a couple of drops into David’s mouth. The vampire swallowed convulsively, and his back bowed as Fin’s blood hit his system. He wouldn’t give David much, because the vampire had definitely deserved the pain he’d received. Another of the remaining vampires began to stir and tried to get to his feet. “Just don’t,” Fin told him. “If you lie there and pretend to be dead, I might actually let you live.”
Intriguingly, the other appeared to consider it, even as he still gripped the broken edge of the bar itself to try and get to his feet. Either he couldn’t make it or decided against it, because he collapsed in a heap. Attention on David, he waited.
Another swallow before the vampire began speaking. His list was indeed detailed, and it appeared Fin wouldn’t have to kill any more in the bar that evening. Perhaps another day, but not this one. Seven different locations, and all of them in different areas of the world. All of them on the edge of another powerful prince’s territory. Clever.
Not clever enough, because Fin didn’t give a flying fuck who ruled where, he’d go as he deemed fit. Still, he supposed the prince deserved some points for effort. Points he immediately lost because his insubordination and inconsiderate actions cost Fin an evening with his lady.
That he’d take out of Isaac’s hide, personally.
Only when he was certain David had told him everything did Fin clean his hands once more. The self-inflicted wound on his wrist had long since closed. The wounded vampire wasn’t going anywhere fast—the blood had helped, but it hadn’t been enough to heal him.
“You should consider consolidating your position here,” Fin advised him. “If you’re successful and you receive an invitation from Alfred in the future, my advice would be to accept it.”
“I’ll do that,” David wheezed.
“Good. You have five survivors.” He’d had to kill two more that tried to interrupt their conversation. “Perhaps a lesson on manners wouldn’t be amiss, either.”
“Understood, my lord.”
The corner of Fin’s mouth tilted. “How much do you hate me right now?”
David didn’t say a word.
“Oh it’s fine, you’re not going to hurt my feelings.”
“I don’t hate you,” David admitted, and it was the truth. Huh. Fin wouldn’t have guessed that. “I am afraid of you.”
He allowed himself a real smile. Well, maybe they’d finally talk about him with the same reverence they reserved for Rogue and Maddox. Not that Fin really cared. “Fear is good for survival,” he said, then paused. “Before I go…one last question.”
The other vampire swallowed.
“Where is Dimitri?”
“I wish I knew,” David admitted. “I’d have killed that fool already for what he did.” Nothing but honesty there.
“If you find him, don’t kill him. Send word to us. His death is not yours to mete out.” He leveled a look at the would-be prince. The vampire stood a very good chance of taking hold of power here. If he could think beyond his immediate needs.
With that, he left David, the wreckage of the bar, and the various remnants of the vampires he’d torn apart along with the handful of survivors. Outside, the sun was near setting. Fin scowled. It would be deep into the night at the keep. In all likelihood, the party was in full swing and the presentation done.
They’d wanted to give her Isaac tonight. Dimitri should be hers, as well. Though after what Fin had learned about him, he wouldn’t mind just taking him apart and being done with it. He debated reaching out to them, but distracting them with so many others on hand wasn’t a prudent maneuver.
Fine, he’d go hunting. If he went in the right order, he might make it back to the keep before dawn. Then he would be there to wake Fiona with the sunrise. Grinning at the idea, he reached for the root system and whisked himself away to his first destination in northern Canada.
Odd choice, but it had been a while since he’d gone to the great white north. Maybe he could pick up some poutine for Fiona while he was there.
The night passed with agonizing slowness as Fin traveled from location to location. David had given him explicit directions, and Fin didn’t doubt the veracity of them or the honest intention behind it. David was not a fool. If he’d tried to mislead Fin, he had to know Fin would find him again. Fear, as Fin had told him, was a powerful motivator.
But Isaac was in none of the detailed locations. Frustration moved like an