Page 30 of Blood and Ruin: The Complete Series

“Good. Keep an eye out, there’s a fox around.”

The reality of what she was saying hit me like a tonne of bricks. The spell was nearly complete. Three weeks from now, and Alana and I would be out of here.

“Thanks.”

She nods her head, pouring me out my usual drink.

“Enjoy your night. Kane will keep an eye out.”

I send her a small smile, thanking her.

Kane was Jazmyn’s boyfriend. No one dared even look at her with Kane around keeping them all in check. He also looked out for any of the humans who managed to sneak in, usually on the arm of some well-off supe using them as eye candy. The vamps included.

Some humans think they’ll get a glimpse of Prestige, have a good night, and then head back home to tell their friends all about their little adventure but they never make it out of this place. There’s a reason Prestige is known for its exclusivity.

Heading around the bustle of people, I find a quiet spot near the edge of the dance floor. I sip my cocktail, still feeling a light buzz from the whiskey and keep watch for my contact.

I spot Kane near one of the VIP areas up above, watching and listening with his keen demon senses.

A small smile tilts my lips as I watch his eyes drift over to Jazmyn every couple of minutes. I hoped everything worked out for them both. Witch and Demon relations weren’t the best right now, even in the Cardinal Three.

Staten Island’s leaders were pushing for all demons and witches to return home, branding those that stay in King’s territory a traitor.

If they only knew the truth. But even if they could leave, they couldn’t go back.

Witches and demons weren’t allowed to be together because of the powerful offspring they produced. The last hybrid nearly decimated Chicago. But one bad egg shouldn’t get to decide what happens to everyone else. No one was truly good or bad, we were full of shadows and varied versions of greys.

Apart from King’s tag, they were stuck here until they found a place that accepts them and their choice.

Shaking off my sombre thoughts, I look around the packed club trying to figure out how I’d find a fox. Just like their animal counterparts, fox shifters were notoriously sly and sneaky. If it was anyone who could sneak into Prestige and go unnoticed, it was a fox shifter.

The club was packed tonight. More so than usual. How the hell was I going to spot him in this mass?

I drum my fingers on the table, keeping an eye out for someone shifty.

“Hey doll, how about you come over here and keep us company?”

I slowly count backwards from ten, trying to conjure up the mental capacity I needed to deal with whoever this idiot was. Maybe if I ignore them, they’ll go awa—

“Hey, I’m talking to you!”

Releasing a sigh, I turn and find a group of humans. High profiled politicians by the looks of it.

One of the older guys stumbles toward me, swaying slightly as he stands close. Jet black hair covered his head, the colour an unnatural deep blue with patches of grey sneaking out. His eyes are glossy as he tries to focus on one part of me. No wrinkles were on his face, but his neck and hands told me his true age.

“How much for the hour?”

I try to stop the small twitch forming in the corner of my eye.

Of course, a girl alone in a short dress means I’m a hooker.

Judgmental assholes.

“Not an escort.”

“Ah come on, I’ll make it worth your while.” He takes out his wallet, as if that’s going to change my mind. The smug look on his face pisses me off more.

“Not interested.” Turning back to the dance floor, I zone out the idiot, counting down the minutes before I can make a quick exit, when I feel the tip of a finger on my arm.

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