Blood Kissed (Lizzie Grace 1)

I smiled. “She said Gabe was still here—that she could feel his presence and his magic here.”

“Impossible,” he said. “Even with magic, there is no way he could avoid being scented or seen by someone in the reservation.”

“That’s what I said, but if the impossible is true, then I need to find him. He might be able to help counter the strength of our blood witch.” I hesitated. “At least tell me the circumstances under which he left, even if you don’t want to give me full names.”

He studied me for a moment, his expression closed and giving very little away. “Fine, but not here and not now. I’ve got to record the crime scene, and we both need some sleep. I’ll drop by later today.”

I hesitated and then nodded. Despite the growing sense of time running out, it wasn’t as if him telling me right now would make that much difference. I was all but dead on my feet. I might have enough strength to get me home, but anything else was beyond me.

I held up the knife. “What do you want me to do with this?”

He hesitated. “Technically, it’s evidence, but I have no way of safely handling it. Take it with you, and keep it somewhere secure. If we need it, I’ll let you know.”

I swung off the pack and carefully tucked the knife away. “I took some photos of its position before I picked it up. I’ll send them to you if that’s helpful.”

“It would be. Thanks.” He hesitated. “Will you be all right getting back?”

“I think so.” I wondered how he would have reacted if I’d said otherwise, and then decided it was better not to know. He probably would have just dragged one of his people out of bed, and there were already enough of us going without sleep. “Night, Aiden.”

A smile briefly teased his lips. It only made me wish he’d put more effort into it.

“Given the time, good morning is more appropriate.”

“A fact I have no desire to acknowledge.” I hesitated, wanting to add something in order to simply remain in the presence of this frustrating, enigmatic man. But he had a job to do and I needed sleep. So I simply nodded and left.

But the night’s twists hadn’t yet ended. Maelle Defour was waiting for me at the café’s door.

I stopped abruptly and gave her a somewhat tense smile. “To what do I owe this honor?”

“I have some information about your rogue vampire,” she said, her tone mellow and friendly.

“Then you’d better come in and tell me.” I dug the keys out of the backpack. “Because I have no intention of conversing with anyone in the damn cold night air.”

She raised an immaculately groomed eyebrow. “You do realize that once you invite me over the threshold, you cannot subsequently forbid me from entering.”

“Except that I’m a witch,” I replied, swinging the door open. “And the magic that protected this place from the other vampire’s assault this evening will also prevent you from entering if you intend either Belle or myself harm.”

“That you can cast such a spell is yet another indication that you are not the lowly witch you claim.”

She followed me into the café without hesitation. The remaining threads didn’t even flicker, and the tension that had briefly risen disappeared just as quickly.

“Coffee or tea?” I asked. “Or don’t you vampires partake of those sort of fluids?”

“It would be hard to keep our anonymity amongst the general public if we did not.” She tugged off her gloves and perched somewhat regally on a chair. “A green tea would be lovely, if you have it.”

I went behind the counter and pulled the kettle out. It was far easier than booting up the coffee machine. “I have seven varieties of green tea. The menu is on the table.”

She briefly glanced at it and then said, “The pear one, thank you. Did the vampire cause that mess in his attack?”

“Yes. He brought backup in the form of a gun for hire.”

I skimmed my hand over our remaining cups, eventually choosing a traditional rose-decorated one with a gold rim for her, and a plain white one for me. Cheery was beyond me right now. Once I made both pots of tea, I carried everything over and sat down opposite her.

“I thought you said earlier that you didn’t know anything about our vampire.”

“I didn’t.” She picked up her teapot and began to pour. The aroma of pear and jasmine teased the air. “But given his exploits endanger my position here, I contacted the registrar and enquired.”

“Registrar? Who’s that?”