Raving Moon, Lords of the Night Book One

Chapter 35: The Rogue House

I didn't wait long for an answer. Ariane, Sybil, and I sat in the infirmary while medics tended to our wounds. My partner hadn't said a word since she awoke. The shift had taken a lot out of her, but her eyes were clear. No sign of madness, just shame. Her family took pride in the control they had of their inner-beast. The idea she'd been too weak to keep her's under control must have been a heavy blow to her pride. She laid on her gurney staring across the room at Sybil whose face was crisscrossed with bandages. The vampire had nothing to say either.

I suspected she was the one who gave Wilson and Zimmerman the order to move against us. She'd always been one of Hawkin's top lieutenants. I'd never suspected their relationship was anything more than professional, but I heard her whisper to Hawkins in a moment of candor. She loved him and was willing to do anything to protect his reputation. It wasn't a confession, but I intended to watch her closely. Ariane was doing the same.

Hawkins was running a legitimate op in keeping with the King's Law. What did this mean for Ty Brewster and Sheila Taishoff? He was culpable in their deaths, but, in Sheila's case, he wasn't entirely to blame. He'd been stupid and reckless, but not negligent of his duty. The men directly responsible for Ty's death were ash, but I'd make sure he shouldered his share of responsibility.

"Are you okay, Lieutenant? I'd heard they brought you in here."

I looked up from my musings and found a friendly face. Idia, spitting image of the Benin queen. She moved in for a hug and I gave her one without thinking. It didn't feel weird or unnatural. I felt surprisingly comfortable around her.

"I've been better. Who told you I was here?"

"Khaleel, sir." She moved over to Ariane, though she stopped at a respectful distance. "Do you need anything, lieutenant?"

Ariane stared at her for a moment before replying. "I could use some cold water."

"I'll take care of that, sir," she said, hurrying off.

"Should I be jealous?" Ariane asked, raising an eyebrow. A hint of a smirk curled her lips.

"Not unless she shows up for a sleepover," I mused. "That's how I make my move."

She chuckled.

"Stop. I'm not really in the mood to laugh."

"They say laughter is the best medicine."

"I'm going to need more than that... he's still in my head, but I can hear your voice encouraging me to keep him at bay. It's working, but I don't know for how long. What happens next? Do I lose myself?"

"Hopefully we stop him before that."

I went over to her gurney and squeezed her hand. I let her warmth flow into me. The blood was no longer in my system, but I found strength in her nearness. I hoped she felt the same.

"There you are," Roddy said as she entered the room. Idia wasn't far behind her. "They said I'd find you here, but I figured there was no way you'd let someone put you on your ass again."

Idia handed Ariane her water and patted her on the shoulder. I noticed Ariane didn't flinch at her presence as she often did when other vampires were too close. I also noticed there was a lot of activity in the hallway. Roddy checked on Ariane then gestured for me to join her in the corner. She lowered her voice, but didn't try to hide our conversation.

"What the fuck is going on? Hawkins called a bunch of us in for a covert operation. The place is swarming with Agatha rats and he says we can't move until he speaks with you. Did you find pictures of him dressed in drag?"

I fought not to laugh. Ariane didn't bother.

"No. We've finally found common ground."

"Really?" I completely understood her genuine look of disbelief. "Hell's finally frozen over..."