Page 97 of The Slayer Seduction

Ember’s eyes go wide as I say that and I’m not sure how she loves that vampire, but it’s really none of my business.

“I think maybe I can get through to the slayer outside. I think she only had the four slayers. That’s why she’s freaking out about wanting the books. But none of those families have a current heir. It’s why she’s being like this. If me and the slayer outside both died this cycle, so would she. We made a vow to keep Iris safe, but we need the coven to work on a way to locate her.”

“I’ll work on getting them together,” Ember says as I glance down at the fox.

“I was supposed to keep them safe,” Scarlett tells me and I bend down on one knee so I can scratch behind her ear.

“And you did an amazing job, but we need to do everything possible to keep your mistress safe, and that means you have to give me the books.”

The fox somehow looks crestfallen, but eventually she agrees, popping out of existence so she can collect the books.

As we wait, there’s a thud on the roof and Ember sighs, opening the window in the backroom. The vampire looks like he’s here to rob us, his body covered from head to toe in black.

He stands on the ledge unable to get in.

“Shit. We can’t invite you in, this place is Iris’,” Ember says, and the Slayer seems content with that explanation. He doesn’t want the bloodsucker to set foot in the house. “Basic gist, vampire slayers were created so a witch could feast on your souls and live forever. That witch has taken Iris, and we need to get her back.”

“She’s also imposed a quota of vampires for me to kill,” I tell him.

The vampire looks me up and down. At least it appears he is through his balaclava and sunglasses.

“Hmm…I think I like the blood thirsty slayer better,” he says.

I want to scoff, but it just pisses the Slayer off and he’s trying to nudge his way to the forefront so he can lunge at the vampire.

“Don’t needle him. He’s trying to help. We need to get Iris back,” Ember says, and her words seem to soften the vampire.

“We’ll find her, angel. I think I can solve a few of our problems.”

With gloved hands, he pulls out a paper, handing it to Ember, who passes it to me. It’s got at least a dozen names and addresses on it.

“What’s this?”

“My hit list. It will help you hit your vampire murder tally while we try to figure out where they’re holding Iris. All the vampires who mean anything to me will be at my home, which Ember has warded.”

I glance down at the list. The old me would be revolted at the idea of killing anyone, but with Iris on the line, I’m ready to do whatever it takes. It will be the Slayer in control, anyway.

Scarlett pops back into the space, three spell books in a satchel that she drops on the ground.

“Wait. Adam, give me a few pieces of your hair,” Ember says.

I don’t question the witch, wincing as I pluck a few hairs for her. She delicately places a hair in the spine of the aged books. It’s impossible to see.

“If I used magic, she would know, but we can track them with your hair if needed.”

Having witches for friends has come in handy.

“Enough of this. Bring out the books and let us kill the vampire slinking around here in broad daylight,” the slayer outside yells, making Warin snort.

“It’s not funny,” Ember tells him.

“Of course not. Let me warn the vampires. You’ll let the coven know?”

Ember nods, leaning out the window and kissing her vampire. It sends a painful ache in my chest.

Is Iris alright? Is she terrified? How long is it going to take until she’s safe again?

I grab the satchel and Scarlett sits in front of me like she needs a task.