Amanda's words of warning went through Tabitha's head. She pulled her phone out of her back pocket and called to check in on them as Valerius and Otto spoke to each other.
She was relieved the minute she heard Amanda's voice. "Hey, sis," she said, trying to sound normal. "What are you guys up to?"
"Not much. And yes I know about the alert. Ash has already moved in here along with some Dark-Hunter named Kassim."
"Why aren't you being evacuated?"
"It'll just follow us, Ash said. He thought it better that we fight on our own ground than to be someplace unfamiliar. Don't worry, Tab. I really do feel better with Kassim and Ash here."
"Yeah. I know Ash would never let anything happen to any of you. You guys take care and I'll talk to you later. Love you."
"You, too. 'Bye."
Tabitha sighed as Amanda hung up and her stomach contracted even more with unfounded fear.
Why was she so nervous?
"I'll make sure all the help is out of here by tonight," Otto said before taking his leave.
Valerius gave an imperious nod.
As soon as they were alone, Tabitha struggled to get rid of her somber mood. "Do you know a Dark-Hunter named Kassim?"
"I know of him."
"What do you know?"
Valerius adjusted his coat sleeve around his wrist. "He was an African prince in the Middle Ages. He was stationed in Jackson, Mississippi, until Ash moved him to Alexandria a few years ago. Why?"
"He was moved into Amanda's house, so I was just curious about him." She indicated the front door with her thumb. "Shall we?"
He took her hand as she started away from him. "Whatever this is after all of you, we'll get them, Tabitha. Don't worry."
The sincerity of his voice cut through her. "You would protect your mortal enemy?"
He glanced away. When his gaze came back to hers, it seared her. "I will protect your loved ones. Yes."
There was no reason for him to do such a thing. None. She had no doubt that in his place, Kyrian would go back upstairs, lock his door, and do nothing.
But Valerius...
Before she could stop herself, she pulled his lips down to hers and kissed him fiercely. The taste of him permeated her head. How she wished she had nothing more to do tonight than to pull him upstairs and make love to him.
If only she could...
Sighing regretfully, she nipped his lips and pulled back. She felt his reluctance as he released her. Forcing herself to let go of him, she stepped away, opened the door, and walked outside.
Otto was heading up the driveway from where his car was parked on the street as they left and it dawned on her that he still wore his black jeans and sweater from that afternoon... he hadn't morphed into tacky Otto tonight. He actually looked like a grown-up.
"I forgot something," he said. He handed Valerius a device that looked like a small transmitter. "Just in case. The Council wants everyone tagged so that if something happens we can pull you out."
To her amazement, he handed her one as well.
"Thanks, Otto."
He inclined his head to her. "You two be careful. Talon will be out around the Square tonight along with Kyrian and Julian. They'll also be scoping on Ursulines around Sanctuary and Chartres, and the French Market. You guys might want to patrol somewhere else."
"We'll hang around the northwest side of the Quarter. Bourbon, Toulouse, St. Louis, Bienville, and Dauphine."