Page 28 of Viktor

“Ya think? There’s blood all over the floor. And that poor animal…where’s the rest of it? Is this,” she hesitated to speak the word, “Satanic?”

“I’m not sure. Something about this looks like humans did it.” He glanced to the floor. “The goat head? It’s been dead for over a week. The cut is clean. My guess is it came from a butcher.”

“What?”

“I can’t be certain, but this mess. This symbol looks familiar. I don’t believe this is totally correct. I took a picture because I have a friend who might know.”

“But you said a demon was here.”

“There was a demon. But this might be the work of a very ordinary human. This blood here.” He pointed to the ground. “This isn’t from a goat.”

“How do you know that? Tell me you didn’t taste it.” She bit her lip, nausea rising in her throat.

“Taste it? Ew, no. I’m a vampire not a heathen.”

“How do you know it’s not from the goat?” she pressed.

“At risk of pointing out the obvious. I’m a vampire.”

“Ha. Ha.”

“Vampire 101. Lesson number one. I have the ability to differentiate blood types by taste but more importantly by smell.”

“You can tell the difference between a human’s blood or an animal?”

“Yes.”

“My blood?” Her mind wandered to the memories of his lips brushing her skin.

“Absolutely,” he responded, his voice low.

Under Viktor’s heated stare, Waverly averted her gaze and wrapped her arms around herself.

“Humans have very distinct scents from animals and from each other. While I don’t drink animal blood, there have been times when I’d scrounge for anything.” Viktor appeared to lose his thoughts and changed the subject. “Is anything else amiss? Any other rooms?”

“Um, not that I can see. But given there’s blood and body parts under my bed, I’m thinking that’s about enough.”

“I’ll send a cleaner later. Right now, you should pack a few things you want to bring with you.”

“Pack?” Waverly rubbed between her eyes, attempting to release the stifling tension.

“I’m sorry. But your place isn’t safe. And even if it were cleaned up, are you going to want to stay when someone has defiled your bedroom? No. You’ll come with me, and we’ll find your friend and most importantly, find the bad guy.”

“You’re not wrong though. Someone did this.” She glanced around the room in frustration. “I really liked this apartment too. Do you know how hard it is to find a place near the beach?”

“Location, location, location,” Viktor quipped.

“Okay. I’ll go with you,” she acquiesced with a nod. She could stay at a friend’s house or a hotel, but she didn’t want to put anyone else at risk. “I don’t really have a choice right now. At least not for tonight.” Waverly raked her fingers through her hair, nervously twisting her hair into a bun. “We have to go back to the museum and talk to the police. What am I going to say?”

“I’m going to call PCAP, tell them about the demon, the blood. They’ll come check out your condo. Make sure there’s nothing else we’re missing. Maybe they can pick up some prints. I’ll also text Jake and let him know what happened so he can follow up with them after we leave to go to New Orleans.”

“New Orleans?” Waverly asked, wearing a shocked expression. “Why are we going there?”

“I’ve got a contact there who might be able to help. Whoever did this might come looking for you again.”

“Okay, but I have to get back to work. The exhibit is opening. What am I supposed to do?” Waverly’s stomach churned. She knew Viktor was right. Whoever got into her place had made it look easy and they’d be back.

“It’s going to be all right.” Viktor closed the distance between them.