Alterant (Belador #2)(9)

The minute the energy quieted she took several steps and hit another wall of cold air.

This Nightstalker swirled around Evalle’s face, temporarily blurring her vision. He whispered in a wobbling voice, “I have a warning. Shake now.”

She hated passing up a chance for information if something significant was going down in Atlanta.

Especially if they knew anything about another Alterant turning from human to beast.

But even an experienced Nightstalker could take time she no longer had to share. That’s why she liked to work with one Nightstalker named Grady, whom she could make get to the point when necessary.

But Grady hung out over by Grady Hospital, the origin of the nickname she’d given him, and she could not shake hands with him anytime soon again.

Not after helping him out last night.

What could have the ghouls down here so stirred up? This couldn’t wait, but she had no business slowing down to spend time on something she had no control over.

She’d tell Tzader.

Pushing past the cold zone, she called him telepathically. Z? You at the park?

Where are you? he snapped at her. You got something more important to do than make this meeting? You know how close you are on time?

Yes! Give me a little credit.

Silence filled her head. Tzader had a way of making loud statements without a word. Do you really think I’d risk ticking off a Tribunal?

Not intentionally. The wry chuckle in his voice softened his dig. What do you need?

Freedom and peace of mind, but someone else had gotten that fate. Two people cared what happened to her, Tzader and Quinn. Well, three, if you counted Feenix.

And what about Storm?

That was complicated. She knew he cared, but she didn’t know why.

She told Tzader, I’m walking past a lot of agitated Nightstalkers in the lower parking deck near my apartment. Something’s up.

Don’t slow down over there.

She caught the warning in his voice, which had more to do with her safety than being late. I’m not exactly defenseless, Z.

Quinn and I wish you’d realize you’re not exactly indestructible either. I’ll check out the Nightstalkers after you get to the park.

What if it’s important?

It’ll wait until I know you’re at the Tribunal meeting.

No point in arguing with Tzader when he clearly had his mind made up. I need you to do me a favor and return the amulet I have to Nicole.

Tzader grumbled something low and dangerous, then said, You making out a will, too? You are coming home after this meeting. Brina will be there for you and she’ll make this right.

I know. Not really. Evalle had her doubts about their Belador warrior queen convincing the Tribunal to leave even one Alterant free to roam the streets. Rather than address that, Evalle told Tzader, Taking the amulet off my hands would make facing them easier if I’m not thinking about anything else.

The amulet warmed against her skin. She glanced down to see it glowing in the shadowy darkness.

What was up with that?

Another Nightstalker wavered in and out of form, trying to waylay her. What threat had entered the city?

Tzader relented with, Fine. Just get here.

I’ll be there soon, but what if . . .

What if what?

This Nightstalker activity has to do with an Alterant attack, like the ones on the West Coast?

I was going to tell you about that when you got here. Where’d you hear?

She hesitated at the idea of punking out Storm, but then she remembered where he’d gotten the intel. Storm told me. He heard the news from VIPER. Think the Nightstalkers are worked up over another Alterant in the city?

We’ve got everyone on alert and no one has heard of any Alterants shifting here yet.

Okay. I’m on the way.

One more thing, Evalle, since we won’t have much time when you get here. Do us both a favor and don’t give Sen any grief tonight, okay? It won’t help your case.

I hear you. I’ll be the perfect little prisoner.

She could have sworn she’d heard Tzader sigh, but she didn’t need a reminder tonight.

If she wasn’t standing in that park when Sen showed up to escort her to the meeting, she was toast. As the VIPER liaison, Sen would teleport her from Woodruff Park in downtown Atlanta to the Nether Realm, a parallel universe where the Tribunal convened. He’d like nothing better than for her to step into the park five seconds past midnight.

He hated her.

Right back at ya, Sen. Although hate required an emotion. He was more like a boil on her life she’d like to lance with a sledgehammer.

He was dreaming if he thought she’d miss this meeting.

A cry ripped through the air.

Evalle had just crossed a section of the old railway tracks covered by the parking structure. She slid to a stop and turned in the direction of the shout. Several box trucks had been left in the bottom level of the parking area near loading docks.

The scuffling of soles against gravel reached her. It sounded as though two people fought.

A sharp scream cut off midstream raised gooseflesh on Evalle’s arms. If not for her exceptional vision, she might have missed the brief image of two figures struggling.

Was that a pair of drunks settling a dispute, or was it gang related?

Evalle opened her senses. No unusual energy wafted through the air. No preternatural creature involved.

Instinct to protect a human pushed her to step that way before she stopped. She couldn’t get involved. Not tonight. If she called Tzader, he’d send the police to deal with the two humans.