Chapter 5

Shepard's gazeswung from Jaws to Gunther, then to me.

"Can you stay with him while I talk to the police?" he asked.

"Of course."

He left the room with Jaws. I glanced at MC and Doc. Neither made a move toward Gunther. Was it because Shepard looked at me when he'd asked for someone to stay with him?

Releasing Vena, I went to the sink, grabbed a clean towel, and wet it with Blur's hot-to-the-point-it-hurts water.

"Here," I said, handing it to Gunther. "You might want to clean off your face."

"I'd rather have a drink," Gunther said, taking the cloth.

"I'll get you something better," Doc said. "I'll be right back." He paused and looked at me. "Don't leave without me."

"I won't," I said.

He walked out the door while Gunther wiped most of the blood off his face then his neck. The number of holes peppering his throat made me cringe.

"Let me get another one," I said.

"Thanks," he rasped.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Vena edge closer to the main-floor door. She wanted to know what was being said on the other side of those doors. If I were honest with myself, so did I.

"MC, can you wet another towel? They're a little too hot for me to handle."

"Sure." He went to get a fresh one, and I glanced at Vena as she crept toward the door and slipped out to the service area.

I focused on Gunther and how he was scrubbing at his neck.

"That's not going to help it heal," I said, touching the back of his hand. "But a new shirt might help you feel better. Do you want one?"

He nodded as he took the new cloth from MC.

"There are spare white t-shirts in locker zero. Would you mind getting one?" I asked.

MC nodded and left.

When Gunther took off his shirt, I wanted to cry with him. There were bites everywhere, and someone had written "my boy toy" and "I love furry friends" on his chest in permanent marker.

He scrubbed the new cloth over his skin.

"MC, grab my purse from locker 7, too, please," I said without raising my voice.

He returned with the shirt and purse. When he saw the writing on Gunther's chest, his lip curled, and anger burned in his eyes.

"I'll get another wet towel," he said, walking to the sink.

I took a makeup wipe from my purse and gently pulled Gunther's hands away from his chest.

"You'll make it worse. Let me," I said.

He closed his eyes and shuddered non-stop as I gently used the makeup wipe to remove the marker. When I finished, I took the new cloth from MC and wiped away more of the blood.

"It's gone now," I said to Gunther. "You can open your eyes."

He took the shirt I offered and slipped it on. Then he just sat there and stared at the floor.

Whoever had done that to Gunther was a monster, reminding me that Cross was the exception to vampires, not the norm. Miles had been so lucky with his kidnapping.

Vena slipped back into the kitchen and came to stand beside me moments before Doc entered.

"Here. Drink this. It'll take a few minutes to kick in, but once it does, it'll knock you out for a day."

"Thanks," Gunther said, tipping back the small vial.

"Shepard'll take you home. He said he'll be here in a minute, okay?"

Gunther nodded, and Doc looked at MC. "Mind staying with him?"

"Not at all."

He nodded to Vena and me as we left with Doc.

She didn't say anything until we were on the main road home and knew our escort wouldn't hear.

"You're not going to believe this shit," she said.

"What?"

"The police were called to the hotel and saw the bloodbath in the room Gunther had been in. They saw the video surveillance that showed him leaving the hotel and tracked him to Blur. They didn't want to question him, though. Because they know there are vampires in D.C. Just like they know there are werewolves in D.C. Specifically, in Blur.

"They came to ask if Gunther was okay, Ev. And they wanted to know what Shepard planned to do about the attack on one of his men. Do you know what Shepard said?

"He said that he and his people are going to hunt down every last vampire and kill them all. And he told the police to pull all the permits and licenses on Juicy. Shepard told the police what to do, and they listened. Do you know why?

"Because he's the damn pack alpha, Ev. And the police came into Blur already knowing that."

I focused on driving for a second while I let that news settle in my mind.

"Wow."

"That's it? Wow? What the fuck did we get ourselves into?" Vena said. "This is what happens when you strive for full-time employment. That shit just isn't safe."

I rolled my eyes at her and saw her excitement and humor fade.

She let out a shaky breath. "Was Anchor taken like Gunther because of me, Ev? If I hadn't been so adamant about going to Juicy, maybe the vampires wouldn't have retaliated."

"No. No way. Whatever happened isn't your fault. And Anchor isn't Gunther. He's observant and stronger. In fact, I bet he wasn't even taken at all. He probably just needed to go for a run because he's crushing hard for you."

