Page 20 of Addicted in Blood
Decker took that as the sign he needed.“I found a place in the city where no one should find you.”
When the beast shook its head, Decker shook his.“The cadre needs you close.”
When the beast didn’t move, Decker took that as another good sign.“The two shifters on the Council have refused the vampire’s request for trackers.”He chuckled.“I guess Lorenzo’s success at keeping shifters off the Eliminator squads has backfired on him.When the shifters were told it was their duty, they advised the Council they weren’t the vampire’s cleaners.If they’d wanted their expertise, they should have allowed shifters to join the Eliminators.While the Council is upset, they seemed to have discovered the error of their ways.”
What might have passed for a chuckle erupted from the beast.So far, so good.
“I have a plan.You need to trust me.Trust your cadre.”
The beast howled, and even for a shifter, the sound made the hair on the back of his neck stand at attention.But the beast squatted, and the glow in its eyes receded to their normal eerie blue.
“Stick close, stay in the shadows.It’s about three miles from here, most of it running through the city streets.”
The beast grunted, and Decker took off.In his human shape, he could outrun a human, but he wasn’t a young man, and the last few years had ravaged more than his spirit.But ever since Devon came back into his life, he had a new reason for living.Revenge.Absolution.Whichever it was, it gave him something to live for.Devon gave him that opportunity.So, he’d gladly taken the assignment to track and keep Devon safe.He would have done it even if Simone hadn’t asked.
Though the fast-approaching dawn lightened the sky, Decker took his time, stopping when needed to lift his nose, the beast lifting his as well.When they both nodded, he continued on.They passed the alley where the team had tried to capture Devon, and several blocks farther, he ducked past a half-boarded window into an abandoned department store.The beast followed him as he weaved through the empty rooms and dusty remains of metal shelving and broken mannequins.When they came upon dressing rooms, Decker turned toward them and ran into the farthest one, and the beast followed.
“Did you smell him?”Decker whispered to the beast.
The beast grunted.
“I recognized the scent.I think it’s the same vampire that was leaving you the tainted meat.Probably the one who dosed you in the first place.”
When the beast appeared ready to howl, Decker grabbed his arm, hoping Devon was present enough to not rip it from his body.Fortunately, the touch had a calming effect, and the beast dropped his head.
“Trust us, Devon.”
It took a moment for the beast to control his anger, then it nodded.
Decker rummaged in his duffel and pulled out a small vial.“We’ll go out the back.”He opened the vial and let two drops fall to the ground.When the beast tilted his head, Decker laughed.“It’s a blended mix of scents that will disguise our own.Let’s move out.”
Every block, Decker released a few drops and continued the pattern for another six, moving toward the river that ran through town to the sea.When they reached the old paper mill, they worked their way through a cut in the chain-link fence that surrounded the facility.
The mill had shut down decades before, and the multi-building complex made an excellent hiding place.He led the beast up stairs and down hallways until he found the old bunk room that had two exits.He pulled a smaller duffel from his bag and tossed it on a sturdy metal cot.
“It’s time you started living like a man again and not your beast.”He turned to Devon.“Sleep on the bed, not the floor.There’s a down blanket in the duffel, along with two more of these vials.”He held up the one he used to block their scent.When the beast nodded, he continued.“There is also an ice pack with a couple vials of blood.”
When the beast growled, Decker shook his head.“I know cold isn’t the best, but the nutrients you need last longer when the blood is cold.Drink one tonight and the other tomorrow night.Look at me, Devon.”
It took a minute before the beast turned to him.
“This is your best chance to pull out of the beast form.There’s a deer in the next room to take care of the hunger.It should last a couple of days.It’s in one of the lockers so the scent doesn’t draw a vampire.You understand?”
The beast nodded.
“This room has two exits.Spend the next couple of days getting to know the facility and all its exits.If the Eliminators suspect you might be here, they’ll blanket the complex.You’ll need several ways to escape if I can’t get to you first.”He waited for beast to nod, and when he did, Decker continued.“Don’t leave the facility.Do you understand?I’ll be back in a couple of days.There are security cameras at the gates, and I’ll keep an eye on the feed.We can’t risk you leaving a scent trail.Learning the complex and planning exits will keep you occupied.”
The beast grunted then slammed his fists on the walls.The sound echoed through the small chamber.
“I know you’re scared and frustrated.Everyone is working to find out who did this to you and how to clear your name.The House is safe now.The Council will soon remove the sanction order.”
Some of his words seemed to work, but he probably shouldn’t have mentioned getting him back to normal.Even in beast form, Devon understood the improbability with how far he’d progressed before Decker discovered the tainted meat.
The beast fell onto the bed and curled into a fetal position, his growls turning into mewling sounds that made Decker want to cry himself.
Once he’d backed out of the room, he ran.Careful to not let anyone see him as he exited the facility, he raced along the river’s edge and splashed through some of the water to throw off his scent.After everything Devon had done for him, Decker wasn’t sure he’d ever see his old friend again.
ChapterTwelve
