Page 69 of Hunters and Hydrangeas

“A lot better, mostly because I’m not trapped inside.”

“Are you burning at all?”

“I’m fine so far. We had breakfast in an outdoor cafe, and the seats were shaded.”

“Just don’t overdo it, all right? If your skin starts to feel warm, you need to go back inside.”

“I know what a sunburn feels like.”

“Yes, but you don’t know what one feels like as a vampire.”

“Did you call that number yet?”

Noah ended up texting it to Cassian while I was getting ready.

“I’ve called several times, but I haven’t gotten an answer, and there’s no voicemail set up.”

“Can your NIHA intelligence people track down the owner of the number?”

“I’ve already talked to them. It’s an unregistered phone with pre-paid minutes.”

“Well, there goes that.”

“I’m not giving up yet,” Cassian says, and he certainly sounds determined. “We only have a few more days before the nominations are announced.”

I lower my voice so people passing by on the sidewalk won’t overhear me. “Do you think they’ll really kill Sophia if you accept the nomination?”

“I don’t know.” He sighs, sounding weary. “But it’s not a risk I want to take.”

I want to assure him we’ll find her, but that’s not something I can promise. The only link to Sophia I brought to the table was Ethan, and he’s not talking anytime soon. Or, you know, ever. Cause he’s dead.

A memory of him bleeding on the break room floor makes me shiver despite the humid, sticky heat of the Florida afternoon.

He’s not the first dead guy I’ve seen, but I’m not sure it’s something a person can ever fully get used to. Or something someoneshouldget used to, even if they’re a vampire. We must have something separating us from true monsters, after all.

“Are you back at the hotel?” I ask.

“I got back a few minutes ago. Are you heading this way?”

“Soon,” I hedge.

Again, Cassian reminds me not to stay out too long, and then we end the call.

“Now what?” I ask Noah.

“Let’s get you out of the sun.”

Feeling like a toddler dragging her feet, I follow Noah back to the hotel room.

We smile at an older couple that joins us in the elevator. They get off at the second floor, and then we’re alone.

Noah tugs me into him, holding me. No kisses, no expectations. Just the sweetest embrace.

I lay my head against him, closing my eyes, content after an hour of fresh air.

“You smell like a pina colada.” Noah playfully tugs at my ponytail.

“You smell like an alpine forest covered in morning dew.”

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