She nodded, but I knew she didn't believe me any more than I believed myself.

When we arrived home, Doc went in first, checking to make sure it was safe. After his sweep, we were allowed inside. He closed the door behind us and locked it.

I showed him where the bathroom and towels were located then grabbed a blanket and pillow for him.

"Don't go to any trouble for me," Doc said. "This is luxury compared to some of the places I've stayed."

I wanted to ask him more about that, but my head was already too full of stuff I didn't want to know, and my energy was drained. I just wanted a hot shower and my bed.

As if knowing my thoughts, he said, "Take a shower, and go to bed. You'll feel better in the morning."

But would I? I had so many unanswered questions, topped with new information that made me question more.

Before I could head to the bathroom, Doc picked up a book from the coffee table. "Is there a reason you're reading up on vampires?"

Vena swooped in to collect her stack of books and snatched the one out of Doc's hand. "With all of their recent activity, a girl can't be too careful."

"We have your back," Doc said. "You don't need to worry. Gunther was taken because he wasn't paying attention and was alone. You stick with us, and you'll be fine."

Vena didn't let go of the books. Instead, she said goodnight and headed to her room.

Doc glanced after her, but I patted his arm. "Don't worry about her. Get some sleep. If you want anything to eat or drink, help yourself to the kitchen."

"I'll be fine, Everly."

I nodded and headed to my bedroom to get my pajamas. On my way to shower, I knocked on Vena's door and peeked inside.

"Do you need the bathroom first?" I asked.

She shook her head, not taking her eyes off the open book that sat in her lap. "You go ahead."

I wanted to ask her what she was up to, but it was Vena, and she was the type who needed answers when life failed her. Having Anchor missing was a major failure.

"Make sure to sleep," I said.

"I will."

Closing the door, I claimed the bathroom and got ready for bed while my mind raced. Anchor was missing. Gunther had been abused in numerous ways by a vampire most certainly associated with the vampires who'd controlled Juicy. And Shepard was the alpha wolf of D.C.

Cross needed to know what was happening.

I toweled off too quickly and had to fight to get my pajamas on over damp skin. Covered, I left the bathroom and called to Doc that it was free then closed myself in my bedroom.

When I grabbed my purse to fish out my phone, I found a note from MC tucked inside. He had written his phone number down in case I needed him for anything. The message said to give the number to Vena as well.

Placing it on the nightstand, I resumed my search and found my phone with a chocolate wrapper stuck to the screen. I plucked it off with a frown. Had I eaten it, or had Vena snarfed my chocolate again?

Focus, Everly. Chocolate isn't the problem.

I typed a message to Cross.

Me: One of the guys from Blur was taken by a vampire. He was able to get back to Blur, but he was fed on and is in bad shape. The vampire gave him a message that made it sound like the vampires are staking their territory in D.C. Do you know anything about it?

As I waited for Cross' response, I tucked myself under the covers. My fingers trembled.

After seeing Gunther, who could blame me for the fear I felt? Just imagining what he had gone through made my insides churn. While I knew vampires and wolves were enemies, the attack had gone beyond violent. It was as if the vampire took pleasure in the assault. And that kind of person scared me more than any other.

My phone buzzed with a message.

Cross: I haven't heard anything. Who was taken?

Me: His name is Gunther.

Cross: I will check into it. Are you safe?

Me: I'm at home. Doc is here with us.

Cross: Good. If you need anything, call me.

Me: Can you check into one more thing? Anchor is missing as well. No one knows where he is. I'm afraid he might have been taken by the vampires too.

Cross: I'll check on him as well. I'll be in touch tomorrow.

Me: Thank you.

It looked like he was replying to my text, but after a moment, the little dots went away. I placed the phone on my nightstand and turned off the lights.

Dreams I couldn't quite remember teasedthe back of my mind as the morning light prodded me awake. I curled deeper under my covers, not wanting to get out of bed and face a new day. I wanted a vacation from summer break already, and it had barely even started.

Where were the nights out laughing, drinking, and having fun? Where were the days spent on the beach in our bikinis? Vena and I should have gone with Piper and Robyn to Europe.

But no, Vena and I had wanted to make money, not spend it. She'd wanted to hunt, and I'd wanted to serve at Blur. Where had everything gone so wrong?

I realized my mood was spiraling and shook my head. This kind of thinking wasn't going to solve anything. If I wanted a better life, I needed to put some effort into making it one.

Sitting up, I reached for my phone and saw a message from almost an hour ago.

