Page 54 of Addicted in Blood
“I didn’t mean to startle you.”I did the best I could to hold back a grin, though I might have felt a wee bit guilty.
“I knew someone was there, but I wasn’t expecting you.”He set down the spoon then opened his arms.I hugged him tightly while he patted my back.“Everything will be all right.Our Father has been through worse.”
I wasn’t sure that was a true statement, but I knew he was trying to keep his own spirits up.
“What’s with all the cooking?”There were several pots on the stove and something roasting in the oven.Fresh loaves of bread filled a separate counter.
“Lucas asked for quick meals to be prepared should there be a siege.”
“Eliminators or Lorenzo?”
He shrugged.“Does it matter?”
I assumed it didn’t, since he put it that way.“I’ve noticed a few more vamps in the house.”
He nodded and went back to stirring what I could now smell was spaghetti sauce if the red splatter hadn’t been enough of a clue.“Everyone is being moved to either the manor or Oasis.”He shook his head.“The safe house up the road is already overflowing with security teams.”
I looked around the kitchen and spotted the dining table.It was piled high with full food containers.Coolers and plastic storage bins were lined against the wall.I nodded toward them.“Food for the safe house?”
Cook nodded.“Most of it’s ready.I’m finishing up a few items, then Jacques will get everything delivered.”
“Is Sergi around?”
“Somewhere.He might be in his office, or Devon’s, or marching around yelling orders.”Cook didn’t get irritated often, but apparently, the cadre had pushed him over the edge.
“Is there something I can help with?”
His tone softened.“No, child.You’re supposed to be on bed rest.”
I rolled my eyes, tired of always being the invalid.“I’m fine.I had a bit of a headache when I woke.Your scones are magical.Two of them and a boatload of coffee and I feel good as new.I just can’t seem to find anyone to bring me up to speed on what’s going on.”
“Unfortunately, I can’t help with this one.The cadre are very quiet about their plans.All I hear are the orders they shout.”
I squeezed his arm.“It’s normal for stress levels to increase the closer we get to the deadline.”
He nodded and patted my hand.“Try his office.That’s the most likely spot.”
I found Sergi in Devon’s office after checking his first.The door was open, and two vamps I might have recognized stood in front of the desk, staring at a map.Sergi was pointing to various spots when he lifted his head.
“Cressa.I thought you’d be resting.”
“Yeah, I keep hearing that.The headache is gone, and I feel fine.What’s going on?”
Sergi rolled up the map before I reached the desk and handed it to one of the vamps.“You have your orders.”
They both nodded at me before striding out.
“What are they up to?”
“Simone wants you to remain at the manor until after the Council’s deadline.”He was really good at ignoring my questions.Games were more fun when two played.
“I hear Simone went to Oasis.Is she securing the perimeter there as well?”
Sergi opened and closed files, then stuffed them in a lockable storage container.They must expect the worst if they were clearing files.
“Where’s Devon?”
He eyed me, and as much as I was hoping he was considering how much to tell me, he was more likely deciding which answer would make me go away the fastest.“He’s safe.”
