Page 62 of Crimson Storm

“Hello Reece,” I managed to wheeze.

He didn’t return my greeting. Instead, he smirked. “I see reports of your demise were somewhat premature. Heather and Kelly said you’d been shot. They said it was an exploding round.”

“Yes. I... I guess it was only a flesh wound. A close call.” Aware of Kannon’s listening ears nearby, I didn’t tell Reece his blood gift had saved my life.

He nodded in apparent acceptance, but his attention dropped to my pendant, to its cracked and empty glass orb. Then his intense gaze lifted to bore into mine.

He said nothing about the broken necklace. And he didn’t say he was glad I was alive. In fact, he looked—and sounded—furious.

“Whatcanyou be thinking coming back here?”

The snark in his tone stung, but it did wonders for my shattered nerves, sparking a defiant anger that settled them instantly.

“Well it’sniceto see you, too. The Bastion is a refuge for vampires in trouble, is it not? I’m in trouble. I didn’t know where else to go.”

His expression softened into something resembling reluctant concern. “What kind of trouble?”

“My friends and I are wanted by the authorities.”

Reece shot a disdainful glance at Shane passed out in Kannon’s arms. “Friends? All I see is a half-dead human.”

“I meant Kelly and Heather. And yes, Shaneismy friend—and yes, he’s a human—who’s hurt as you can see. He needs immediate medical attention, so if you’ll please let us pass...”

Reece didn’t move, just stood staring down at me. “Still a human-loving do-gooder, I see. That doesn’t explain why you brought himhere. If his injuries don’t kill him, which based on the smell of things they will, then some thirsty Bastion citizen will do the job. Probably the good doctor himself. Either way, I seriously doubt Shawn will make it through the night.”

“His name isShane—and I’m going to at leasttryto save him. Unlike you, I don’t give up on the people I care about.”

Fire flashed in Reece’s eyes, and he stepped forward, gripping my shoulder and dragging me closer to him. Our eyes held intense contact as he spoke, his lips barely inches from mine.

“If you’ve fallen in love with this weak human, you’re even more foolish than I thought you were. Whether he lives or dies, it won’t last, you know.”

I was too angry to contradict his mistaken assumption. “My feelings for him are none of your business. You made sure of that when you took the Bloodbound vows. Now please let us by.”

“Yeah dude—this kid’s skinny, but he’s got heavy bones or something,” Kannon added.

Reece stared down at me a moment longer then exhaled harshly and stepped aside.

“Get him settled and come right back out,” he ordered. “I’m supposed to take you to Imogen.”

31

What Other Reason

Inside the clinic, some of the staffers said hello and expressed surprise at seeing me again.

They were even more surprised when they got a look at whom I’d brought with me. A tech left the room and returned quickly with Dr. Coppa.

“Abigail,” he exclaimed. “I’m delighted to see you.”

Then he picked up the scent of human blood. His fangs emerged.

Laughing in an embarrassed way, he covered his mouth with one hand. “Sorry. It’s been a while since I was exposed to blood fresh from the vein. What’s going on Abigail? Why have you brought him here?”

“He was shot while helping me and my friends get here. He’s lost a lot of blood. I was hoping you could help him.”

The doctor nodded. “Well, we have a large supply of blood bags on hand as well as the equipment to give him the infusions. But the bullet will need to be removed. It’s been a long time since I worked in a human operating room. His... blood... may be an issue for me and my assistants.Ifhe makes it through surgery, I’ll have to isolate him here away from the general population while he recovers—for his own safety.”

“I understand. And I know you can do it. I trust you.”

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