Cross: There are three wolves lurking around your home, and the one on your couch hasn't left yet. Regretfully, I'm unable to wake you this morning. Call me.

The text was followed by three pictures. One of Ink leaning against a tree by the tracks. One of Thruster sitting in a beat-up car at the end of the block. And another of Jaws on our neighbor's front porch with his feet up on her railing like he lived there.

Me: I can't call if Doc's still on the couch. He'll hear. Did you find anything?

Cross: Yes. It seems your friends have started a war. I prefer to discuss the details in person.

Me: Where should we meet and when?

Cross: I found a bakery outside of downtown D.C. that I think you'll like.

He sent me the address and asked if an hour would work. Since I wasn't sure if Vena was up yet, I asked for two then got out of bed.

Vena's door was still closed when I left my room. Rather than knock, I shuffled to the kitchen to make coffee for both of us. It was already made and waiting in the pot.

I backed up enough to look at the couch.

"Doc?" I called softly.

He sat up abruptly, and I jumped a little.

"I wasn't sure if you were still here or not. Anchor usually knocks on my bedroom door and leaves at dawn."

"Oh. Sorry about that."

"It's not a problem. Did you sleep well?"

"I didn't sleep."

"Oh. Was the couch too–"

He shook his head. "Everything was fine. Just staying alert and paying attention."

"Okay. Thanks for the coffee, then."

Someone knocked on the front door. Doc was off the couch and answering before I could say anything.

MC's gaze swept the room, spotted me, and kept searching until he finally looked at Doc.

"I brought donuts to go with the coffee. Figured you'd be hungry."

Doc looked at me, and I shrugged. He'd stayed awake the whole night on the couch. Why would I object to MC bringing donuts for him?

Doc let MC in, and I drifted to the dining room to inspect the donut selection. Standard gas station cake donuts weren"t anything special and didn't call to me. Probably because I knew I'd be meeting Cross at a bakery.

"Thanks," Doc said, taking one and devouring a third of it in one bite.

"Any chance I could get a cup?" MC said, nodding at the cup of coffee I held.

"You can have this one."

I handed it off and went back to the kitchen to pour Vena another cup. Ignoring the two men wolfing down donuts, I slipped into Vena's dark room and shut the door behind me.

"Time to wake up," I said. "I have coffee."

A slight rustle came from the bed.

"Gimme," Vena mumbled.

"I'm going to open a curtain."

She moaned, and I heard another rustle. Likely, she'd burrowed under the covers. Pulling the blackout curtain aside confirmed it.

"MC stopped by with donuts for Doc if you want one," I said while eyeing the stack of books on the nightstand. Bookmarks stuck out from various pages, proving she'd stayed up and read.

"Not hungry," she said.

"Probably because you haven't had your coffee. Come on, Vena. Emerge a butterfly already."

The covers flipped back, and she glared at me. Her hair was tangled around her head, adding to the very non-butterfly effect she had going on.

"That's a lot of sexy right there," I said, holding out the cup. She sat up and took a large gulp of her morning kickstart.

While she focused on that magical elixir of life, I pulled out my phone and showed her the text conversation with Cross. She nodded and got out of bed.

"Better?" I asked.

"Not really. Has there been any word from Anchor?"

I shook my head, and she nodded toward her phone on the nightstand. Her recent texts were all to Anchor, asking if he was okay, asking if she'd gone too far, apologizing. I put the phone down and hugged her, beginning to see that regardless of her flirting history with men, she'd been more serious with Anchor than I'd realized.

"I'm sure he's fine," I said.

"Yeah, I'm sure you're right."

I left her to finish waking up and went to get ready. When I emerged from the bathroom, Vena's bedroom door was open, and I heard her voice from the kitchen.

"It's okay," Vena said. "I'm not hungry right now."

"I can get you something else if you don't want donuts," MC said. "I just thought you might want something a little sweet to start your day."

"I'm more of a savory person. Everly is the sweet one."

"Does anyone need coffee?" I asked, interrupting the conversation before either of them could take the savory comment to a that's-what-she-said place. Even though Vena was worried about Anchor, her mouth could still flirt. "I can make another pot."

"I'm good, Ev," Vena said as she placed her cup down. "I'll get ready. Then we can go."

"Go?" MC asked. "Where are you going?"

"Errands," I said.

"I can drive," he said. "It's safer if one of us is with you."

I shook my head. "No, it's okay. I made a deal with Shepard. And we'll be around other people."

