Flesh and Blood

Ronan and Dominic thrust their bared wrists out to the other, then Dominic spoke. ‘This blood oath is between Ronan and myself. I vow to give him aid in uncovering whoever is killing fringe vampires in Paradise City.’

Ronan took his turn. ‘This blood oath is between Dominic and myself. I vow to give him aid in finding Tatiana and the unspoken request he has yet to reveal.’

Mortalis nodded. ‘Seal the oath.’

Each man grabbed the other’s wrist, brought it to his mouth, and bit. Dominic swallowed a mouthful of Ronan’s blood as Ronan did the same with his. Finished, they disengaged.

‘This blood oath is sealed and witnessed,’ Mortalis said.

‘Sealed and witnessed,’ Katsumi added.

‘Anything else?’ the shadeux asked.

‘No.’ Dominic unrolled his shirtsleeve. ‘Escort Katsumi to her suite. Ronan and I require privacy.’

Katsumi kissed his cheek. ‘Come to me when you’re through?’

‘Perhaps.’ Depending on how things went with Ronan, Dominic thought it best not to promise anything.

She left with Mortalis, then Ronan retook his seat. Dominic returned to the bar for his wine.

‘So, Dominic, what’s this great unspoken wrong that’s been leveled against you?’ Ronan’s tone made it clear he expected some minor insult.

Wine in hand, Dominic returned to the couch. ‘My blood has been stolen.’

‘How?’ Ronan’s curt expression disappeared. ‘By who?’

‘The how is not important. The who is Maddoc, but I don’t know if he still has it. If he doesn’t, it’s already in the hands of the witches.’

‘Aliza? I assume this is about that whole cock-up where her daughter got turned to stone. She must have promised to undo Doc’s curse.’ Ronan scrubbed a hand over his face. ‘The dark power she could conjure with your blood … ’ He swallowed and looked at Dominic. ‘But, then, you know that.’

‘I do.’ Dominic nodded, sipped his wine. ‘Which is why I want it back. No matter the cost.’

‘Collateral damage acceptable?’

‘By any means.’ Dominic leaned forward. ‘Just keep Maddoc alive. I want to kill him myself.’

Chrysabelle settled onto the chaise beside Mal. Creek sat across from them. A KM slayer, an anathema noble, and a comarré. It was like the start of a bad fringe joke.

‘What do you want to talk about?’ Creek asked.

‘The blood ritual Chrysabelle is going to perform,’ Mal said. ‘If it’s as dangerous as she says, you should know about it. In case.’

Creek nodded. ‘I agree.’

‘What exactly do you think is going to happen?’ Chrysabelle asked. It wasn’t like either of them was going to be present during the ritual.

Mal looked at her. ‘I don’t know. Maybe you should explain just how dangerous this ritual is going to be.’

Ignoring the oddity of the sudden cooperation of the two men, she answered. ‘I said it was potentially dangerous. Mostly because of the amount of blood that must be spilled. It will weaken me temporarily.’ She stood, walked to the edge of the pool, and turned her back on the water she and Creek had just been sharing. The skin across her stomach felt tight where it was healing. ‘I will not discuss the details of the ritual with either of you. All I have to do is perform it, get the answers Mal needs, and I’m done.’ Done with her bargain with Mal. And ready to begin finding her brother. And hunting down Tatiana.

‘What answers does he need that this ritual will provide?’ Creek asked.

She held her hand up before Mal could respond. ‘I’m going to see the Aurelian. To find a way to release Mal from Tatiana’s curse. It’s my end of a deal, and I need to uphold it.’

‘Wait a minute,’ Mal said. ‘It sounds like you intend to do this alone.’

‘Of course I do.’

He shook his head. ‘No. Not alone.’

Creek sat straighter. ‘Yeah, from what I understand, the Aurelian can be moody.’

She laughed, because it was better than screaming. ‘As though either of you has a say. This ritual is a primal comarré secret. That you know it exists means I’ve already said too much. What makes you think I should share it with either of you?’ Even though Maris had shared it with Dominic.

Creek crossed his arms. ‘We’re all on the same side. There’s no harm in sharing comarré knowledge with us.’

Mal rolled his eyes at her. ‘I could fill a book with the comarré secrets you’ve told me. What’s one more?’ He pushed off the chaise and came to stand by her. ‘Besides, you’re doing this for me. I should be there to protect you.’

‘I can protect myself.’ Not that those words ever penetrated his brain.

‘Then to provide backup. Either way, you’re not going alone.’

Creek stretched out on the chaise and folded his arms behind his head. ‘I’m not leaving until you agree.’

Mal looked at the slayer, then back at her and nodded. ‘I’m not leaving either.’

Her nails bit into her palm from clenching her fist. How were they suddenly teamed against her? ‘Then I won’t do it.’

Mal’s irises silvered around the edges. ‘You’ll do it. Because you owe me.’

He was right about that. Having that debt over her head bothered her immensely, plus there was no way she was going to pass up a chance to find out about her brother. ‘Fine. You can both watch the ritual and remain by the portal after I open it. But you cannot come through with me. No one may enter the presence of the Aurelian but a comarré, and even then I may not be exactly welcome.’