Bad Blood
Olivia swatted his leg with her cane. “That’s not polite at all.” Then she pointed the cane at Chrysabelle. “You children come into the parlor and have your discussion. Augie, act proper or I’ll boot you out on your blessed pointy ears.”
He put his arm around her. “Livie, I adore you, but that’s Mortalis out there. You remember what happened last time he and I talked.” She nodded. “And see beside him? That’s a vampire.”
She squinted past Chrysabelle. “Hmm. So I see.” She ducked under his arm and started back down the hall. “Better get the bourbon.”
Creek wasn’t halfway out of Chrysabelle’s borrowed car when Doc and Fi ran out the front door to greet him. Well, Fi ran. Doc sauntered, showing no signs of what he’d been through. In fact, the lopsided grin on his face looked like it belonged on someone who’d had a few shots too many.
Creek shut the car door and a second later, Fi collided into him with a hug. “Thank you, thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He glanced at Damian as he came around the side of the car. “Thank the comar—he played bait.”
“Yes,” Damian said. “And got scorched for it.” He pulled at the burned sleeve of his shirt, revealing a patch of blistering skin.
“Oh no!” Fi went to him and took his hand. “Let’s get you inside and fix that up.” She pulled him toward the house, leaving Doc and Creek on the driveway.
Doc stuck his hand out. “Thanks, man. You did me a solid. I don’t forget that kinda stuff.”
Creek shook his hand, then started walking with the shifter back to the house. “You been celebrating? You smell like a still.”
“Hey,” Doc laughed, “that’s Chrysabelle’s best bubbly you’re talking about. I drank myself into a coma to keep Aliza’s urges from taking over.” He shrugged. “Probably going to have a headache tomorrow, but it worked, so I’m cool.” He stopped before Creek’s hand reached the knob. “Speaking of the old witch, what happened?”
“She was a vampire.”
Doc’s mouth dropped open. “You kidding me? Guess Preacher didn’t do such a hot job of killing her after all. Wow, wonder how that went down.”
“Don’t know, but she’s ash now. I set fire to the house, too, just to be sure.”
“That explains why you smell like smoke.”
Creek eyed Doc, looking him up and down. “You feel all right? Other than the alcohol?”
“Yeah, I feel fine. Why you looking at me like you’re expecting to see a third eye?”
“Aliza said if we killed her, you’d never be free. I figured she was lying, but also figured I’d better ask.”
Doc rapped his knuckles against his head. “Just me up there.”
“Good to hear. What’s happening inside?”
“Dinner, in case you can’t smell that.” Doc grabbed the door handle and went in.
Creek followed, inhaling the best thing he’d smelled in a long time. “What’s cooking?” he asked, heading into the kitchen.
The mayor turned around from a steaming pot at the stove, a spoon in one hand. “Arroz con pollo.”
“I didn’t expect to see you here.” He leaned against the fridge, giving a nod to Velimai, who glided through the space with fae efficiency.
“I was attacked by a goblin—previously a costumed child—as we were leaving the press briefing where I canceled all Halloween activities.” Lola turned back to the pot. “Coming here seemed like the right thing to do.”
“You okay?”
She shrugged and stirred. “My daughter is dead. As are two more girls. My city is being overrun by God only knows what, not to mention finding out vampires, varcolai, and fae have been living among us for who knows how long…” She sighed. “No, I’m not okay. But I’m dealing.” She set the spoon down and faced him again. “What are you exactly?”
“Just a man.”
She crossed her arms. “Lie to me again and I swear to the Virgin Mary, I will punch you.”
Not that that presented such a threat, but it probably was time to tell her. “I’m Kubai Mata.”
“And that is?”
“The KM is an ancient organization designed to be activated at times like this. Our main goal is to protect and preserve human civilization against othernatural intrusion.”
“So you’re not human?”
“No, I’m human. I’m just… enhanced. And totally here to help you. And by you, I mean the city.” And that was all he was going to say about that. “Any news from any other parts of the state or country?”
“I put out word on the mayor’s loop and sent an e-mail to the governor. Heard back from a few who think I’m crazy and a few who thanked me for putting the pieces together. Those are the ones who’ve canceled events in their cities. The rest… who knows. I can’t do more than warn them.” She stared at the floor. “Should probably check in with Chief Vernadetto, see what’s going on.”
“After dinner.” He looked at the clock on the oven. “It’s only seven, there’s time.”
She shook her head. “Then why do I feel like this might be my last meal?”
Chapter Thirty-two
Mal took a chair outside the more intimate circle of Chrysabelle, Augustine, and Mortalis. When Olivia returned with a bottle of bourbon, he got up and took the bottle from her. “Let me help.”