“I mean it,” he said. “You found out who he was, and you didn’t back down. Hell, you fought him, and you were a total warrior.”
“I was scared shitless.”
He smiled. “That’s because you have a brain in your head. You know how it goes, Merit. Fear doesn’t stop a warrior. It pushes you further.”
I reached out, squeezed his hand. “Thanks, Jeff.”
“It’s the absolute truth.”
I nodded, made myself tell them the rest of it. “He basically confirmed Reed’s pulling his strings. He wants to kill me, make Ethan crazy. Two birds, one stone. I didn’t tell the cops—I don’t want to make that situation worse. Too many people already think we have it in for Reed.”
My grandfather nodded. “It was smart to be cautious. And you’ve told me. That’s fine for now. You’ll have to tell Ethan.”
I just nodded.
“Mallory said it looked like the vampire was watching the House,” Jeff said.
“Casing it, is my best bet. I don’t think he planned to make a run at me tonight—probably because there were so many other people there. You guys and Scott and Morgan. He would have watched and waited.”
And he still would watch and wait. Because nothing had been decided tonight. This had been the first round of a battle that had to continue. I’d see him again. He’d make another attempt.
“Am I done here?” I asked, glancing back at the uniforms. “I’d like to get back to the House.” Away from here, from trains and cops and onlookers.
“You are,” my grandfather said. “Would you like a ride?”
Normally, I’d have jumped at the offer, but I needed time to think. Time to process. A few minutes of solitude before I walked into Cadogan House, because God knew I wouldn’t get it then. I’d have to talk. I’d have to report. I’d have to tell.
“Actually, I think I’d like to grab a cab if you don’t mind.”
My grandfather squeezed my arm. “There’s nothing wrong with taking a few minutes to settle. You’ve earned it.”
“Do you think that’s safe?” Jeff asked.
“He’s long gone,” I said. “Too many cops around. And he won’t try the House tonight. Not after this. He’ll know we’re watching.”
“I don’t disagree,” my grandfather said.
“Let me get you a cab,” Jeff said. “Least we can do is make sure you get in it safely.” He walked to the curb, signaled for a cab, waited until one pulled up.
“You’ll let me know when you get home?” my grandfather asked, and put up a hand to stop any grumbling. “I know you’re a grown woman and can take care of yourself, but I’d appreciate it if you’d do me the favor tonight.”
“I will,” I promised, and gave him a hug, them climbed into the cab and pulled out my phone. I sent Ethan a simple message. I’M ON MY WAY.
I kept it short and simple, but I had little doubt he’d have plenty of things to say.
• • •
I had the cab drop me off at the corner. Even after the twenty minute ride, I was still procrastinating walking back in the front door.
I’d been a grad student. I could recognize procrastination a mile away.
Why stand outside the House? Why delay going back to the man who loved me? Because I felt so suddenly vulnerable. Stripped emotionally bare because the vampire who’d attacked me was back again. I felt like I was standing naked in a spotlight, blinded to the onlookers, knowing they were there.
And that wasn’t all. I felt that I’d failed because I’d let him go. Yes, that had been to save the life of a child, but it still ate at me. He was still out there. And he wouldn’t go away.
I could defend myself, sure. Would defend myself when we inevitably met again. But until then, there was waiting. There was feeling exposed.
That sent me back toward the House, toward the fence and the gate.