“What do you get out of it?”

Dominic offered him a faint smile. “I am aware of your skills. I would much rather have you on my side than against me.”

He was getting out of bed with one master to get in bed with another. What choice did he have? Taking care of his family had always been his goal, but at what cost to his own life? To his sense of justice? “Can I give you an answer when I return?”

“Si.” Dominic tipped his head slightly, his fangs glinting white in the blackness of his mouth. “But we both know you’ll say yes.”

Chapter Forty-one

From the pile of Tatiana’s ashes rose a ragged whirlwind. Even in the bright moonlight, the swirl of gray dust cast a sinister shadow on the grassy plain.

“What the hell—” Mal shoved Chrysabelle behind him. She’d done enough to protect him. Now it was his turn to get them home. To die.

“Doesn’t make sense,” Chrysabelle said. “There’s no wind.” She scooped Lilith up and the little girl clung to her.

“This isn’t wind; it’s something… else. Son of a priest.” The whirlwind took shape. Tatiana’s shape.

With a shiver, the ashes became flesh and blood again. Tatiana shook herself a second time, then stared at him, an unnaturally bright smile on her face. “Well, now, my dear faithless husband. You weren’t expecting that, were you?” She laughed and brushed at her sleeves. “I wasn’t either, but isn’t it a fun surprise?” She gestured at the tree. “Everlasting life on a grander scale than I could have imagined. I’m so glad you convinced me to eat one of those little black apples.”

The beast roared for release. Instead, Mal charged forward, caught Tatiana in his arms, and took her to the ground. Her laughter rang in his ears as he yanked a knife from his belt. She rolled out of his grasp and got back to her feet.

She shook her finger at him like she was scolding a child. “What are you going to do? Kill me? Weren’t you watching? That doesn’t work on me anymore.”

He jumped to his feet and threw the blade. It sunk home just shy of her heart.

On the perimeter, Chrysabelle clutched Lilith a little tighter.

Shaking her head, Tatiana tugged it out and grimaced. “That hurt, Malkolm. Not as much as your betrayal, but then that’s all you’ve ever been good for, isn’t it? Causing me pain.” She flung the dagger back.

He caught the knife by the hilt, inches before it pierced his chest. “I saved your life.”

“Phft. That old song.” She walked to the tree, picked another black apple, and stuck it in her pocket. “Screw what that guard said. I’m taking a few of these home with me.”

“No,” Chrysabelle answered. “You’re not leaving here. This is where your reign of terror ends.”

Tatiana shifted her attention to Chrysabelle. “You do know that I’m going to kill you, don’t you? What chance do you have—”

Mal’s dagger drilled into Tatiana’s neck, cutting off her words. She dropped the apple and he attacked, taking her down and grabbing the dagger’s hilt. He wrenched the blade down, severing her spine. She went limp beneath him, then turned to ash a second time.

He stood, wiping the bloody blade on his pants. “There. It’s done.”

But before he could walk back to Chrysabelle’s side, the ashes lifted into the air, swirling just as they had before, taking on Tatiana’s shape once again.

The knife fell from his hands. “The Aurelian never mentioned this, did she?”

“No,” Chrysabelle said, her voice thick with hopelessness. “Nadira’s big on leaving out details.”

He nodded as Tatiana’s form became flesh and blood. “If we ever get out of here, I’m killing the Aurelian next.”

“Thanks for coming, Chief. I know it’s late.” Doc shook Vernadetto’s hand as he walked into the office. The man had done a lot for them and if this meeting went well, he’d be doing a lot more. Fi gave the man a hug. Amazing her effect on people. If anyone was cut out to be the pride leader’s wife, it was Fi.

She stepped back by his side. “Nice to see you on better circumstances, Pete.”

“You too, Fiona.” Vernadetto looked at Doc. “I can’t imagine what other information you have to give me about Heaven’s death. We found enough evidence in Remo’s apartment that the case is officially closed. But Fi said it was important, so—”

“It’s not about Heaven’s death but I didn’t want to say too much over the phone.” Doc gestured to the sitting area. “Come on in and we’ll talk.”

He shut the door as Fi and Vernadetto got comfortable on the couch, and then he sat across from them in one of the chairs. He leaned forward. “Can I get you a drink?”

“No, thanks.” Vernadetto grinned nervously. “Better keep my wits about me until I know what’s going on.”

Doc sat back. “But I’m guessing you have a pretty high tolerance for alcohol, don’t you?”

Vernadetto nodded, smiling sheepishly. “Runs in my family.”

“Most varcolai can outdrink a human three to one,” Fi said quietly.

The color drained out of Vernadetto’s face. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Before Doc could say anything, Fi grabbed the chief’s hand. “Don’t be mad at me, but I told Doc what we talked about at the cocktail party. What we’ve been talking about. I can’t keep secrets from Doc anymore. Not anything, not after what we’ve been through.” She glanced at Doc, then went on. “Did you know the mayor had Creek investigating you?”