Once Bitten (Alexa O'Brien, Huntress #1)(37)

No, he didn’t have to tell me. I knew that Raoul would be put on the extermination list, treated like the vampires raping young girls of both their blood and innocence or the Weres that just didn’t know how to pass up fresh meat. A conviction would put Raoul behind bars where he couldn’t hide his true nature.

“Someone’s setting him up, Veryl. I can only ask that you let me keep an eye on this situation for now.” I met his eyes, seeking the wisdom within. “At least until I can figure out who is behind it, and why.”

“I can’t make you any promises, my dear, but as of right now, it’s in your hands.”

Great. That was just what I needed to hear and more than a little irritating, since it had nothing to do with my questions.

“Ok, the real reason I’m here: I’m trying to find information on the werewolf who killed my family.”

The blank look that passed over his sharp features was not quick enough to disguise the moment of recognition in his eyes. He knew something.

“Alexa, it’s been years. Can’t you just allow sleeping dogs to lie?”

“If you’re trying to tell me that the bastard is still alive then no, I will not. I keep having the nightmare, Veryl, and if you know who it is, anything at all, I need to know.”

Fingers poised into a steeple, he smiled softly as one might smile at a child who refuses to give up. “I cannot say whether I know of this wolf’s existence or not, but, I can advise you to forget about it. I completely understand what it means to live out your life with doors that remain open and questions that are unanswered. But, trust me, this is better left that way.”

I stared at him, stupefied. I couldn’t believe he was giving me the whole “ignorance is bliss” crap. “You know who it is.”

His brow furrowed as we stared at one another. I had the distinct feeling that he was weighing his words before speaking. What was he hiding from me? And most importantly, why?

“I know that you need to leave this alone. I’m sorry that I can’t say anymore about this matter. If you choose to continue to seek this wolf out, that is entirely your business. But, I will not help you.”

And, that was it. That was all he was willing to give me, and his answer only fueled my need to know rather than put a damper on it. What choice did I have? I had to accept his silence.

A thought came to me then, and I sat up straighter in my chair. “What about Lilah?”

He stared at me quizzically but gestured that I should continue. I told him about the demon encounter. A look of understanding passed over his strong features.

“And, what do you want to know about her?”

“For one, how the hell does she have that kind of control over a demon? Just how old is Lilah anyway?” I was being snoopy, but I was dying of curiosity. I’d seen what she did to that demon, and I wanted to know how it was possible.

Veryl smiled in amusement, and I felt like a childish student. “There is more history to that woman than you can imagine. Though it’s not my place to reveal her business, I can tell you that not many things in this world have authority over demons. She is just one of the few that does.”

Wait a minute, only angels have authority over demons. That and other, more powerful demons. Considering Lilah was a vampire, I doubted she was angelic.

“She’s a demon?”

“Is, was, whatever you prefer. It’s not something that should be common knowledge. I’m sure you understand.” The phone on his desk rang, and he looked at it pointedly before meeting my eyes again. Yeah, yeah, I can take a hint.

I went back down the hall to my own office but left the door open so I could hear the doorbell. My mind was working in overdrive as I replayed the image of Lilah’s quick dispatch of that demon. Who, or what, was she, exactly? How powerful could she possibly be?

I hit play on my voicemail. Two new clients requested a meeting, and the client that I was currently waiting for confirmed.

I was pretty sure she was a vampire, not only from the time-honed, silky voice but also the late hour of the meeting. I seldom had a vampire as a client. They tend to take care of issues with a personal touch, so I was intrigued.

I was clicking through my email inbox when the door chimed. I turned off the monitor, and I went to greet my latest potential business associate. Through the peephole, I saw a dark haired woman. She appeared to be alone. I didn’t sense anything out there but her, and she was definitely a vampire. I slid the two dead bolts back and opened the door.

“Miss O’Brien?” That angelic tone poured forth from her as I grasped her offered hand.

It was tiny, smaller than my own but icy, cold, and strong. She had a grip that bragged of inhuman strength, yet she was gentle, careful not to squeeze too hard. She was a very delicate looking woman, petite with a ballerina’s figure. Her dark brown hair, almost black, was layered so that it fell stylishly around her face and shoulders. She had a small but cute nose and strong cheekbones. A long black dress coat covered what looked to be a party dress. Her shiny, silver high heels gleamed in the bright overhead lights.

“Please, call me, Alexa. Come inside.” As I stepped back to allow her entry, I felt strangely as if I knew her from somewhere.

“Thank you for agreeing to see me on such short notice. I truly appreciate it.” She clasped my hands suddenly in her own as if to convey her gratitude. It startled me, and I took an involuntary step back.