Sucker Punch (First Fangs Club #3) - Kristen Painter Page 0,27

powder, and it was definitely designed to lower inhibitions and heighten emotions. It seems specifically aimed at the vampire physiology too. I inhaled some, and it’s had zero effects on me. How are you feeling?”

“Like my emotions could very easily reach a boiling point.”

“That’s what I was afraid of. It’s not going to get better either.” She looked at the cookie in Donna’s hand. “Did you feed? Or have you just eaten human food?”

“No blood yet. Charlie thought it might not be a good idea.”

Jerabeth’s brows rose as she looked at the admin. “Good instincts. The fae were probably counting on you feeding. If you do, you’ll only increase the potency of what’s in your system. It has to run its course naturally.”

“How long is that going to take? If I don’t feed, I’m going to weaken. That’s going to make me a liability on the raid. More than I already will be with this garbage in my system.”

Jerabeth sighed. “Pretty sure that was the point of drugging you. I need a sample of your blood so I can run some tests.”

“Fine.” Donna stood and took off her cardigan. “I had Charlie call Dr. Fox too. Not that I don’t think you’re capable of solving this, but it can’t hurt to have help. And I’m sure he’ll come at it from a different angle.”

“I’m good with that. In fact, feel free to call in whoever you like. I’m not about to turn down help.” Jerabeth put the leather roll on the counter, untied it, and opened it up to reveal a variety of syringes and vials.

Donna grimaced. Just because she was a vampire didn’t mean she loved needles.

Thankfully, Jerabeth worked quickly taking blood. “Okay, that should do it.”

Donna glanced down. The needle mark was already gone. “That reminds me. How’s it coming with the fae blood?”

“I’m sorry, Governor. I’ve had to put that aside to work on this.”

“No,” Donna snapped. The single word reverberated like an explosion.

Rixaline jumped in the other room, and Lucky took off running.

Donna inhaled. “I’m sorry. That came out a lot louder and meaner than I intended. I didn’t even know I could be that loud.”

Pierce came running out of his room. “What was that?”

“Me,” she said. Pierce knew a lot about vampires. Maybe he’d have some insight into her situation. “Sorry about waking you, but now that you’re up, you might as well know what’s going on. Sit down, and I’ll bring you up to speed.”

Chapter Ten

Charlie held her hand up. “Wait. Let’s get Temo up here and fill them both in at the same time.”

“Already here.” Temo walked in. “What was that shout? Sounded like something one of my cousins might have done.”

“About that…” Donna, with a little assist from Charlie and Jerabeth, told the two men the whole story.

Temo looked ready to kill. So did Pierce, actually. But Temo spoke first. “Boss, there has to be something we can do to help you.”

“I agree,” Pierce said. “If nothing else, we have to find a way to get you safely fed. I’m concerned that as you weaken it’ll be harder for you to fight off the drugs’ effects.”

Jerabeth leaned against the kitchen counter. “That’s a very real possibility. If she feeds, the drugs’ power increases. If she doesn’t feed, her ability to resist the drugs’ effects decreases. It’s a lose-lose. The fae knew what they were doing with this. But then again, they’ve had many years and many vampire victims to perfect such things on.”

Donna growled, barely containing the anger she felt. “I may not kill them all, but Dredward is done.”

Pierce looked at Temo. “Do you think your contact had anything to do with this? He knows about the raid.”

“No. He gave the boss four vials of his blood. If his fae brothers were to find that out?” Temo grimaced. “Ish doesn’t want any more trouble than he’s already got.”

Charlie crossed her arms. “You’re sure about that?”

“As sure as I can be.” Temo shrugged. “I’ve known the man awhile. He’s too hurt and bitter about what happened to him to give the fae any help. Especially against someone willing to confront them.” He shifted in his seat. “Ishalan probably wants Dredward overthrown more than you do, boss.”

Donna gave that some thought. “If that’s true, and I believe you, Temo, then I’m glad I gave him the okay to join us on the raid.” She paced to the other side of the kitchen, then turned and came back. “In fact, if he really wants