Page 26 of The Monster and the Last Blood Match

“Sorry.” She hurried to his side. “It’s just incredible.”

“Follow me through the security screening.”

“The what?”

He sighed. “Pass through the body scanner.”

She looked at the glass box that she hadn’t noticed in her distraction. “What are they looking for?”

“Anyone and anything that doesn’t belong. I’ve already had you signed in.”

“Okay.”

She walked forward uncertainly. As she passed into the scanner, a red light blinked and then passed over her body. A duplicate image materialized before her. The light blinked blue and then posted a message:Human subject Reyna Carpenter. Identity confirmed. Approved.

She continued forward and shuddered as her body image disappeared. Beckham was waiting for her on the other side.

“What the hell was that?”

“A security measure.”

“What happens if you aren’t approved?”

“Don’t ever find out.”

Reyna rolled her eyes at his nonanswer and then looked around at the Visage building. Everyone in attendance was dressed in a black suit. Even the women were in black skirt suits, with stark white blouses. Everything was crisp and orderly. Not a thing out of place.

Reyna followed Beckham to the elevator. “Is everyone who works here a vampire?”

“Of course not.Youwork here.”

“You know what I mean, Becks.”

His hand stopped before pressing the button, and he looked down at her. “Becks?Is this my new nickname? IsBeckhamtoo long?”

Reyna shrugged. But she had a small measure of victory at throwing him off for a moment.

When the empty elevator opened before them, they stepped inside and Beckham selected his floor.

“Do any humans work on your level?”

“Why do you always ask so many questions?” he growled.

She shrank a little in on herself but still said, “Because you don’t give me any answers.”

He reached instinctively for his phone in his pocket. “You have all the answers you need.”

“Fine.”

Beckham ignored her by focusing on whatever was going on on his phone. The elevator stopped on his floor, but before she could exit, Beckham reached out and stopped the doors from opening.

“What?” she asked, exasperated.

“Try not to bother anyone.” Reyna narrowed her eyes. “Not everyone is as…kind as I am.”

“Kind?” She couldn’t keep the sarcasm from her voice.

His eyes hardened darkly. “Yes. And do be sure to remember that.”

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