Page 61 of Ryder’s Storm

“Among other things,” he said evasively.

The door suddenly opened, and Haven entered.

“There you are,” Luther said to his brother-in-law.

Katie’s oldest brother, Haven, was a vampire like Luther. Their brother Wesley was an accomplished witch. The three siblings had been destined to become the most powerful witches ever to walk the earth, but when a rival witch had attempted to steal the power for herself, Haven had sacrificed his mortal life to prevent the evil witch from reaching her goal. Dying, he’d been turned into a vampire by Yvette, the vampire female who’d fallen in love with the dashing former vampire hunter.

“Hey, bro,” Haven said and embraced his brother-in-law. “I came as soon as they told me you were here. What’s up?” With a sideways glance at Ryder, he added, “Hey, Ryder.”

“Haven,” Ryder responded. “I’ll give you guys some privacy.”

“Not necessary,” Luther said. “You might as well listen in. It concerns us all.”

Curious, Ryder remained standing where he was.

“We have a problem at the prison,” Luther said. “Two V-CONs”—short for vampire convicts—“have shown signs of an unexplained illness.”

“Vampires can’t get sick,” Haven said.

“I know,” Luther said. “That’s why I’m worried. Something is making these men sick, and we’ve checked everything and everyone in the prison. Our blood supply is clean, and we haven’t found any contraband either.”

“That leaves only the women who’re being ferried into the prison,” Haven said with a contemplating look.

“You’re still bringing prostitutes into the prison?” Ryder asked, surprised. “I thought that was done away with when you got rid of the corrupt guards.”

Luther shrugged. “It works as an incentive. Weekly visits by the prostitutes keep quite a few of the V-CONs in check. Makes ‘em more docile. But over a week ago we suspended the program until we can figure out why these inmates are getting sick. We don’t want any of them to infect the prostitutes, if it’s something contagious.”

“And? Has this illness spread to other V-CONs or guards? Or any other visitors?” Ryder asked.

“No, but the two V-CONs have gotten worse. We’ve put them on extra rations of blood, but it’s not helping.” Luther sighed. “That’s why I brought them here. My guards are installing them in the medical center downstairs right now.” He looked at Ryder. “We’re hoping your mother can figure out what’s wrong with them.”

“You’re bringing two dangerous V-CONs here? What the fuck!” Ryder growled.

“I had no choice. And Samson approved it. They’re guarded at all times. I can assure you that Maya will never be alone in a room with them.”

“If anything happens to her—”

“It won’t,” Luther interrupted. “I’m not suicidal. Gabriel would kill me without hesitation if any of them harmed Maya. So pipe down, Ryder. We’re taking every precaution.”

“You’d better.”

Ryder’s cell phone chimed. He looked at the display. It was a text message from his mother that Scarlet was ready.

“Gotta go,” Ryder said, then cast a last look at Luther. “I hope you know what you’re doing.”

He left the V lounge, and made his way back down to the medical center. At the elevators, Vanessa was waiting with Scarlet.

“Thanks, Nessie,” he said and reached for Scarlet’s hand. “Do you need a ride home?”

“No, I’ll stay here with Lizzy for a while.”

Once back in the SUV on their way home, Ryder gave Scarlet a sideways look.

“Everything okay?”

She smiled. “Your mother is a good doctor. In fact, she’s the first doctor who ever truly listened to me, without dismissing my symptoms as made-up or psychosomatic.”

“That’s good.”