She shifted in place before glancing between us. “Well, what would you like to know?”
“The Dam of the Nest. The one you were so afraid to mention.” I reclined back in my seat. “I’d love to hear more. I’ve never heard of a woman being the sole head of a Nest.”
“Alina.” She withheld the last name from us, even though I only needed a first.
“Tell me about her,” I urged her.
Luka shot a glance at me before looking at Edith.
“She isn’t like other heads; she is a Host,” she explained. “She takes care of us like her own. She even lets us feed off her if there is no one available to take on the chore.”
“Who does she feed?” The tension was building in my jaw, but it rippled through my body like electricity buzzing at my nerves.
“Myself and another girl, sometimes patrons,” she answered. “Alina and the other girl both founded the Nest.”
“How many are in your Nest?” Luka asked.
Edith left his question unanswered.
“Fine,” he grumbled, slouching against the countertop.
“How did youloseyour lover?” she pressed, watching me carefully in anticipation for more clarity on my intentions.
“I tried to leave messages, but they, apparently, were not delivered.”
“How do I know you’re not estranged?”
“I suppose you have no way of really knowing.”
“Does she want to be found?”
I straightened my posture, adjusting the buttons of my jacket. The words bothered me, but I couldn’t find an argument against them.
“Why would anyone allow a Host to be in charge of their livelihood?” I scoffed. “Humans don’t hold any real power. What are you afraid of? Why must you hide your nature and cower at the mention of your Dam’s name?”
“That is where you are wrong.” Edith’s voice became stern in warning. “I have seen her relieve men of their limbs in as many ways as you can think of, always creating new ways to drain them.”
“Drain them?”
“Our blood, venom, even saliva... She turns them into miracle cures or a quick death.”
Luka and I exchanged glances.
“Where is your next hunt?” I resurfaced from my thoughts before I could drift too far.
“Tomorrow. A Nest we have never been to before. They call itSpaulding.”
“You seem comfortable telling me about it. Why?”
“Because it took months for us to gain their trust enough to let us attend. I doubt they would permit you. She had been negotiating with the Sire since he was not very keen on following any conduct rules in order to get Hosts in attendance.”
I nodded as if her answers were enough. I stood leisurely, and she mirrored the movement. “I think that brings our little meeting to an end for now.”
“You haven’t told me who it is you’re looking for.”
“Maybe the next time we meet, I will have found her.” I grinned. The most harrowing part was the way she seemed enamored with Alina’s infamy. It seemed this time she was respected for what she did. It was important to find out how many were under her influence if we were to take over her Nest—though I was hoping to convince her, violently if needed. It was clear she had more to lose this time around. I would only expect an extreme reaction in response to any threat.
“Silas.” Luka gave me a warning look as he followed me. “I know what you’re thinking?—”
