Page 72 of Blood Magic

Zach ate as much as I did, but his appetite likely came from believing the bounty would soon end. I expected him to argue when I told him my mother was coming for him, but he simply nodded. He wasn’t even remotely a hundred percent yet, and he knew the best thing he could do for everybody was to stay out of the way.

Joe paced back and forth, occasionally throwing dismal looks at Max, who had his nose stuck in his phone, as usual.

I went through the requests my new—and neglected—clients had left, hoping that after the vampires and the detective I could get a little more organized. Surely I would. When there were no more files to go through, I stood at the door—which currently held a sign informing people that we were away on an emergency, thanks to Max—looking out at the street. Time seemed to crawl, and though I was impatient, the looming darkness and what it would bring tied my stomach into knots.

When I spied a spirit on the sidewalk running in circles I left the door and went back into the reception area to wait with the others, but thoughts of the detective and what he was likely going through right that second started battering my brain. Finally, I went into my office, closed the door, and called his cell to leave him a voicemail.

I closed my eyes at his recorded greeting, at his familiar voice. “Rick,” I said, and then had to stop and gather myself because saying his name made it too real. “I’m coming for you,” I told him, finally, my voice raw. “I hope you know that. I hope that no matter what they’re doing to you, you know I’m coming for you.”

I hung up, then regretted the call almost instantly. If by some terrible chance he didn’t make it and the police got his cell and heard that message, it was going to seriously complicate my life.

My mother finally arrived, blowing into the office like a hyper, happy wind. Max went to sit behind his desk, slightly panicked, probably afraid she carried a hen under her coat. Zach stood as she hurried toward him, and the lines of tension on his face eased as she took his hands. Maybe in his former life, he’d known a lady like my mother.

“I’m Susan,” she told him. “You’re coming home with me.”

“Thank you.” He turned to pick up his jacket, then looked at me. “Don’t worry about me.”

I nodded. He was letting me know he wouldn’t try to break out, cause trouble, or get himself recaught by the vampires. I leaned down to kiss my mother’s cheek. “I’ll be there tomorrow.”

She searched my face with a stare that had finally gone just slightly worried. “Be careful, Kaity.”

Max left for my house a few minutes later, and finally, it was time to go.

Don’t be afraid,my wolf whispered. I’m always here.

I was going to need her.