Mandy woke to darkness. Huh. She should be dead. Ice hadn’t removed her head but instead clocked her in the side of the face with his fist. He’d withdrawn the claws first, or she’d still be in a world of pain. The enforcer had an iron punch though, so as it was, her cheek throbbed a little.
She lifted her head and peered around. Her eyesight was pretty good in the dark but no light came into the room at all. She sniffed and regretted it. Death clung to her in the form of dried blood down her body. It had begun to decay. She tried to ignore that though and figure out where she was. The scent of chemicals hung in the air, a lot of dust, and mold. Ice smelled like leather and sandalwood, but it was faint, as if it had been a while since he’d been near her.
She strained to hear anything. Traffic in the distance helped her figure out she remained in the city. Ice wasn’t in the room. That was for certain, since she couldn’t pick up his heartbeat or the sound of breathing besides her own. She tried to sit up but realized fast that her wrists were restrained above her head and her ankles somehow shackled to keep her legs straight on a flat surface. Her thigh hurt like a son of a bitch too. That stupid Vamp she’d taken out had probably fractured her leg and it would be badly bruised. A quick wiggle of her toes revealed her boots had been removed but she still wore clothing. They were currently stuck to the front of her body where she’d been covered in blood.
“Ice?”
No response. It was daytime though. She could tell by the way her body felt lethargic and heavy. Maybe he thought she’d be out for the day. Most Vampires were unless they were far older than her. Ice wouldn’t know that the council had made certain their assassins retained as few weaknesses as possible.
She took deep breaths and tested the restraints. They wouldn’t give way. Whatever he’d used were Vamp-strength resistant. She lowered her head, wiggling her body. The surface she lay on felt hard and unforgiving. Cold too.
The question she wanted to ask most was why he hadn’t killed her. His alpha would be furious. That was the last thing she wanted.
Hours passed as she napped on and off, trying to ignore how her body ached from being uncomfortable and from her injuries. They weren’t healing as fast as normal. She needed to feed.
The floor creaked above her head and she opened her eyes, alert. Every footstep she was able to track by sound. A door to her left squeaked open and the person came closer. She could make out a big form and inhaled. Ice had returned.
The lights he flipped on blinded her for a few seconds. Two large industrial ones were hung above her. She blinked a few times and then openly gawked at Ice. His hair was mussed, as if he’d just woken from bed. Her gaze lowered to his exposed chest. He was perfect, muscular and tan. The dark gray sweats he sported hung low on his hips, revealing those little side muscles just above the waistband. He was all man and incredibly sexy. Her gums throbbed and it embarrassed her when her fangs slid down.
He moved with the full grace of a sleek predator. A sexy one as he approached her. “It’s still day. You’re awake.”
Her nipples beaded and she squirmed a little. His deep, raspy tone turned her on more. Great, he wasn’t only eye porn, but his voice got to her too. She broke eye contact, knowing her eyes would respond to him as well by blazing brighter. Full-on bloodlust hit, and she knew he’d smell her arousal soon. He was a Werewolf with a super sniffer.
It sucked waking up starving since she hadn’t fed in a few days, but it was made ten times worse by her fantasy dream guy in that state of undress while she was injured. Her response to him would come to his attention and there would be no hiding it. She might as well get ahead of it.
“I’m hungry and hurt,” she admitted. “Sorry. My body is going to do some Vampy things until I drink blood. Try to ignore it.”
He frowned, staring at her. “How are you awake?”
“We’re fed council member blood to make us stronger. Assassins would be too easy to kill if anyone could just break into our hotel rooms during the day and we couldn’t defend ourselves.” She avoided looking at him at all costs. As a human, she’d been really attracted to him, but as a blood-starved Vamp, it was a hundred times stronger. “You need to know that the council will have activated my tracker and will send Olivia here as soon as the sun goes down.”
“I removed it and ditched your phone. I left them with that ashed Vamp, hoping they’ll think it’s you. You’re not going to be found.”
That surprised her enough to meet his gaze as he stood next to her. It also made her slightly relieved. He would be safe.
“Don’t even try to break into my head.”
Her eyes still glowed. She turned her head, looking at anything but him. “I told you. I’m hungry and hurt. I’m not attempting to control you. It’s also why my fangs are out. You should put on a shirt. You know…show me less skin.”
“You’re strong enough to resist becoming comatose during the day but you wake starving like a newbie?” He sounded amused and his voice turned huskier. “Interesting.”
“Yeah. That’s me. Interesting.” She swallowed. “Why am I still alive, Ice?”
