Page 18 of Stalk the Dark
Haiden smiled sadly. “Of course.” He shuffled out of the room, leaving me with the two hunters.
If I was going to keep Ezekiel in line, I’d need both their help, and as much as it pained me to even think it, their protection. “I want to bury the others too. All the people he’s killed and drained since he woke last night.”
Hemlock rolled his eyes. “Yes, let’s just wander over to the vampire king’s castle and tell him what to do, shall we?”
“Those people deserve a decent burial.”
“They’re dead,” Hemlock said flatly. “I doubt they give a shit.”
Ordell ended our glare-off with a pointed cough, so I transferred my attention to him. “Is he alwayslike this?”
“Hecan hear you,” Hemlock bit out.
I ignored him and raised my brows at Ordell.
Ordell sighed. “I’ll see what I can do about the bodies. Leave it with me.”
For some reason, I trusted him. “Okay. Also, the Order sent you to help me keep Ezekiel in check, so you’ll come with me tonight.”
“Of course.” Ordell sat up straighter, his brow furrowing. “That isn’t even in question. We’re at your disposal, Miss Lighthart.”
There was something primally soothing about his deep, growly voice. “Please call me Orina.”
His smile lit up his whole face. “Orina, then.”
Hemlock set his coin on the table with a clink. “And what do youneedfrom us until tonight?” he asked tightly.
“A lift into New Town. Ineedto contact the Order.” I smiled thinly in his direction.
He arched a brow and snorted softly. “Why, so you can beg them to let you off the hook?”
What was his problem? “No. Mobile phones don’t work in Old Town, but I’ll get reception in the modern sector. The Order needs to know what’s going on here and how the Sangualex have taken control of Order property.”
“I can take you in,” Ordell said. “I have an errand to run.” He looked to Hemlock. “You coming?”
“I’ve got things to do right here,” Hemlock said.
I couldn’t help but ask… “Such as?”
His mouth tightened, and the coin was back in his hand, sliding between his knuckles, winking silver as it moved up and down his hand. “None of your business.”
“Hem,” Ordell said sharply.
“What?” Hemlock snapped. “Itisnone of her business.”
“Whatever.” I dropped into a seat and picked up my spoon. “I don’t care.” But I did. It bugged me not knowing what he would be doing. It bugged me that there was an itch in the back of my mind where these two men were concerned, and it fucking bugged the hell out of me that any of this was bugging me at all.
Edwin joined us a moment later, fresh-faced and bright-eyed. “Morning all. Oooh, cinnamon porridge.” He grabbed a bowl off the table and headed for the stove. “You want to go down to the archives this morning?” he asked.
Shit, I’d forgotten about that. “Later. I have business in town.”
He joined us at the table. “You’re going to call the Order, aren’t you?”
“Yep.”
“You think that Padma was lying?”
“I don’t know her well enough to make that kind of judgment. What I do know is that the Order wouldn’t turn a blind eye to what’s happening here.”
