Page 29 of The Duke’s Bloody Bargain

“We can take her with us to the mansion.” I caught Alex’s gaze. “Can’t we?”

Lucy’s cheeks flushed. “I’m not going anywhere with you.”

“I don’t think you have a choice, Miss Graves.” Alex’s tone was rather sweet, considering the situation.

She pursed her lips tightly. “Knight told me everything that had happened in Raven Hall. I’m not leaving my home to go with the man who almost killed my brother.”

She had a point. Her mistrust was understandable. And vampires and werewolves weren’t exactly best friends.

“Whitechapel is my responsibility.” Knight jabbed a finger in the direction of the door. “I can’t let a thirsty vampire roam the streets. The Moon Court isn’t like the Dark Court. There are families here, children, and vulnerable people.”

“There are families, children, and vulnerable people in Crowsbury, too,” Alex said.

Knight didn’t reply to that.

“I don’t want to leave my house.” Lucy coughed. “As Mr. Strange said, I might not turn.” Despite her words, fear filled her aura with deep purple.

“You must take Miss Graves with you.” Concern more than anger shone sepia around Knight. “You know how to deal with a new vampire. There are children on my streets.”

“I can’t force her.” A hint of obsidian flashed in Alex’s gaze. “Irene, show her your cross.”

That was a good idea. I dangled my gold cross in front of Lucy, and she didn’t flinch.

“This is ridiculous.” She closed her hand around the cross. “See? Nothing.”

“That means there’s time,” Alex said. “If the vampire meant to turn her, she won’t turn today or tomorrow.”

“Bloodthirsty vampires should stay away from children.” Knight stepped closer to him.

“Yet one of them slid in right under your nose, killed three men, and bit Miss Graves.”

“I’m tired of your attitude, Ravenhill.”

Their voices rose, and Lucy’s pain intensified.

“Please.” I held up a hand. “Lucy isn’t well, and we’re bothering her.” I waited for Alex and Knight to shut up. “What if I return here with Myrtha?” I faced Lucy. “You aren’t well and need help, and Myrtha is a wonderful, caring person. Would that be all right with you?” I hoped Myrtha would convince Lucy to come with us.

Lucy nodded. “Thank you.”

“Meanwhile, Knight will make sure there’s always someone with you.” I gave him a challenging look.

He nodded. “Of course.”

“Someone caring and not frightening,” I added.

His chest heaved. “Consider it done.” He slanted towards Alex. “And my wolves and I are going to patrol the streets tonight.”

I made sure Lucy had water and fresh sandwiches before leaving. Knight volunteered to stay with her while his werewolves fetched a woman who was also a nurse.

I left Lucy’s house with a burdened heart.

“Lucy is just like her brother. Stubborn.” Alex winced as the sunlight hit him.

“She lost her house after the war between her clan and Knight’s pack and got it back recently.” I rubbed the spot on my chest where our bond pulled. Alex seemed more irritated by the minute. “She got it back only thanks to the deal you made with Knight. I’m not surprised she doesn’t want to leave it.”

“And she doesn’t trust us.” Darius ate another bonbon. “Two rogue vampires in London sounds unlikely.”

“Do you think it’s the same vampire who killed those thugs?” Alex stepped into the shadows.