The next night, Remi walked through his apartment, going to get another whiskey mixed with blood, while he waited for Luc to arrive with his contacts from The Directive.

He’d somberly packed Michelle’s things and arranged for them to be delivered to her. Paulette was keeping her company and helping her to understand that none of what happened, the end of their relationship, was Remi’s choice. The universe had decided for them, and though he agonized and sympathized with her, a part of him was growing anxious to find Sophie and make her his. In the short time since they discovered what was ailing him, his feelings for Michelle had disappeared.

Hearing footsteps, Remi went to the door and opened it. Luc entered first, followed by the others.

“Please.” He gestured to the living room. “Take a seat wherever you like.”

“Thank you.”

After they were settled, Luc introduced everyone.

“So,” Clarence said, “I understand you have news.”

“Perhaps,” Luc replied, as he went to the bar.

He brought back four bottles of Abita and handed them to the members of The Directive.

“Go on,” Jana said.

As they listened, Luc explained how the Thirst had affected Remi, and then he went on to tell them about Sophie, Gregor, and Hans. Lastly, he relayed what he and Remi had found at Marcel’s—how they were able to enter the establishment, which meant the owner of it had to have been dead.

“Do you know them?” Remi asked Clarence.

“I’ve heard of them,” Ethan said. “They moved into a place in the French Quarter. Not sure how long ago. Never had any reason to check them out.”

“Until now,” Clarence said, before taking a swig. “Let’s get this show on the road.”

“Where?” Remi asked. “I’m going with you.”

“No, you’re not!” Jana rose to her full height, her eyes going yellow, as she stared at Remi. “This is Directive business, and you will stand down! There is more at stake here than the Thirst!”

Luc grabbed Remi by his arm and said, “He won’t interfere. I’ll make sure of it.”

“You fuck this up for us,” Jana growled, “and I’m coming for you, Remi Bellerive, and I have all the resources of The Directive at my disposal. Understand?”

“She’s my bloodmate.”

“And you’ll have her as soon as we do.”

“Are you going to cause problems for us, Remi?” Clarence asked. “I can have you removed and locked away until this is resolved. Maybe longer. Inmate records can get lost so easily. Sad when that happens.”

Luc stepped in front of Remi and said, “That won’t be necessary.”

“I hear you saying that. Not him.”

It wasn’t the threat of incarceration that scared Remi. The thought that he wouldn’t be able to go to Sophie once she was found forced his agreement.

“Oui. I won’t go over there.”

“I think we’ll put some surveillance on this apartment to make sure you aren’t tempted to stray.”

“Oui. I understand.”

The rest of them stood, and Remi watched Ethan’s gaze slide to the boxes of Michelle’s things. He eased over to them, bent down, and sniffed the air deeply.

“Remi, who does this stuff belong to?”

“Why?”

Ethan shrugged and said, “Just wondering.”

“My ex. I’m gonna be sending them to her where she’s living now.”

“Oh, okay. What’s her name?” he asked, inhaling once more.

“Michelle.”

“Hmm. She’s got a stronger scent than most females I’ve been around.”

“You coming, Ethan?”

Jerking his head up, he nodded and said, “Yeah, but can we get something to eat first?”

“We’ll stop by a drive-thru on the way.”

“Good. I’m starving.”

Clarence pinned Remi with his eyes, saying, “And you? Are you able to control your Thirst?”

“Oui.”

“How?”

“Drinking around 40 pints a night.”

Jana shook her head in understanding, as she said, “That’s some rough stuff you’re going through, but it’ll be worth it in the end.”

“That’s what I’ve heard.”

“Do what we say, and it won’t stretch out any longer than it has to. I’d hate to see the two of you go insane from not being together.”

“I think I’m half-way there already.”

“You have no idea how bad the Thirst could take you over,” Jana said. “When it’s reached its pinnacle, death is a mercy, one I’ve personally delivered in the past.” Remi nodded. “We’ll be in touch.”