“My name is Glacier. I just went by Ice as a nickname.”
“Did you used to belong to a pack in California? That’s weird. Most packs don’t move territories.”
Unless he’s taken a mate.
That was a horrible thought. Had he mated to someone and transferred packs? She sniffed the air but didn’t pick up the scent of another woman.
“I’m not mated, if that’s what you’re checking for, and I don’t belong to the local pack. You could say I’m on assignment from somewhere else. I travel around.”
She bit her lip, resisting the urge to look at him, not wanting him to see her as a threat.
“But you’re a Were. I smell it on you.”
“What else do you pick up?”
She stared at the brick walls. “This place is old. Is it abandoned? Nobody has cleaned it for years with this much dust in the air. And there’s mold. A lot. Some wood rot, too. I reek of death, since I’ve got dried blood on me.” She lifted her head and saw broken computers on the floor. “That accounts for the plastic and metallic scents I’m picking up.” Her gaze scanned the room, seeing old cleaning supplies on a shelf. “And there’s the chemicals I smell.”
He regarded her with narrowed eyes. “Anything else?”
“Just you. I like sandalwood. You smell nice.” She let her head fall back and cringed when she hit it a little too hard. “Not to be a pain, but I need to use the bathroom if there is one, to get clean. A hose would work too. I skipped eating for a few days and the dried blood is making it worse. You know what that means.”
“I have no clue what you’re talking about. Go ahead and look at me. I’ll know if you attempt to trespass into my head.”
She really didn’t want to stare into his eyes. Or see his handsome face. To be in the room with an attractive man while hunger played hell on her body. The fact that it was the guy she’d thought about, envisioned in her head every time she’d masturbated over the years, wasn’t helping. Especially with him half naked. But she turned her head and held his gaze.
“Do you know why I didn’t kill you?”
Such enthralling eyes. Holy hotness. I could totally worship him. Way better than I remembered.
“Answer me.”
What was the question? Oh yeah. “I assume I’m still alive because you want to know more about the local nest. I don’t have a lot of answers but I’ll tell you what I can. Either ask fast or let me wash the blood off. My control will slip, and that could become kind of traumatic.”
“Traumatic?”
“I’d planned to find a donor last night after hunting my target. I never got a chance to feed. Between the fight I had with that other Vamp—where I think he fractured my leg—the punch to my face, and being sprayed with blood, it’s all a bad combo. I’m borderline on losing my shit. I’ll start hissing and snapping at you soon. It’ll get harder for me to think beyond the hunger. I can buy some time to stay in control if I wash off the dried blood. A shower would give me a few more hours of sanity.”
“You’re going to try to escape if I unchain you to use the bathroom.”
“Where would I go? You removed my tracker. I’m possibly enemy number one to the council right now. They’ll think I ran from them if they don’t believe the ashes are mine. I’ll answer any questions you have, but I’d just like to take a shower first.”
He leaned over her and peered into her eyes.
The scent of him hit her and her body went a little crazy. She wanted him so bad it hurt. It was just confusing at that point whether she craved his blood or sex.
“I don’t trust you.”
“You shouldn’t. I’m a Vampire. We’re mostly bad guys. I have no plans to attack you or run though. I’ll let you know when I hit the danger zone on my bloodlust. It’s not here yet. I wasn’t lying about everyone coming after me when the tracker alarm went off. I’m already dead, Ice.”
“Glacier,” he corrected.
“Sorry. It’s going to take some time getting used to the new name. You never did say why you were working at Bucket.”
“I was hunting a crazy master who thought it would be a good idea to have humans treat him as though he were a god. He actually had them believing he was one. They’re probably still in therapy after how badly he’d fucked with their heads.”
She curled her lip in disgust. “Did you find him?”
He nodded. “It wasn’t gang members who came into the club that night you went missing. It was him and his four nest members searching for new humans to add to their cult. His name was Byron—and he sobbed while I killed him.”
The irony wasn’t lost on her. “You asked me to leave that night to keep me safe…but I got grabbed in the back parking lot by one of Cain’s harem hunters. It’s like I was totally screwed on the staying-human front, wasn’t it?”
“Byron wouldn’t have targeted you. He was only into men. I didn’t want you there in case they felt cornered and used human shields.”
“Did they?”
“No. I took them out one by one without them even realizing I was there until I was down to Byron and his bodyguard. They went into the men’s room, following a victim they’d chosen. I started a brawl so the humans would flee and then ashed their asses once we were alone.”
