Page 4 of Thicker than Blood

“Of him.” He clears his throat as his cheeks turn slightly pink. “I’ve read about you.”

“How unfortunate that I know nothing of you.”

He startles, stepping back slightly. Meredith grips his shoulder protectively. Ah. Attracted, yet cautious. Smart.

“Geordi is my head researcher,” Meredith says.

“Ah. I suppose you’d love nothing more than to investigate me.” I lean closer. “Do you want my blood, Geordi?”

His brow creases, and even as his body recoils, his scent sweetens. Delightful. Too bad he’s not in the volunteer program. I bet his blood tastes like paradise.

“Do you know what happened tonight?” he asks, jutting his chin out like a spicy kitten and ignoring my teasing.

“I have eyes, so yes. As to why or who, I know as much as you do.” I turn toward the park, allowing the anger I’ve kept restrained to burn just a little. “There are rules within our species that have been broken. I am not pleased.”

Benicio has been sniffing around, returning with a sour look on his face. “They’ve masked their scent. No idea who’s responsible.”

“Which means they don’t want me to know either. Do you have a plan yet?” I ask the mortals.

“What kind of plan could we possibly have when we don’t have a fucking clue who did this?” Bernard grunts. “Fucking supes.”

“No need to be derogatory, Chief.” The comment is benign enough, but the tone I deliver it with gets his attention and he takes a step back.

He grumbles something that sounds a lot like an apology, but I don’t press the issue. I made my point.

“I think we go back to our records,” Meredith suggests. “We can start there looking at anyone whose blood has been off or different, or anyone acting strangely recently.”

“Assuming they’ve volunteered to be poked and prodded by your staff. I have a feeling the responsible vampires are less than compliant with established protocols.”

Her face falls. “You’re right.”

“We have to start somewhere,” Geordi says. “We can’t stand here all night looking at mutilated bodies.”

“A fair point.” I nod. “I’ll start making calls to those I know are loyal to me. There haven’t been any rumors or mumblings, so I’m not sure the problem originates here.”

“Then why did they attack us?” Bernard asks.

“We have the highest concentration of settled vampires, everyone knows that. The city appeals to us with all its programs and civility in place. That’s why I live here.”

Bernard huffs. “Make your calls then.”

“Thank you for your gracious approval. For the record, I don’t require your permission. I am outside your jurisdiction, remember?”

Bernard narrows his eyes. “Yeah, I remember, but you’re not doing such a hot job governing yourselves.”

My eyes sting from the insult, and I lunge forward, stopping just an inch in front of his face. From the corner of my eye, I see Geordi grab Meredith’s arm as he gasps.

“I could choose to insult you for the violence you did not cause and were not capable of preventing, but I’ll restrain myself. You may not want my help, but you’re getting it anyway since it benefits me.”

Bernard’s heart is beating so hard I can hear the blood in his veins. He’s fortunate that I am on the side of peace, or I could drain him in the blink of an eye.

“Tread lightly with me, Chief. I am a vampire, after all.”

He nods, stepping back, and releases a shaky breath.

“Thank you,” Geordi says, his voice shaking but determined. I turn my gaze on him and he straightens his shoulders, puffing his chest slightly. “We need the help.”

His comment soothes my anger and I nod, pulling back the beast in me that’s been awakened by the bloodshed.

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