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I quickly updated him and then added, “She’s probably got more than one grenade at hand, so you’ll have to watch for physical traps as much as magical.”
“Wouldn’t be the first time a ghoul has tried to blow me up,” Ashworth said. “I daresay it won’t be the last.”
“That’s undoubtedly true,” Monty agreed, his tone grave but his eyes twinkling, “Especially given how old and crotchety you are.”
“You, laddie, need to respect your elders more, or they’ll box you around the ears.” He glanced at me. “I don’t suppose you’ve heard anything from Canberra?”
I shook my head. “Ruby said it’d be a few days before the decision is made. You’re more likely to hear something than us right now.”
“Sophie tends not to say much—”
“I wish that ran in families,” Monty murmured.
“—when it comes to active cases,” Ashworth continued, obviously deciding to ignore him. “Which in this case suggests they’re taking it on. It’ll have to be ratified before the full board before you’re advised though.”
“Ruby said as much.” I bit into my sandwich and munched on it for a bit. “I’m worried about Clayton, though. Anger consumes him, and all he wants is revenge. I don’t think whatever control my father has on him will last beyond the annulment.”
“The Society has people keeping an eye on him, lass,” Ashworth said. “The minute he makes a move to leave Canberra, we’ll know about it. It’ll give us plenty of time to prepare.”
But would those preparations be enough? Every instinct screamed no, but maybe that was just the fear of the sixteen-year-old seeping through yet again.
Aiden slipped his hand over my thigh and lightly squeezed. My gaze met his, and deep in those depths, I saw a promise—one to keep me safe no matter what.
But that’s exactly what I feared—that his life might be forfeit right alongside Belle’s if Clayton did make it back here. Not only because they were the two most important people in my life, but also because Belle had taken Clayton’s manhood and Aiden had claimed what Clayton had been denied—me.
Aiden’s phone rang. He glanced at it and then rose. “Sorry, have to answer this.”
As he moved to the other side of the room, Monty said, “I’m betting that’s the report of another body.”
“That’s a bet no one in this room would take,” Ashworth said. “The Manananggal had plenty time after escaping us last night to find someone to feed on.”
“Was last night’s bridal party relocated?” I asked.
“Yes,” Monty said, “and Aiden triggered her spell rather than the groom, so she won’t be able to find them.”
I took a sip of coffee. “Do you think the spell is the reason she knew you were after her? It’s not like you had time to nullify it last night.”
“Doubtful,” Ashworth said. “As it’s not in an active state.”
It was a comment that had me glancing at Aiden’s right hand; spell strings still clung to his finge
rs. I frowned. “Why haven’t you removed it?”
“Because if we can’t track her this afternoon,” Monty said, “we may have to use him as bait.”
“You’d better keep him safe if you do, or I’ll cut off something vital.”
“My future wife might not be too pleased with that,” he commented, shooting a clearly amused look Belle’s way.
“I was talking about access to free breakfasts, but I’ll happily shift focus to your manhood if you want.” I glanced past him as Aiden returned. His expression suggested Monty’s guess had been spot-on. “Another murder?”
He nodded. “And it’s in the same area we believe the Manananggal is.”
Monty drained his coffee and then stood. “Are we dealing with a single or double death?”
“Single.” Aiden’s gaze met mine. “Dinner later?”
I nodded. As he headed for the door, Monty a couple of steps behind them, Ashworth rose and said, “Thought you might like this.”