Her fangs ached and the smell coming off her own body was driving her mad. “I really need to get this blood off me. I’m weaker than normal this morning because it’s tough on my body to go this long without blood, especially while I need to heal. You could easily take me down, even if I’m lying about not planning to escape.” She stared into his eyes, searching for any signs of the caring person he used to be. “Please? I might not be a Were but I have a sensitive nose. It’s probably getting to you too. Wouldn’t you like to question me when I don’t reek?”
He clenched his teeth. “Fine. The only bathroom is on the third floor. It’s still daylight outside though, and I’m not covering all the windows. I’ll put a blanket over you and escort you to the bathroom. There’s a tiny window in there but it doesn’t let in direct sunlight. That room is located against an outside wall. If you try to punch through, all you’ll do is burn. The buildings around us are locked up tight. I don’t care how fast you can run, you won’t find sanctuary from the sun before you’re ashed.”
“I’m not going to run, Glacier.” It was odd saying that name. “Can I ask you something?”
He reached into the sweatpants pocket and withdrew a ring with two small keys. “I’m not telling you who I work for or how many of us there are.”
“I just wanted to know what your real name is.”
“Why would you think Glacier isn’t?”
“Well, cold seems to be a theme you go by. Ice. Glacier. I was thinking on your next job you might be Hail or Sleet.” She couldn’t help but smile. “Frost sounds pretty cool too.”
He moved down to her feet. “You always did have a sense of humor and a quick mind. My mother named me Glacier. I told Mike my name, but he refused to call me that. He dubbed me Ice and it stuck.”
She decided to believe him. “Thank you.”
“For what?” He removed the chunky cuff-like restraints from her ankles.
“It just matters to me that I know your actual name. It’s silly but there it is.”
He walked up the side of the table to her head. “I’d hate to have to knock you out again. I don’t enjoy hitting women. That doesn’t mean I won’t if you attack me, Mandy. Understand? Behave and I won’t have to hurt you.”
She held very still as he released her wrists. “I’m not going to fight you. I get not believing me. I honestly do, and I wouldn’t be so trusting in your shoes either. Vampires tend to lie. Thank you. Can I sit up now? I’ll move slow.”
He backed away and shoved the keys into his pocket. “Do it.”
She bit back a groan as she sat upright and stretched a little, the kinks in her body making themselves known. The countertop had felt as hard as marble, despite it being metal. “I don’t know how they used to do it when Vampires had to hide out in burial crypts and sleep on stone. I’m such a wimp. I bought a pillow-top mattress for my room that feels like a cloud of softness.” She carefully swung her legs over the side and slipped off the edge, standing there in her bare feet. Her leg held her weight but it hurt. She avoided stepping on broken computer pieces as she made her way closer to him. “I appreciate you showing me some mercy.” She stared deeply into his eyes.
“Walk in front of me to the stairs.”
He didn’t want to give her his back. Smart. She made no sudden movements and picked her way around the debris to the stairs, only stopping when she reached the bottom. Glacier stepped to her side and reached under the staircase, withdrawing what looked like an old canvas tarp.
“That’s not a blanket.” She wrinkled her nose. “And it’s layered in dust.”
“It’s all I’ve got down here. Yes or no? You could return to the workbench.”
She closed her eyes, tucked her chin down, and hugged her waist. “Do it. I hope this bathroom has warm water. I can dream, right?”
The sound of him chuckling surprised her. She almost peeked to see his face but then he opened the tarp, wrapping it around her as if she were a person burrito. His shoulder dug into her hips a moment later and he hoisted her off her feet. She gasped, unable to even grab at him. Then she got to hang draped over him when he began to climb the stairs.
“I feel like a sack of potatoes over your shoulder, dirt and all.”
He ran his hand over her leg all the way to her feet but she couldn’t feel more than the weight of it since the tarp covered her. “Tell me if part of you starts to burn.”
“I will. Promise. You’ll know when I begin screaming.”
He came to an abrupt stop.
“That was a joke. Kind of. It hurts like hell when I’m exposed to sunlight.”
He began to walk again and she heard the floor creaking under their combined weight. They were on the first floor now. “Does that happen often?”
“No. I’m smart enough to avoid it but training was a bitch. They threw us outside a few times to show us how it felt to be exposed to the sun, and to make sure we could run back inside fast enough not to die. Burns are the worst to heal from.”
“Why in the hell would they do that?”
“To make sure we don’t freeze up while terrified and in pain.”
