“I have a room. It’s comfortable,” I say, and she scrunches her nose. “Are you going to watch over me while I sleep?” An adorable blush fills her cheeks. I sweep my fingers over the color. “I’m teasing.” I know she needs to be in her home, alone. She isn’t ready for sleepovers. It’s going to be difficult to let her go home alone, but I’ll do whatever she needs.
“What a fucked up mess,” Ryker grits out, appearing in the doorway before he stops beside us. “Luca, we need your help.The shifter is alive, but we need more vampires to change memories of the incident.”
“I can help,” Marie offers.
“Bash wants you here. The crowd is restless and questioning what the fuck is going on.” He runs his hand through his hair. “Micah is under control, and sorry for the inconvenience. He’ll be doing the bulk of the work, since he can dig into several minds at once. Daisy is shaken up. The coyote is lucky he isn’t dead.”
“Just think of it as good advertising,” Sally says brightly.
“How the fuck do you think this is good for anything?” he asks.
“Think of all the times we have gathered at your club. Something happens every time, yet they still come back. They know something weird happened, but don’t know what. It keeps it exciting.” She lifts her shoulder.
“Your logic always astounds me,” he says, tilting his head. “You make it make sense.” She smirks, and he turns toward me. “What happened? I can smell your fox magic.”
“He shielded the room,” Haven says, and his eyes widen.
“I’ve only known one fox who could do that,” he says.
“Now you know two.” I grin, and he shakes his head.
“I think I’m going to like you,” he drawls, and turns away. “Mate, come with me.” Serenity moves quickly toward him. “Luca?”
“Stay here,” Luca says, kissing Sally briefly.
“You know I don’t follow orders either,” she laughs.
“Wishful thinking,” he says, walking away.
“Do you need to sit down? Are you hungry?” Rylee pulls away.
“I wouldn’t mind some water.” I take her hand and follow her to the couch.
“I’ll get the drink,” Bane says, and leaves the room.
“Is your gift specific to a white fox?” Haven asks as we sit.
“In my experience, yes,” I answer.
Rylee holds our joined hands on her thigh.
“I knew you were special,” Sally says, sitting across from us.
“We appreciate your sacrifice,” Marie says.
“You’re Rylee’s family. It wasn’t a sacrifice,” I say, even though shocks are buzzing through my limbs. I can’t stay much longer without giving away what it’s doing to my body.
“How often have you used it?” Rylee asks.
“Not often.” Bane appears beside us, a water bottle in his hand, and I nod. “On my mom and sister.” I take a drink. “One time, I took a job to kill a man who was abusing children. The last victim was in very bad shape. After the man was gone, I met with her and took her pain. I couldn’t allow her young life to be ruined.” A collective sigh makes me shake my head.
“That’s so kind,” Rylee whispers.
“Despite the consequence,” Remy adds.
I had never been as sick as I was afterward.
“Noble.” Sally nods, and I meet her stare. The rabbit vampire knows I’m downplaying the aftereffects.
