Page 22 of Fanged Embrace
I stared at the empty living room, unsure if I wanted her back or if I preferred the solitude. In the end, I gave up my internal debate and flopped back onto the bed, letting that strange sense of calm settle over me.
Sinking back into that dreamless, quiet place that had once seemed so distant.
11
River
“Ouch.” I folded my aching body into another impossible position, dripping sweat onto the yoga mat and clenching my eyes shut.
My cluttered office wasn’t exactly a yoga studio, but it served my purposes well enough. Especially at times like this. The stretch helped unknot my shoulders, but the real tension lived behind my eyes. Lack of sleep will do that.
Then again, I was used to going days on minimal rest. Comes with the territory of having certain gifts, and using them on people who needed the solace.
Laurie, for instance.
It was my subtle influence that let her slip into a deep (hopefully peaceful) sleep after I tidied her apartment. The cost was my own exhaustion. Still, I couldn’t regret it—something told me she needed it.
Something told me she hadn’t had a good night's sleep in years.
“Ouuuuch.” I tipped into a new, spine-crumpling position,inhaling deeply through my nose.Focus.If I let my mind drift back to Laurie alone, I’d never get anything done.
I needed to think about the bigger picture, the organization she’d mentioned, and the lead Dylan had found on a possible hideout near the industrial district. Something about a suspicious surge in nighttime activity and hush-hush deliveries. Dylan was investigating further, but I had a feeling we’d need Laurie’s firsthand knowledge sooner rather than later.
I’d tried scanning the future for glimpses, but it was hazy, scattered. Every time I concentrated on that group I felt a suffocating fog. I was missing too many pieces. Maybe Laurie held those pieces. Maybe once she trusted me enough to share them, I would be able to see things clearly.
“River!” My name was called from somewhere outside, but considering the pounding footsteps heading my way, I saw no point in answering until Maxine burst through the door. “River, we’re heading out! Get dressed.”
I sighed and shot a glance out the window. It was dark and I was long overdue for a date with my pillow and blanket. “What am I dressing for, exactly?”
“Think fancy supernatural party.” Maxine leaned against the doorframe, tossing her curls, already dolled up like she was the star of the show. “Hunter caught wind of a bunch of highborn vamps pouring in from other cities. They’re gathering tonight—Jordan wants us to check it out.”
I straightened up, clicking my back and groaning at the ceiling. “And why can’t darling Jordan go check it out herself?”
Maxine rolled her eyes, inspecting her fingernails. “Because…” she dragged the word out longer than necessary. “Jordan is the Leyore coven leader. If she shows her face there, everybody will be on their guard. We have to do this undercover, soget dressed.”
“All right.” I exhaled in a huff, rubbing at my temples and mentally preparing for yet another sleepless night.
The gathering was taking place in a grand ballroom—one of those historic mansions turned event space for the ultra-rich. Chandeliers sparkled overhead, and a string quartet played in the corner, filling the air with lilting, forgettable melodies.
Looking around, it was the kind of place you’d expect to find a charity gala, not an under-the-radar gathering of vampires and their well-funded supernatural allies. But I supposed that was the point: discreet opulence at its finest.
I caught my reflection in one of the mirrored pillars as I entered, smoothing my hands down the bodice of my red evening gown. If it weren’t for the fatigue in my bones and the first signs of a pounding headache throbbing behind my eyes, I might have enjoyed this. Undercover work always came with a sprinkle of excitement—plus, I did like dressing up occasionally.
Maxine breezed in at my side, wearing a pearly pink gown with a puffy skirt that shimmered like a gold-dusted cupcake. Her makeup was magazine-perfect and her elaborate hairdo looked like it took hours to prepare. I looked her up and down, tilting my head as I took in the extravagance.
Despite the excessive wealth walking around us in fancy suits and sweeping dresses, Maxine somehow still managed to look overdressed. Then again, at a glance, nobody would suspect we were anything but a pair of socialites out for a good time.
“Don’t you think you went a little overboard with the outfit?” I murmured under my breath, leading her toward a marble staircase so we’d look like we had a destination. “You look like a walking birthday cake.”
The tiny vamp flicked a curl behind one ear, swishing out her skirt. “Not possible—I look fabulous. This issilk, River. I fit right in.” She cast a sidelong glance at a passing tuxedo. “Though, I’m sure if Leah was here, she’d be dying of secondhand embarrassment.”
“That poor woman. I don’t know how she puts up with you.” I smirked, swiveling my head all the while, on the watch for anything suspicious. “How is Leah, by the way?”
Maxine shrugged, the glitter on her corset catching in the candlelight. “Still beautiful, intelligent. Still the star-crossed love of my life. Obviously.”
“I mean, how is she adjusting to our world?” I deadpanned, and it was an effort not to roll my eyes.
But I had to admit it was nice to see Maxine head over heels in love. I had no clue how someone as no-nonsense as Leah found the patience to handle such a high-maintenance fruitcake, but I was still happy for both of them.
