Page 60 of Infernal Hearts

Valerie throws down her pen. “Since you two seem to be busy, I guess I’ll just keep doing the work around here.” She reaches over Andrew and answers the phone. “Blackwell Veterinary.”

Jesus. I know she’s been testy lately, but not overly hostile. It’s unlike her.

Valerie listens to the caller, eyes flitting directly to me. Her lips firmly press together. “I’m sorry. I don’t think we can help with that.”

Oh shit. Something magical.

“No, really, I must insist.” Her voice is pushy, trying to end the call, but I just hold out my hand.

She pauses, staring at me and clenching her jaw. “One moment, please. The doctor would like to speak to you.” She hands the phone to me. “Up to you.”

I ignore her attitude and adopt my most professional voice. “Hello?”

“I need a magical doctor.” The male voice coughs and hacks, barely able to get words out. “Your father is out of the office, and it’s an emergency.”

As if I needed another reminder that my dad was missing. “What symptoms are you having?”

“I’m a phoenix. And my temperature is well below two hundred. I can’t warm up, no matter what I do.”

A phoenix? Here in town? They’re incredibly rare, and even harder to treat. Fiercely independent, they’d never ask for help unless they’d actually need it. It’s also strange that he’s being so forthcoming. They’re known for being oddly cryptic.

I have a knot in my belly, but I ignore it—just like I’m ignoring Valerie as she stares me down. “Who referred you?”

“The assistant at his clinic.” Another cough. “Seemed bitter about it.”

Great. And now I have to clean up Michael’s messes while dealing with my own. I really should send him a fruit basket for making my life easier.

I grab a pen and a piece of paper. “I can be there in an hour. What’s the address?”

The phoenix sighs with relief and gives me his address. “Thank you for doing this. 8929 Richmond Road.”

“It’s no trouble. See you soon.” I hang up, easing my breath and relaxing my muscles. I know I’m making the right decision.

Andrew looks at the tension between Valerie and me. “What was that about?”

I keep it short and simple. “Just a house call. Exotic pet.”

“Oh, what kind?” Andrew’s posture perks up immediately. “Sugar glider? Anaconda?”

Valerie’s tone snips and extinguishes the glimmer in his eye. “A bird. A dangerous one. That I’ll be coming along for.”

I stand completely still. “You really don’t need to do that.”

She walks four paces near me and puts her lips close to my ear. “I’ve protected you your whole life. I’m not about to stop now, no matter how careless you’ve become.”

“Fine.” Turning around, I head upstairs to grab my bag. Within minutes, Valerie and I are driving down the road to our new client.

“I honestly don’t know what’s gotten into you.” Valerie massages her temples. “You were so adamant about living a normal life. A safe life. And now you’re risking everything.”

“This is a living creature we’re talking about. He’s suffering. I wouldn’t be upholding my oath if I didn’t do something about it.”

“Jason, this is an absolutely terribly idea. I wish you’d listen to me.”

I throw my head back. This is ridiculous. “Are you really that against me helping supernaturals? I don’t understand where you’re going with this. You are one. Where is all of this coming from? Can’t you be at least a little compassionate?”

“I’m only trying to keep you safe. Can you really blame me? We’re on our way to go heal a phoenix. Do you even know what they’re capable of?”

I stare straight ahead down the road, because I definitely don’t want to look at her face right now. “I know how to keep things under control. Just have some faith in me.”

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