Blood and Blade (Goddess with a Blade #6) - Lauren Dane Page 0,30
have anything like what you did. I haven’t taken in anyone else’s magic but yours.” She guffawed.
“But what if that’s how you got infected?”
She rolled her eyes, knowing he couldn’t see her but also that he’d know it anyway. “If Genevieve said you were clean, you were clean. At this point, it was a dream and there’s no need to rush to some terrible conclusion. But this prophecy stuff, all the things Carl says and does, it’s all like this. Bits and pieces. Metaphors and songs. I’m not sure it’s supposed to be easy. I mean, I’d totally prefer it to be super easy and clear, don’t get me wrong. But that’s never how it seems to work out.”
His laughter was bitter at the edges and it bled through their link.
“So. Anyway. Physically I’m fine. I’m starting to wake up. I’ll have tea when we get home and change into barging-into-a-black-market-Blood-Front-Vampire’s-house clothing. I take it we’re not talking an open-air market like the one in Los Angeles?”
“There were some memories of such things but they were faint so I believe those were older. When Lyr was here, he did private, high-end business with this particular Vampire. I should have a name waiting for me when we arrive home. I had Alice working on some descriptions and the general area. I told Warren enough that he’d be satisfied but not enough to clue anyone in who might work in his inner circle if they’re a leak.”
“This Vampire is old? Like your age old?” At nearly five centuries and a member of a very ancient Vampire family, Vamps Clive’s age were extraordinarily dangerous. “Baby Vamp? It helps to know what we’re up against.”
“Most Blood Front Vampires come from old families. The opulence of the furnishings in the very posh town house the Vampire sorcerer does business in, coupled with the clothing and mannerisms tell me this one is no different. He was afraid of Lyr. Reverent.”
“So he’s not stupid.”
“Indeed. I’d say two fifty or thereabouts.”
“Okay. So there’s no way a Vampire with that much age can hide what he is. Not from beings like you and me. But he’s got magic so there’ll be glamours and hide in plain sight spells. Genevieve will be a help on that.”
Rowan briefed him quickly about Genevieve’s impending arrival and the slight dustup they’d had over Rowan not telling her earlier.
It wasn’t until they pulled up to the gate that Rowan realized what else she’d forgotten. She whipped around in the seat. “Star! Where is she?”
“She’s most likely in the car with the others. I have a very strong feeling Star will make her way here however she pleases.”
“I’m her mom. I’m supposed to know where she is at all times. I suck as a dog mom.”
“Quit that immediately,” he murmured as they pulled under the portico to the side of the house. “Look at the front steps.”
Rowan followed where he’d pointed and saw Star sniffing around the side garden, happily dashing from bush to tree to flower as she got to know the place.
“Thank the Goddess. I mean, yes, I did realize that with all the quarantine they do here with dogs that there’d be a problem but she assured me in her doggy way that things would be just fine so I believed her and then I guess I didn’t but there she is. Our magic dog.”
Rowan got out and headed toward Star so Clive kept an eye on her as he supervised the loading of their things into the house.
Betchamp approached and bowed slightly. “The grounds are clear, Scion.” He caught sight of Rowan and Star heading into the house. “When we landed, she was nowhere to be found. She’s a good sign, that dog.”
“I think so too,” Clive said. “Come along inside. We’ve work to do.”
* * *
They strolled down the street, her arm in his, and though they were doing surveillance, Clive couldn’t help but be proud. His wife was magnificent.
Even dressed in wide-legged trousers and a fitted blouse she looked dangerous and sexy. The magic and power rolled from her in waves.
They’d decided not to try very hard to tamp down their power levels as they were out and about. No one knew he was in town but Warren. Not even his parents knew they were in London. But there were plenty of powerful Vampires prowling London at that time of the night so they blended in by being who they were.
Now if that Blood Front Vampire looked closely enough