“What if you couldn’t make it back to cover?”
“Only the fittest survive training. We were considered too weak to live if we failed a test. They’d get new recruits to replace the ones who died.”
“Cold.” He started up more stairs.
“That’s the council for you. They aren’t exactly the compassionate types.”
“I’m sorry they got their hands on you, Mandy.”
“Thank you. Life sometimes sucks, and now so do I. That Vampire joke never gets old.”
He paused, brushed her body against a wall, and then she heard the sound of a door opening. “How can you keep your sense of humor about this shit?”
“Laugh or cry. Want to guess which I prefer?”
The door slammed closed and a soft click sounded. He bent, setting her on her feet. She held still as he unwrapped the canvas and then she reached up, brushing her face with both hands in case dust covered her skin. Ice didn’t say a word. She opened her eyes, glancing around the room.
The bathroom was outdated, not very big, and the tiny window over the tub and shower combo had layers of dirt blocking out most of the light coming from outside. A thin plastic shower curtain was pushed to the side. The toilet was a foot away, the sink next to it. He’d turned on the only light bulb in the room, which hung above their heads.
She tipped her head back and held his gaze. “I won’t try to escape.”
He backed up to the door, leaned against it, and crossed his arms. It was clear he had no intention of going anywhere.
Her mouth fell open but she snapped it shut. “You’re going to watch me?”
“I’m not letting you out of my sight until you’re chained up again.”
She turned her head to stare into the dirty mirror. It had come as a shock when she’d discovered it was a bullshit myth that Vamps didn’t have a reflection. Part of her regretted that it wasn’t true as she took notice of the yellow and purple bruise fading on her cheek. Her hair was shorter than it used to be, just past her shoulders, and she’d stopped dying it. It was a waste of time to mess with her appearance. The last thing she wanted to be to her co-workers was attractive. That lesson had been learned.
“Time is wasting. Take your shower if you want one. I don’t have long before the pack sends Teenie back here soon to begin our night.”
She sighed and faced the shower. The curtain was nearly transparent. He’d get a good view at least. She gave him her back, turned on the water to see if it would get warm, and then tore her shirt over her head.
He sucked in a sharp breath.
She smiled, refusing to look at him. “Don’t act all surprised that I’m removing my clothes. Doesn’t everyone do that when they shower?”
He didn’t answer.
She dropped her bra. The gun holster remained but the weapon had been removed. The sheath for her blade also sat empty. She unclipped both from her body and unfastened her pants.
“I’m just surprised you’re not arguing with me by demanding privacy.”
She shoved them down, along with her underwear, giving him a great view of her bare ass and more if he was looking. It felt as if his gaze was on her. “The council stripped me of modesty a long time ago in regards to people seeing my body. I’ve learned to pick my battles carefully, Ice.” She paused. “Sorry. Glacier. I’m just grateful you gave me access to a shower.”
She went to step into the tub but gasped when he suddenly gripped her arm. Their gazes locked as she peered at him over her shoulder. He looked furious.
“What the fuck does that mean? I thought you said the council prevented you from being in some asshole’s sex harem.”
“It could mean death if you’re fighting someone, they rip your shirt, and you try to cover your exposed breasts. Putting an arm down could mean the difference between keeping your head or not. They sometimes made us fight naked to make sure we didn’t care what parts of our body are exposed.”
“Did any of them force you into sexual situations?”
That was a polite way to put what he implied. “No. The council doesn’t abuse their powers by making us fuck them. We’re viewed as tools they use to kill, nothing more. It’s actually a rule they follow…never get involved with an assassin. Emotional attachments are forbidden.”
“Does that mean you don’t have a companion or someone you’re in a relationship with?”
“That’s also forbidden to us. We’re property of the council. It’s seen as a weakness to care about someone else. Olivia and I have hidden our close friendship. They just think we work well as a team and tolerate each other, since we come back whole. I haven’t always played well with others when they’ve assigned me to work with someone else.”
“Explain.”
She hesitated before giving him an example. “My first on-the-job assignment trainer thought he should also teach me the art of seduction. I wasn’t interested. So he decided it would be great payback not to give me backup when we were attacked by the nest we were sent to take out. Then the prick had only gotten us one hotel room, assuming we’d share the bed. He made me sleep on the floor since I wouldn’t touch him. I got even when he went to sleep. You’ll know who he is if you ever run across a Vamp missing the tip of his pinky finger. We don’t grow back body parts if they’ve been severed and turned to ash. There’re a few missing some toes too, but let’s just say I’ve gained a reputation of someone to avoid sexually harassing at work.”
