than later.
Maxim glanced at Raven, feeling something in his chest twang with a sensation close to anguish at having to leave him alone.
I’m on my way.
Maxim hesitated, then sent another text.
Raven is asleep on the couch.In case he needs anything.
While Maxim rushed upstairs at blurring vampire speed, keeping an eye on the screen, Heath was typing, pausing, typing.
Does he want to talk to someone?I can call the therapists.If it’s about anything I said, I didn’t mean to upset him.I was just being hyperbolic, really.
Maxim felt his brow furrowing.There it is, my darling giving himself away.He is plotting after all.He wants my treasure.
Nothing like that.He went out, and it exhausted him.He’s been asleep since I got here, with Ume watching over him.
That dog.
Okay.
But, you know.I can call the doctors whenever.Maybe we should remind him again?
Soon.Not now.
Fine.If you say so.
Maxim fired off what he hoped was a cryptic enough string of emojis to keep Heath’s mind occupied for a while and closed the last few buttons on his hunter’s blacks.He added all the blades he wore as a standard, then sped out, pausing only for the briefest moment to make sure Raven hadn’t woken.The only thing he saw was Umeboshi moving under the blanket, but the dog didn’t so much as poke his nose out.
The elevator came and went quietly, taking Maxim directly to the garage.He got into his BMW and drove to the Red Clover as fast as was practical, his thoughts drifting oddly while he sought calm.
Even if this was just a disturbance that could be handled with words, it was important to keep calm, first and foremost.A hunter, Brea had always said, is only helpful if they can keep their calm in the greatest chaos.If they don’t, they are no better than what they hunt.
The disturbance became obvious when Maxim slowed his car, the neon lights of the club marking his spot.He stopped in the no parking zone in front of the club and got out of the car, the noise of the music from inside washing over him.
The Red Clover did cater to supernaturals, so it wasn’t painfully loud, but with the doors open, it was still impossible to miss the beat and the chatter from inside.A line had formed in front of the club, many of those hoping to get inside human.For some, it was perhaps a dare to go where they might encounter vampires or fae.For others it was a hidden desire, the wish to know what it was like to have a vampire take their blood.Still others were just here to enjoy a night out.
The vampire gesticulating at the bouncer was certainly one tall dampener to such enjoyment.
“What’s the issue?C’mon, man, I got my drink in there.”
He saiddrinkwith an almost sneer creeping over his lips, and Maxim had to wonder whether he was mistaking a person for a commodity.The bouncer, a fae under a glamour, didn’t care and pointed at Maxim.
