Page 65 of Perfectly Perplexing Zombie

“Alpha Belview,” Leon’s smooth, cool voice drifted up beside me, somehow cutting through the pounding music setting Dusk’s dance floor on fire. “I was not aware you were here tonight. Is there something I can help you with? Perhaps a message you would like me to relay to King Moony?”

Arie reluctantly pulled his attention away from Aurelia. He glanced between Leon and the djinn as realization hit him that Leon wasn’t surprised by her presence. Arie Belview was out of the information loop, and his displeasure was clear.

“No message,” Arie all but growled. “Just needed a drink.”

Leon glanced down at Arie’s half-touched drink. Lifting a single eyebrow, he said, “I was not aware that Dusk offered such a fine glass of sparkling water. I will praise Johnny for his impeccable taste. As always, King Moony will be pleased with his staff.” Leon offered a smile that hinted fang.

With another low, lumbering growl, Arie turned and walked toward the exit. His three betas dutifully followed. Not for the first time, I wondered what about Arie Belview inspired such loyalty. Perhaps it was not so much loyalty as fear. As always, I was relieved I wasn’t born a werewolf.

ChapterTwenty-Four

Wendall

Leon glanced down at the bin at my feet. Broken glass littered the inside but had been contained there. At least it hadn’t scattered across the floor. I wasn’t sure if there were any salvageable glasses left inside. Cuts didn’t really bother me, so I was more than happy to go through and see what was still usable. Still, I felt bad about the broken ones.

“I’m sorry,” I said while bending over and picking up the bin. Glass shifted, and it was clear there were a lot of pieces. Trinket scrambled up my arm, latching her tail around my bicep while her feet gripped my shoulder. “I kind of dropped it earlier.”

“Saving Trinket,” Ray added. “Your reflexes were thankfully quick. I hate to think what might have happened otherwise.” Ray focused on Trinket. “That was unwise.”

She chittered at him.

He shook his head. “I understand completely. The alpha werewolf insulted Wendall, and you were defending your tribe. However, there are more subtle ways of doing so. What do you believe it would have done to Wendall if something bad had happened to you?”

Trinket’s angered chittering stopped. I could feel her slump on my shoulder, and when she made a noise again, it was a soft coo. If I didn’t know better, I’d almost say she sounded apologetic.

“She’s sorry,” Ray said as if reading my mind. “Trinket is young yet and reacted without forethought. As I said, I do not disagree with her intentions. Had Arie continued, there is a fair chance I would have acted unwisely also.”

That made me wonder, “Would you get into trouble?”

“If I attacked and killed Alpha Belview?” Ray clarified.

I nodded.

“If it was done without provocation, yes. Even fairies are subject to our own laws.”

“Then I would have gotten into trouble as well,” Leon said. “I would have had no choice but to act in King Moony’s best interest, and that interest clearly lies in Arie’s death.” Waving a hand at the bin of broken glasses, Leon added, “Don’t worry about that. Just take it back and throw the lot into the garbage.”

“But I can—”

“It is only glassware, not heirloom jewels. The glasses are easily replaceable. You and Trinket are not.” Leon settled his hand on my shoulder and gave a gentle squeeze.

“As interesting as this is”—Aurelia didn’t really sound that interested—“I did come with a purpose, and it wasn’t to discuss that horrendously tainted soul that just left.” Aurelia’s gaze flicked toward the exit door. “A word of caution: do not allow one of my kind into his possession. If you do, I don’t believe you’ll live long enough to regret it. Then again, he does seem the sadistic type. He might keep you alive just so you can watch the world you know and all those you care for burn.”

She blinked before turning to face us again. “The wolf is an issue that should be addressed, but it will need to wait. You have more pressing matters.” Aurelia cocked her hip. Her ripped jeans bunched around her military-grade boots.

“As you mentioned,” Ray softly said, his voice carrying over the music, “perhaps we should go somewhere more private.” The music was loud enough that I doubted most could hear us over it, but given the number of weres around, I wouldn’t bet on it.

“Why don’t you head up to Wendall’s apartment?” Leon suggested. When I started to protest, he held up a hand and said, “I think I can help out for a little while. I’ve cleaned my fair share of tables and glasses. I’ll be fine.”

I wanted to tell him that wasn’t the point, that it was my job and that was what I was being paid for, but then I thought of Muriel. It wasn’t just my life on the line where Professor Stover was concerned. Others were in his crosshairs, and I had a responsibility to them also.

Conceding, I handed my bin of broken glass over to Leon’s outstretched arms and led the way to the stairway. I headed up first. Ray trailed behind me, and Aurelia followed him. We reached my door without incident. I unlocked it and headed inside. The music from below wafted up but was little more than a hushed reminder of what it was downstairs.

“Would anyone like some water?” It was really all I had to offer. My body no longer needed fluids, so I didn’t stock anything in the fridge. I could rustle up some tap water, though.

“No, thank you,” Ray answered. His fingers slid through my hair, angling down my cheek and landing on my bandaged neck. When I tried to pull away, he tightened his hold.

“Wendall, look at me.”

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