Page 71 of Hextreme Measures

“I’m not sure I understand what’s happening here,” Jack admitted. “If you could take the time to explain —”

“All that you need to know is that Shirley went after Angelique to try to force her to mate with her son,” Pascal snapped. “Then she took Sully as leverage because she knew she was about to be found out.”

Jack worked his jaw. “I see.” That was all he said. Disappointment practically wafted off of him, however.

“Zach will contact you when it’s over,” Ofelia said as she moved away from the captain. “I’m sorry I can’t help you more, but he’s my priority. And Angelique. You’re just … not even on the list right now.”

It was a stark rebuke, a loud slap on a cheek. Despite that, Jack let her go on a stiff nod. “Good luck,” he said.

“We don’t need luck,” Pascal said. “We’re going to end this by force.”

THE VAMPIRES AND SHIFTERS SCATTERED right away. Ofelia had gone home long enough to grab some of Sully’s clothing from the hamper so the vampires and shifters would have something to scent. That was all they needed. Then they were off.

Because she didn’t want to wait for them to return with news, she cast a locator spell. It led out of the French Quarter and straight to Bayou St. John.

Rather than drive, Pascal picked Ofelia up in his arms and ran with her to follow the spell. It was easier than having to navigate traffic. It was also quicker.

Several of the vampires — including Tansy, Pascal’s girlfriend — ran with him. The shifters, including Zeke and Madeline, followed behind.

Ofelia didn’t want to think about the tidbits that would be dotting the news the following day. There would be reports about panthers taking over the city. That could not be avoided given the circumstances. They would just have to deal with it after the fact.

Rather than focus on the world blurring around them, Ofelia kept her gaze on Pascal’s chest. She didn’t particularly enjoy being carried into battle. She couldn’t run as fast as him, though, and she wanted to get to Sully as fast as possible. Since the blurring gave her motion sickness, she stared at the vampire’s chest and didn’t allow herself to look up until they’d stopped moving.

“We’re here,” Pascal said in a gravelly voice as he lowered her to the ground.

Ofelia turned quickly to ascertain where they were and found houses surrounding them in every direction. They were in a residential area.

“Which house?” she asked before realizing she didn’t need an answer. There was only one house that was buttoned up with drawn drapes. The yard was neat but not tended particularly well. The porch was devoid of furniture and wind chimes. The small abode screamed “hideout” and there was no missing it. “Never mind.”

Pascal smirked. “I smell banshees.” He looked around, scanning the neighborhood. “They’re waiting for us to make our move.”

Ofelia nodded. “How many do you think there are?”

“At least seven or eight.” He looked at Tansy for confirmation. “Is that the number you’re coming up with?”

“I think it’s about 10,” she replied. “I can’t be certain.” Her eyes moved to Ofelia. “How do you want us to handle them? Should we kill them?”

Ofelia had to marvel at how the vampire said it, with no more emotion than asking if Ofelia wanted milk on a grocery run.

“I don’t know,” the witch replied, debating. “Maybe we should see if they’d turn back to normal if we kill Shirley.” She gnawed on her bottom lip as she considered it.

“They won’t turn back,” Pascal replied. “Angelique might not turn — Dora says she’s close to a potion to cure her if she does, by the way — but those who have already completed the transformation won’t revert.”

Deep down, Ofelia already knew that. Still, it was sad to hear. “Well, I guess that means you should kill them.” She shot a quick look toward Pascal. “Right?”

Pascal studied her, his mind churning, then shook his head. If left to his own devices, he would kill them all and not feel an ounce of guilt. Ofelia was different, though. She would feel that guilt until her dying day. He wouldn’t foist that upon her. It wasn’t fair. “Let’s collect them,” he said to Tansy. “They might still be reasoned with. If that doesn’t look likely, then we’ll take them out.”

Hope illuminated Ofelia’s face. “Really?”

“There’s no harm in trying,” Pascal assured her. “They’re no match for us. We can easily capture and then hold them until we’re certain.”

Tansy didn’t argue with him. She merely nodded. “As you wish.”

“Who do you want to go with you inside?” Pascal asked. He looked in the direction they’d come from. “Your future in-laws will be here within minutes. I suggest we try to handle Shirley before they get here.”

Ofelia knew that would turn into a bloody mess, so she nodded. “I can go in alone. You can wrangle the banshees out here.”

“No.” Pascal was firm this time. “You will not be going in alone.”