Blood Kissed (Lizzie Grace 1)

“I have indeed. What can I do for you gentlemen?”

“You can start off by telling us about yourself,” Hart said. “Because we’ve checked regional records, and the Association has no listing for either you or your partner.”

“No, they don’t.”

“Care to explain why?”

“If you’d care to explain this line of questioning.”

He raised his eyebrows—an action that was barely visible over the top of his dark sunglasses. “I simply find it interesting that these events have occurred not long after two unregistered witches arrived in town.”

“We arrived three months ago, Mr. Hart. Given the first incident occurred two months later, I wouldn’t exactly call that close.”

The two glanced at each other. “What happened a month ago?”

“Car break-in.” I smiled sweetly. “It’s only a theory that the thief who took the house keys from the Redferns’ car was indeed our vampire, but it’s one that becomes more likely given recent events.”

“Meaning the refleshing event that occurred last night?”

“It can hardly be called a refleshing, as even dark magic can’t replace what putrefaction has already taken.” I paused as the charm around my neck began to pulse in warning. “And whichever one of you gentleman is trying to invade my thoughts, give it up. I’m well protected, both mentally and magically.”

They shared another look, which made me suspect they were both telepathic.

And they’re also well protected from mental invasion, Belle said. It appears to be some sort of electronic shield rather than a magical one. I’m not able to get past it.

I wasn’t feeling any sort of energy output, but if science had developed enough in recent years to create a wearable shield against telepathy, then they’d probably gone that extra step to ensure it wasn’t detectable.

“Why would there be no Association record of either you or Ms. Kent?”

“Because it’s not a requirement for half-breed witches to register their presence when entering a new state,” I said. “You won’t find our names mentioned in the high council’s records of vetted witches, either. Neither of us bothered undertaking that particular process.”

“I thought it was a requirement of the high council that all half-breeds be vetted?”

“It is. Doesn’t mean it always happens.”

The two men contemplated me for a moment. I found myself wishing they’d take off their damn glasses—it was hard to get an indication of what they might be thinking when I couldn’t see their eyes.

A little breeze incantation can fix that problem, Belle said. More than happy to do the honors.

Tempting, but don’t think it’s a good idea to get them offside right now.

I’m thinking I don’t care.

And I’m thinking that’s a bad attitude. We don’t need them setting the Association on us.

The Association doesn’t scare me.

In and of itself, no. But it would only take one photo up to the high council to reveal our true identities. And while my parents might not care about either of us, I still had no desire to risk any possible contact or interference from them.

“To the suspicious,” Blume said, “your determination to avoid interaction with both the regional and high councils suggests you have something to hide.”

“Or that we simply have no desire to get involved with officialdom.” I picked up my cup and rose. “If you’re not here to discuss the recent murders, gentlemen, then I have nothing more to say to you.”

“Please, sit,” Hart said. “We are merely trying to establish your credentials as a witness.”

I snorted, but sat back down. “Do you make a habit of interrogating witnesses like they were criminals, then?”

“No.” Hart plucked a piece of fluff from his suit sleeve. “What can you tell us about the magic-wielding vampire?”