“It was necessary, believe me.” I’m trying to hold on to our peaceful reign. If the murders leak and Cristobal’s ability to control those in his territory is questioned, we could have a war for power. The Rippers coming in to investigate isn’t a good alternative either.
“Maybe we’d be more inclined to if you let us in,” Fel snaps
I throw up a silencing spell.
“It’s not my story to share.”
“But it is yours to act on?” Sacha counters.
“I’m walking in two worlds. There are going to be times when I can’t share everything. I’ll ask him. I don’t want to keep secrets from either of you, but what’s going on is big.” I lower the spell before we draw more attention.
“Is this place what you expected?” Fel asks.
“No, but if the devil wasn’t beautiful, would he steal so many souls?” Sacha counters.
“Exactly. Plus, it’s the middle of the day. I doubt it looks the same was night.” In a way, it’s a melting pot. I peer over at the group of vampires bartering at a booth. To the right of them, I see pointed ear women with hair like spun silk, and eyes the color of the sky can only be Fae. It’s a tapestry of beings out and proud. I can understand the appeal of this place in that way. Out in the real world we’re always hiding who we are and what we can do because people truly hate what they don’t understand. Fear is a dangerous thing.
Chapter Ten
My phone rattles on the nightstand like a snake giving a warning. I pick the offending object up. Cristobal’s name flashes across the screen, and I groan. All thoughts of sleep evaporate. I pull myself into a sitting a position in bed.
“Hey—”
“Louella, there’s been a murder.” His voice is odd, and the exclusion of the previous two murders makes me frown. “The body of a young woman was found in an alley outside of Velvet with Marcellus’s scent all over her. They’re trying to hold him responsible.”
“That’s ridiculous. He’s far too old to be so sloppy, and has no reason to be that hungry or seek blood out in the open when he can have it ordered any way he’d like.”
“All valid arguments I mentioned. They don’t want to take my word for it. They say he was in the middle of a bloodlust.”
I growl. “This is a place he frequents, isn’t it?”
“Yes.”
“Was he there that night?”
“He admits he was.”
My stomach clenches. “With this woman?”
“He interacted with her, but he didn’t bring her.”
“Shit.”
“Indeed.”
“The Dupeuxes now own this building, don’t they?”
“Yes.” I cringe. They’re using this as a chance to go for the jugular. They never wanted peace with the vampires. They wanted extermination. There’s a rumor of hunters in their bloodline. I wouldn’t find it hard to believe given their almost fanatical attitude toward them.
“Where are you?” I ask as I push back my blue and white flowered comforter, and place my feet on the cold floor.
“Still at Velvet in the offices. Which is quite heavily spelled.”
“Tell them I’m coming and, they aren’t to do anything until I arrive.” I wouldn’t put it past them to help with the framing. They think if they topple Cristobal, witches can regain footing. They don’t understand someone will only rise to take his place, and they might not be as agreeable. The only answer is to learn to live together as best we can. The world isn’t as big as it once was, and we all need our safe havens.
“I will relay your message.” Hurry. The words are whispered through the bond and full of urgency he didn’t show in his voice.
“I’ll be there soon.”