Only Vampires Cry Blood (Alexa O'Brien, Huntress #3)(59)

I took the opportunity to change forms, feeling more comfortable in my fur than standing naked in the forest. Watching Zoey make a bloody mess of Dylan, I knew that he had certainly done to her what he’d just tried to do to me. She deserved this vengeance.

I didn’t want to watch it though. It reminded me too much of watching her kill her father. The first man I’d ever loved. And hated.

Shaz’ arrival was a welcome relief. With his watchful eyes on Zoey and her kill, he came to me. If he knew what he’d just missed, he’d be sorry he didn’t get to kill Dylan himself.

I nuzzled Shaz lovingly before drawing his attention to the wolf freaking out inside my circle. Trotting over to it, I broke the circle with a simple touch. The brown wolf stared in horror at the three of us. I was braced for an attack. He turned tail and fled, kicking up snow as he went.

Shaz was after him like a bat out of hell. Letting him get away wasn’t an option. His pack needed to know what a mistake it was to take us on. If he made it back to them, who knew what move they’d make next? Though, I figured the death of their Alpha might be enough to keep them away.

I wasn’t sure if I should go after the brown wolf with Shaz or stay. Zoey lifted a muzzle covered in Dylan’s blood, and I tensed. If she came for me…

Our eyes met, and time seemed to stop. I searched her enchanting blue eyes, looking for something more than the predator staring back at me. She’d been in wolf form for several months. It was entirely plausible that she may have lost whatever humanity she’d had left. Then I saw it, the spark of human that glinted from deep inside her.

The recognition in her gaze held no menace. I wasn’t sure how to approach her.

Should I shift to human and try to talk to her? I felt pressured to communicate with her somehow.

Before I could decide, Zoey gave me one last lingering look and turned away to disappear into the night. I made no effort to go after her. Instinct told me to let her go, but compassion told me that I had to do something. I started to wonder, with all of the power Arys and I had, would it be possible to get Zoey Roberts back into her human body?

Chapter Fifteen

“I’m sorry, Alexa. I simply don’t have that kind of power.”

I stared at Lena, hating what I was hearing. I’d tried not to get my expectations up, but I couldn’t help but be hopeful. Lena hadn’t been spending as much time at the office lately since she’d recently been out of town, so I’d asked her if she would mind dropping by. I didn’t know whom else to talk to about Zoey.

“But, could it be done at all, if one had the right kind of power?” I knew I sounded desperate, but since the recent events with Zoey two nights ago, my mind had been constantly turning the situation over.

Lena gave her head a shake, her long braid moving like a snake against her back.

“My dear, there is nothing that can’t be done if one has the right power. Of course, that doesn’t always mean it should be done. You have to use careful judgment and discretion.”

I sipped from the steaming mug of coffee sitting on the table before me. Rather than talk in my office, I’d opted to sit in the kitchen. The topic of conversation wasn’t exactly top secret, and just the act of walking into my office made my face flush.

“And control,” I murmured, more to myself than to Lena. “I think I can do it.”

Lena frowned and pressed her lips together into a tight, thin line. “I don’t have to tell you to be careful. You’ve heard it from me more than enough times. But … be careful.”

I smiled at the older lady. Both a witch and a genuine soul, Lena was special in many ways. I always took what she said to heart, though I didn’t always follow her advice. It was much too late for regrets. I was sick of the questions and confusion. Now, I needed to focus on moving forward and taking charge.

“Well,” Lena rose from her seat, rinsing her tea mug in the sink. “If you have any more questions, don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll do my best to help you. I do have some resources I can look into.”

“That would be great. Thanks. I always appreciate your help.”

The sound of the front door opening drew my attention. Jez gave us a quick wave as she passed by the kitchen, chattering away on her cell phone. I considered going to her office to chat with her but decided against it. I wanted to get to The Wicked Kiss by midnight. When Lena was ready to leave, I gathered my things and walked her out to her car. One could never be too safe around our office building.

I gave Lena a friendly hug before watching her little car disappear down the street. I really should have coffee with her more often. We hadn’t been keeping in touch as much as usual lately. I hated that.

No sooner had Lena’s tail lights vanished from sight than oncoming headlights replaced them. Kale’s Camaro was like a loud black shadow against the white, snowy night. Hmm, shit. I hit the unlock button on my car keys but knew I’d never manage to avoid him without looking like a total ass.

Crossing my arms, I leaned against the door of my car, ignoring the way the cold metal cut through the warmth of my long skirt and jacket. I was a little apprehensive but shrugged it off when Kale parked next to me.

“Hey.” I tried my best for casual, hoping I didn’t sound like an actor reading cue cards. “How’s it going? No Wicked Kiss tonight?”

A toss of his head moved a short brown lock of hair out of his eyes, those eerily beautiful eyes. Kale could really enthrall a lot of people with his eyes; he could work them to his advantage, if he wanted to. I couldn’t help but wonder what he’d been like in the beginning, back in his brutal, killer without a care days. Of course, I had no desire to know firsthand.