Page 83 of Wedlock
“He has a long list of enemies,” Wolf shrugs, “you are just one now.”
“And a long list of friends,” I shake my head. “He isn’t without resources. But I couldn’t care less what he’s doing right now. I don’t care about any of it.”
Wolf shakes his head.
“I can see that. How long has it been since you’ve showered, shaved, or changed your clothes? You look like you’re still in the dungeon. Is that blood on your collar?”
“I don’t give a shit,” I shrug.
“Ah, Friend, all in all I’d say you just need a clean up, a long rest and a good feed. Your new procurement officer should be able to rustle up something interesting and hearty. Lynx is a good boy, and keen to prove himself in the role.”
I sigh heavily.
“He doesn’t need to prove himself. I always knew he’d do well. That’s why I agreed he could take the job if it ever came up.”
“Which seemed unlikely,” Wolf nods, “but the moment Asumpta’s fate was announced I can tell you he was packing his bags for the move. Chomping at the bit to get here. I’m glad you held to your word and gave him the position.”
“I, at least, can be counted on to honour my word,” I mutter. “Who am I to hold the sins of one brother against another? Look what my own has done.”
“A bastard half-brother,” Wolf reminds me.
“No matter,” I shrug. “Lynx caters to my appetite. I’ve ordered him to deliver Danes for months — yet I may change my order soon, somehow they all taste slightly fishy.”
Wolf bursts out laughing.
65
“I know it isn’t the island, Yin,” I sigh, turning to her and smiling, “but it does feel like home, doesn’t it?”
Yin returns my smile as we stand staring out the window at the Appalachian valley below. We’d been safe and undiscovered here once before; it stands to reason this is the best place to be for the foreseeable future.
“Yes, it feels like home. But I swear, Angie, if you let on to any vampire,anyvampire, where we are, I...”
“I won’t and I haven’t,” I murmur, following her gaze as she watches ravens circle above the forest.
A shiver runs up my spine, and I turn away from the view.
66
He looks uncomfortable where he stands, hands in his pockets, his eyes serious as he uncharacteristically shakes his head at the drink Wolf proffers.
It’s been months, but Wolf finally phoned last week to say that Jag had found my wife as I’d asked, and it’s now up to me to extend an olive branch to my former friend. Mother was hugely relieved that I’d agreed to see him, although distracted, as usual, with the revolving door of charlatans purporting to be doctors I’d hired to find out why my son is constantly unwell.
I’d left his room just minutes ago to make for my study when I heard Wolf and Jag arrive.
Seeing Jag now I still feel residual anger at his betrayal, yet my library does seem more complete with him here, a place he so customarily once inhabited on a daily basis. If I could wipe my memory of all that had transpired and go back to having him as my comrade and brother, I would. But his affair with my wife is still stuck in my craw. While I’d agreed I’d revoke my vow if he found my wife, Wolf and Mother’s hopes of a renewed friendship are like smoke on water at this point, ephemeral and cloying, nothing more.
Clearing my throat, I cut to the chase.
“You found her?”
“I’ve known for some time where she is, Falcon,” he says quietly.
“What?” Wolf and I ask at the same time.
“I gave her my word that I wouldn’t tell you.”
I stalk towards him and point angrily at his face.
