Page 16 of Hunt the Dusk
But there must be missing vampires to account for the dead.
There are not.
And don’t you think that’s strange?
I do, but this isn’t something you need to be worrying about. It’s under Sangualex investigation.
That was it? That was all I was getting?I think someone deliberately sent my people there to die. They messed with one of my operatives’ memories because she knows something vital about that night. Maybe about who the vampires there that night were, or even who attacked them.
His eyes narrowed.Then we need to access those memories.
Yep, but we can’t do that without a pure-blood fae healer.
He sipped his wine, a speculative look on his face.I’ll make a deal with you. I’ll put out feelers for a healer, carefully, of course, so as not to alert whoever is responsible.
Because you think they’re with the Sangualex.
I don’t know. If I discover anything, then I’ll inform you, but in the meantime, you need to stop digging. Firstly, because your efforts might compromise my case, and secondly because it could prove dangerous.
I’m Ezekiel’s watcher. I think I can handle a little danger.
Maybe so, but please, do me the courtesy of letting it go.
What more could I do?Fine, but you’ll keep me informed.
I will, at regular dinner dates.The warmth returned to his eyes.
I didn’t want to lead him on.Look, Kaster, I can’t date you, not properly.
I can’t say I’m not disappointed, but I understand your obligations must take priority. Still, everyone needs companionship, even if it’s just someone to have dinner with or go dancing with.Besides, if we keep an association, then it will be easier for us to trade information without arousing the suspicions of the parties that may have been involved in this cover-up.
What do you suggest, then?
We pretend that we’re dating.He leaned in, sable eyes heating.Can you pretend to be attracted to me?
Pretend? I cleared my throat.I think I can do that. Can you pretend to be attracted to me?
There is no pretense required, Orina.
His smooth tone wrapped around my mind, teasing my pulse into an eager trot.
Thankfully, the waiter chose that moment to bring our food, giving me a chance to collect my composure.
Everything smelled delicious.
We ate and spoke mind to mind without restriction. He asked me about the Fringe and my life there, and I told him about Quinn and Nyx and our sisterhood pact—a document I’d had written up when we were young teenagers at the Ministry.We’d signed it in blood. A promise to always be there for one another, no matter what. We’d upheld that promise.
So, Nyx is in Morningstar? A satan spawn?Something passed across his features too fast for me to read.
Yes, and Quinn is part of the Hawthorne Pack now.I drank the last of my wine, and he topped me up.
Friendships like that are rare.
I know, and I’m so grateful for them.
He dabbed the corner of his mouth with a napkinand sat back in his seat.Do you know why you were chosen as Ezekiel’s watcher?
No.
