Page 33 of Bold Mercy

Chapter Seventeen

Saul called me as I was driving home, Joe planted firmly in the passenger seat. He wouldn’t stay behind, and I wasn’t wasting time arguing about it. I needed to change, grab some extras to stash in my car, and figure out a way to keep my blade on me when I shifted. It worried me senseless. If I was hunting alone, I needed a way to keep my blade safe. And right now, it was the only thing protecting me from the lethal magic shed by some of the vampires’ claws.

“Report,” Saul said.

“I’m fine,” I snapped. “Thanks for asking.”

After a few seconds of only crickets, I gave up and told him everything that had happened, where I was headed, and that I was hunting alone. I told him that Avis Vine was using some sort of lethal magic, that a couple of the vampires had withstood the sun—barely—and that some of the wolves were dead.

“Thank you for the information,” he said, politely. “I’m pleased the protection I sent has kept you alive. Can I do anything else for you?”

“You can figure out a way for me not to lose my blade when I shift,” I growled. “I mean, if you’re really wanting to do something for me, you can attempt that. I’d greatly appreciate it.” I hung up, grumpy as anything. He had that effect on me.

As soon as I got home, I called Max to check on him. “Hey,” I said, when he answered.

“I’m not leaving my place, Kait,” he said. “If you could see it, you’d understand. Come over. Bring Lucy.”

“I just came home for some clothes. I’m going after Avis.” I frowned. “Huh.”

Joe pulled his gun immediately at the change in my voice. “What?” he asked.

“Kait?” Max said. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” I told him. “I smell something. I have to go Max. Call me if you need anything.” I traded my cell for my blade and with Joe at my back, I edged toward my bedroom.

“Someone in there?” Joe murmured.

“Is,” I said, “or was.”

No one was in my bedroom, but there was something on my nightstand that hadn’t been there before.

My demon, safe in the trap jar.

“Son of a bitch,” I whispered, pushing my blade back into its sheath. “Put your gun away, Joe.”

“What is it?”

“Remy Simon was here. Apparently he thinks it’s okay to break into people’s houses and return things he stole from them.” I patted his arm. “Go raid the fridge. Have some coffee. I’m just going to pack a few things and I’ll join you.”

As soon as he left the room, I texted Remy. Why the second thoughts? I’d finished changing clothes and was toting my bag to the kitchen when he replied.

I’m going to hunt with you. Figured you’d be pissed unless I gave the jar back.

“Made some sandwiches and coffee,” Joe said, gesturing at the table. “Have a seat and eat before we go.”

“Thanks, Joe.” I sat down and tapped a quick reply to Remy. Don’t you have your own city to see to?

Jakeston is ground zero. I’m not going anywhere. Hurry up, Silver. We have vampires to kill.

If any human had a chance of keeping up with me, it was Remy Simon. And if I were being honest, I was happy to have him along. He wanted exactly what I wanted—to hunt and kill vampires. There wouldn’t be any complications. He wouldn’t think he needed to protect me and despite the fact that he would do what was best for himself, he would have my back, because he knew I’d have his.

“Remy Simon is coming along,” I told Joe, then I took three huge bites of my sandwich, gulped down my coffee, and stood. “We need to go.”

“I have my gun, my stakes, and my machete,” Joe said, standing as well. “I’m ready to kick vampire ass.”

I didn’t argue.

When we got to my car, Remy was already inside, sitting in the front passenger seat. He had his long legs stretched out, his head back, and his eyes closed.