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Her jaw tightened, and the intensity in her eyes bore into mine. Her stubbornness was palpable. “I’m doing everything in my power to solve these murders, Mayor. I won’t let bureaucratic red tape hinder that,” she declared, anger bubbling to the surface.
I sighed once more, my shoulders slumping slightly. “Agent Evelyn, let’s not escalate this. We can discuss it further, but for now, let the investigation proceed without unnecessary disruptions.”
I understood where Agent Evelyn was coming from; she was driven by the urgency of solving the murders, but I, as the Mayor, have to consider the broader implications for the town. The vampires hated being controlled and imposing a curfew on them would only lead to rebellion. Then everything I’d been trying to keep under wraps would explode. Nobody wants a town of angry vampires seeking retribution for their fallen brothers.
As she left my office, resolve etched on her face, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this woman would bring me even more problems. When the FBI director sent us a message about sending in one of their best agents to help assist with the investigation, the vampire council revolted. I had to promise them that the FBI agent wouldn’t hinder our kind in any way and wouldn’t expose us to any harm.
Agent Evelyn didn’t know that Harmony Grove had secrets she didn’t understand—secrets that have existed for centuries, and the owners would do anything to keep them hidden. She was a mere mortal, and her stubbornness might take her far in the bureau, but it would only get her killedhere.
The vampire council, our major decision pillar, wouldn’t like these restrictions. If they thought their kind was in danger, they might act strongly. Agent Evelyn’s lack of knowledge about vampires made the danger even worse. They would kill her and chalk it up to her being murdered, and it would only mean Harmony Grove would be swamped with more FBI agents. It would turn into an even messier situation if that happened.
I couldn’t let her discover a world she wasn’t ready for—a world where night creatures live in the shadows, unknown to most humans. We needed to keep a careful balance between the supernatural and human worlds for everyone’s safety.
When I was alone, I focused on a personal problem—finding Ana. Recent deaths made me worry about her safety. As the Mayor, I had responsibilities to the whole town, but family was still the most important.
I looked for Ana, quietly asking questions and following leads. Ana always did what she wanted, going to places that worried others. But recent events suggested something more dangerous; Ana would never stay out this long without contact. Even if it was just a quick text to reassure me, and she certainly wouldn’t take off her necklace.
It was getting hard to keep my hopes up; we had survived too many things. The great supernatural war happened with us fighting side by side, and now she just vanished without a trace. I couldn’t say what happened to my sister, and now I don’t know if she’s out there waiting for me to come and rescue her.
I decided to go speak to her friends. Maybe she had mentioned an impromptu trip or something to them. I would start with her best friend, Lily, then proceed to the rest of the group. I walked out of the office and picked up my car keys. I bade my secretary goodnight as I made my way to my car.
I stood in front of Lily’s house, tapping my fingers nervously. They were the best of friends, and if anyone could answer where my sister went, it would be Lily. I wondered why I didn’t think of her at first.
Lily opened the door, surprised to see me. “Alexei,” she said cautiously.
“Lily,” I replied, looking at her seriously. “Have you seen Ana? I’ve been unable to reach her, and I’m getting worried.”
Lily hesitated. “Ana and I argued at the club. She left with a man I didn’t know. I haven’t seen her since then.”
I felt worried. Ana’s impulsive actions worried me, especially now. “Do you know anything about the man she left with? Any details could help me find her.”
Lily looked unsure. “I’m sorry, Alexei. I didn’t know him. Ana was upset and left.”
I felt frustrated. I was sure the club wouldn’t have any footage because they rarely do around here, and the description she gave me was too vague for me to go by.
“If you remember anything, please tell me. Ana’s safety is important, and I’m sorry for what happened between you guys.”
Lily shifted uncomfortably. “I wish I could help more. She left with a stranger, and I haven’t seen her since.”
A heavy silence filled the air. “If you remember anything, let me know. Finding Ana is my top priority.”
Lily met my gaze. “I hope you find her, Alexei.”
As I turned to leave, she hesitated before offering, “Would you like to come in for some tea? It’s the least I can do.”
The invitation hung in the air, laced with an undertone that hinted at more than hospitality. I recognized the glimmer in Lily’s eyes, a subtle attempt at flirtation amidst the seriousness of the situation. “Thank you, Lily, but I must continue my search for Ana. I need to be sure she’s safe at least. Thank you for the offer.”
She bit her lower lip, a gesture tinged with disappointment. “Another time, then?”
“Perhaps,” I replied, a polite but distant acknowledgment. Lily and I had crossed paths before, but her attempts at allure never quite landed as intended. Ana was the focus of my concerns, and distractions were a luxury I couldn’t afford.
As I walked away from Lily’s doorstep, the night seemed to stretch ahead, filled with unanswered questions and the relentless pursuit of the truth.
CHAPTER 6 | DRUNK TEXTS
EVELYN’S POV
The bright white walls in my hotel room felt like a blank canvas, ready for the mystery in Harmony Grove to unfold. I walked back and forth, carefully looking at the little information I had, like pieces of a mystery waiting to be put together.
