Page 29 of Unhallowed Murder
Ronnie slid into her car at nearly six — earlier than normal, but she hoped to return after dark with a vampire who’d tell her every crime Mick Griffin had committed.
She texted Josef she was on her way, and he called her back on the encoded app she used to talk to Nathan about supernatural issues. She was glad most criminals hadn’t figured this little trick out.
“Bellula. I hope you’ve had a productive day.”
“Most would say I did. How are you this evening?” Her inner tiger yowled in annoyance, and Ronnie agreed. “Crap, sorry. I hate small talk and I was starting it. I don’t know what to say to you. I mean, asking how you slept is stupid because it isn’t sleep.”
“I amwonderfulthis evening, with a smile on my face that’s made everyone I’ve been on video chat with a nervous Nelly.”
“Do you need me to bring anything? Should I grab something to eat before I come?”
“Please don’t. I enjoy feeding you.”
“Okay, and I tried not to feel awkward last night, but it’s odd, eating when you aren’t.”
“I’ve already fed this evening. I will drink wine with you.”
“Is it rude for me to ask how you pick your meals? Do you have someone who stays there?”
“At different times in my life, I’ve had different options. A team of wolves is nearly always close at hand when I awaken, and I’m welcome to any of them. Abbott often sends a breakfast treat, someone from his flock. I occasionally hunt for my own food, when I want a specific flavor or energy, or I’m just in the mood to hunt.”
She wanted to ask how often he had sex when he fed, but it seemed rude.
Before she could think of something else to say, he told her, “Your Amakhosi paid me a visit shortly after I awakened.”
She sighed. “I’m sorry. He was waiting for me when I arrived home this morning.”
“No need to apologize. As I told him, one usually only has to check in with him before engaging in a friendship — or more — with one of his lionesses. He agreed with me, and there wasn’t a problem. He gave me the green light, with the usual threats should I harm a single hair on your head, or cause you an ounce of emotional pain.”
She laughed through her embarrassment. “I really am sorry. He’s a little over-protective, sometimes.”
“Having the Amakhosi protecting you is a good thing,Bellula. I’m glad you have people in your life who love you.”
Love? Did Nathan love her? Yes, she supposed he did, but it wasn’t romantic. Not really fatherly, either. He was her King — her Liege — and she loved him, but she’d never considered his reciprocation, which was silly, in retrospect. He took time to keep up with her life, and he showed up at her house when he discovered she was involved with a powerful vampire. Ofcoursethese things showed he cared about her as a person and not merely a subject.
“I suppose you’re right. I have my team at work, the friends I was with the other night, Nathan, and even his primary Pride. I mean, I’m not part of the Pride, but I feel close to the women.”
“And your family?”
She sighed. “That’smuchtoo deep a subject for our evening.”
“When you are ready to share it with me, I shall listen.”
After a few seconds of uncomfortable silence, he said, “Martin has never expected people to come to him before forming a relationship with one of his tigers. I’m assuming this is still the case?”
“Yes. I’m Martin’s tiger, but since Nathan is king ofallcats, I also belong to him.”
“Okay,Bellula. One of my wolves will bring you to me when you arrive. I regret that I cannot meet you aboveground.”
She took a breath. “Are you still open to helping me with my investigation?”
“I am. Please don’t sound so nervous about asking. I told you — I wish to see this case come to a satisfying conclusion.”
“That isn’t likely, but he’ll at least spend the rest of his life in prison, I hope.”
“You hope?”
“Yes. As it stands now, he might get out when he’s an old man. I need help making sure he comes out in a bodybag.”
