Page 104 of Soul Sucker

Ella picked up her phone and called Liz. “That party you are going to tonight with Doug at the shapeshifters’ place? Can I tag along? I’ll be safe surrounded by Doug’s pack.”

Liz squeaked in delight. “Awesome! Come home with me after work and we can get ready together. It’ll be fun!”

Ella sat back and contemplated her phone. It would also give her the opportunity to prove whether her mating with Vadim was real or a figment of her imagination.

* * *

Vadim noddedas Feehan went through his list of requirements for Ella’s safety again. Unless she was on SBLE property, he had no intention of leaving her unguarded for more than a second. Even if she declined his escort, he would be able to find her through their mated link. She had no idea that he could blast through her shields if he needed to and that he would guard her to the best of his considerable magical ability.

Feehan cleared his throat and shuffled some of the papers on his desk.

“There’s one more thing.”

Vadim tried to look approachable and willing. “What’s that, Mr. Feehan?”

“The head of the SBLE in the U.S., Drew Spencer, is aware of what is happening to the empaths, and is contemplating taking over the case. I’m sure you’ll agree that this would not be ideal for either of us or our future careers.”

“I’d rather we got to see it through ourselves.”

“I agree, but Mr. Spencer doesn’t think we are acting fast enough.”

“What does he expect us to do? This killer appears and disappears into thin air!”

Feehan turned off his computer. “I spoke with him on the phone this morning. He intends to come down and speak to us all tomorrow.”

Vadim fought to control his instant protest. “What good can he do? We had the head of the SBLE in Russia involved and it made no difference.”

“I did tell Mr. Spencer about that.” Feehan avoided his gaze. “I regret to say he suggested the Russian organization wasn’t as capable as ours, and that with our resources we wouldn’t have failed.”

“What’s he offering us—the Navy Seals?”

“I’m not sure exactly what he’s offering. All I know is that if all the twenty-seven year-old empaths in America are wiped out, heads will roll.”

Vadim sat back. “I can’t see Ms. Walsh liking this interference, can you?”

“Not at all. She is very protective of her kind, but if she chooses not to take a mate, her influence will be very short-lived anyway.”

Silence fell as he struggled to control his rage at Feehan’s offhand comment. No wonder Ella felt her life was dispensable when faced with the ignorance of the SBLE bureaucracy. He got to his feet.

“She’s been offered a mate. I hope to God she takes him. No one’s life should be considered expendable by the SBLE.”

He walked out and wondered where to go next. Alexei wouldn’t be pleased to see him and neither would Ella. He noticed Sam strolling along the hallway with a bag of popcorn and headed toward him.

“I thought I could help you with the research on the male empaths.”

Sam’s face broke into a smile. “That would be cool, Vad. Come into my cubby and pull up a chair.”

* * *

Ella pursedher lips in the mirror and added another layer of bright pink lipstick. She hardly ever bothered with makeup, but tonight was an exception. She wanted to be noticed, to get drunk and maybe even to get laid. Liz had lent her a sleeveless black dress, which came thigh high on the tall blonde, but skimmed Ella’s knees. It was made of some stretchy, clingy fabric that stuck to her boobs and tended to ride up. She’d also borrowed a pair of high-heeled sandals that were already making her feet hurt. Ella was satisfied with her appearance. She lookedtotallyunlike herself.

Music thumped through the walls of the narrow row house where the party was being held, and even the stairs were full of people. Doug’s wolf pack was large, very social and remarkably tolerant of every other kind of magical power including Ella’s. She’d already had a beer and been introduced around by Doug to a lot of males who seemed more than happy to see her. Her purse vibrated again and she finally took out her phone and turned it off. It wouldn’t deter Vadim for long. He’d have no compunction in ignoring normal avenues of communication and finding her anyway.

She emerged from the bathroom and went down the stairs, wobbling on her high heels toward the kitchen to get herself another beer. Six months ago this would’ve been her idea of heaven. Good friends, alcohol and plenty of sex if she wanted it. Shapeshifters didn’t have the same narrow morals as humans and wouldn’t hold a one-night-stand against anyone. Having nothing to live for, she’d been happy to take whatever she could get and enjoyed it.

Big Jim Dresden, the second-in-command of the pack, held out a can of her favorite beer.

“Looking for this, or looking for me?”

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