MC's slight frown eased. "Okay. Well, let me know if you need anything."

"I will. You and your guys should get some rest."

"My guys?"

Not wanting to rat out Shepard and his overprotectiveness, I smiled and said, "Everyone who's losing sleep running around looking for vampires in the dead of night. Just get some rest. Vena and I will be okay."

Glancing at Doc who sat at the table, I asked, "Have you heard how Gunther is doing?"

"He's still out cold but healing well. He won't work for a few nights but should be back by Wednesday."

"If you see him, tell him I'll bake him whatever treat he wants."

"I will."

Doc stood and clapped MC on the shoulder. "Time to go."

MC glanced between Doc, me, and down the hall. "Yeah. Okay. Everly, I'm serious. Let me know if you need anything."

"I will."

I locked the door after they left and began to tidy the kitchen as I waited for Vena. By the time the coffee pot was sparkling and the cups were put away, Vena emerged.

She peeked through the house.

"They're gone," I said.

She let out a breath. "Good. The house was getting a little too small with the wolves in here."

Checking the time, I said, "I guess I didn't need to say we'd meet Cross in two hours. I just didn't know how long it would take to get out of here without followers."

"That's okay. We can stop by Miles'. He hasn't texted yet today, and I want to bring him the books."

"Based on all the marked pages, you must have been up all night, reading."

"Close, but it was worth it," she said. "I'll tell you what I found on the ride over."

By the time I pulled onto the road, Vena was opening books and spreading them on her lap.

"There are a few things I read that concern me.

"Basically, what we saw Cross do with the pawnshop guy was compelling. It's a mental nudge to get the person to do something that doesn't go against who they are. There are no lasting effects to being compelled, and it doesn't require a feeding. However, if there are feedings with the compelling, the vampire can form a bond with the feeder called a thrall. It's more permanent, and it's more dangerous. The feeder's personality changes. They want to please the vampire and will do anything to that end even if it's something they wouldn't normally do. It's like being mentally-enslaved.

"That's what happened to Sierra. Considering that Miles and Gunther have been fed on, there's a serious risk they could be thralled too. Even you, Ev. Cross has tasted your blood several times already. And just because he hasn't compelled you yet doesn't mean he won't in the future. The connection is there and lasts for a long time. Unfortunately, there are only a few ways to break it, and none of them are easy or without risk."

"Cross wouldn't enslave me, Vena."

When she remained silent, I glanced at her.

"What?"

"He scared me with the way he compelled both me and Sierra without even looking at us."

"Is eye contact necessary?"

"Typically. But honestly, Cross is less terrifying than the thought that Miles might be under the thrall of a vampire as sadistic as the one who took Gunther. Which is why I want to break any potential connection Miles might have."

"Okay. How do we break it?"

"Either the vampire or the feeder would have to die. I doubt we'd be able to kill a vampire without help, especially not after the sun charm-cleavage fiasco that scorched your girls and my mom's chair."

"You shouldn't have bought the sun charm in the first place."

Ignoring me, she said, "The second way to sever a bond is to wait until it fades. But it takes time, during which the vampire will still have a link to the person and will know how to track them."

"I'm fine with that option for me. I trust Cross. But it doesn't sound like a good option for Miles or Gunther."

"Exactly. Which brings us to the final option. We would need to find an older and more powerful vampire to take over the link."

"Wouldn't that be worse?"

"I thought so, too. But, what if it's a vampire we know?"

"Cross? You just said you barely trust him and that I might be under his influence."

"Listen, we both know it's better him than the vampire that fed off Miles and Gunther. Then the enslavement link can fade, and everyone will be okay."

"Let's say someone is under vampire influence. How would you know if Cross is older and more powerful to take over the link?"

"Yeah. That's the main thing that concerns me right now. I have no doubt that Cross is stronger. Everything in these books proves he is no ordinary vampire."

"Like what?"

She flipped open a book with scribbled notes. "Cross exhibits the normal vampire traits. He's crazy fast, has a heightened sense of smell, eyes that turn black when he feels the call of fresh blood, and he can see perfectly at night." She moved her finger down the printed words. "But then there are things that don't match him. Vampires can't eat human food. We both have seen him eat food. He doesn't seem to need eye contact to compel. And then there is walking around in daylight. No vampire should be able to do it, and yet, Cross hasn't even sent up a smoke signal yet."

She shut the book. "If he can do those things, I think he can break another vampire's bond."