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“We don’t know that, Maverick.” Stone’s voice was tight with frustration. “They might come for us with force at any moment. We have to be ready.”
I sighed, the exasperation clear in my voice. “The seraphim guard can’t organize that quickly, you know that. Everything has to be planned, codified, signed off and approved by multiple boards. We have time to find out what they’re planning. I promise.”
Stone grumbled, the sound low in his throat like a disgruntled bear. Lux pressed his lips tight, creating a thin white line. His eyes met mine with reluctant agreement. He knew I was right, but he was more conservative, and we both knew we were probably better off that way.
“I’ll see if I can find out anything, too,” said Zara, her soft voice cutting through the tension.
Stone held up a hand, his fingers splayed. “Just be discreet.”
“I will, Stone,” Zara assured him, her tone soothing.
“Stone and I will source some goats tomorrow,” Lux announced, his voice matter-of-fact.
“For fuck’s sake.” Stone threw his hands up in exasperation. The sudden movement caused his beer to slosh in the bottle. “Take Cross.”
Cross shook his head, looking genuinely apologetic. “Can’t, man, sorry. I have a family thing.”
Stone groaned, the sound long and drawn out. He pinched the bridge of his nose, eyes closed. “Fine. I’ll go.”
“Thata boy.” I was unable to keep the smirk out of my voice. “Team players all around. We got this.”
He glared at me, his eyes narrowed to slits. If looks could kill, I’d have been a pile of ash on the floor. The room fell to silence as we quietly pondered the situation. I was optimistic that we’d learned topivot and avoid the Seraphim Guard, but I knew the guys would need a lot more support than my confidence.
After a few minutes, the tension in the room began to dissipate as Cross shook his head. “You know, speaking of rumors, did you guys hear about that vampire coven in Brooklyn that supposedly started an artisanal blood bank? They’re paying a pretty penny for drug-free, vegan blood.”
Zara snorted, nearly choking on her beer. “That’s nothing. I heard the vamps in Vegas are offering week-long fully paid vacations...”
Lux leaned back, stroking his chin with a conspiratorial look in his eye. “Apparently, there’s a witch convention forming in Miami. They’re developing anti-vamp charms that actually work.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “It’s about fucking time someone put them in their place.”
Stone, despite his earlier frustration, raised his eyebrows and joined in. “Actually, I heard something about Baphomet being on the mortal plane.”
“Baphomet’s here? What’s he up to now…” I wondered.
The room filled with awe, the earlier tension melting away as we traded supernatural gossip. A reminder that, despite the looming threat, our world still turned, and everyone else was fighting a rising tide every day, too.
Chapter Thirty-Four: Ink and Ashes
Tess
I didn’t have anyclients due for tattoo appointments until Tuesday, so on Monday, I opened the shop and took a moment to admire the place. The lights were off, but the morning sun shone through the front window, swathing a warm glow over the familiar space. My station was exactly where it always was, just as I had left it, neat and orderly. Ivan’s station stood untouched as well, a silent evidence of his absence. He wouldn’t return.
“There you are,” said Oscar. “I knew you’d be back.”
“You knew no such thing,” I retorted, glad to hear his voice again.
“Soyou’re free, huh?”
I scanned the room, trying to internalize that reality. Ivan wouldn’t be back. The thought sent a rush of warmth, an unfamiliar looseness through my shoulders.
The walls were lined with artwork, a blend of framed sketches and photographs of past clients showcasing their tattoos. The hum of the sterilizer and the soft whir of the ceiling fan were the only sounds accompanying me as I made my way to the back of the shop. “It seems so. Be right back.” I tiptoed to Ivan’s office, the worn wooden floor creaking softly under my feet.
When I twisted the knob, it didn’t move. “Locked. Of course, it is.” I needed to get the key from the drawer Ivan hid next to his station chair.
He didn’t know I was aware of any of the secrets I’d covertly discovered over the past decade with him. Ivan would have been horrified to find out how much I knew about his operations.
I could run Empire Decay Ink on my own. Easily.
