Page 62 of Slayer

I opened the door and stepped out before I could change my mind.

Somehow, losing Rae made me feel more alone than I ever had in my life.

“One more stop, and we can get back,” I told Celia.

She nodded, checking her phone, eyes scanning the hallway like she was tracking invisible threats.

Ten minutes later, we pulled up to Linda’s place. Celia parked a few houses down like I’d asked. I walked to the blue door, set the Atticus gift bag down, knocked loudly, and ran back to the car.

The second I shut the car door, Linda opened hers. She looked down at the bag, then up and down the street.

My heart hammered as she pushed aside the tissue paper and lifted the mug.

A wide smile spread across her face as she read the World’s Best Mom Social Worker text. I’d crossed out Mom with a Sharpie and written Social Worker. Two cartoon cats lay on their backs holding a heart.

“You don’t want to go see her?” Celia asked.

I exhaled shakily. “No. It’s better this way. Let’s go.”

As long as Linda believed I was going to college, becoming an ultrasound tech, getting a house and a dog, I was okay. I didn’t want to break that picture for her.

Celia nodded and pulled away from the curb.

“Who was she?” Linda’s house was getting smaller in the rearview mirror.

“The only person who believed I’d amount to anything in life,” I answered.

A week ago, I’d had a plan. I was going to build something for myself. Now I was heading into a world I didn’t understand to train as a professional killer. I was grateful for the money, but I hadn’t earned it. It felt like another handout from someone I’d never known.

Celia pulled the car to a stop in the middle of the road. I turned, startled. Her eyes were glossy.

“I believe you’ll amount to something in life, Stella.” She faced me. “I’m sorry you’ve had a rough go until now, but that changes. Me, Derek, Harper, Luna, we’re all rooting for you. You’re family. I know that sounds odd because we barely know each other, but Molly was my sister. I’m invested in your happiness, okay?”

I shifted, uncomfortable and comforted all at once. My heart warmed at her words.

“Okay.”

She nodded as if satisfied and drove again, heading for Riverfront Park. We parked underground, and she stashed the key in a magnetic lock under the hood.

“Is Spokane your normal hunting grounds?” I asked.

She smiled. “No. This is more of a beginner zone. Smaller population. I lead teams in New York City and Los Angeles.”

“Lead?”

We walked through the underground garage. “Each unit has four to five hunters, but coordination is everything. I oversee shifts, make sure popular vamp hangouts are covered by enough people. I also train and find replacements when needed.”

That tracked. Her quick response at Grand Central Station earlier suddenly made sense.

“So you’re the boss?” I grinned.

She didn’t smile back. Instead, she froze, head tilting as if listening to something I couldn’t hear.

“Get behind me,” she ordered, drawing a stake. In one fluid motion, she slid her thumb over a dispenser on her belt, and two thin wafers appeared in her palm. She swallowed them just as we were ambushed.

Five vampires appeared out of nowhere, the air seeming to fold around them as they surrounded us.

“Get to sunlight!” Celia barked to me.