Flesh and Blood

‘Tatiana?’

Apparently, Octavian had said something. ‘What?’

‘We’ve arrived.’

So they had. Up ahead, Malkolm, the comarré, and the other man got out of their car. Octavian had parked two lengths behind. She leaned back into her seat and prepared to wait. Already she itched for activity. If idle hands were the devil’s workshop, she was ready to open a factory.

Chapter Thirty-one

Chrysabelle stayed between Mal and Creek but kept her eye on the KM. There was no telling how the crowd might react to him. Humans had only just begun to work at Seven. Human patrons were rarer still and then only as the guest of an other-natural. She saw no one on the floor she recognized, including Pasha and Satima.

Mal pulled them into one of the quieter corners. ‘We need to go to Dominic’s office, but you waltz in there with a slayer and you’re going to make enemies.’

Chrysabelle sighed. ‘Mal, no one knows what he is.’

Mal narrowed his eyes. ‘Dominic will know he’s not exactly human.’

‘Hey, no big deal.’ Creek crossed his arms and leaned against the wall. ‘I can stay out here.’ His gaze wandered over the crowd, taking in the patrons like he was cataloging them. ‘What’s with those comarré?’

Chrysabelle didn’t bother looking over her shoulder. ‘They’re counterfeits. The vampire who owns this club is St. Germain.’

‘Interesting use of alchemy,’ Creek said. ‘Do the patrons know they’re fake?’

‘I don’t think the patrons care.’ She faced Mal. ‘I’ll take responsibility for bringing him in.’

Mal shrugged. ‘Lead the way. I’m just here for Doc.’ He tensed suddenly, his body straightening, his gaze zeroing in on something over her shoulder. He swore softly.

She turned to see what had caused such a reaction.

Katsumi strolled toward them, her eyes silver.

Behind Chrysabelle, Mal cursed again. ‘Dominic’s a fool.’

‘Agreed.’ There was only one explanation for Katsumi looking the way she did. ‘Navitas.’

Katsumi saw them, smiled slightly, and headed their way. She stared intently at Creek but acted as though he was no one of importance when she stopped before them. ‘Malkolm, Chrysabelle, nice to see you.’

Nice to see you? Maybe Dominic had turned Katsumi into a symbot. Mal snorted as if he were thinking the same thing. ‘Is Dominic here? We were hoping to speak with him.’

Katsumi’s smile didn’t waver. ‘I’m sorry, he’s not available. Is there something I can help you with?’

Mal stepped forward. ‘What’s going on with you? Last time I saw you, you were in rough shape.’

Her nostrils flared and she swallowed, but somehow she kept her perma-grin in place. ‘I am fine. As you can see.’

Chrysabelle elbowed Mal aside. ‘Where can we find Dominic? This is important.’

Katsumi looked at her, a hunger in her eyes Chrysabelle found soulfully disturbing. ‘I assure you, he is nowhere you can reach him. I would be happy to help—’

Mal interrupted. ‘Then how about you tell us where Ronan is?’

A flicker of something passed through Katsumi’s gaze. Her mouth thinned to a straight line. ‘I’m sorry, but I cannot help you. Come back tomorrow.’ She bowed slightly and hurried off.

‘That was helpful,’ Creek muttered. ‘You two are well liked, I see.’

Chrysabelle was about to say something when the glint of a silver-tipped horn sparkled at her. ‘Mortalis.’ She pointed across the room. ‘Mal, see if you can get him to help us.’

Mal took off through the crowd, returning a few minutes later with Mortalis in tow. Unfortunately, Katsumi was right behind them. Mortalis shook his head very slightly as if to indicate he couldn’t help them.

Katsumi forced herself between Mal and Mortalis. ‘I’ve told you Dominic isn’t available. I’m going to have to ask you to leave immediately.’

‘We’re not going anywhere until we get some answers,’ Mal said.

‘You leave me no choice.’ Katsumi turned to Mortalis. ‘Escort them out. Tell the front door they are not to be let in again this evening.’

The shadeux nodded and put his arms up as a barrier between them and the club. ‘I’ll see you to the front.’

Katsumi stayed put as Mortalis herded them out the way they’d come. Heads turned and curious stares followed them. ‘Keep moving,’ Mortalis whispered. ‘I’ll explain when we’re clear.’

Once they were beyond the double dragon doors, he took them off to the side of the wide hall. ‘I take it you’re looking for Doc. He was here. Ronan snagged him. Loaded him up with ketamine and brought him back to Dominic.’

‘What?’ Chrysabelle asked. ‘Why?’

Mortalis sighed. ‘Doc stole Dominic’s blood. And gave it to Aliza.’

‘That damned fool.’ Mal shook his head in disgust. ‘I knew he was going to do something stupid.’

Creek nodded. ‘That cat’s got some big ones.’

Mortalis narrowed his eyes. ‘Who are you? I assumed you were okay since Mal and Chrysabelle don’t seem to mind your company, but I’d like a name at least.’

‘Creek,’ Chrysabelle said impatiently. ‘Back to Doc. Where is he?’

‘Doc said Aliza promised to help make things right with Fiona if he brought her Dominic’s blood. So now Dominic and Ronan are escorting Doc out to Aliza’s to give him a shot at getting the blood back.’ He shook his head. ‘I’ve never seen Dominic so angry.’