I passed out on the couch, and thankfully, I didn’t dream of Scout and Landon. Between my nightmares when I was asleep and Tippi when I was awake, I was going crazy.
It took me a few days, but not only did I track down the club, but I secured a reservation at the end of the week. I called Corinne and got Ginata’s updated phone number. I called it but only got her voicemail.
“Gina, it’s Desiderio. I’m coming to visit. I think you may have something of mine. Call me back. We need to catch up while I’m there.”
I received a text back instead of a call.
GINA: In a meeting. Sure, love. Would love to see you. Come on down, and we’ll have a drink. XO
She must just not have wanted to see Tully and Dante, which, to be fair, I understood. I told her where I’d be, and she promised she’d be there.
I just needed to find a fucking sitter.
I went across the hall to Amy.
“This is Tippi. Can you watch him?” I asked, showing her the bird.
She was more than happy to do something for me. Even after Scout moved in, she continued to flirt with me, but I never reciprocated. Still, I thanked her and started packing to head across the country again.
I was surprised at how irritating I found traveling now. Before, having an apartment was unthinkable. Now, I cravednormalcy. The almost-human lifestyle. Was I getting soft?
Frantic knocks on my door threw me out of my thoughts and back to reality. I hurried to it and opened it to find a terrified Amy being held by the neck by a tall, darker-skinned Bloodborn with rage in his eyes.
“This is Jaime. He’s looking for you.”
“Are you Desiderio Amato? The one with the cursed eyes.” The vampire’s Spanish accent was thick, and I struggled to understand at first. I rolled my eyes and pointed to my face. I nodded.
“I am. Who are you?” I asked slowly, confused.
“Why does she have the High Priestess’ gift?”
“The bird?” I grimaced. “She’s watching it while I leave town for a bit. Why?”
“See?” Amy let out a small cry of panic. “I told you. Can you let me go now?”
Jaime dropped the back of her neck, and she scurried back across the hall.
“Have you found her?” he demanded. I crossed my arms defensively.
“Who?”
“The vampire you call Scout.”
“No, I’m on my way now, actually.”
“I will go with,” he said.
I laughed. “Uh, no?”
I gave him a solid once-over. This guy was built like Arsenio. Tall and twice my size in muscle. He had a long dark ponytail and was wearing jeans and a plain red shirt. When my eyes returned to his face, I saw determination.
“Who sent you?”
“The High Priestess of Blood.”
“Why don’t you come inside, and we can talk privately,” I suggested against my better judgment. I opened the door wider to let him in, and he stomped inside.
“You need any blood?” I offered.
