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“It means everything. You’re stronger than you should be.” Fran shrugs with her words.
Thorne turns toward the group. “I think that’s why he took her in the first place. Why he took her from my ship.”
“Maybe he and Patrice met somehow, and the two of them discussed their discoveries,” Fran adds.
“That’s why Elsie smelled sulfur at the church,” Luna joins the conversation.
I look around the group, mindlessly talking about me like I’m nowhere to be found. Alex makes eye contact with me.“I’m sorry, Elsie.”
“Aye, me, too.”
I move to the center of the newly formed circle. “I can’t do this.” I turn, leaving the group standing on the banks of the Mississippi.
SEVENTEEN
a plan
I’min the French Quarter within minutes. I slow down, matching the speed of the humans around me. I could kill ten of them before anyone was aware of my movement. Hell, probably before anyone noticed the bodies. Why would I think something so horrible?What’s wrong with you, Elsie?Amelia’s right. You have a ginormous chip on your shoulder. It’s time to figure out why.
The fight with Amelia and the revelation of Kragen’s reasoning for taking me weigh heavily on my mind. Through the years, I’ve speculated why he took me. I’ve imagined every scenario possible, but this? This wasn’t anything I could’ve ever imagined.
Amelia’s wrong. I’m not stronger than I should be. Even if I am, there’s no way Kragen could’ve known. Questions flow through my mind, as I continuemoving, finally stopping on Bourbon Street and in front of a familiar door.
I take a deep breath before entering the dark tavern. Without question, I move toward a private booth in the corner, looking for the British vampire who owns the bar.
Erick stands as I approach. “Good afternoon, Elsbeth Abernathy. What brings you to my humble establishment?” He looks behind me, searching for other members of my party.
“I’m not sure,” I answer honestly.
He motions to the empty bench in front of him. “Please, join me.” I follow directions, sliding into the seat across from him.
“Would you care for something to drink?” He raises a slim hand in the air.
“No, thank you.” I slide to my escape. “I’m sorry. To be honest, I don’t know why I came here.”
Erick places a hand on top of mine. “Stay for a bit, love.”
I nod, sliding back into the seat. “I had to get away.”
He laughs. “I have days like that. Particularly with Phillipe. He…how do the young ones say it? …gets on my nerves, occasionally.”
His words make me smile. “Yeah, I get that.”
“What have your friends done to warrant your escape?” He lifts a slim wineglass to his lips, taking a small sip of the red contents.
“They didn’t do anything. It’s me.”
Erick smiles. “What did you do to warrant your escape?”
I sigh before answering. “Amelia and Fran think I’mspecial.”
“In what way?”
“Like Alex. They say I’m stronger than I should be.” I find a small piece of fuzz on the table to play with while talking.
“What gave them that idea?”
I shrug. “Amelia attacked me in wolf form, and I was able to fight her off and get the upper hand.”
