Page 163 of Black Bird

“Brent left already?” Sarah asked, noticing the empty spot where his car had been parked.

“He didn’t really have much choice in the matter. He either had to leave on his own, or in a fucking body bag.” Athan felt his temper rising. Sarah’s brows furrowed and she snapped her head toward him.

“What? Damn, what’d I miss?”

“When Foster said something about outing me and Rhaena, Foley demanded answers. He locked us in observation, and I—” he paused, glancing at her and shifting gears. “I had to tell him the truth.”

“Oh, my God.”

“I didn’t get too far into it before Stratford flew off about how I’d hurt you …” Athan swallowed hard before he continued, “and then he shoved me into the window and went on about how I stole you from him, and he couldn’t believe you chose me, but couldn’t forgive him.”

“Jesus, Athan … and youlethim?”

“I let him get one in. He busted my lip. Foley and Rhaena pulled him off, and he barely let me answer all Cap’s questions. He told him all about the club. Foley suspended us for keeping shit from him. I deserve it, I guess. But Rhaena didn’t. I’ve gotta fix it, Sarah.”

He could practically feel the rage radiating from her in the passenger seat. “Just because he’s hurt, doesn’t mean he had any right to attack you like that. I’ll fucking—”

“I didn’t have any right to take your life, either … just because I was overwhelmed. He needed it. As a man, I understood it. But I let him know there wouldn’t be another shot. I told him if he came after either one of us again, he’d regret it. He left afterwards.”

“My life …” Sarah trailed off, turning her face to the passenger side window and staring blankly out of it. Hearing her cry upstairs had him itching to pommel Foster. Whatever had gutted her like that had to have been big. While her breakdown was brief, it still showed on her, and it made him want to rage. Athan reached over, grabbing her hand.

“Tell me,” he breathed, glancing over at her.

She was quiet for several minutes before squeezing his hand and looking down at her lap. “Foster’s a paranormal …investigator? I dunno … she worked my mom’s case. She apparently specializes in this kind of shit, and her job is to keep it hush. Mama was—” Sarah paused, sniffling. Athan gripped her fingers tighter. “Somebody murdered her.”

He couldn’t help but feel a bit confused by it. “I thought she was sick? I don’t—” It hit him then. Foster was investigating a paranormal attack. “A vampire …” He slowed at a stop light and looked over at her.

“She knows it was you that attacked me. She never believed you killed anybody else. She told me the reason I didn’t live through yours wasbecause you bled me dry. Mama was different. Foster said they didn’t feed on her at all, they only bit her. She was targeted.”

He lowered his brows. “Who did it?”

Sarah shook her head. “They don’t know.”

He pulled forward, following the traffic. “Let me do it,” he offered. “Let me find them for you.”

“Foster said there’s covens all over the place. This person could be anywhere, Athan. It’s like finding a needle in a haystack.”

He scoffed and offered her a smirk. “Baby, that’s myjob.”

“Eww, Athan. Don’t ever say that again … gross.”

He couldn’t help but chuckle. “You’re the only one of us without a nickname. What would you rather me call you?”

“Anything butbaby.” Sarah grinned, rolling her eyes. At least he’d made her smile. “Majesty will do just fine, I think.”

Athan snorted loudly, flashing his eyes at her. “You’re saying you want me to call you the same thing I call your—” Sarah’s face darted towards him, mouth gaping. “Eyes?” She whacked him in the shoulder, and he blocked her swatting, giggling and trying to keep his eyes on the road. “Christ! You … violent creature. I’m driving here.”

“Anybody ever tell you that you’re ten times as sexy when you smile like that?” She asked, staring at him.

“Nobody would … nobody makes me smile like that except you …Baby.” He grinned, winking.

“Insufferable bastard.”

“You wouldn’t have it any other way. Besides, I got your attention just by walking pissed, right?”

She cocked her head and nodded. “This is true.” She looked out the window and then turned herself to look out of every other one in the car. “Where are we going?”

Athan moved his hand from the gear shift to her thigh and smiled as he stared forward at the road. “I’m taking you out. First lunch, and then a surprise.”

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