Page 58 of Spooks & Specters

“Because you said something that needs to be addressed first.”

“Okay? And that was…?”

“Be serious,” Raven snapped.

“I am. I said several things. Which one seems to have set you off?”

Raven almost turned around and walked out. That mouth of Stu’s was something else. “How involved are you with the daemons of San DeLain?”

“I’m not. What I said was that my best friend is a bobcat, and his name is Martin Ingalls. He’s a waiter at Embers, and he’s also a member of the daemon clan here in town.Heis involved with them. I am not.”

“But that’s not entirely true, is it? You are involved with them through Martin. And yes, I have heard the name. I know Kage has a member who is a bobcat. I also know he was kidnapped recently.”

“Yeah, he was. By hunters. But he was rescued.”

Raven knew this. He’d been there, after all. “So you know about them too.”

“I do. Look, I’m not a member of the clan,” Stu said. “Hell, I doubt their leader has even heard of me.”

“I wouldn’t bet on that. Kage takes very good care of his people and anybody connected to them. Also? He is the elder, not the leader.”

“Sorry. I meant no disrespect. Sometimes it gets confusing because each group of paranormals have a certain name for, well, their leader.”

“That is true.” That was a perfect opening to ask if Stu knew who Raven was, but he wasn’t quite ready to address that. Not quite yet. “You said you know what I am.”

Stu nodded. “You’re a vampire.”

Raven inhaled discreetly after Stu said that. How interesting. There was absolutely no fear riding the air current. This human really wasn’t afraid of being in a room with a vampire. In fact, he still reeked of desire, although it wasn’t quite as strong as earlier.

“And that doesn’t bother you?”

“Bother me? No. I’m well aware of what you could do. I’malsowell aware that the coven here in San DeLain has a no-kill rule.”

That was very true. It was one of the first things Raven did when he took over. Entirely too many innocent humans were being killed by the vampires here before.

That was unacceptable.

Raven had put a stop to the indiscriminate killing, and those who would not comply were ashed. Immediately. No debate, no regret. His word was law. His current dissatisfaction with one human did not change the fact that they were delightful, complex creatures who were more than just a blood source.

And really, he truly had no right to be upset. A vampire had found his beloved. It was just Raven’s bad luck that the human also happened to be his favorite feeder.

Raven shoved the thought aside and stared at the human before him. They might be delightful, complex creatures, but they also could be major pains in his ass.

“Right?” Stu asked after Raven didn’t reply.

“Oh, sorry. Yes, you are correct. Humans are treated with respect. Those who become feeders are given a contract that is geared toward their benefit and provided health care, a place to live, and a paycheck. But any innocent human is protected.” Just not the evil ones.

“I know. You take care of those who work for you.”

Raven raised an eyebrow. “Me?”

Stu chuckled. “Of course you. You’re the Master of the City.”

“Well, I guess that answers the question of whether or not you know who I am.”

“Oh, I know you. Anyone who is aware of the paranormal world knows who the leaders of San DeLain are.”

Which gave Raven pause. Was this human only interested in him because of his title? And if he was, did Raven really care?

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