Flirting Under a Full Moon - By Ashlyn Chase Page 0,62
to the Turkish mountains safely.”
“Glad to hear it.” Sly rose gingerly and then extended a hand to the hairy, thin female. She rose to her full height of about five feet and brushed herself off.
“Lupo and I will take her to my place,” Hunter said. “From there we can find her a crate and some food. What do you eat?”
“Goats,” she said. “Goat’s milk and goat cheese will do, I guess. Anything will be better than the nuts and berries they tried to feed me at the lab.”
“Sly, would you mind coming along just in case?” Hunter looked at the whirling dervish apologetically. “We don’t really know you yet. I’d feel better if we have someone who can keep up with you if you run.”
She shrugged. “You’ll learn.”
“Sure,” Sly said. “But I can’t stay. As soon as she’s safe, I have to fly. Literally.” He chuckled.
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Hunter said. “I have another problem I was hoping you could help me with. We have a woman in custody for shoplifting. She put up quite a fight last night. I’m pretty sure she’s a vamp.”
“Really? Was she conscious during the day today?”
“No. That’s another reason we suspected it. I have to hold her until we can get the store to drop charges. Right now she’s in solitary with only paranormal cops watching her.”
“She’ll be up soon. I guess I can talk to her. What’s her name?” Sly asked.
“Ruxandra.”
Ruxandra? Shit. Anthony’s ex-girlfriend? “Don’t worry about your wife, Sly,” Nick said. “I’ll make sure she’s okay.”
“Thanks. In that case, captain, I’ll help you out for a short time. I still need to get back quickly, though.”
“Much appreciated.”
Sly waved, and just as they were about to walk away, the captain called out, “Hey, Nick.”
He halted. “Yeah?”
“I spoke to a friend of mine at NYPD. He’ll try to help you ID the perps you were looking for. Maybe they can lead you to the guy who hired them.”
“Great! Thanks. Can you call me with the details?”
“I’ll email them. There’s no confidential information. Just his name and the department’s phone number.”
“Does he know about our unique qualities?” He didn’t have to talk in code since everyone within earshot was either a werewolf or a vampire. But it was a good habit to keep just the same.
“Nope. He’s completely, um, normal, so don’t mention anything about a paranormal aspect.”
“Thanks. Good to know.”
Chapter 17
Seeing that she was alone, Brandee stopped by Morgaine’s table. “How are you doing?”
The woman looked a little pale.
“I-I’m okay.”
Not exactly convinced of that and having no customers needing anything at the moment, Brandee sat across from her. “Would you like to talk?”
The woman gave her a weak smile. “I’m sorry. I don’t want to be a bother.”
“You’re no bother. Heck, you won’t even let me get you a glass of water.” She smiled hoping to lighten the woman’s mood, but it didn’t seem to help.
Morgaine leaned toward her and whispered, “You must be a remarkable woman.”
“Me? Remarkable? Why?”
“Well, you’re human.”
Stumped, Brandee didn’t respond.
Morgaine leaned in closer and lowered her voice even more. “Before I was turned, I was a witch, but I’d still have been nervous mingling with other paranormals—even in a place like this. To think there’s a wizard over there. Witches and wizards don’t get along, but here I am only ten feet from one. If that’s not amazing enough, I can’t imagine being in here with no superhuman powers at all.”
Powers? A place like this? Witches and wizards? Brandee cocked her head.
Morgaine continued in her low whisper. “Because you’re human, you must feel somewhat vulnerable, right?”
“Uh, I guess all humans feel that way from time to time.” Maybe this Morgaine person was a little insane. Thanks for dumping a crazy woman on me, Nick.
Morgaine smiled. “Exactly. That’s why I can’t help admiring your courage.”
“Uh, okay. Thanks.”
“And, as I understand it, you’re not the only one. A bar full of paranormals, owned by a vampire, with a largely human staff.”
Brandee blinked and rose slowly. Careful, don’t upset the lunatic lady.
Morgaine quickly covered her mouth with both hands. “Oh! I’m sorry. Is that a nonpolitically correct term? Do you call us something other than paranormals here? I’m new to this whole world. I don’t mean to be rude.”
Great. She thinks she’s an alien. Better play along. “Oh? What planet are you from, exactly?”
Morgaine’s eyes widened, and then she laughed. “Ha. Good one.”
Brandee shook her head. “Let me get you something from the bar. Seriously. It’s on me.”