her maker.”
That earns a grimace from Patrick. “It’s hardly easy.”
“Compared to the alternative,” she frowns right back at him.
“Which is?”
“Shifter blood mingled with verbena root in a draught. She drinks it, and it burns the maker’s blood right out of her system.”
Melissa’s face goes pale, and I take her hand. “You’re right,” I say. “We have to kill her maker.”
“But Derek,” she whispers. “Mariska said you could be killed.”
Warmth stirs in my chest for her. I give her a smile, smoothing her hair off her cheek. “What do you think I did last night?”
Mariska nods, “You’re very skilled. But what if we found another way to free her that doesn’t require any pain or hand to hand combat.”
“Go on,” I say.
“If we can go through you—get the shifter blood into her through you—it cuts the pain factor.” The girl bounces a little in her seat. “And we can track how much she needs to flush him out.”
Memories of the pain I experience taking shifter blood only briefly passes through my head. I’d gladly take Melissa’s pain. However… “How would we do it?”
“I have an idea,” she says. “You’re the only vampire hunter who takes regular shifter transfusions. You’re also the only vampire hunter who’s asked to be bitten by a hybrid.”
I see Melissa’s discomfort and try to move things along. “Never mind what I do. What’s the procedure?”
“From what I’ve read, traditionally, the mixture of the verbena root and shifter blood is drunk as a potion.” She pauses, thinking. “If we do it this way, I suppose we would need to hook up a constant transfusion of shifter blood into your veins while Melissa drinks from you.”
Melissa and I exchange a glance. Having Stuart and Patrick in the room while we’re in the orgasmic throes of her bite is not an option.
“We need another way,” I say quickly.
“What the fuck?” Patrick is suddenly with us. “Why the hell not? At least that way I can keep an eye on her.”
Melissa’s face reddens, and I glare at him. “The experience is… private. We don’t want an audience.”
Mariska blinks fast as she formulates another plan. “Okay…” Her full pink lip slips beneath her front teeth. “What’s the most shifter blood you’ve ever taken?”
“Last night was the most,” I answer.
“And it almost knocked you out.” Patrick adds.
“That’s enough.” I snap.
Melissa throws up her hands. “It’s all enough. It isn’t going to work.”
“Hang on!” Elaine catches her arm, pulling it down. “Let’s think about this. Mariska suggested one possibility. Here’s another: if Derek’s blood is a buffer from the pain. Is there a way to make the potion using his blood as a sort of… sedative?”
We’re all quiet a moment. “It’s worth a try, I guess,” Mariska says. “Let me go back and collect the notes I have. Can we meet again tomorrow?”
“Yes,” I say quickly. “I’ve got to meet with Stuart. See what he was able to find out.”
“Stuart?” The girl’s strange golden eyes catch mine.
“Patrick’s older brother.”
“The man from last night!” Melissa says. “He’s very strong.”
“He’s the alpha of the Knight clan.” I glance at Patrick.
Mariska’s eyes seem to glow. “Stuart,” she says softly.
“Find another way,” I say, leveling my gaze at her before turning to Melissa. “Not sure how long I’ll be. I’ll call or text and we can have dinner if it’s not too late?”
She nods and gives me a little smile. I hate leaving her in such a vulnerable state, but I have to find out what Stuart learned. I am relieved her issues with Patrick seem to be resolved for now, as I’ve charged him with keeping an eye on her while I’m away. What I fail to recall is her friend’s psychic abilities, and it’s just then I realize her green eyes have been focused on me for the last several minutes.
“We’ll spend the afternoon at the French Market, won’t we, Mel?” Elaine pulls on her arm and Melissa nods half-heartedly.
Patrick exhales in feigned tolerance. “At least it won’t be as hot outside.”
Elaine elbows him playfully then turns back to me with a little wink. Hmm. At least if she’s picking through my thoughts, she’s working with me.
“Yes, I am,” she says, surprising me.
“Thank you. I’ve never worked with a telepath.”
“You’re welcome. Keep in mind I’m listening.”
“Noted.”
We stand and make our way to the door. Melissa holds my arm, and I hold her slim, ivory hand. “Stay with your friend. I’ll be back soon.”
“I feel less anxious when you’re around,” she confesses, and protective warmth fills my