Page 68 of Addicted in Blood
“Harlow needs to check in with Roxie to investigate Gheata’s security system, assuming he has one.Then it’s a wait and see what Gheata does this evening.”
“You can be ready to move that quickly?”
Harlow nodded as he stood then stretched his back.“If the stars align, it will be a go.There’s a hole-in-the-wall lounge called Leon’s about six or seven blocks from the target.It’s not our normal stomping grounds, so no one should be looking for us.”He winked at me, knowing full well there was most likely an APB out on me.“If Roxie discovers a problem before then, I’ll call.Otherwise, we just need to nail down a few items and wait for the word.”
“I’ll walk you out.”I stood, feeling good about our plan.I took Devon’s hand and kissed him on the cheek.His skin was cooler than normal, but I didn’t say anything before walking Harlow to the foyer to find a ride back to his car.
Devon’s reserved behavior was worrisome, and the possible reasons plagued me.I was so distracted by it, I barely noticed the buxom blonde leading Harlow away and the leering wink he gave me as he followed after her.
ChapterThirty-Three
Once Harlow was safely ensconcedin the car for his ride home, I turned to find Lyra, her hands clasped in front of her, waiting for me.When I reached her, she took my arm and walked us toward the back of the house.
“I feel like I’ve been on my feet for hours.”Her words were lyrical, as if it was a normal spring day.“I could use something refreshing to drink.Would you join me?”
Her question, while earnest, was also code for “let’s talk about Devon” in case vamp ears were too close.
“Yes, that would be great.I think I’ve overworked myself playing babysitter between the cadre and Harlow.”I scanned the open doors, committing each room to memory.With Devon keeping the estate to a single level, the floor plan was massive, and while there was no doubt I’d get lost again, at least I’d know where the kitchen was.
Lyra’s room was on the opposite side of the house from Devon’s but also faced the backyard, with several wide windows that bathed the room in sunlight.Like the rest of the estate, the decor was light and airy with touches of wood and stone.The four-poster bed was adorned with silk drapes that had been tied back.A room fit for a queen.Or Devon’s little sister.
Dozens of canvases leaned against a single wall while several hung from other walls and were similar to the paintings in her room at the manor.With how long she’d been shut away over the decades, there had to be a storage room filled with hundreds of others she’d painted.
She led me to the balcony where a tea service waited, along with a plate of cookies.I watched two hummingbirds fuss over a feeder as she prepared the cups of tea.
“Considering the tight timeframe we have, can we just cut to the chase?What’s wrong with Devon?”
If she took offense to my tone or urgency, she didn’t show it.She poured a touch of milk into both cups.“I know adding anything to tea is sacrosanct in tea houses, but I like the way the British drink it.If we had the time, as you say, there would be finger sandwiches and scones with clotted cream.”Her laugh seemed to fit with the twittering of the birds.
She nibbled a cookie and took a sip of tea, her gaze roaming the yard, most likely putting her thoughts together.“Devon says his experience with the Poppy wasn’t like the last time, the rise of the beast notwithstanding.”
“The beast didn’t emerge the first time?”That was news, though I had no clue what that meant.“Does that mean this strain of the drug is more potent?”
She lifted a shoulder.“That’s his guess.Decker believes he wasn’t dosed in the same manner, which would be to drink it.He believes the Poppy was injected into Devon’s bloodstream.Fortunately, he was able to get a blood draw from the beast.”When my brows rose, she laughed.“Decker wasn’t sure he’d survive it, but he thinks the beast was too focused on his hunger to notice.”
“I didn’t think Decker could get that close.”
“Even though the beast didn’t rise the first time, he seemed to have recognized Decker and understood he’d helped him before.But it’s obviously speculation.We drew an additional sample once we got him home.”
“To determine if there are any remnants of the Poppy left?”When she didn’t respond, and I gave it more thought, my stomach twisted.“You’re wondering if something different will show up in his blood.Something that came from my blood.”
“We don’t know.Do you?”
I had an immediate response ready, then felt stupid.Of course, something would be different with my blood.It was the whole reason I’d manipulated the beast into drinking it.But the honest truth was that I didn’t know why or how it might be true.I’d had cuts and scrapes like any other kid, but I’d never been to the emergency room.Up until now, there hadn’t been any reason to question my blood or to consider it different.
I shook my head.“I have no idea what, if anything, would show up in my blood.If my mother was concerned, she never mentioned it.Colantha didn’t mention blood, but with the condensed schedule, we only focused on the dreams.”
She nodded.“I wasn’t sure and thought it best to ask.”
“I get it.I’d also want to know if it showed something unique.But what if it does?Where did you send it?”
“Don’t worry.Devon has connections.”
“With who?And don’t tell me it doesn’t concern me.”I wasn’t sure I was successful at keeping the panic out of my voice.Labs and testing facilities kept records.Depending on how they secured the records could mean anyone could access them.
Lyra placed a hand on my arm.“I’m sorry.You’re right.But I’m not sure you’ll be settled by the information.”
My laugh was a nervous one.“Probably less settled if I discovered it from some secret government agency when I’m snatched off the street.”
