Page 42 of Bitten By Desire

“MorningStar knows who the board members are?” I asked incredulously. “And we don’t?”

Tabitha shrugged. “We spy on you guys. Or did. If it helps, we never figured out all of them.”

“That would explain how the major knew about Gerard’s death,” Julian said.

“But it can’t be them,” I said, pacing. “They were also attacked. It looked the same as the room on TV. I’m even willing to bet they were killed the same way as Mama.” My voice broke on her name. “But why them? We already know Mama was murdered and Em was captured because they were after me. And they’re targeting the demons before they finish something. Something that also has to do with me somehow. But why MorningStar?”

“Maybe they thought you were there?” Hazel asked.

“Maybe,” I agreed, but it just didn’t feel right.

“We should check on Lorraine,” Julian said, taking my hand. “The fae came after her once already, and they’re stepping up their attacks. If we can intercept them, we can try to get more information.”

I nodded.

“I’m going to go see if I can get onto base as shifter liaison and check on Daphne somehow,” Sam said.

“I’ll go with you,” Lydia stepped next to him, still my doppelganger.

“Change her back first,” I said. “They’re after me.”

“No need to come,” Sam said. “It’ll take longer if I have to wait until they change you back.”

“You need me, Wolf.” Lydia set a hand on her hip. “Be a good boy and sit and wait for me.”

Sam purpled even as Hazel started chanting behind Lydia and she shrunk before our eyes.

“Just wait for her,” Zoe said. “You two go but be careful, please.” She tossed me a new phone.

I caught it neatly. I didn’t ask where she got it since mine was lost in my belt when my clothes had been disintegrated.

“Push the zero if you need an emergency portal.”

“We’ll take the car,” Julian said to my sister. “You’ve expended enough energy and aren’t done yet. Lorraine doesn’t live far.”

I took his hand and let him lead me out of the hotel where his vamp mobile sat waiting. He opened the door, and I slipped inside.

“Are you alright?” Julian asked as he drove out of the city toward the estate. He kept focused on the road but entwined his fingers with mine, and damn it, they were cool again already.

“I’m worried about you,” I finally blurted. “Something’s wrong, Julian. You aren’t retaining what you consume, or…or it’s being used to heal something that’s worse than we thought.”

The pace of the car remained steady as Julian continued staring out the windshield.

“I am aware,” he whispered. “I think some trace of silver is left inside of me, corrupting what I take in.”

I tensed. I’d expected him to deny it, or placate me, or tell me I was worried over nothing. But he meant to uphold his promise of honesty, and I had to encourage that and not freak out because of it.

“What do we do?” I asked just as quietly.

“I’m no expert, but I’d venture a guess that attempting to remove my hand would not help.”

I glanced down where I was clutching him so hard if he’d been anything other than a vampire, I’d have injured him. Immediately, I loosened my grip.

“Sorry.”

“No need to apologize. I love that you care.” He smiled at me briefly before resuming his stare at the road. “We can do nothing for now. Not until the situation is stabilized and I can find a doctor that can help when I’m not a fugitive.”

A huge lump formed in my throat, but I swallowed it down. “You have to drink more often until then. I think it helps, at least temporarily.”

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