Page 95

I sigh and think about it. Nothing comes to mind relating to my work or my day to day. She’s a freaking vampire what is there that I could possibly have that she would want?

Wait.

I’m already cold, but it feels like a bucket of ice water drenches me with the realization of theonlything she could be talking about.

“Ah, you’ve figured it out. Took longer than it should’ve for a so-called detective.” Tsking me with her fingers she stands with hands on her delicate hips. “If he doesn’t heed my warning, bad things are going to happen to you and to him.”

Does she have Zavier too?

Panic fills me. If she has Zavier then … then no one is coming to help.

With dark promise in her eyes, she walks back up the stairs and the door slams shut with finality behind her.

CHAPTER 44

ZAVIER

It’s been a week since I last saw Celine.

A. Whole. Fucking. Week.

One glance at me and anyone could tell I’m not right in the head. Well, I’m not on a good day, but especially so right now.

The absence of Celine is like a hole in my soul. I love her, and she belongs by my side. She’s my mate for fuck’s sake. Instead, she’s been kidnapped by my psycho bitch of an ex who can’t take no for an answer.

Genevieve promised to kill Celine slowly if I didn’t accept her as my partner.

I’ll be damned if that happens.

Genevieve has always wanted what she can’t have. I met her not long after I was turned, and she coveted me from the start. With my vibrant red hair and inability to be contained, I stood out. Her brand of crazy loved mine and I’m ashamed to say we had a few decades together wreaking havoc. Once I gained full control of my bloodlust and primal tendencies, I wanted out.

I haven’t seen her in at least fifty years. I suppose she’s been watching me from the shadows, lusting after what she can’t have, and once she got wind of Celine, she decided it was time to strike.

I tried following Genevieve after our run in at the apartment, but she vanished and somehow has dampened her scent.

Sitting back on the couch I feel Midnight jump into my lap. He’s continued to prove himself as my emotional support pussy and cuddles with me when I’m here. I’m in and out since my primary focus is finding Celine, but sleep and feeding are necessary. I know Genevieve and she’s psychotic but smart. She’ll have powerful vampires helping her. I need to be at my full strength for when I do find Celine.

Midnight’s rumbling purr grounds me and I plant a kiss on top of his head.

A loud bang on the front door scares him and he digs his claws in before jetting off at the jump scare. Not making any sign to move, I hope whatever human is out there will go away so I can rest before leaving again.

The obnoxious knocking continues, and I growl while heaving my body up.

“Celine! I hear you in there,” Ava yells, voice desperate.

Great.

“Fuck you for ignoring my calls for the past week!” she continues to knock. “You called in sick, but you can’t respond to me? I’m worried!”

Not being able to stand the ringing in my ears I walk over, and wrench open the door. Fist poised, about to knock again, Ava almost hits me in the face.

“Cel—oh Zavier.” Stopping in shock but launching right back into rage mode she pokes my chest. “Where’s Celine?” She barges past me in a flurry of pink hair and heads for the bedroom, looking for her friend. “Do you have her locked up for a sex-a-thon and missing work?” A pillow gets thrown like Celine’s hiding behind it.

How I wish it were that easy.

Unsuccessful in her hunt, she stands in front of me, hands on her hips, looking like an angry little fairy. Her poofy pink dress and flats make me chuckle before I remember why she’s here.

“Where is she? It’s not like her to fall off the face of the planet even for you.” I can see how distraught she is.