Page 52 of Redeemed
Connor stares at his phone, one hand massaging the back of his neck. I can’t read his expression, but if he’s feeling ambivalent, I can’t blame him. I ignore the bit about bringing a new pack member.WTF, Guido?
“Where should we tell him to meet us?” I keep my voice calm to give Connor the space he might need.
He straightens, chin raised as if he’s ready to take a punch. “Tell him where we’re staying and ask him what time he’ll be there.”
I inhale slowly, let it go, then send the text. My lovers are brave, both of them. Time for me to ball up, too.
Chapter Twenty
Trajan
MOTEL 6? CLEARLY David wasn’t involved in booking this place. I park the Range Rover, staring up at the building. Eight stories high, sixteen rooms wide, it’s a bulky block that glows gold where the rooms are lit from within.
“Tell me again why we’re here?” Cliffe plays with one of the leather thongs wrapped around her wrist, twisting it tight and letting it go. Her nerves are a faint echo of my own.
Jacques has been in my head since we passed San Bernardino, a constant refrain ofkill, obey, kill. “My boyfriends are staying here.”
She mouths an echo of my statement, and even though it’s only one in the morning, I’m tired. I’m no longer worried I’ll act on Jacques’ command, but his barrage of bullshit is draining.
I just hope nothing changes when Connor is standing in front of me.
“Let’s go.” I pop the locks. Cliffe follows me out of the SUV and into the brightly lit hotel lobby. She’s got a duffel bag slung over one shoulder and although her expression is bland, I sense her rapid heartbeat.
The wait for the elevator lasts forever. We take it to the sixth floor and reach their hotel-room door in about four heartbeats.
The door opens before I knock. David’s there. His nostrils flare, as if surprised to see me.
Or surprised to see Cliffe.
I reach for him, and he folds himself into my arms. “Hey, puppy.” My voice cracks and I shut up.
We hold each other until Connor pulls the door wide. “Mo shíorghrá.”
“Amore mio.” Clasping Connor’s hand, I keep David tucked under my chin. “I went to the desert where the air was clear. It helped me think.”
“I’m glad.” He squeezes my hand, his gaze drifting over to Cliffe. “Who’s the new recruit?”
“I’m Heathercliffe Mountbatten.” Her tone is confident, but her eyes are scared. “But call me Cliffe with an e.”
I clear my throat. “I realize the timing is bad, but…”
Laughing, David knocks the side of his fists against my ribs. “Bad? You think the timing is only bad?” He steps away from me and offers Cliffe his hand. “Welcome to chaos central. I’m not sure how to pronounce Cliffe with an e, and I hope you like a good fight.”
“I do,” she says, and they shake on it.
“You’re not a lone wolf.” David doesn’t let go of her hand. “Are you looking for a pack?”
She meets him head on. “No, or at least I wasn’t.”
“Cliffe has other skills,” I say, ignoring her raised eyebrow.
“Which skill?” she snaps. “The lesbian one or the psychic one?”
David lets her hand slide out of his. “You might be better off with Lydia. All her girls swing that way, and they’re not currently in the middle of a murderous vampire row.”
“Whatever you say.”
Connor puts a hand on David’s shoulder. “Let’s take this out of the hallway, anyway.”
