Page 43 of Sinner's Salvation

“Got it,” Brian said, sounding like he was either going to pass out or run screaming from the car. One of his legs was bouncing up and down so fast it looked like it was vibrating.

She’d have to watch him.

Baz got out and slammed the door. He walked down the street, then disappeared into an alley.

Evan turned to her and grinned. It was terribly out of place.

She narrowed her eyes. “What?”

“I’m beginning to see the similarities between the two of you.”

She reared back. “Bazyli and I are nothing alike.”

His grin turned wry. “You both care too much.”

“Care?” She rolled her eyes. “Baz doesn’t care about much.”

“He talks a good game,” Evan said, with a shrug. “Calls everyone on their bullshit and attempts at manipulation, but when it counts, when lives are on the line...he doesn’t hesitate to step in, to do the hard job.”

Baz popped out of the bar’s front door at that moment.

“He’s incredibly dependable,” Evan finished, putting his hand on the door handle.

“Don’t say that to him,” she suggested in a low voice. “He gets grumpy when someone tries to tell him he’s anything less than evil.”

“That hasn’t changed then.” Evan shook his head. “The man needs therapy.”

“I need therapy,” Brian said sourly, as he opened the car door and got out. “Lots and lots of therapy.”

Evan and Anna followed him onto the sidewalk, then into the building.

“I smell barbeque sauce,” Anna said.

She looked around. The décor was dated, but its theme of a neighborhood bar was timeless. The tables and chairs looked used, but not shabby, and the bar was one large gleaming piece of wood. Perhaps giant sequoia? Someone took care of it.

Along one wall was a collage of photographs, with the bar’s interior as a backdrop. Patrons grinned, toasted each other, and otherwise had a good time.

Anna walked over to study the photos. Yes, Baz was in more than one picture. Hovering at the edge of the crowd with a disgruntled smile on his face. She shook her head. He almost looked constipated.

“Mom,” Baz said, standing next to a table. “Come and sit down. You look like you’ve been through a war.” He frowned. “I’m going to have Nika pick up some clothes for you and the kid.”

“Would everyone please stop calling me that,” Brian grumbled.

“Sure, we will,” Baz replied. “In another ten years or so.”

Anna studied Brian. The pulse on his neck attracted her gaze. He was young and healthy, and he wouldn’t miss a pint if she took a few sips.

She took a step toward him, and ran into Evan. Anna blinked and frowned. She hadn’t seen him move.

She met his gaze. “What?”

“Thirsty?” he asked, in a low tone.

Anna glanced around. Somehow, she’d crossed the space between herself and Brian without realizing it. He stood very still right behind Evan, his wide eyes full of fear and hurt.

This was not good. It meant she needed to feed, and soon, or she might do something unforgivable.

“Mom, when did you last eat?” Baz asked.

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