Page 98 of Soul Sucker

“Just give me a minute to consult with Sam, and then Morosov and I will take you to your new home.” Vadim took over her spot and settled to watch the sprite, who wouldn’t even look at him. Ella went across to Sam.

“That was really cool,” Sam breathed. “It’s weird, it didn’t exactly speak ‘American,’ but I could understand it anyway.”

“That’s because you’re an empath.”

Sam nodded. “You didn’t have to hurt her at all.”

“That should always be your aim.” Ella felt the beginnings of a terrible headache and was already shaking. “I want you to write up a report of everything you saw tonight so that we can discuss it in detail tomorrow.”

“Sure!” Sam stretched. “I’ll have it on your desk asap.”

“Great.” Ella forced a smile. “Go on home now and remember, don’t discuss your work with anyone outside the SBLE.”

His enthusiastic expression dimmed. “That’s the kicker, isn’t it? Not being able to share stuff. No wonder we all go nuts.”

“It’s part of the job, Sam.” Ella patted his arm. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Night, Ella. Night, Vad.”

Ella didn’t see Vadim’s reaction to his new nickname, but it still made her want to smile. She turned to face him and the sprite.

“Do you have enough magic to get us there?”

“Of course.”

She didn’t have the energy to confront him about the variable estimates of his magical powers tonight, but she sensed a showdown coming. Surely as his mate she should know these things?

“Take my hand, Ms. Walsh. We can do this together. You also have the power now.”

Putting the sprite between them, they linked hands, and a moment later, Ella smelled the briny tang of the delta and heard the gentle sound of water and the swish of willow trees. It was still quite dark but the suggestion of dawn lapped at the edges of the blackness making it easier to see.

The sprite inhaled deeply. “This is a good place.”

Ella let go of both the sprite’s and Vadim’s hands. “We’ll wait over there until we see that you are okay. If you don’t sense anyone, or you don’t feel welcome, come and find us, and we’ll take you someplace else.” The sprite bowed low. “I thank you, soul sucker, and you, sire.”

Ella smiled. “Thank you for being so cooperative.” They retreated behind a large tree and watched as the sprite approached the bank of the creek. Within moments three other sprites of varying sizes emerged from the murky darkness and began conversing in a strange clicking language that reminded Ella of whale song. All seemed to go well, because within another few seconds the sprite was led toward the nesting holes.

Ella let out her breath. “Looking good. Let’s give her a couple more minutes.”

“She’ll be fine. They have no females left in their particular pack. They will treat her like a queen and vie for her favors.”

“Lucky girl.” She pulled her hand free of Vadim’s. “How do you know all this?”

“I’m part Fae.”

“I know that, but what part exactly?”

His smile was meant to distract her and almost succeeded.

“Morosov…”

He cupped her chin. “How are you feeling?” His expression darkened. “Your resources are seriously depleted. Why didn’t you say something?”

“It’s just the way it is.” She grimaced. “Every time I take a memory it drains me even more than the last time.”

He studied her for a long moment. “I have a solution for that.”

“Sex is not the answer to everything, you know.”

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