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“Evil shifters might. I don’t think we dare discount the possibility.”
“Agreed,” Ashworth said heavily. “How long until Ciara gets here, Ranger?”
Aiden glanced at his watch. “It’ll be Luke rather than Ciara, and he lives near Maldoon. It’ll probably be another ten or fifteen minutes before he arrives.”
I wasn’t sure I could stand here that long. The dark wave might not be sweeping me away, but it continued to press against my newer shields and might eventually break them down.
“I think I’ll head back to the truck—there’s not much I can do here anyway.” I met Aiden’s gaze. “And yes, I can find the way back without you having to escort me.”
A smile twitched his lips. “I wasn’t about to suggest you couldn’t, but—”
“You’ve a crime scene to process,” I cut in, perhaps a little more curtly than necessary. “And there’s nothing I can do here that Ashworth can’t.”
He raised his eyebrows. “As I was about to say, it’d be quicker if you followed the path behind you. It heads out onto the main track we drove up here on. If you turn left and follow the road around the sweeping bend, you’ll find the truck.”
“Oh. Thanks.”
His smile got stronger. “If you do happen to get lost, shout. I’ll hear.”
“I will.”
I spun around and quickly retreated. The moonlight provided enough light to see by, so I didn’t bother using the flashlight. Thankfully, the emotional wave fell away quickly and the normal sounds of the night returned, free of any sort of death or danger. I drew in a deep breath and released it slowly. Hopefully, that would be—
Don’t, Belle cut in. You’re only tempting fate if you finish that sentence.
I couldn’t help smiling. I think even fate would agree she’s thrown enough shit our way tonight.
Belle groaned. Seriously, you had to do it—had to tempt her.
I chuckled softly. Did you manage to find anything in the books?
There was a vague mention about Empusa, who are demons that feed on the flesh of men, particularly those who are sleeping and/or virgins.
None of our victims were sleeping. Whether or not they’d been virgins would be impossible to discover unless Belle contacted their souls.
Which we might have to do if we don’t quickly get a handle on what we’re dealing with.
Technically, we shouldn’t be dealing with anything.
Her mental snort echoed loudly. You no more believe that we’ll ever be allowed to step away from these investigations than I do. Not now.
Which was another of those statements I couldn’t disagree with. Did you find much else about them?
Not in this book, although she did mention a fun fact—Empusa were once thought to be demigoddesses who had a leg of bronze and the foot of a horse.
Something that wouldn’t go unnoticed in the general population, I’m thinking.
Which is why they’re more likely to be hiding out in a remote area. It could also explain why their victims are being found in such places.
The scrub behind Monty’s isn’t exactly remote, and the first two victims were found there. An owl hooted softly, a haunting sound in the silence. Uneasiness stirred, even though there was nothing in the air or the night to suggest danger. I frowned and picked up the pace. Was there any suggestion on how to track or kill an Empusa if that is what we are dealing with?
No. As I said, the mention was vague, but it at least gives us a possible starting point. She paused. Damn it, Monty’s just arrived at the café.
Why the hell is he there at this hour? He should be home resting.
She didn’t immediately answer, no doubt scanning Monty’s thoughts to see what he was up to. He rang Eli to see what was happening, because Ashworth wasn’t answering his phone. He’s coming here because I wouldn’t answer mine.
I snorted. So you basically brought this visit on yourself. No sympathy.
