Page 71 of Siege of Blood and Betrayal

I sit back from the table and wipe my mouth with my napkin. It’s obvious then why she wants to help me. If my enemy has an army of fledglings in the area, they will feed ravenously. From what Huntley says, Clare Voyant and her sisters protect the would-be food sources for that army.

“Has this impacted the innocent? Is there an area where civilians have been attacked?”

“Thankfully, no. Whoever is behind this either has a strong hold on his people or is incredibly smart.”

“Or both,” Huntley says. “If they aren’t feeding off people in the streets, where are they getting their sustenance?”

“There are rumors the clan in Oxford are working on synthetic blood, but I don’t think they’ve advanced to trials.”

“Well, we control the blood trade here,” Huntley says. “Someone would’ve noticed if huge quantities were being bought up or siphoned off. Fledgling hungers are insatiable.”

I pull off another chunk of bread and nod. “Normally, I’d agree, but with everything that’s happened, we can’t be sure. Yes, we control the blood trade in this part of Canada, but it’s a global market.”

“Could they be getting it from Victor and Talon in New York and having it shipped up here?”

“I can’t imagine the brothers would allow that to happen. Respecting the territory of the other kings is a vital part of keeping the peace between clans. No one wants a war.”

Someone whistles over by the serving line and Clare pats my hand. “You’re on the right track, baby. Excuse me. Back to work before the boss thinks I’m slacking.”

Huntley looks up at her. “Aren’t you the boss?”

She winks. “And I’m a real ball-buster.” She hands me a business card and grins. “These are good people who might help. Tread lightly, baby… and watch your back. You’ve still got a couple of vipers in your den.”

I straighten, but before I can ask her if she knows who, she’s gone.

Letting out a long breath, I show Huntley the card. “DonorWatch. Have you ever heard of it?”

Huntley nods. “I have. And I understand why she told us to tread lightly.”

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Huntley

Zane steps deeper into the entrance of the office as the sounds of the city are muted behind the closed doors. It’s an elegant but simple office established in a historic stone building—not at all clinical or what I would expect from an organ or blood bank.

“Welcome to DonorWatch gentlemen. How can I help you?” The woman who comes out to greet us is tall and her cinnamon-colored hair hangs in long curls against a teal silk blouse. She moves with the same regal grace as Zane.

“This is Zanipolo Vasari, King of the Toronto Seethe, and I am Huntley Thorsen, his second-in-command. And you are?”

“I am the founder of DonorWatch. What brings you gentlemen to my door?”

Her directness isn’t rude exactly, but it’s obvious she’s cautious about trusting Otherworlders who show up on her doorstep unannounced. “We were directed here by a mutual acquaintance, Clare Voyant.”

Her brow arches. “One of the Toronto Oracles sent you here. Why ever for?”

I hold up my finger to pause her question for the moment. “If I’m correct, you are Cassiane, Queen of Shedim demons, and the mate of one of the local Nephilim enforcers, yes?”

Her gaze narrows. “Kyrian of Thebes. That is correct.”

As if summoned by her anxiety, a massive warrior steps out from the back and takes us in. He’s built like a tank and his bright citrine yellow eyes rake over us, obviously judging whether we are a threat. “Is all well, Mistress?”

Cassiane offers the brute a sweet smile. “Thank you, Dougal. Yes, I believe so.” She turns back to us and dips her chin. “Alliswell, is it not?”

I hold up my palms. “Of course. I apologize if I made you feel otherwise. Our private compound was infiltrated last night, and we are on edge. We seek those responsible and, through that search, were directed here.”

“Here? I don’t understand.”

Zane flicks his hand and steps forward. “If you told us more about your company, we might discern why Clare sent us.”

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