Page 8 of Siren in the Rain

I still have no idea how he can drink it like that, completely undoctored and so hot it must burn his entire esophagus on the way down.

The most prickly member of our team, Cal is our only mage and is not a morning person. His dark gray eyes are bloodshot and his naturally silver-white hair is a tousled mess that still manages to look totally punk rock somehow. This morning he’s wearing black jeans and a matching black T-shirt with the words My magic can kick your magic’s ass written across the front. He’ll probably put on a jacket before we leave, but right now the amazing black sigils that cover his arms and look like moving tattoos are on full display.

He’s also seriously badass and inspires me on the daily.

Some days I can’t believe I get to live and work with such awesome people. They’re my family now and I love them all so much.

Then my brain, which can be a little slow, catches up, and Cal’s words make me worry my bottom lip, unable to hold back a faint whine. “Cal, you promised. You swore you’d quit smoking for good.”

He blinks at me and then groans. “Fucking hell, Griff. Don’t give me the damn puppy-dog eyes, not first thing in the bloody morning. They’re too powerful.”

Saving Cal from his own self-destructive habits is one of my main priorities in life, so I widen my eyes even more, using every tool at my disposal, and clasp my hands together over my heart. I let my ears twitch for good measure. “You’re like family to me, Cal. My soul brother. I love you, and I just don’t want you to get sick. Mages aren’t immune to carcinogens. Besides, you’ve been doing so well. It’s been three whole months. Please stick with it. You can do it!”

He lets out a long-suffering sigh and wipes a hand down his face. Finally, he gives in, and with a lopsided grin, he leans over and flicks my forehead.

It’s his weird way of showing affection.

My tail immediately starts swishing, and I grin back.

Cal can be a bit rough around the edges, but it’s totally a self-protective front. Underneath it all, he’s incredibly loyal and caring when it comes to those he trusts. Although he likes to tease me, he’d probably gut anyone who ever tried to hurt me.

The notion is as terrifying as it is kind of awesome. My actual bio family probably wouldn’t lift a finger for me, expecting me to fight back on my own even though that’s totally not my personality.

“I swear, you’re like the younger brother and family dog I never had, all in one,” he says while he ruffles my shaggy hair. “Fine. I’ll keep my promise. Give me some of that gum of yours that I like.”

My tail picks up speed and I bounce on my toes again as I hand him some of the grape-flavored brand I always keep in my pocket.

Dallas clears his throat. “Ahem. If we can get back to business?”

Everyone mumbles their agreement around mouthfuls of food and coffee.

Dallas’s expression turns serious. “We’ve got a new admit at the shelter over in Encino. The guy’s in rough shape. Sounds like forced captivity, probably long-term abuse. He escaped from whoever had him locked up, and it’s likely that they’re looking to bring him back.”

I bristle and a growl escapes from low in my throat.

Ruby slurps her coffee loudly and then snarls from around a mouthful of bagel, “Trafficking?”

“Not sure, but definitely the use of a magical control device that could allow his captors to track him.” Dallas directs a pointed look at Cal. “We’ll need you to find a way to get it safely off him.”

Already looking much perkier, Cal grins at Dallas’s words and blows a bubble with his gum, then lets it pop. “You got it, Cap. It’s been a while since I had a good challenge.”

Dallas turns his gaze to Ruby. “We’re going to need your power as well. He’s injured but stable.”

She finishes the last bite of her bagel and licks her fingers. “No problem.”

As if coming to a decision, Harper brandishes his beautiful black satin parasol in the air. “What are we waiting for?”

Today he’s wearing a stunning sapphire-blue silk cheongsam dress decorated with white embroidered flowers. It hugs his lithe body perfectly and the high slit on one side showcases his long, elegant legs. His waist-length black hair is pulled up in an elaborate bun fastened with an ornate clip that sparkles in the light.

Half-Chinese on his mother’s side, Harper identifies as male but prefers to wear women’s clothing and embrace his femininity. I don’t blame him. He’s by far one of the most beautiful people I know and makes every outfit look stunning. But from what I understand, cross-dressing vampires were not approved of in his family, which is one of the main reasons he decided to leave his home and join us instead.

We all have a somewhat similar story. It’s not exactly an exaggeration to say we’re a team of oddballs even among Otherkind.

I just think we’re lucky to have all found each other.

Dallas’s round bear ears give a little wiggle on the top of his head. “Let’s ride to the rescue, team!”

His order gets us all moving in silent accord as we file into the garage and take our usual spots in the souped-up eight-seater SUV we use for work. In scant minutes, we’re leaving our massive compound in Malibu and heading to the shelter.

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