Page 64 of Inhuman Nature

Shaun tried, but he couldn’t break the cage’s metal. His weakened state was likely to blame, but perhaps a witch had spelled it. Not that Shaun knew much about witches or their capabilities. Lawrence had told Shaun that one had spelled some of his favourite implements to ensure they never broke when wielded at full strength, so he figured it was within their capabilities to make a cage unbreakable.

He could sense the last remnants of Rake and DJ’s blood working to heal his back. He’d assumed he’d be able to feed once he came to the club. Lynette always had humans around to drink from.

Except, of course, he was now persona non grata with the Mistress of Brighton. He doubted he’d be getting any kindness from her other than the mercy of a quick death.

When his back felt healed enough to move, he got himself into a sitting position. Still uncomfortable, but better than his prior contorted state. He sat there in the silence, spiralling further into hopelessness as he considered his current situation.

He was facing execution. Lawrence was above suspicion. Rake and DJ were in imminent danger.

Shaunhadto convince Lynette of her mistake. Otherwise, Lawrence could get to Rake and DJ, and would be free to take another boy to make his own.

Familiar lethargy swept across Shaun’s body as the sun rose. But his eyes remained open and unseeing as he worried about what the next night would bring. At least in thedaylight Rake and DJ would be safe.

It was more than he couldsay for himself.

Chapter Fifteen

Rake

“He isn’t going to come back tonight, is he?” DJ asked Rake as he looked out the window, the orange glow of the streetlights reflecting against his skin. It had been two days since Shaun had sought out Lynette and the other vampires. They’d heard nothing since.

“I doubt it,” Rake said. Something told him that nothing was right about the situation at all. His uneasy mood probably stemmed from his sleeplessness, though he didn’t want to discount his instincts.

DJ started to pace the room. “I want to do more.”

“I’m not sure there’s anything we can do,” Rake said, wracking his brain. “He told us to wait, act normal, and stay inside when it gets dark.”

DJ whirled on him. “For how long? A few more days? Weeks?”

“I have as much information as you do.”

“Ugh.”

“Do you need me to do something?” Rake asked. “Something in my power to do, I mean.”

“Like?” DJ drew the word out.

“Sex?”

“You don’t have a magical dick, Rake. It won’t solve anything.” DJ puffed out his cheeks, giving him the appearance of an over-stuffed squirrel.

“You’re tense. Sex usually calms you down.”

“True. But I can’t wait around any longer. We need to help Shaun. We should reconsider going to the club.”

Rake sighed. “He told us not to tell anyone that he told us about vampires. If we ask around, won’t they get suspicious? It could put him in more danger.”

“What about werewolves?” DJ asked suddenly.

Rake stared at him. “Whatabout werewolves?”

“I dunno. Was thinking they might help us fight the vampires if it came down to it.”

“Twilightis not a how-to guide, Deej.” Rake knew this because DJ’d sat him down over the past couple of evenings and made him watch the films. He’d hated every moment of them, but at least now he understood some of DJ’s references.

“What if Lawrence caught Shaun before he even got to the club?” DJ asked, fiddling with the drawstring of his hoodie.

Rake had been unwilling to let his thoughts go there. “I—” He ran his hands through his hair. He didn’t know how to voice his worries.