Page 21

My mouth went dry. “You…would be in serious danger, Julian. This drug could kill you.”

Julian smiled, showing some fang. “I’ll be careful. I do know how to take care of myself. But thank you for your concern.”

I believed he meant that sincerely. And after seeing how he reacted to my mother’s and sister’s rudeness, it was obvious that was the treatment he was used to. A hole opened in my chest, or at least that’s what it felt like. It wasn’t Julian’s fault he was a vampire. He was likely changed against his will like most of his kind. I vowed to offer him the cure if I ever figured it out.

“Well, I will be attending with you,” I said, sitting up straighter.

“No. It is not safe for you.”

“I’m not at risk from GoDKiller,” I said, standing.

“You are not trained in combat. You are at risk from the number of vampires, shifters, and gods-know-what-else that will be at the meeting.” Julian stood, too, and in a flash was face-to-face with me, eyes glowing.

“You aren’t going to intimidate me, Julian.” I poked him in the chest and shook out my finger. “I appreciate you trying to protect me, but I’m not helpless. Besides, I promise to stay out of sight. I just want to see what’s happening. I may be able to identify something if I witness how the drug is administered.” It was a load of crap, but he didn’t know that.

Snapping his head to the side, Julian seemed to consider as he seethed. I waited patiently, arms folded before me, as he battled silently with himself.

“You will remain in the car at a safe distance. I will set up a monitor so you can see and hear what’s happening. But no matter what you witness, you will stay in the vehicle.”

“Fair enough,” I agreed, unable to hide my smile.

An hour later, we’d portaled to the Los Angeles area and taken another of what I’d come to call vamp mobiles to a lot about a block from the docks at Long Beach. Julian set up a laptop for me that was spelled to share whatever he saw or heard.

“Stay put,” he ordered. “If all goes well, I’ll be back with a sample in no time.”

I was about to nod in confirmation when a shadow fell over Julian from head to toe, making me gasp. A glance out the window beside me confirmed a sunny, cloud-free day. I’d seen that warning before, and every cell in my body reacted with anxiety.

“Wait,” I said, grabbing his hand before he could leave the car.

He settled back into his seat, surprised, but didn’t remove his hand from mine. I noted with some shock that his skin was smooth and only cool to the touch, not the biting cold I’d imagined. His brow furrowed as he searched my face.

“It’s not safe,” I said, trying to put into words what I knew without a doubt.

“I told you I’ll be fine, Charlotte.” His words felt tender, not at all the edge of annoyance I expected.

“No. I mean I saw something.” I tapped my forehead to try and show him what I meant. “It’s a warning. I’ve had it happen before.”

Julian’s eyes widened with understanding. “Thank you for the warning. I shall take extra precautions.”

“Julian!” I tugged on his hand as he tried to leave once again, and he stopped. “That’s it? I’m a psychic. It’s a bad idea not to listen to me.”

“No doubt,” he agreed, gently tugging his hand from my grasp. “But that doesn’t change my job or what I need to do. For all I know, it was a premonition of what would occur if I did listen. Or perhaps you letting me know is enough to stop whatever was coming.”

“That’s not how it works,” I said, clenching my fists in frustration. “Let’s both watch from a distance and not intervene. Maybe it’ll be enough—”

“I’m not afraid, Charlotte. If something does happen, press this, and the car will take you back to the portal.” He indicated a round, red button on the dashboard and was out of the car so fast I could barely open my mouth in protest.

Damn, stubborn vampire. Now what am I supposed to do?

I tried the door, but it wouldn’t open. That ass had locked me in. Settling down to watch the screen, I used a few choice words, hoping he’d somehow hear it with his stupid vamp ears.

He must have superspeeded over because the screen already showed an isolated clearing between massive crates, I assumed the rendezvous spot. Julian was on the roof of one about two stories high, judging by the downward angle. My heart raced as I watched several people wander into the frame, one by one. I couldn’t see auras over the screen, but I figured the man and woman on the right were vamps based on their polished good looks, expensive clothing, and blanched skin. It made me wonder how Julian’s looked so good.

The two guys on the left were likely some sort of shifters since they seemed more casual and couldn’t sit still. Then two more people entered from the shadows between the opposite row of shipping containers. I recognized both.

One was White Hair. The other was Lydia, or not exactly. My friend and assistant held herself differently than she used to. Her hair was shiny and healthy, her dark eyes reflected the sun like a cat, and her skin was paler than even her goth makeup could fake.

She’d been turned. Lydia was a vampire.