Page 58 of Santa's Wish
"I'm so sorry," Boz said. "I told them not to hurt you."
Jameson shook his head. "Don't worry, kid. It wasn't the first time." He chuckled. "It wasn't even the last. I can't believe he did it again."
I told Boz the story while he contemplated his drink. Finally, he took a tiny sip. Then, he downed the rest of the glass. "Shit, what an energy rush!" He vibrated in my arms. "I want to run down to the docks, and then all the way to Cambridge."
Key stepped through the doorway from the VIP lounge, and I waved to catch his attention. "Can we give our witness statements and go home? I need to find somewhere to put Boz during the day. No more third-floor apartment until they install the storm shutters."
"Sorry for the delay," Key said. "The shutters are on back order for another month."
That was fine with me. It meant Boz would be sharing my bed or enjoying my coffin until he could move back to his own place. I looked forward to it.
"We'll be ready to take witness statements in a few minutes, and then you can leave."
"What about my parents?" Boz asked Key. "Are they all right?"
Key nodded. "Colette's with them now, trying toreverse the damage. Cassius used mind control on them. She may need to wipe the experience, and the last two days, from their memories."
"That would be for the best," Boz said. "I don't want to be reminded of that horrible conversation with my mom ever again." He dissolved into tears.
I pulled him to my chest and held him, trying to reassure both of us he was alive and safe. I kissed his temple and the side of his head, catching a mouth full of soft curls. "It's okay, sweetness. You're okay."
"I know." He sighed and cuddled closer. "You're here with me. Since I woke up in the back of their car, all I could think of was you."
"I got here as quickly as I could." I kissed the shell of his ear and down his cheek. "I'm so sorry they hurt you."
"I can't feel it anymore." He sniffled. "I feel … good."
"That's unusual after being turned," I said. I motioned Key to us again. Another council member prepared to take Boz's statement, and I asked to borrow Key's phone. Mine was still on my dresser at home.
I hit redial on Key's most recent call.
"Bella notte, Santa, or should I say Nicholas."
"Empress Marcella, I'm sorry to bother you, but?—"
"He will have some bad days in the first six months, but they won't be as bad as most newly turned vampires. I can send you some herbs to put in his blood to counteract any strong bloodlust."
"Is he all right physically?"
She paused. "Didn't your doctor look him over?"
"Yes, but you have access to his mind. Are you blocking his pain receptors?"
She snorted. "Why would I bother?"
"He's not in pain, then?"
Empress Marcella entered my mind. That was the only way I could explain it. One moment, I was sitting on a couch in the mostly empty club. The next, I was on a dark beach in Rome, the sand warm beneath my feet.
"I do not remember human pain.” The empress’s voice encompassed the darkness, but I couldn’t see her. “Was he injured badly before he died?"
"Yes. They broke his back."
"He may feel the aftereffects of numbness in his lower extremities for a few days, if anything at all." She grabbed my chin and mesmerized me with her gaze. "He is fine. Are you? I sense old guilt, and a deep-rooted fear of me. I've never meant you harm, my darling Nicholas. You killed a tyrant and a bully."
From the visions she sent me, she meant my sire, not the pieces of shit still dissolving in my workshop and behind the bar.
"I broke the law."
