Page 37 of Finn
After all, I wasn’t exactly under house arrest. I was free to go into the city on Beric’s errand whenever I pleased. Within limits, of course.
I just didn’t need Gael poking his nose where it didn’t belong.
I was almost past them when Gael spoke again. “Heard an interesting rumor last night,” he drawled. “Seems a helpful little blood donor saw you with an old friend.”
The words struck like a blade. I froze, keeping my back to him for a heartbeat too long. That blood donor could only be Ricky.
He liked hanging around the nest, especially with Gael, and was always eager to sell a story for the right price.
I hadn’t sensed Gael at the club last night, but maybe Ricky had thought my “friend” was worth mentioning.
Keeping my expression calm, I turned back.
“Ricky must be mistaken,” I said with a shrug, trying to play it off. “You can’t trust a drunk and an addict. A stranger stumbled across me while I was feeding, that’s all.”
Theo laughed, nodding in agreement. “Gabriel’s right. Humans like that can’t be trusted.”
But Gael didn’t look convinced. His gaze narrowed, a flicker of suspicion shadowing his face.
I felt his eyes rake over me, trying to catch a tell, anything that would confirm his suspicions.
“If you’ll excuse me,” I said, forcing a relaxed tone, “I need to feed.”
“Oh, and our food here at home isn’t good enough for you anymore?” Gael’s mocking smile sent a chill down my spine.
“Can’t blame him for wanting to try new cuisine,” Theo added with a smirk.
I took their distraction as an opportunity to slip out through the garden gate and into the street.
A pulse of relief washed over me, but I couldn’t ignore the gnawing tension in my gut. Gael wasn’t one to let things go easily.
If he had any suspicion about Finn, he’d find a way to drag it to the surface.
I hurried down the street, pausing only to check my phone. A few texts from Finn blinked back at me, asking if I’d be there soon.
I texted back that I was on my way, but first, I needed to be cautious.
Gael wouldn’t give up so easily. I’d need to throw off any scent he might try to follow.
I ducked into a few nest-owned establishments, lingering just long enough to blend in.
I even fed briefly on a volunteer at one of the clubs, creating an alibi in case anyone questioned my whereabouts.
Finally, I slipped into a late-night burger joint, ordering a greasy takeout bag that was really for Finn.
By the time I finally reached the safe house, the city lights were bright in the evening dark, casting a fractured glow over the dingy apartment complex.
I slipped inside and made my way to Finn’s door, feeling a knot of tension ease as I finally reached him.
As soon as I stepped inside, Finn looked up from his spot at the table, his eyes narrowing in mock irritation.
“That took forever,” he grumbled.
I held up the takeout bag.
“Had to cover my tracks in case Gael, this vampire that doesn’t like me, decided to tail me. He’s suspicious,” I warned, though I couldn’t hide the small smile at his impatience. “Here, I brought you something.”
Finn’s irritation melted instantly.
