Page 36 of Soul Sucker

He exhaled and shoved a hand through his dark hair, which immediately fell back into place. “Damn. I suppose it would’ve made it too easy if he’d been the murderer.”

“And unlikely, seeing as he hasn’t ever been outside the U.S.”

“That we know of. Otherworld doesn’t keep the same kind of immigration records as the U.S. He could have gone through a portal.”

“Did your guy actually speak Russian?”

Vadim went still. “That’s a good question. I’ll have to check Natasha’s notes, such as they were.”

Ella got out her laptop. “I can do that right now.” She found the files and opened the one marked with Natasha’s name. Vadim came to look over her shoulder. Up close, he smelled of expensive aftershave and warm, vibrant male. Ella shivered.

“What is it?”

She ignored him and concentrated on the file. “This is the translation. Do I have the original as well?”

“Yes.” Vadim leaned around her and tapped something on the keyboard. A second file came up and they both stared at the Russian script.

“Look.” Ella touched the screen. “This bit is in English, right?”

Vadim cursed softly, his mouth close to her ear. “Interesting. That’s just above Natasha’s comments on the killer’s voice and thoughts. Sounds like he is an English speaker.” He straightened away from her. “What made you think of that?”

“I’m not sure. Maybe I picked it up when I sensed him in the stairwell at the victim’s apartment.” Vadim frowned and she hastened to add, “It might not be important.”

“But I still missed it.” He walked away from her. “And I was all ready to blame you for fucking up this case. Maybe I’m the one who needs to worry.”

“Shit happens.” She couldn’t believe she was the one trying to make him feel better.

He swung around to stare at her, his dark blue gaze intent. “This time I can’t afford to make a mistake.”

“Because you’ll be the one held accountable back in Russia?”

“Exactly.” He grimaced. “You don’t know my boss. When she says if you fail she’s going to eat you alive, she means it literally.”

“She’s a shapeshifter?”

“And the rest.” He picked up his jacket and put it back on. The fabric settled around him like a second skin. “I need to talk to Alexei.”

“Sure.” She shut down her laptop and put it back in her backpack. “Are you doing anything this weekend?”

“I think Alexei’s got something planned.”

“Then have a good one.”

“Thanks.” He smiled at her and she had to remember not to drool.

For a moment she’d considered inviting him to her parents’ barbecue, but perhaps it was best that he was busy doing other things. If she had a few beers, she might get up the courage to flirt with him, and despite his avowed dislike of empaths, he might just take her up on it. She might not have the courage to call his bluff and walk away.

Ella sighed and checked her cell. Laney had sent her a text about the party saying she didn’t need a ride and would come on her own. A second text said she’d be late because she would be chatting online with her OCOS mate, Peter.

She stared at the text and tried to think how to answer it. For the first time ever, she was aware of feeling a little jealous. None of Laney’s other conquests had ever bothered her, but Peter did because—because what? Because he represented Laney’s survival, something Ella couldn’t do for her best friend? Something she was afraid of doing for herself?

She sat down on the nearest chair. She’d had another letter from Otherworld today, repeating their offer of finding her a mate and reiterating all the benefits. The letter was still stuffed in her backpack. She slowly took it out and studied it, squinting to read the small blurred print she’d earlier ignored. In two weeks they’d be sending her details of her mate anyway. Her only choice was to either agree to meet the guy, or ignore the information. What kind of a man had they found, and who in the hell would ever want to put up with her?

“Ella, are you coming for a beer?” Liz appeared at the door of the conference room. “I said I’d meet Doug at the bar across the street.”

“Sure.” Ella smiled at her friend. “As long as I make the last ferry.”

She stuffed the letter into the pocket of her backpack. Soon, she would be that much closer to madness and know the name of this mythical male who would supposedly make everything right for her. Would she leave off making her decision until it was too late like Natasha had? She slung her backpack over her shoulder and snorted. What a fucking awful set of choices.

---