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“I’m not intimidated,” I said, setting down my empty glass a bit too hard. “I’m being serious. This case—"

“What is the case?” Sam asked, leaning forward even further.

“I can’t talk about it. It’s classified.” I didn’t know if it was or not, but it certainly should have been.

“I’m a sect leader. I have access to high-level security.” Sam grinned.

“It’s need to know, and it doesn’t involve your sect.” I bit my cheek as soon as the words were out. It did involve his sect. He was just as much at risk as a vampire.

“Let’s stop talking shop and discuss something more interesting,” Zoe said, raising her glass. “What’s there to do for fun around here, Sam?”

“There’s plenty to do to keep you from getting Island Fever,” Sam said. “If you like the outdoors, there’s everything from hiking and camping to parasailing and surfing.”

“What about indoor activities?” I asked, hoping to make him think I didn’t like what he suggested. Though all of the things he said sounded interesting because I was more of an introvert than a party girl.

“There’s the pub in town that’s kind of a local hotspot. It’s called the Rusty Shifter. I’d love to introduce you to it when you’re available.”

“She’ll be free this weekend,” Mom said before I could decline politely.

“Excellent. I’ll pick you up Friday night at seven. There’s also a theater, but the actors are a bit over-the-top. Don’t tell them I said that. And as for parties? Well, each sect has its own headquarters and we each do it differently. You need an invitation to pass the wards on the ones that you aren’t a member of, but I can get you in the next shifter one. We know how to throw a bonfire.”

“Oh, I don’t know. I’m not much of a partier,” I said quickly.

“I’ll make sure you have a good time,” Sam said, leaning across the table.

“How about some dessert?” Mom set a pan of warm brownies down between us.

Sam’s eyes flashed silver, and I took the opportunity to excuse myself.

It wasn’t until later that evening when I’d crawled into bed that I realized I had a date with a werewolf in a few days.

Chapter Seven

A Break in the Case

Tittwell did not show up in the lab again, so I assumed Julian had made good on his promise to take care of the issue, which was a relief since my lab had quickly become my safe space. I’d even started recreating some of my lost research, careful to use codes to identify everything, just in case someone else came snooping around. After all, Julian’s job offer included my ability to continue. He’d offered without knowing what I intended to work on, so I felt no guilt there—almost. At least the drug would be relatively safe in a lab on the secret base on the secret island protected by every charm, ward, and shield possible.

I spent each spare moment at work searching for a clue—some miniscule difference between the street weapon known as GoDKiller and GDK. The dead ends frustrated me so badly that I lost my cool on Friday morning when Julian showed up with coffee and pastries.

“What’s troubling you?” he asked as I settled back into my desk chair and guzzled the elixir of life.

“How do you know something’s bothering me?” I asked, setting down the cup.

“Your heartrate is faster than normal, and you keep jiggling your leg.” Julian took a sip of his own coffee, so refined in his movements that I felt like a slob.

“Sorry,” I said, stopping and crossing my legs.

“No need to apologize. Just tell me what’s wrong.”

“It’s the material I have to work with,” I blurted, standing. “All we had were the remains of three vampires. I need a sample of the drug itself if I’m going to get anywhere. And time’s running out.” I clamped my mouth shut before I mentioned Lydia.

Julian watched me, head tilted to the side as he considered. “I have been working on that,” he said finally. “I understand you need more to go on, but the most frustrating part is how hard it is to come by. However, I hope to procure what you seek by this afternoon.”

I dropped back into the seat and surveyed him more closely. He wasn’t wearing the black uniform he’d driven in with. A cobalt blue-button down that made his eyes stand out and a pair of black pants had taken its place. Grimacing, I realized I’d been so preoccupied I hadn’t even noticed the obvious change.

“What’s going on?” I asked, tearing off a piece of bear claw and stuffing it in my mouth.

“I have intel on a meeting between members of the House of Mordock and some gang leaders. I plan to attend.”