good. But it’s not over.” I rolled my shoulder, trying to spin out some of the residual ache. “I know the CPD won’t be able to hold Clive long. And while he’ll probably back off investigating me because of his brother, Levi is still out there and the AAM proper thinks I broke the rules. I’ve still got to fix that.”
“How?” Theo asked, concern lacing his voice.
“I’m not entirely sure. I want to talk to my parents.”
“I’ll take you,” Connor said.
“I’m going to go back up and help the CPD,” Theo said. “Stay in touch.”
I nodded my agreement and, when he’d disappeared behind gilded elevator doors, looked up at Connor. “Can we refuel first? I fought and lost some blood—”
“And argued with assholes,” Connor added.
“And argued with assholes, and I could use some coffee. And a muffin. And possibly a scone or seven.”
“You assured me you didn’t have your mother’s appetite.”
I smiled. “My mother would have ordered three of each and growled if you got too close to the bag. If you don’t enjoy the adventure of a hungry vampire, I can leave you home next time.”
He laughed. “At least you admit your being hungry is an adventure.”
“Vampiric hunger is a strategic choice.” I narrowed my gaze. “Much like you flashing your shifter eyes in a room full of vampires.”
“Amusing, wasn’t it?”
“And you say I’m a troublemaker.”
“We’re both troublemakers in our way.”
“Probably.” I stopped, looked up at him. “I don’t care how we do it. But we’re taking them all down.”
“Oh, yeah,” Connor said, with a deadly smile that had nothing of humor in it. “We absolutely are.”
* * *
* * *
Two bottles of blood and a cup of coffee. That was all I had room for. I’d be hungry for food soon enough, but the predatory contentment, and jolt of caffeine, was worth it.
We drove to Cadogan House, parked on the street, were waved inside by guards.
“Any sign of him?” I asked.
“None,” said one of the guards. “It’s been quiet, and we’re hoping it will stay that way.”
We nodded, walked toward the House. If the sword spoke to the monster tonight, it made no reaction. Too tired to be seduced by magic after its battle. Our battle.
“I always thought of this place as your castle,” Connor said, gazing up at the stone façade. “Rapunzel in her tower.”
I chuckled. “I always thought of the Keene house as your castle.” It was a Queen Anne–style house, complete with turret and balcony. “And you were, I don’t know, beauty and the beast?”
His laugh was a low rumble as he opened the door and the receptionist nodded politely. “They’re in your father’s office.”
“Thanks,” I said, and we walked across the foyer.
“Why are you nervous?” he asked.
“The monster sometimes gets edgy here because of my mother’s sword. But it’s quiet so far.”
He squeezed my hand, and we stepped into the office, found my mom and dad in the sitting area. They both jumped to their feet when we entered, came toward me with concern in their eyes.
“I’m fine,” I said, holding up a hand. “We’re both okay. A little bruised, but okay.”
“Mr. and Ms. Sullivan,” Connor said.
My mother snorted. “You’ve never called me that in your entire life. No point in starting now. Sit,” she said, gesturing us back to the chairs. “Let’s take a break and talk. You need to rest; you still look pale.”
“Vampire,” I pointed out.
The noise my mother made told me she didn’t appreciate the joke.
“Do you need anything to drink? To eat?” my father asked.
Connor looked at me. “No, thank you,” I said. “We’re good.”
We sat down, and I gave my parents a moment to look me over, assure themselves that I was fine.
“Clive is now in the custody of the CPD,” I said, “thanks to Johnson.” I gave them the rest of the update.
“I’d like to get my hands on Levi, that miserable little monster,” my mother said. “Not just for hurting you—although that’s more than enough. Lying in wait is a coward’s game.”
“I’m fine,” I assured her. “Held my own, just like Connor.”
She nodded, exhaled.
“I checked our records for the human name you gave me,” my father said. “Greg Voss, as Levi was then known, applied to join Cadogan House twice. Both times before your mother joined the House. I haven’t seen a photograph of Levi, and didn’t make the connection.”
“Of course you didn’t,” I said. “Why would you? Cadogan House rejected him.”
My father nodded, but there was still guilt in his eyes that I wanted to