Page 15 of Addicted in Blood
He studied me for an uncomfortable minute.“Of course.It’s too early to know where we stand with the House allies.Simone is determining that as we speak.Based on the fact that half the Council was still supportive of giving Devon a chance to tell his side, I’d say the jury is still out.But Lafitte will want to know why we’re in his territory.”
“Does he think we’re here to traffic Magic Poppy?”It was said with sarcasm, but when Sergi didn’t respond, I sat back, savoring the last piece of sandwich before almost choking on it.“He doesn’t really think that does he?”
“He’d be wise to consider it.While the only evidence of the Poppy appears to be localized, the news that Devon is addicted again has spread like wildfire, not just in the States but across the globe.All his allies will want reassurances.”
“And he’s having us over for breakfast?”
“A breaking of bread if you will.Now, finish your dinner.”
That was Sergi lingo for signaling the conversation was over for now, which was fine by me.After the attendant retrieved the dishes, he showed me where the seatbelt was in the sofa.Rather than close my eyes and face the horrors waiting for me, I flipped through a magazine and worked through a couple more cups of coffee.
Once we landed, and I made my way to the door, the blast of warm, Southern humidity slammed into me.So did another blinding headache.I gripped the doorframe to keep from falling on my backside and grimaced against the intense pain.This one lasted a full minute before it receded as rapidly as it hit.
Though it was still dark, there was enough light to make out the tall trees and greenery that surrounded the airport.It wasn’t until I walked down the stairs, white-knuckling the railing, and followed Sergi to a brick building that I realized this was another private airport.
Rather than going into the building, Sergi directed me to a limo parked just to the right of it.The driver and another man greeted us with a nod.Two more vamps.
Before we got in, Sergi whispered in my ear, “This is a welcoming committee from Lafitte.Don’t say anything until we get to our hotel.”
The limo was comparable to Devon’s, and I sank into the seat, ignoring the pleasantries Sergi shared with the vamp who had climbed in with us.I watched the landscape turn from dense green foliage to an occasional house, to suburban neighborhoods, until we were driving through the empty streets of the city proper.The limo pulled into a hotel near the French Quarter.At least, that’s where the vamp said we were.I’d never been to New Orleans and was sorry my first time wasn’t with Devon.The sultry air seemed made for lovers.
When we walked down the hall to our rooms, which were next to each other, Sergi touched my shoulder.“These rooms were arranged by Lafitte.Until I have time to sweep them for microphones, consider your choice of words should you call anyone.Texts would be better until after our meeting with him.”
I nodded, dismayed that we were being tracked so thoroughly.“Do you do this when vamps visit Santiga Bay?”
He smiled.“Get a couple hours of sleep if you can.I’ll knock on your door at eight thirty.”Then he disappeared into his room.
I did the quick check of the room that everyone did when first walking into a hotel room.I dropped my duffel on a luggage rack, took out my toiletry bag, and tossed it on the bathroom counter.After the majority of my clothes were hung or stuffed in a drawer, I slipped off my shoes and slid into one of the two queen-sized beds.
I tried to get comfortable, but something dug into the back of my neck regardless of how much I fluffed the pillow.Unable to sleep and somewhat obsessed with the pillow, I pulled the pillowcase off.
I jumped back.
A piece of paper fell to the floor attached to what looked like a chicken bone.
My first thought was to call Sergi.All I had to do was say his name.He’d hear me through the connecting wall.Once my heart rate slowed, I stepped closer and gingerly picked up one corner of the card.
I studied the bone first.It might have been from a chicken or any small animal.Or maybe it was human.I shivered at the thought, remembering where we were.New Orleans.Home of the Saints, beignets, Mardi Gras, and voodoo.
My hand trembled, and I dropped to my knees when I read the note.
“Welcome home, dreamwalker.”
ChapterNine
The beast runs.He’d been close.The memories from long ago returned.A time before, when the beast was free.
A safe haven.
Food.Warmth.Shelter.
Traps kept him from it.He will try a different path.But not now.There are too many eyes.
He’d scented her.His mate.They have his mate.
He roars with anger.
People run.He is so hungry, but something stops him from chasing.Instinct says run to shelter.
