Page 36 of Deadly Lineage
“Oh, maybe I shouldn’t have said that.” Low murmuring sounded in the background before the anxiety fled Peaches’s voice. “Lucroy says it’s okay. Phlox is Agent Frost’s true name.”
“Ah, that makes sense. I’m glad everyone’s going to be there. That will make what I have to ask a little easier.” I could kill lots of birds with one proverbial stone.
“I’m going to put you on speakerphone so Lucroy can hear this also. Is that okay?”
“It’s fine.” As far as I was concerned, the more species we got involved, the merrier.
“Necromancer Boone,” Lucroy’s cool, easy voice floated over the phone. “Is there a problem? Has Aurelia done something?”
Interesting how Peaches hadn’t even thought to ask, and yet it was Lucroy’s first concern. “Aurelia’s fine. I think. I mean, beyond randomly popping up here and there, she hasn’t done anything concerning.”
“She really likes you,” Peaches chimed in. I wasn’t so certain that was the right way to phrase it. At this point in her long life, I wasn’t sure if Aurelia trulylikedanyone.Toleratedseemed a better word.Interestedorfascinatedmight also fit where I was concerned. At the same time, I don’t think shedislikedme. Honestly, Aurelia was one big ball ofwhat the fuck.
“Uh…thanks,” I finally muttered before clearing my throat and saying, “I’ve kind of got an issue that I’d like everyone’sopinion on.” As concisely as possible, I ran through the two recent deaths and the unusual state of their souls.
When I’d finished, a couple of quiet seconds ticked by before Peaches said, “That’s horrible.”
“It is,” I agreed easily.
“Pardon if this is tactless, but did you not threaten to do something similar to that witch, Sylvie, when you brought her soul back?” Lucroy asked emotionlessly.
“I did. I’ve never truly done something like that, but Icould. Although if I did, I’d probably completely eviscerate the soul—tear it completely apart,” I clarified. “There wouldn’t be anything left to linger or suffer. I’ve threatened it less than a handful of times, but honestly, I can’t imagine a situation where I’d truly follow through.”
“I see,” Lucroy answered, tone so emotionless I wasn’t sure if he truly did understand or not. “And you wish for Peaches and me to inquire as to whether or not another species might be able to do this?”
“I’ve already spoken with my father. He says a warlock could, but they’d need a necromancer to help. Peaches didn’t mention if Hellfire Rayburn or Wendall would be there tonight.”
“I am uncertain if Wendall is scheduled to work tonight.”
“He’ll probably stop by,” Peaches said. “Wendall likes when we gather.”
A pang of atypical jealousy shot through me. What would it be like to have a group of friends like that? It was a feeling I’d never know. Chances were good I was the most fortunate necromancer on the planet. And yet, that didn’t equate to universal acceptance. I suppose no one was that fortunate, but many species were closer than others. Necromancers were on the very bottom of that list.
“That is true, beloved. However, even if Wendall appears, Ray may not.”
“Lucroy’s right. I’d say Ray shows up about seventy percent of the time,” Peaches agreed.
“If he is not present tonight, with your permission, Necromancer Boone, I will pass along your inquiry. Is that acceptable?”
“More than acceptable. It’s greatly appreciated,” I answered easily.
Lucroy’s tone dropped an impossible octave. “I feel confident saying a vampire cannot do this. Even a vampire as ancient as Nirgal could not harm a soul in the way you describe. However, I am concerned about what is happening. The vampires within Mississippi are part of my nest. I trust you will inform me should this situation directly involve one of my nestmates.”
“I will.” It was an easy promise to make.
“I will hold you to that,” Lucroy sort-of-threatened. Considering I had no intention of keeping anything from him, if it was a threat, it was a pointless one.
Lucroy couldn’t see my eyeroll. Beyond the gesture, I let his comment go. “Have fun tonight,” I said instead.
“Oh, we will,” Peaches happily answered. “The honeysuckle mead will be flowing tonight.” The sound of Peaches’s wings filled the phone line, and despite the crap going on in my life, I chuckled. I could just see him zipping around, flying high and spreading golden dust all over the place.
“Is there anything else you require?” Lucroy asked. It was subtle, but his tone sounded lighter.
“No, that’s it. Thanks for your help. I appreciate it.”
“It is our pleasure,” Lucroy answered. “Aurelia—”
“I know,” I cut him off even though I wasn’t sure exactly what he was about to say. Regardless, Lucroy and I were on the same page. Peaches might not share our concern, but Aurelia was a loose cannon. Currently, her fuse was quiescent. I don’t believeany of us wanted to know what would happen should someone hold a lighter to it.
