would make befriending and milking information out of her easier in the long run.
Mouse rapped lightly on the doorframe, announcing her presence. Analie was proud of herself for keeping her knee-jerk reaction contained enough not to send the plate and the little bit of food remaining on it flying in all directions.
Royce rose and passed Mouse a list of things he wanted her to get done and purchase for Analie.
“Thank you for doing this. I need her back here by midnight so I can have a few minutes to discuss some things before the meeting with Gerald. Can you manage?”
The mute vampire nodded, her expression wry. Aside from clothes and a few things to keep her entertained when she wasn’t being schooled, the young wolf looked like she badly needed a haircut. Mouse would be sure to fit that into the schedule, too.
“Good. Text me if you run into any trouble.”
Mouse nodded again, stepping aside as Royce paused in the door, smiling wide enough to flash fangs at Analie. “Have a good time tonight. Don’t worry about the cost, just enjoy yourself. Consider that my first order.”
Analie paused with the last fish stick halfway to her mouth. She’d already figured out that nothing came for free with this monster and was starting to think that this might be his way of softening her up to ask something of her later.
He wouldn’t get what he was looking for. She had to remember that this was an enemy of her pack. Her alpha would want her to be brave and to follow the Code.
Like most Goliaths, she wasn’t good at subtlety or thinking things through, but if she waited and watched the vampires, maybe she could learn from them how to get back at Christoph for getting her stuck in this mess.
That in mind, she rose, rubbing some of the food grease on her jeans. Mouse ran a hand down her face in what even Analie could tell was exasperation.
“Sorry, but I don’t see any napkins around here and I’m not wiping my hands off on the sheets,” she huffed, newly embarrassed.
Mouse shook her head, gesturing for her to follow. They had a lot of work ahead of them.
Chapter 8
After getting some sleep, the Goliath alpha was refreshed, ready to take on the world. Or play Mario Kart. He could do either—but the pressing business of getting the cub safely back was his priority. Farhad and Gregory were already up and using Farhad’s laptop to figure out where to find the vampire. The alpha padded closer and looked over their shoulders.
Farhad gave a cough of respect before speaking. “We have the address and phone number to Royce’s office.” He pointed to a document on the laptop’s screen with a detailed itinerary. “We shouldn’t have a problem if we do this in an orderly and logical fashion.”
The alpha scanned the information. His deputy looked apprehensive. No doubt hoping and praying that his leader would stick to Farhad’s plan.
Gregory breathed a sigh of relief when the alpha agreed. “Please make the arrangements. I will prepare for the meeting.”
The alpha changed into jeans, a T-shirt, and a hoodie. The new clothing was uncomfortable and confining even though he had been told it would not be as constricting as a suit, but Gregory had convinced him not to wear his flannel pants. Besides, he wanted to keep a low profile.
Christoph was still asleep in the corner, his bruises fading. A bag of defrosted peas was still plastered to the side of his face. The alpha shook his head. Witless, but not toothless. It was a dangerous combination that had led to a very perilous situation.
Gregory listened as Farhad outlined his plan. It sounded good. Smooth. Workable. He smiled and turned to the alpha to call him over, have him listen as well.
He was gone.
“Damn it!” Gregory spat.
* * *
Ten blocks away from the hotel, the alpha was buying a hotdog. As he continued toward Royce’s office, he munched his food and observed the press of people. He was used to the streets being deserted at this time in the suburbs. Strange place, New York.
He was getting looks. Maybe it was the bare feet. Probably the eyes. He bought a pair of plain sunglasses from a vendor. He’d seen some bright green star-shaped sunglasses and now that he was walking away, he wished he’d bought those instead.
He sniffed, taking a hissing breath of air. Humans, animals, Weres, magi, vampires... Vampires. Oh, how he had missed that smell.
Cloying,