His expression never changed.
She wondered what he thought about her past stunts, and decided to explain further. She wasn’t a horrible person. “I’m not allowed to seriously damage another assassin or disfigure their faces, since they have to walk amongst humans on jobs. Taking an entire finger or something that might make them less effective at their job would get me killed as punishment. But the tip of a pinkie finger or removing a little toe?” She shrugged. “Nobody would notice that. The council didn’t care.”
His hold on her eased. “Take your shower.”
She got into the tub and closed the curtain, standing under the hot water. It felt good, and it came as a surprise to her that the water heater worked in the old building. He also had products. She quickly washed her hair and scrubbed her body clean. The scent of sandalwood filled her lungs to replace dead Vamp. Now she’d smell like Glacier instead.
It was slightly comforting to know something good would be the last thing she inhaled before she took her final breath. Hunger gnawed at her but she pushed it back. She needed blood but he wouldn’t feed her. Werewolves tended to detest Vamps for their need to drink blood. Of course, she wasn’t going to point out that her meals survived. Unlike those of Werewolves, who tended to eat a lot of meat.
He held a towel over the top of the curtain when she turned off the water. “Thanks.” She wrapped it around her middle and got out of the tub. “Do you have another one for my hair?”
He opened a cupboard built into the wall and withdrew a second one. “Turn around.”
She tensed but did as he asked. Maybe he’d be kind and kill her without warning. It was her favorite way to eliminate a target. They never saw the blade coming until it was halfway through their throat.
He stepped close, just inches away, and began to rub her hair dry. It was a personal task a person who cared for you would do.
Tears filled her eyes but she blinked them back fast. He’d accused her of planning to play head games but it seemed that was his strategy. And it was working.
“What else do you want to know?” She’d tell him anything and then this could end.
“How many assassins work for the council?”
“At least a hundred. There are eight houses in the U.S. and two in Europe. I’ve never been there but one is in England, the other in Germany. They put ten of us in each home they set up. We’re not called nests, since our masters are every member of the council.”
“Why Europe?”
“To watch what the Vamps over there are up to. It’s all hush-hush, but I met one of them about ten years ago. His name was Andre, and he’d followed a master into New York who didn’t have permission to be there. Andre was stationed in Germany but mentioned he had transferred from England. I asked him if there were more houses but he said he’d only heard of the two. I was called in to be his backup because the master traveled with five guards. He’d also hired half a dozen humans to protect him during the day. We went at him at night though.”
“Do all masters need permission to enter the U.S. first?”
“There were rumors that this master planned to take over New York. That’s where I’m based. One of the council owns that territory, and it would mean a war for him to keep it. He’d warned the master not to come here and had Andre watching him in Germany. As soon as he flew into the U.S., it became a kill order.”
“The council makes you do their territory dirty work?”
“Yes.”
“Where are the houses in the states?”
“Tampa, Dallas, Chicago, Vegas, Portland, San Francisco, Denver, and New York.”
“What about Canada or Mexico?”
“Not that I know of.”
“None in Alaska?”
“VampLycans are up there. From what I’ve heard in passing, the council thinks any nest that settles there are fools. They do it at their own risk.”
“In passing?”
“We hear rumors from time to time from the New York council member’s nest of Vamps, when he orders us to come to him to get our assignments. There was a nest in Alaska wiped out not too long ago by the VampLycans after they tried to set up there. Corski was pissed about it. I guess he knew the master killed, and he was trying to gain support from the council for retaliation. He was voted down. Joseph Corski is the council member and master in New York City. He’s the one who gives my house our orders from the others.”
“The council fears the VampLycans?”
She tugged out of his hold and raised both eyebrows when she twisted her head, staring at him. “I think someone would have to be an idiot not to be wary of VampLycans. I know Weres think they’re super tough, but I hope you never plan to take them on.”
“What have you heard about GarLycans?”
“They keep to themselves. It’s the VampLycans who defend packs and hunt nests that create too much attention with humans. There have been recent sightings of them in Los Angeles, Washington, and Colorado.”
“Ever been sent to kill a VampLycan?”
She shook her head. “I’m still here, aren’t I? They’re total bogeymen.”
He scowled.
“They are. Way stronger than masters, even old ones, and they have no weaknesses from what I’ve heard.”
“I think GarLycans are more fearsome. They can fly.”
She shrugged and turned her entire body around to face him. “They don’t leave their nest. I don’t worry about them.”
