Page 91 of Golden Eagle

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“Guys! Guys, wait!”

“Your friend is trying to get your attention,” Dante said mildly, as they strode down the sidewalk.

“I don’t have friends,” Alexei said, and was surprised – and dismayed – by the petty satisfaction he derived from the words. A quick, insubstantial release of pressure.

“Tsareviches don’t have friends?”

“I never have before. Why start now?”

They dodged to either side of two young people who’d stopped to bend over the screen of a phone.

“You’re very cute when you pout,” Dante said, “but youdohave friends. I’ve just met them. And the one is still following us. Oh, dear, he’s going to run, I think.”

With a growl, Alexei halted, and Jamie just managed not to crash into the back of him. He whirled on the boy. “What do you want?”

Alexei liked to think that his lack of startlement or intimidation was because he’d grown used to him, and not that he just wasn’t that intimidating at all. (He knew he wasn’t; he owned a mirror, but he liked to pretend.)

Jamie blinked, but recovered. “I’m not staying in the apartment while they fight. And then make up.” He made a face. “So I thought I’d come with you guys.”

“Did we invite you to come?”

Dante elbowed him.

Jamie stared at him.

Alexei sighed and shook his head, resigned. “I liked it better when you were afraid of everything.”

Unperturbed, Jamie fell into step with them as they continued on. “Where are we going?”

Alexei lifted his head, pushed his shoulders back; walked like the prince he’d once been. Truly, it was more of a show than he’d put on then, child that he’d been. But if you were going to say something someone else wouldn’t like, it was best to say it with authority. And who had more authority than a prince? “To Nameless.”

“That bar? Ugh. Wait. To look for Gustav again?”

“And if that fails, to get some information, hopefully.” Alexei traded a glance with Dante – who looked considering – and then slid his gaze to the opposite side, toward Jamie, who walked with his hands in his pockets, looking every inch the innocent artist he’d been before his turning. He’d said he was glad to lose his glasses, but Alexei thought without them he looked even younger than before, guileless and sweet. Hmm, he might be useful.

It was nighttime, which meant Nameless was hopping – as hopping as it ever got. Which was to say – lame. Crowded, at least. Vamps, some wolves, some humans who were bound to be drunk from, and a few who knew the kind of company they were keeping. The ever-present bounty hunter, for instance, who looked to be having a business meeting, though his wolf friend was still MIA. All the tables were full, including the big round one where Dante usually held court. Two male vampires, one female, and some humans.

One of the males turned and waved when he spotted them. “D-Man! Get over here, you want in?”

“No, thanks, Carl,” Dante said, sliding seamlessly into his sleazebag persona. “Already did my share of partying today.”

The other vampire laughed. “You dog!”

Alexei scanned the room, studiously avoided eye contact with Carey the bartender, and finally found what – or who – he was looking for. The wolf Hannah sat alone, in a small corner booth near the rear exit and restrooms, attention fixed on the phone in front of her, half-finished beer at her elbow.

“This way,” he said, but caught himself before he could head her way, and turned to fix Jamie with a look. “I’m here to interrogate someone. If you can’t play along, then you should wait over there.”

His brows lifted. “Interrogate someone about what?”

“What do you think?”

“I think you’ve been uncooperative at every turn when it comes to Nik’s plans,” Jamie said, without hesitation. “So I’d like to know who you’re about to shake down, and about what.”

Alexei bared his teeth, briefly, but restrained a growl. “This is about Gustav,” he hissed. “Play along, or leave.”

Jamie nodded, seeming satisfied. “Alright, I’ll play.”

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