Page 26 of Blood Moon

“Are you sure?” Viktor asked him, with an angry edge to his voice.

“Yeah, Mr. Maxwell. The reports are all over the news about the bar being destroyed. It looks like they’re blaming the Harris gang for it.”

“Harris knows better. Besides, I have the tapes. I know it was Strain. What about Vinny? Is he awake yet? I want to talk to him first,” Viktor growled. It was as if the edge on his voice was getting sharper the more irritated he got.

“Not yet, but I’ll let you know the second I hear something, Boss.”

“Jones, I’ve told you not to call me that.”

“Sorry, Sir. Do you need anything else? If not, I’ll get back to my patrol.”

“This should be good. Thank you for getting everything so quickly.” It sounded like the edge was finally wearing off Viktor’s tone. I wondered why he’d gotten so upset about some random gang being blamed for the destruction. I also didn’t understand why he hadn’t planned to turn the video over to the police.

I took a couple of deep breaths to calm myself. I suspected that Viktor would know if I was faking sleep, but after that conversation with Strain, I wasn’t sure what to do. Pretending to sleep until I actually could seemed like a good enough plan. I curled up in the bed and closed my eyes. I hoped that when Viktor came back, he decided not to push the issue. I wasn’t ready to tell him that I’d talked to Strain yet.

Chapter 25

Viktor

It didn’t surprise me that Strain had decided to find a scapegoat for the damage at the bar. What surprised me was that he’d talked Harris into going along with it. He was supposed to be one of my allies. I wondered what Strain had used as leverage to sway his loyalty. There would be time to find out tomorrow.

I crept back into my room quietly. I’d heard Delilah settle into the bed a few minutes ago. As much as I wanted her, I knew that she needed to sleep more. There would be time for our passion later. Unless I talked myself out of it and pushed her away again. I shrugged out of my clothes, pulling on a pair of boxer briefs. Then I crawled carefully into my bed so I didn’t disturb her.

I suspected that she wasn’t actually sleeping, but didn’t want to push her. I was worried that she’d been listening at the door when Jones was here. I half expected her to barge in and start yelling at me while I was giving him instructions. I need to have everything in place to go after Strain. I also needed some time to get used to her scent. Even after downing a full blood bag, it still called to me like a siren song. I wanted to drink from her more than I had ever wanted anything before.

I also needed Jones to set up a meeting with Harris. I had to get to the bottom of this. I wasn’t sure how I would get away and still keep Delilah safe. The situation was getting out of hand.

I managed to get a couple more hours of sleep and woke up with Delilah wrapped around me. It took every ounce of control not to flip her over and have my way with her. But we needed to get back to the hospital and see what Vinny had to say. It was already eight in the morning, and I didn’t want to waste the day.

I sent a text to Jones and discovered that Vinny was still unconscious. There was no point in going to the hospital until he woke. Yet there was no way I could stay in bed with Delilah and not have sex with her.

“Myshka, it’s time to get up. We have to check on your uncle,” I whispered in her ear. I already knew what the hospital would say, but I wanted Delilah to hear it for herself.

Delilah woke up with a start, jumping at the sound of my voice. She looked confused as if she had forgotten where she was. I wrapped my arms around her and held on tight.

“It’s okay, Myshka. You’re safe. There are clean clothes in your room if you’d like to shower.” I spoke softly as I released my hold on her. “We’ll call the hospital before we decide to go. If Vinny is still unconscious or they are running tests, we can relax here for a while.”

Delilah rubbed her face and nodded. Realization spread across her face with my words. “Thank you.”

While she showered, I prepared a quick breakfast for us, knowing that there was no reason to rush. Jones had assured me that Vinny was stable and still sleeping. From his report, I was certain he was still in his hiding place.

I poured myself a cup of coffee, then mixed in the fresh blood Jones had delivered. Delilah found me on the porch watching the fog burn off the city.

“I didn’t think vampires could be out in the sun,” she marveled.

“We can’t. At least not for long, and not in direct sunlight. The shade on the porch keeps me protected enough.” There was no reason to explain the implant yet. That would be a conversation for another day. I had so much to tell her. I wasn’t sure when or where to start. Part of me wanted to shield and protect her, but the rest of me wanted to share every detail.

I turned to look at her. I had guessed her sizes perfectly. Delilah looked sexy as hell in the blood-red sleeveless top and blue jeans. I wanted to ask her if she liked the lingerie, but decided it might be inappropriate. Perhaps with a little luck, I’d get to see it later. What was I thinking? I’d been trying to put space between us, and now I was wondering if I would get to see her underwear? I felt as if I were losing my mind. I couldn’t help it, there was just something so enticing about her.

“You look refreshed. Did you eat?” I turned the conversation away from details about myself. I didn’t like to divulge my weaknesses to anyone. I refuse to make it easier for those who want to hurt me.

Delilah nodded. “I’m ready whenever you are.” With that, I dialed the hospital and asked for the nurses’ station for her to check on Vinny.

“Oh, okay. Thank you.” Her response sounded defeated. I felt badly for her because I already knew what she’d been told.

“Are we ready to go, then?” I asked, waiting to see if she would insist on a visit anyway.

“No. We’re not going today. He’s still unconscious. They are running more tests to see how extensive his injuries are. They said it’ll be a day or two before we can see him.” Delilah hung her head as the tears started to fall.

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