“Nest? They’re a clan.”
“Good to know, but I don’t worry about GarLycans hunting me since I never plan to go to Alaska. What else do you want to know? And you don’t have to be nice to me. I told you I’d answer your questions. So enough small talk.”
He held the towel between them but didn’t back away. Inches separated them.
“My control is better now that I’m clean but being close to you is difficult. I can hear your heartbeat.” Her gaze ran along his muscular arms and chest. “I can see your veins. Looking at you is akin to waving a big ol’ steak in front of a starving dog.” She peered into his eyes. “No games, for old times’ sake, okay, Glacier? Just ask and I’ll answer your questions. Don’t drag this out until you see the ugly side of me. And it will be. I’d like for you to remember me this way, rather than what I’ll become when the bloodlust takes over.”
He tossed the towel in the sink. “Are you going to put your clothes back on?”
“No. I’d just reek again since I don’t have different ones to wear. The towel is fine.” She inched away to put as much space between them as possible, pressing against the wall. “Fast and furious rounds of questions. Hit me with them.” She hugged her waist.
“Where’s the local nest located right now? They went into hiding after I took out the first Vamp.”
“We reported to Marco at a Chinese restaurant after we arrived in town.” She gave him the cross streets and name of the place. “I got the impression they were staying in the basement. He mentioned the strong smells of the cooking hiding their scents from Werewolf trackers.”
“Where is Olivia staying? With them?”
She inwardly winced. “I hate to give her up…but will you make me a promise?”
“You said you’d answer me.”
“She’s my best friend, Glacier. My only friend. It’s not her fault that she takes orders from the council. But I don’t want you or any more Werewolf kids to die. I’m all about priorities. I understand wrong from right. She’ll kill you if she’s able, regardless of why you’re taking out the nest. Just…promise me she won’t suffer when you put her down.”
He frowned, studying her with his mesmerizing blue gaze.
She lowered her head, unable to look at him anymore, and tears filled her eyes. He wanted her to give up Olivia. Do the right thing.
Fuck! The council will kill her anyway if she fails to take out Glacier. He’s protecting kids.
“Look at me.”
His demanding tone wasn’t lost on her but she refused to obey. “She’s not bad. I swear. In twelve years we were going to join a nice nest with a decent master. They’re tough to find. He likes humans, even allows a pack to live in his city without starting shit with them just for the hell of it. He’s all about keeping the peace. Olivia hates this job as much as I do but her family members matter to her. She’s got two sisters who have kids. Her niece got married last week and she cried seeing the pictures posted on a social site.”
“Mandy,” he snarled.
She jerked her head up.
“You’re crying?” He growled deep in his chest.
“Of course I am. Did you miss the part about her being my best friend? I hate this. But she’s smart and an excellent fighter. There’s a chance she could take you down. That means those kids would be in danger. You think I’m heartless, don’t you? Well, big surprise. I’m not. So yeah, I’m finding it difficult you want me to give up her location, as difficult as I find endangering more children. She follows orders to protect her family. Get it?”
“You said you’d answer all my questions.”
“All I’m asking is that you take her out fast and painlessly.”
His nostrils flared but he finally gave a sharp nod. “Done.”
“Thank you.” It was the only comfort she had. “The Smith Hotel. Room two-twenty. Tell her Werewolf kids were being killed…and I’m sorry.” Hot tears slid down her cheeks.
“Do you know which council member is protecting this pack?”
“The order came from Corski, but he and the council might have been manipulated by another member with a personal agenda. I can’t see all of them knowing Marco was killing Were kids and being dumb enough to think the VampLycans wouldn’t eventually be called in. It’s why we’re supposed to police our own. It’s motivation to keep them from showing up. The council doesn’t want a war. They’re aware that some packs contact the VampLycans for help if the Vamp problem is severe enough. I’d say this falls under that category.”
He said nothing more. She wiped away her tears and sniffed. “What else?”
“That’s it.”
She nodded and gave him her back. “The shower would be easier to clean. Want me to step in there? I’ll try not to struggle if you have a problem getting through the bone.” It wasn’t as if he needed to go grab a sharp blade with those claws of his.
He just breathed evenly.
Maybe he found it hard to kill her since they had a past. She took the initiative for him and stepped over the tub rim, removed the towel so her blood wouldn’t get on it, and faced the tiled corner. “Have a good life, Glacier. I’m ready.”
She closed her eyes and swept her hair aside to expose the back of her neck, making it easier for him to take a swipe. “Do it.”