Page 34 of Destined for Shadows
He should have known Cori would use that argument. “The sensor has also been aware of the supernatural world for a long time, she is immune to compulsion, and she was trained by the military. There are many differences between you and her.”
“Vampires can’t compel me, either. Remember?” She scowled at him and turned her attention back to her laptop, typing something into it.
“Be that as it may, I still ask that you call me if Griff or anyone suspicious comes here.”
She cocked her head. “Will you worry about me?”
“Would I have taken the time and trouble to bring you here if I didn’t?”
“You’re rather confusing, you know that?” She let out a sigh. “I’ll call you or Melena if there’s any trouble.”
Bartol didn’t know what to make of that response, but at least she’d call. That was all that mattered. He flashed back to his home and headed to the kitchen to make sandwiches for lunch. As he laid the ingredients out, he considered what to do about Cori and her safety.
It was clear she didn’t want him or anyone else interfering in her daily activities. She needed her space, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t check in on her periodically without her knowledge. He had the ability to see long distances for a few seconds when he needed to flash, but he could use that asset to check on her as well. It wouldn’t be a full intrusion. He’d even limit himself to only once every hour or two—between the times when Melena or Bambi were due to stop by the shop.
Bartol understood what it was like to be vulnerable and want nothing more than to gain some sort of control over one’s life. They had to give Cori the illusion of that while still keeping her as safe as possible. He only hated that their plan would leave her vulnerable for brief periods, but unless they stationed someone there the whole day, there was nothing to be done about that.
A bright flash of light appeared by the front door. His muscles tensed until he recognized the man standing there—Tormod. Bartol hadn’t expected him for another hour.
“You’re early,” he said.
The nerou shrugged. “I might have pissed a few people off this morning during physical training. Lucas told me it was best for everyone involved if I left the compound early.”
“What did you do?”
“Nothing that should have gotten everyone so worked up.”
Bartol took a few steps closer, giving the younger man a disapproving look. “Do you expect me to believe that?”
Tormod’s lips twitched. “There may have been a sudden spider infestation in the women’s dorms, but I don’t know why they think I had anything to do with it. Insects get into the buildings all the time.”
“Your demon blood is going to be the death of you.”
The nerou ran a hand through his shaggy, brown hair. “I know, but I can’t help it. The moment I have an idea, it’s like I have to do it.”
Bartol didn’t think he was lying about that. There had been a few rare cases of children born with demon blood in the past, and they’d all been troublemakers. The archangels only gave them until they reached adulthood before executing them. Tormod wouldn’t be alive now if he didn’t also have sensor and angel blood in him, but if he didn’t get his act together, they might change their minds and end his existence.
“You must learn discipline,” Bartol said.
Tormod’s expression turned bashful. “I know.”
“The next time you get an idea that might upset people, think of a way to do a good thing instead,” he instructed.
“I’ll try.” He nodded. “So what are we doing today?”
“We’ll do a patrol of the area first.” Bartol wanted to see if there were any fresh tracks from the night before. Though he went out several times last night to check for intruders, he’d resisted the urge to stay out until dawn. Cori’s former husband appeared to be spacing his activities, revealing a surprising amount of patience. There was no way to be certain when Griff might strike again, and Bartol could waste too much energy if he didn’t pace himself—even nephilim had their limits.
“Same circuit?” Tormod asked.
“Yes.”
They flashed outside. Bartol took one section of the woods while Tormod handled the other. He studied the foliage and ground, searching for any signs of disturbance. The vampire had been careful in the past but not quite careful enough. If he’d been out there, they would find his tracks. Bartol was certain Griff would have been tempted to come by the house last night after what he’d done to Cori’s truck. He would have wanted to see how the destruction affected her.
“I’ve got something,” Tormod shouted from some distance away.
Bartol flashed over to him. “Where?”
The nerou pointed at a bare patch of ground where a partial set of boot prints marred the dirt.
