Only Vampires Cry Blood (Alexa O'Brien, Huntress #3)(81)

I noted that Shaz had disappeared, leaving us alone. I could hear him down in the living room, the TV on to give us privacy though his wolf ears could hear our every word. I waved Arys in further, and he kicked off his shoes and followed me to the kitchen. I needed to sit down to hear the rest of this.

“What did you find out?” I wanted him to keep talking. I had had a gut instinct about Harley. I needed to know what Arys found out about him.

“The clubs he was running there, they’re horrific. Worse than anything I’ve ever seen. I mean, I feel nothing when I kill, no guilt or shame, nothing but the rush. But, this was different. I saw what was happening, and I was ill.” Arys stared out the patio window, seeing something that wasn’t there. “You’re no stranger to some of the sick, twisted things people do. Human and otherwise. From human blood ring trafficking to fetish kills with minors, I discovered some seriously f**ked up stuff.”

Arys fell silent, still staring beyond me out the window. It was dark out and only reflected his image back at him. The shadows that danced behind his midnight blue eyes haunted me. Arys was a killer alright, but he didn’t murder children. I could see how deeply it affected him to know that his sire had no qualms doing just that. Knowing this now, I wished I’d dragged Harley’s death out. No amount of torturous agony could be enough for him.

“What happens now?” I asked with my throat dry and my pulse pounding. “I mean, Harley’s dead, but is that enough to stop what’s going on there? And, how many other places is it happening? He would have started it here, too, wouldn’t he?”

“He likely was leading up to that. I made my mark on his Vegas properties before I left town. With him out of the picture, I expect to have little trouble shutting them down.

And, if I have to take a trip back there to be sure, I will.”

I wanted to ask more questions, but the look on his face stopped me. He was reliving what he knew enough without me badgering him for details. I was secure in the knowledge that I’d been right about Harley. He’d had to go, and I had no reason to feel guilty for being the one to bring about his demise.

Arys leaned forward on the table, dropping his head into his hands. I’d never seen him like this. With anyone else, I would have been comforting and supportive. I wasn’t sure Arys would appreciate that. Instead, I stayed silent, allowing him his moment.

When at last he spoke again, it was to persecute himself further. “How could I be so stupid? I’d let him turn my world upside down once before. And, here I was, going down that same path, playing right into his hands.” It took great effort for him to meet my eyes steadily. I could see that he wanted to look away.

“You’re not stupid, Arys. If anything, I was the fool for going to him against your wishes and starting all of this in the first place.”

He was already shaking his head before I’d finished. “No. Don’t say that just to make me feel better. I’m far too controlling and territorial for my own good. I f**ked up.”

I was thoughtful, fully in agreement with his statement. However, I didn’t want to seem overly eager to voice that agreement. With a nod I said, “Would it make you feel any better if I told you that he actually taught me something valid? Maybe he was hoping to gain from me if he gave, but not only did I kill him with what he taught me, I put Zoey back into her human body.”

“Really? Well, you certainly are a f**king powerhouse, aren’t you?” This he said with a grin, and I relaxed in my chair.

“I missed you.”

“Not nearly as much as I missed you, my wolf.”

I couldn’t hold back any longer. I all but threw myself from my chair into his arms.

Breathing deeply of his familiar scent, I closed my eyes and savored the moment. He shifted so that he could pull me onto his lap. His leather jacket was cold against my scantily clad skin, but I didn’t care. I snuggled in against him, thrilled when he kissed me hungrily.

The sound of Shaz channel surfing in the living room reached us. When Arys pulled back, he glanced around uncertainly. “I’m interrupting, aren’t I? I didn’t mean to. I just had to see you. I wanted you to know.”

“It’s alright.” I stroked a hand through his ebony hair. I let my hand slowly slide down the side of his face, holding him close as I pressed my lips to his. I was aching for him, but my kiss was soft and tender. I wasn’t in the mood to rush.

I looked up suddenly at the sound of Shaz entering the room. He and Arys shared a look, and I didn’t detect the slightest trace of animosity between them. Their relationship had undergone many changes over the past several months. It wasn’t always this easy going. I could get used to this. Although I doubted they’d ever truly be friends, stranger things have happened.

Shaz nodded to Arys in a masculine gesture of acknowledgement and held out a hand, which Arys accepted. Their casual handshake spoke loud, and I hid a grin.

Turning away to the fridge where he grabbed the champagne bottle, Shaz tossed back over his shoulder, “Don’t feel like you have to rush out. It’s cool if you stay.” He took a swig out of the open bottle, and I laughed when he almost lost his towel.

“Maybe we should get dressed.” I stood up, tugging my robe down to cover my legs.

“Well,” Shaz took another large, unclassy swallow of champagne and eyed Arys.